Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-01-2023

PM Gonsalves conferred with prestigious Order of Roraima

— other regional contributors to democracy to be recognised later this year

PRIME Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves was on Tuesday evening conferred with the prestigious Order of Roraima.

The Prime Minister who is in Guyana for an official fourday visit, received the order at a simple ceremony at State House in Georgetown.

Delivering remarks at the ceremony, President, Dr Irfaan Ali stated that Guyana is honoured to confer the Order of Roraima on Prime Minister Gonsalves in recognition of his tireless commitment and contributions to the cause of regional integration.

“Dr Gonsalves is a Caribbean man, a national of St Vincent and the Grenadines, he has laboured on the issue of regionalism recognising that our Caribbean civilisation will remain stronger when we speak with one voice and act collectively,”

President Ali said.

He further congratulated Dr Gonsalves on his induction into the orders of Guyana and thanked him for his steadfast leadership.

Additionally, the Head of State applauded Gonsalves for his commitment to democracy,

peace, security and the development of the Caribbean, noting that this is the most important attribute of any state.

To this end, he said that as a country, Guyana, later this year will be recognising many other regional and national contributors who stood up for democra-

cy, the rule of law and freedom for Guyana during the protracted electoral process in 2020.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gonsalves said that he was humbled by the bestowal of the honour and added that he accepts the order with humility, not for himself, but for the many per-

sons with whom he has worked over his many years as a political activist.

He added that over his 50 years of being involved in political activism, he has been a friend of Guyana and the nationalist movement. It was then that he recognised the contribution of

former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan, whom he said made contributions in teaching and moulding him during his career.

He said: “This investiture, this award, I couldn’t be speaking here and accepting this honour without paying homage to Dr Cheddi Jagan.”

Household incomes will increase consistently

— President Ali affirms, highlights measures implemented so far to enhance welfare of Guyanese

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has said that his government will continue to work towards ensuring that disposable income is improved in all households across Guyana.

Dr Ali made this remark during a recent interview with the international news agency, Al Jazeera, during which he gave the reassurance that his administration is ensuring that necessary investments are being made to transform the lives of all Guyanese.

He said: “One of the important things that we must do is to improve disposable income in every household, to give people access to basic facilities. 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 resources, with this opportunity to transform the lives of every single person.”

At the time he was addressing the government’s plan to address the poverty level, and went on to highlight several initiatives implemented thus far to enhance the welfare and well-being of every Guyanese.

He highlighted that sev-

eral measures were put in place since entering office in 2020, which included the removal of burdensome taxes that resulted in approximately $40 billion being placed back into taxpayers’ pockets.

Further, President Ali said that they have been on an aggressive drive to provide some 50,000 jobs during their first term in office as was promised in the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic’s (PPP/C) manifesto.

To increase disposable income, the part-time jobs initiative was launched last year, through which some 13,000 persons are benefitting. This programme will

cost the government some $10 billion annually.

The job opportunities allow for persons to work for 10 days and earn up to $40,000 monthly. Jobs are being offered in specific areas within government ministries and agencies and cater for one person per household.

“We are moving in a direction in which more people will move to a position in which not only the basic poverty level is addressed, but the issue of empowerment?disposable income? is addressed to the extent that more persons will be graduating to the middle- class,” the Head of State said.

During the interview, President Ali went on to add that the government will ensure that revenue from the oil-and-gas industry is used to diversify Guyana’s economy and bring benefits to all citizens.

Additionally, the country’s development will be driven by a mixture of government and private-sector investments. The government’s investment for the expansion of various sectors, Dr Ali said, is part of the plan to position Guyana as a leader in agriculture, energy and infrastructure. (DPI)

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves was on Tuesday evening conferred with the prestigious Order of Roraima (Latchman Singh photos)

St. Vincent to import houses from Guyana

–– PM Gonsalves says after inspecting facilities

AT the completion of a tour of the Great Diamond Low-income Housing Development, East Bank Demerara, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves, lauded President Irfaan Ali and his administration for the initiative.

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister was given a guided tour of the housing

facilities at a cost of $5.5 million.

The PM lauded the government for subsidizing the cost, as he noted the homes are perfect starter homes for first-time homeowners.

“I believe this is an excellent initiative by the President and his administration; this is incredible when you think of the overall target they are aim-

and officials also visited the DuraVilla homes at Great Diamond where sustainable homes are being constructed, in keeping with government’s vision for ‘green villages.’

PM Gonsalves noted that his administration is in the process of finalizing an arrangement, which will see homes from DuraVilla being imported into St Vincent and the

development by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall; Director of Projects-Central Housing and Planning Authority, Omar Narine and the Head of DuraVilla, Rafeek Khan.

“I was very impressed with the project which the government of Guyana is involved in…I have studied very carefully the two-bedroom model, the cost is excellent and its fantastic value for money”, PM Gonsalves said.

Each housing unit features two bedrooms, a living room and sanitary

ing for,” he added.

The Prime Minister also stated that his administration has a similar initiative, as the island continues to work to rebuild its housing stock following the last volcanic eruption.

“We have a similar category and these prices are certainly better than ours...the finishes are similar, there are definitely some things the homeowners have to do and there is room for addition, but this will provide the base for persons to have a good-quality, affordable housing.”

The Prime Minister

Grenadines.

Under this arrangement, one, two and three-bedroom homes will be imported to the island to aid in the government’s housing initiative. Also, the PM visited the GuyAmerica Furniture store before wrapping up Tuesday morning’s activities with the Housing Minister.

Prime Minister Gonsalves is currently on a four-day state visit along with his wife Eloise Harris, during which he is expected to meet with a number of government and private sector bodies.

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves, inspects one of the many homes in the Great Diamond Low-income Housing Development in the presence of Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall and Director of Projects, Central Housing and Planning Authority, Omar Narine

One of the DuraVilla homes at Great Diamond where sustainable homes are being constructed in keeping with government’s vision for ‘green villages’

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves, along with officials at the DuraVilla factory at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara

Pele’s funeral: Brazil legend given massive send-off

(BBC) IF Monday’s wake for Brazilian football legend Pele was a day of reflection, Tuesday’s funeral cortege was one of carnivalesque proportions.

The 82-year-old, whom many regarded as the world’s best football player, died on 29 December.

His coffin arrived in Santos on Monday, where thousands of mourners came to pay their respects at the ground of his former club -- some even queued

overnight.

On Tuesday, supporters’ club Torcida Jovem gathered outside the Urbano Caldeira stadium ahead of the casket leaving. Fans waved huge black and white banners, the colours of Santos Football Club. Many wore the number 10 shirt that Pele made so famous.

“Only Pele, 1,000 goals,” they repeatedly chanted as people beat drums and danced in the street.

His body was then accompanied for seven kilometres through the streets of Santos while helicopters flew overhead. His coffin was carried on a fire en-

gine, as is traditional in official parades.

It travelled along the sea front and past Pele’s mother’s house - she turned 100 last year. There,

a relative asked for a minute’s silence and the party atmosphere hushed immediately as Doña Celeste clutched her hands in prayer.

These past few days have halted the busy coastal city of Santos.

“He was important for the whole world, for young people too,” said Marcia Simões, who was standing with her sons Eduardo and Mario at the road leading to Pele’s burial place. “I’m prouder than ever to be from Santos.”

That was a feeling echoed by so many mourners -- that he was the best of Brazil.

“Everyone in Brazil wants to be a football player to imitate him,” said Thiago Silva, one of the last people in the queue before the wake ended. “Of course, nobody can.”

“My father was a Pele fanatic,” said Sandra Garcia, who was with 11-year-old Enzo. “I got really emotional remembering my father -- if he was alive, no question he would have been here crying. I grew up praising

Pele, talking of him and telling stories about him -- so it’s important to be here.”

Even for someone of Enzo’s young age, Pele was a powerful influence.

“No question, he beats Cristiano Ronaldo by a long way,” he said. “He’s the best player of all time over several decades.”

Beyond football, Pele united Brazilians by being their ambassador. In a country deeply divided politically and economically - people have only had good things to say about him.

The same could not be said of the country’s new president, Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva, who only this week took office for a third term. He arrived to pay his respects shortly before the wake ended and cheers for him competed with calls that he should be in prison.

President Lula was released in 2019 after spending 18 months in jail for corruption. His convictions were annulled in 2021.

The coming together of a nation in grief has been a welcome relief for so many in what has been a turbulent few months since the presidential elections.

“Pele united all of us,” said Deofilo de Freitas, waiting in the queue. He was the first one in the line on Monday but wanted another chance to see his idol before he was laid to rest.

“Not only was he the best player in the world, he was a marvellous human being.”

Huge crowds turned up to say goodbye to Pele as his coffin made its way through the streets of Santos (Getty Images)

Sod turned for Aquatic Therapy Pool

— facility to benefit 200 learners living with disabilities

IN keeping with efforts to improve the quality of life for learners living with disabilities across Guyana, the Education Ministry hosted a sod-turning ceremony for a new Aquatic Therapy Pool.

The pool, which will benefit some 200 persons, will be constructed at the Regional Special Education Needs/Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre.

The event was hosted at the facility at the Cyril Potter College of Education Turkeyen Campus on Tuesday.

The pool will benefit learners with sensory coordination and muscle-strength issues, and seeks to provide them with social-interaction opportunities. It will enhance and improve balance and posture for blind and visually impaired persons.

The beneficiaries of this initiative include persons from the Unit for the Blind and Visually Impaired, David Rose Special Needs School, Beterverwagting/Quamina Special Unit, Diamond and No. 8 Vil-

reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of persons with special education needs.

The minister underscored that the government remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure that all learners have equal access to educational opportunities across the region.

While more needs to be done, Minister Manickchand emphasised that learners with special needs will benefit tremendously from this initiative, since this move will have positive outcomes for those who will access the services.

“While this is a really pleasurable activity, we believe that there is a lot of work that we can do and that remains to be done. I want to say to parents of special needs children, we have not forgotten you… And that is our effort. We ask you to partner with us as we do this,” she said.

Assistant Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Special Education Needs (SEN), Keon Cheong, said that

aquatic therapy will enhance and reshape Guyana as it seeks to improve the quality of life for persons living with disabilities, particularly school-aged learners.

Cheong said this initiative positively adds to the concept of related services: related services are those needed to make an individual more functional in everyday life.

He said: “This initiative of an aquatic centre is beyond our wildest imagination. It takes Guyana on another level, higher. It also widens our scope. It brings and turns eyes and heads to us with the strides that we are making here as a country.”

The project is being financed by Trinidadian proprietor of Caribbean Educational Publishers, Teddy Mohammed.

Permanent Secretary, Alfred King; Senior Education Officer (SEN) Ms Nikoya Alleyne and Mr Mohammed also attended the ceremony. (DPI)

Efforts to remove Mocha squatters obstructed by PNCR

SEVERAL members of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) on Tuesday joined efforts to restrict the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) from removing Mocha squatters who are hindering construction of the Eccles to Diamond road link.

The squatters placed their bodies across the roadway to block vehicles from accessing the area. The squatters are occupying lands that are a primary area for the road link.

Those gathered with the squatters included Leader of the PNCR Aubrey Norton, and Parliamentarians Coretta McDonald, Nima Flue-Bess and Natasha Singh-Lewis.

“We will stand with the people, we will continue to stand with the people,” Flue-Bess commented.

Over the past few months, extensive work was done by the CH&PA to ensure that the residents were relocated to developed housing schemes, and were compensated on the basis of the market value of their structures.

The process to remove the squatters was done in such a way as to minimise disruption of

the families, while making sure that home ownership is legally achieved as a means of building generational wealth.

More than 20 families have relocated, having received full compensation for their properties, and having been given both free house lots and a grace period to facilitate the construction of their new houses.

Some of the residents who were relocated to the Farm-Her-

stelling housing areas have begun construction of their new homes, while others have already completed theirs.

The five remaining squatters have, however, rejected the government’s offers and continue

to occupy the reserve. In a final notice published in the daily newspapers last November, the Ministry of Housing and Water had warned that further action will be taken, given the “harsh, baseless and irrational resis -

tance.”

However, Norton, who is also Leader of the Opposition, had visited the area and urged the five remaining squatters on the reserve to remain, stating that the area is “ancestral lands.”

The government, through

the Ministry of Housing and Water, had issued a final warning to the five remaining Mocha squatters, that it will be forced to demolish their structures unless they move immediately.

lage Special Needs Schools, and all of the learners who

access the services at CPCE for early stimulation.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand, in her remarks,

Education Minister Priya Manickchand; Permanent Secretary, Alfred King; Project donor, Teddy Mohammed; a student; Assistant Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Special Education Needs (SEN), Keon Cheong, and Senior SEN Officer, Nikoya Alleyne turn the sod for the Aquatic Therapy Pool

PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton engages police officers who accompanied Housing and Water officials who, in accordance with a final notice issued by the Ministry of Housing and Water, were dismantling structures built by squatters in Mocha (Screenshot taken from APNU+AFC’s live video of efforts to obstruct the removal of squatters)

Accelerated Development

THE year 2023 has commenced on a note of optimism.

The country is poised for great developments both in terms of infrastructure and human resource development, which will lay the foundation for sustained and accelerated growth and development.

These developments, however, transcend the boundaries of the Guyanese nation- state. As stated by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Guyanese can expect tremendous investments from the PPP/C government in 2023, which will lay the foundation for sustainable development way beyond 2023.

According to the Guyanese President, the government wants to establish a post-2030 state that will be the energy and industrial capital in the Caribbean; a prime tourism destination; a regional food-security hub; a transportation hub and a competitive, knowledge-based and low-carbon development nation.

This is not wishful thinking on the part of President Ali. In fact, the stage has already been set for the strategic

repositioning of Guyana to become a regional leader in a number of key and critical areas vital for the region’s growth and developmental trajectory.

Guyana under the PNC regime was once considered the laughing stock of the Caribbean. This was particularly so during the 1970s and the 1980s, when Guyanese were singled out for differential treatment at regional airports out of fear that they may escape immigration authorities.

Such was the wretched state of the Guyana economy that any country in the region was considered a better economic destination by the Guyanese people. Many were forced to endure all manner of indignities simply to survive. Guyana had become a regional liability.

Not anymore. With the return of the PPP/C to power on October 1992, there was a gradual but systematic reversal of fortunes, reaching a stage where the country is now regarded as a regional powerhouse.

President Ali has indicated on multiple ocassions that the oil revenues will be used not only to advance

the living standards of the Guyanese people, but also the people of the region as a whole. This is indeed a noble gesture on the part of President Ali whose regional and international profile is on the ascendancy.

The President only recently attended the inauguration ceremony of President Luiz Inacio ‘Lula’ da Silva, where he joined other world leaders in that historic development. Brazil is not only Guyana’s neighbour, but also the two countries are linked economically, culturally and infrastructurally. Developments in Brazil could potentially impact Guyana’s development and vice-versa.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines is currently on a visit to Guyana after attending the inauguration ceremony. During his four-day official visit, Prime Minister Gonsalves is expected to meet with President Ali and several top government officials where a number of areas of cooperation will be discussed.

And President Ali will in a matter of a few days be bestowed with the

Pravasi Bharatiya Salman Award (PBSA) for 2023 by the Government of India; this is the highest honour conferred to overseas Indians. These are manifestations of the growing recognition of the leadership role of President Ali and the respect with which he is held by the international community. In all of this, it is Guyana and the Guyanese people who are the real winners. An active role on the international stage not only enhances the country’s international profile, but also results in greater overseas investments and a boost to tourism.

As the country continues along the path of modernisation and transformation, the greater will be the country’s appeal and attractiveness by the international community. The impact of oil is now having a transformative impact on the country’s international profile.

In the final analysis, it is the Guyanese people and by extension the people of the region as a whole, who are the beneficiaries of such a changing dynamic.

Ramjattan failed to deliver on primary mandate as Public Security Minister

Dear Editor,

KHEMRAJ Ramjattan was an utter failure as Public Security Minister and has no grounds to criticize any member of this current government.

Ramjattan’s stint as head of the security sector will forever be marred by the numerous prison escapes that plunged Guyanese into a state of fear that was justifiable, given that in every corner

of the country there were stories emanating of violent crimes, especially armed robberies and even murders.

During the APNU+AFC’s tenure in office, there were numerous prison breaks, prominent among which was the devastating prison fire and riot that resulted in the death of some 17 prisoners, a prison officer and the almost total destruction of the Camp Street prison.

Adding to the security sector woes, then-President David Granger released numerous convicted criminals on an annual basis, raising concerns among the public over the criteria used to select prisoners and the rationale.

A country’s security sector bears the most responsibility for protection of citizens from criminal elements; thus, anyone tasked with the mandate of managing this vital sector should prove,

over time, meritorious in the functionality and efficiency of the various arms of government comprising his portfolio.

However, from the inception of the appointment of Khemraj Ramjattan as Public Security Minister, there had been one critical incident after another that compromised the nation’s safety that engendered calls, even from his own party’s supporters, that he should resign, or be re-assigned because

he had clearly failed to deliver on his primary mandate.

What was more appalling than Ramjattan’s glaring failures were his constant attempts to defend the indefensible. As Security Minister, Ramjattan excused himself with one ridiculous postulation after another when the reality is that he was unable to perform to the expectations due to alleged machinations of his own government.

In contrast to this, President Dr Irfaan Ali, in his New Year’s speech, has given the assurance that national security would be reinforced to a requisite quantum –which assures that soldiers and police ranks would be deployed to emergency situations at an instant, with enhanced crime-fighting capacity.

Editor Navendra Seoraj

Sincerely Yours, Attiya Baksh

Understanding the differences between government and state is essential

Dear Editor

GUYANA is fortunate to have a politically engaged population.

Evidence of this is easily found by perusing the letter sections and columns of the broadsheets, the discussions on TV and radio, and the incensed discussions and debates on social media.

The political leadership in the country is also in frequent and direct contact with the citizens through outreaches.

Despite the robustness of engagement, the quality of our political commentary and praxis would be much improved if there is a greater understanding of the differences between the “government” and the “state.”

This is necessary because most contributors to structured debates assume that the government and the state are one and the same. We know from basic political theory that government and state are related, but are conceptually and practically different.

A short but useful article by K.K. Ghai points to several differences between the government and the state.

These are (1) government is only an element of the state; ( 2) government is an agency or agent of the state; (3) the state is abstract, while the government is concrete; ( 4) the government is run by only a small portion of the state’s population; (5) membership in the state is compulsory, but not in the government; (6) sovereignty belongs to the state, not the government; (7) territory belongs to the state; (8) the state is permanent but the government is a territory (https://www. yourarticlelibrary.com/difference/9-main- differences-between-state-and-government/40327)

Having studied state theory with Professor Ralph Miliband, I can assure you that Ghai, himself a noted specialist on comparative government, is “spot on.”

The simplest way to understand both the difference and the relationship between government and state is this – while governments (I prefer administrations) come

and go, the state, which is an amalgam of institutions, remains in place.

Political parties are entities that compete to form (become) the government. If successful, they get access, though not total control, to all of the institutions of the state. The new government in office develops policies and then uses the power of the state to implement those policies. There are real (constitutional) limits on the sitting government in terms of its access to and control of state power.

To illustrate the point with relevance to Guyana, we only need to think of what happened after our recent regional and national elections in 2020. The APNU+AFC lost the election. President Granger and his cabinet had to go. They did. So did senior “political appointees” by the APNU+AFC administration, including some heads of state agencies, regardless of how technically qualified they are. (The situation at the EPA was abnormal, precisely because the head wanted to stay on, even though he was a political appointee).

The great mass of civil servants, medical staff at public health facilities, the military, police, prison authorities, immigration officers, judges, magistrates, and so on, remained in place. The real reason is that they are an integral part of the state (what Ghai in part calls “permanent”). If you follow British politics, they are similar to Whitehall staff.

The PPP/C administration cannot legally, on its own, do all the things many commentators and activists call on it to do. This is because the current administration, or the APNU+AFC administration before it, must follow the laws that govern entities such as the NIS, which are agencies of the “state,” not agencies of the “government.”

Only authoritarian “governments” can ignore the Constitution, to use “state” power for their ends. Without getting too partisan, during the 1970s and 1980s, the PNC collapsed party,

government, and state into an all-encompassing apparatus of power. According to Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon, “…the private organisation named People’s National Congress became a state entity fitted out with funds from the treasury. Burnham merged the state and the PNC under the umbrella of the Ministry of National Development” (KN 28/5/2022).

One important omission from K.K. Ghai’s otherwise comprehensive piece concerns the question of legitimacy. For a “government” to effectively use state power, it must have legitimacy, meaning here that it must fashion consensus around its policies, and accordingly, have broad followership. Strictly speaking, legitimacy is not a necessary component of state power or of governance. Yet, it is central to understanding the difference between different types of government and forms of state.

Authoritarian states are built, maintained, and reproduced by authoritarian governments. These governments usually lack legitimacy in the eyes of those governed within the territory of the state, namely citizens (and residents). It must be noted, however, that authoritarian populists can and often do have large followings as did Getúlio Vargas in Brazil, Juan Perón in Argentina, or Hugo Chávez in Venezuela. Authoritarian regimes (governments) capture state power and govern through quasi-constitutional techniques, constitutional innovations, outright repression, or a combination of unsustainable economic policies and repressive political practices.

Democratic administrations (governments) follow the rule of law, govern as per the constitution, and rely on widespread legitimacy. In contradistinction to authoritarian governments, democratic governments access and use state power based on the will of the people, usually through the aggregation of interests expressed in election results.

By definition, a democratic government such as

the current PPP/C in Guyana, do not have limitless access to state power. Keep in mind also, that often, critics want governments to do less, rather than more.

To sum up, it is import-

ant to keep in mind that there are significant limits to the exercise of state power by democratic governments. This is important to keep in mind when commentators make rec -

ommendations, or when they ask why the current PPP/C government can’t do this or that.

Yours sincerely, Dr Randolph Persaud.

Cop, fisherman died from shock, haemorrhage due to gunshot wounds

AUTOPSIES conducted on the remains of 31-year-old Detective Corporal, Dwayne McPherson and 20-yearold fisherman, Kishan Budburgh of Grove Huntley, Mahaicony have revealed that they were shot multiple times.

The policeman’s body had two gunshot wounds, while Budburgh had three.

Police headquarters,

on Tuesday, released the results of the post-mortem examinations which were performed by Government Pathologist Dr V. Brijmohan at the Bailey’s Funeral Home, #4 Village, West Coast Berbice, on Monday.

According to the police, the men died from shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot injuries.

Two entry wounds were seen to the left of the po-

liceman’s neck, with no exit wound.

Three entry wounds were found on Budburgh’s left side: one below his armpit, one further down the left side back, and the last one, about 4 to 5 cm from the shoulder blade.

The bodies were later handed over to relatives for funeral arrangements as police continue their investigations.

According to reports, McPherson, who was stationed at the Mahaicony Police Station, was part of a police patrol that was dispatched to Huntley to investigate a stabbing re-

port.

The police did not reveal a lot of details about the incident but did indicate that two cops who were also part of the patrol on that fatal day were ar-

rested and questioned in relation to the shooting.

Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has promised full transparency in the investigation.

Detective Corporal Dwayne McPherson and Kishan Budburgh

7,000 persons get first-time access to water in 2022

IN the year 2022, some 7,000 persons benefitted from first-time access to water, and the entity responsible for this, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) hopes to continue this trend in 2023 to improve access to water across the country.

This was according to GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaik Baksh, during a press conference hosted at the company’s office on Tuesday.

Baksh said that GWI is on the road to transformation and also has a transformative agenda to support the government’s developmental thrust and the country’s development as a whole.

He related that while the utility company had a budget of $6.5 billion for the year 2022, this was meant to be expended for several projects which included the coastal water treatment programme, other coastal projects, and urban and hinterland projects.

Owing to those investments, GWI has been able to improve access to water by 97 per cent.

He said: “We have been extending water supply to unserved areas across the coastal belt and 7,000 persons benefitted from first-time access for the year 2022.”

Baksh went on to say that along with that, GWI was able to drill wells at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara; Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and at Tain in Region Six.

Further, in the hinterland regions, the company drilled some 20 wells as the budget for these projects was fully provided by the Government of Guyana for the capital works and as a result, the hinterland regions have moved to 75 per cent access to water for the year 2022.

Against this backdrop, it was related that access to water will gradually move up, as the goal is to achieve 100 per cent access to water for hinterland communities.

To achieve this, it was further related that some 30 new wells will be drilled in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, as special attention will be paid to access to water in hinterland villages and communities.

FINANCIAL VIABILITY

RESTORED

The CEO went on to highlight other

major achievements of the company for 2022, noting that GWI’s financial viability was restored from a position of bankruptcy just two years ago.

“It has been restored to a position of viability, with that I meant that we are in a healthy financial position,” Baksh said, adding that persons have been paying their bills, although there remains some challenges in this area.

With the improvement in the company’s financial viability, he added that GWI has been able to do a number of things including constructing two new buildings, one in Lethem and another in Region Five, while they have also been able to undertake the refurbishment of other offices.

Additionally, GWI managed to address employee welfare and ensure that employees get paid on time, while also increasing the pay of various categories of employees in the company.

Despite the successes, Baksh related that there have been several challenges over the past year. The company has since been reorganising its agenda to ensure that a high level of service is delivered.

“We want to continuously improve special systems that we put in place to achieve the desired objectives so that people can enjoy a better level of service across Guyana,” he said.

Further, in relation to water quality, plans and programmes have been outlined to improve this over the next two years.

–– GWI CEO says, outlines plans to drill new wells this year

GWI’s CEO, Shaik Baksh

Firefighters save

Vreed-en-Hoop houses

Firefighters on Tuesday contained a fire that threatened to destroy three houses on the west coast of Demerara.

According to the Guyana Fire and Rescue Service, at about 11:21 am, the Guyana Fire Service received a call and was alerted to a fire at Lot 3 B New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

Water tenders from the La Grange and Eccles fire stations were immediately

dispatched to the location.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed a two-storey wooden and concrete building engulfed in flames.

The building was owned and occupied by 67-year-old Harry Deodharry.

As a result of the fire, the first floor of the building was severely damaged and its contents destroyed, while the ground floor sustained water damage.

Another two-storey wooden and concrete build-

ing located at Lot 2 B New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, was also affected by the blaze, with one PVC guttering being slightly damaged due to radiated heat from the building of origin.

Two jets working from Water Tender number 111 and an open water source were used to extinguish the blaze.

The Fire Prevention Department is conducting investigations to ascertain what caused the fire.

A fireman in action at the scene of the fire at Lot 3 B New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara

Guyana moves closer to cutting

$350M egg-importation cost

— with advancements in ‘hatching’ industry

soon.

“We are working with a company in Brazil to start and the GLDA [Guyana Livestock Development Authority] is working aggressively. I am hoping in the new year we can launch that project and start producing our own hatching eggs and be self-sufficient,” Minister Mustapha said.

Mission in Region Four, to be part of the venture.

He said initiatives such as these will be transformative in nature and propel the economy.

industry.

THE government is working aggressively to establish a massive egg-hatching industry to support Guyana’s already burgeoning poultry sector.

The country currently imports approximately 52 million eggs annually at a cost of some $350

million.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said the immense sum that is expended yearly could remain in Guyana to expand the local poultry industry and develop other sectors.

During an interview with the Department of

Public Information (DPI), Minister Mustapha said that the move could capture several regional and international markets, since eggs are always in demand.

He said an area has already been identified for the project, which is expected to commence

The plan to embark on the project was highlighted on numerous occasions by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who said that his government will work with communities such as St. Cuthbert’s

“These are the initiatives that will bring direct benefits to the farmer and enhance our diversification programme; these are some of the initiatives that will ensure our economy is built on many pillars,” the President said.

The PPP/C government has started working with large poultry producers in a consortium to produce their own corn and soya for the production of feed to support the

This is also part of the government’s plan for Guyana to become self-sufficient, as there are rising food prices and supply shortages across the world.

Since being elected to office, the PPP/C government has placed significant emphasis on developing the agricultural sector through a number of initiatives.

Some $28.7 billion was allocated in the 2022 budget to ensure the rapid growth and development of Guyana’s agricultural sector. (DPI)

Eggs in hatching incubator at Bounty Farm

Coalition dismantled

–– APNU, AFC officially part ways; uncertainty looms over AFC’s seats in Parliament

THE Alliance For Change (AFC) has officially departed from its coalition with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, confirmed that in keeping with his party’s promise to part ways with the APNU, as of December 31, with the end of the

Cummingsburg Accord, the agreement binding the two sides, their relationship has come to an end.

“We did a withdrawal as part of the [Cummingsburg] Accord,” Ramjattan said in a telephone interview with this publication.

According to Ramjattan, the party had made the decision since earlier this year to leave the coalition.

“ In June, we made a

decision, it was not a talk, it was a decision at the [National] Conference in accordance with the Accord that on December 31 we are going to withdraw out of the Accord and independently do things, just like prior to the Accord being signed and we were two independent parties,” Ramjattan said.

However, prior to the announcement in Novem-

ber that they would be leaving the party, the AFC had been maintaining that there were no plans to split from the coalition.

At the AFC National Conference in June, delegates were presented with three options relating to the way forward: Remaining in the party under the current circumstances, leave the coalition altogether and remaining in the coalition but under a “revised political alliance.”

It was reported that though some votes were garnered for the option to exit the coalition, the majority of votes were for the third option, to remain in the coalition, but there must be a plan to “secure a firm agreement and structure for it to have greater influence on policy positions and political action within the alliance, while maintaining its independence and rebranding and regaining its identity.”

Ramjattan, however, hung up the phone when further asked about this.

It was in August that relations between the two sides entered particularly shaky ground, as in-fighting took place over the nominee for the Region 10 Regional Vice Chairperson position.

Ramjattan had noted that there would be “consequences in relation to the relationship” between the APNU and the AFC, if the APNU did not support their pick.

The AFC supported member Coretta Brathwaite, however, APNU had favoured AFC member, Mark Goring. The APNU and AFC remained at loggerheads for months over the issue before Goring was given the position.

Sticking to their promise of “consequences,” the AFC, weeks after Goring’s swearing in, the AFC announced it was leaving the coalition.

When contacted on Tuesday, APNU Chairman, Aubrey Norton, refused to comment on the issue.

Norton, who is also Leader of the PNC/R, which is the largest party in the APNU coalition, had been at the fore front of maintaining that the APNU would not be supporting the AFC’s pick for the Regional Vice Chairman position.

Considering the PNC/

R’s actions and given the AFC’s decision to leave the party, there is some level of uncertainty regarding the AFC’s ability to retain its Parliamentary seats.

Ramjattan, during a previous press briefing, when asked about the party retaining its parliamentary seats, said: “Nothing will happen to our nine seats.”

He went on to say that the party is “entitled” to its nine seats and told reporters: “Nobody could knock us out once duly elected.”

Norton has, however, said that he does not intend to beg anyone to remain a member of the coalition.

The reality remains, however, that former President David Granger is the Representative of the List under Guyanese law, and as such it is he who has to submit the names of persons to be recalled and replaced.

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan

Essequibo widow needs help to rebuild house gutted by fire

A 62-year-old widow of Jib Village in Region Two, is calling on kind-hearted persons to assist her in any way they can to rebuild her house which was completely destroyed during a suspected arson on Thursday night.

Tiwatty Nandalall called “Aunty Lull,” was not at home at the time of the fire.

She related to this publication that she secured her property on Thursday around 17:00hrs and travelled to her friend’s home at Hampton Court, Region Two, where a religious function was scheduled for the following day.

The distraught woman said that around midnight, she received a

call from her daughter stating that her house was “burning.”

She said she was overcome with sadness when she later learnt that the two-bedroom property was completely destroyed.

“I had everything in my house. Fridge, microwave, gas cooker, ev-

erything; all my clothes went up in the fire. Ah can’t ketch meh breath yet,” Nandalall said.

Nandalall is currently staying at Lima with one of her daughters, but wants her house to be rebuilt.

The woman explained that a relative would usually threaten her and she believes that he is responsible for the fire.

She has since made a report to the Anna Regina Police Station but the relative is yet to be arrested or questioned about the incident.

This publication was informed that ranks are currently treating the fire as suspected arson and are still conducting an investigation.

Nandalall lost her son and husband a year apart and at the time of the fire

she was living alone.

She said that one of her daughters would

sometimes stay with her. She can be contacted on 659-4656.

This two-bedroom house containing all of Tiwatty Nandalall’s belongings was destroyed by fire on Thursday

Tiwatty Nandalall is appealing to the public to help her rebuild her house

Men remanded over murder of D’Urban Street businessman

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennon on Tuesday remanded two men to prison over the fatal shooting and

robbery of 41-year-old businessman Shimron Adams on Boxing Day.

The alleged mastermind,

Andrew Ridley called “Aids Man ‘’ of Campbell Street, Albouystown, and his alleged accomplice, Akelow

Marshall of Independence Boulevard, East La Penitence, Georgetown, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The men were not required to plead to the capital offence which alleged that on December 26, 2022, at D’Urban and Chapel Streets,Lodge, Georgetown, they murdered Adams during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

They were remanded to prison until February 2, 2023.

The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that the victim’s girlfriend reportedly shared a relationship with Ridley. It is alleged that the woman was at her lover’s business at D’Urban and Chapel Streets, Lodge, Georgetown, during the robbery/murder.

Around 23:40hrs on the day in question, two masked men, one armed with a handgun, stormed the business premises.

The said business place is fitted with a zinc shutter to the northern side (front) and has CCTV cameras.

The victim’s 29-yearold girlfriend told police investigators that at the time,

Adams had a gold finger ring and one gold band with a small bag hanging on his shoulder.

She recalled that he started closing the business place around 23:30hrs and opened the shutter for them to exit the bottom flat.

“At that point, two suspects entered the building through the said shutter and ordered them to lie on the ground and they complied. The unarmed suspect then took off the businessman’s jewellery and ordered him to get up, which he did. The suspect then held onto the businessman’s shoulder bag and pulled at it, but Adams continued to hold on to the bag to prevent the suspect from taking it. The suspect, who was armed with the firearm, discharged a round at Adams, which struck him to his right abdomen and exited through his right side in the vicinity of his groin,” the police said in a report.

The businessman then released the bag and fell helplessly to the ground, while bleeding from the gunshot wound.

The suspect reportedly removed the shoulder

bag, picked up the businessman’s phone and the cellphone from his girlfriend, and made good his escape through the shutter.

The businessman was picked up by ranks from an anti-crime patrol and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

CCTV cameras captured when the suspects went to the said business place and left on a black and white XR motorcycle.

Ridley was later arrested by the police with the firearm at his home. Marshall was arrested in Berbice.

Ridley is also a suspect in the murder of Dexter McFarlene, who was killed during a shootout on Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, on November 11, 2022. Two other men are currently on remand for their alleged role in the murder.

Additionally, Ridley is currently before the court for discharging a loaded firearm at a man with intent to harm him back in July 2022.

In January, he was charged with robbing a woman at gunpoint of over $4.5 million in jewellery, cash and cellphones.

Last year, he was arraigned before the same court for breaking into a woman’s West Ruimveldt, Georgetown home on August 11, 2021, and stealing over $70,000 in items.

He is currently out on bail for that matter.

Meanwhile, in 2019, he was sentenced to a total of three years in prison for two counts of robbery and two counts of assault committed on two police officers during his arrest.

He was released from prison in June 2021.

Andrew Ridley

Akelow Marshall

DEAD: Shimron Adams

‘Historic’ dredging of Demerara River completed for US$300M shore base

WITH work on the US$300 million shore- base facility at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD) moving apace, NRG Holdings Inc has completed the historic dredging of the Demerara River channel in record time.

According to a post made on the Team Mohamed’s Facebook page, this recent expansion will allow the accommodation of larger vessels.

It was explained that with the initial deadline for completion of the first phase of the project set for December 2023, the Guyanese-owned consortium and the Jan De Nul Group are ensuring that work progresses smoothly to meet the target.

The post added that one of the Directors of the NRG Holdings, Azurddin Mohamed, on Monday inspected the ongoing land-reclamation works in the Atlantic.

Phase one of the project included the deepening, widening and dredging of the access channel, as well as the removal of wreckage. These have all been completed and the process of land reclamation has commenced, Team Mohamed’s said.

“We are [pleased] to report that a total of 30km at a 9m depth was dredged, starting from the shore base at Vreed-en-Hoop. Previously, the channel had a 5m depth at the lowest tide compared to 9m now. Further, the width of the channel

was dredged to a whopping 100m which will now accommodate two vessels -- one coming out and one going in,” the post said.

Phase Two of the project is set to commence in 2024.

According to the post, the multi-million-dollar port will feature an offshore terminal; fabrication, umbilical and spooling yards; a drydock facility; a wharf and berths, and administrative buildings, among other facilities spanning 65 hectares.

The port is being constructed by the Jan De Nul Group, a Belgium-based company which is one of the few companies in the world that specialises in offshore, marine, civil, environment, and project development.

Land reclamation has commenced in the Atlantic as part of the construction of a US$300 million shore-base facility at Vreed-en-Hoop

Director of NRG Holdings, Azruddin Mohamed, inspects the ongoing land-reclamation works in the Atlantic (Team Mohamed’s photos)

An artist’s impression of the new port

China’s optimisation and adjustment of COVID-19 response measures are good for the world

By GUO Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana

HAPPY New Year, dear friends! Last weekend, people in China, Guyana and around the world organised various lively New Year’s Eve events and exchanged greetings and wishes among friends and family.

Some Guyanese friends asked me about the situation of the pandemic in China, and several Guyanese newspapers also paid attention to it.

China’s recent optimisation and adjustment of COVID response measures, which are rational choices made in light of the latest COVID situation, would significantly contribute to the recovery and growth of the world economy, and facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and Guyana as well. Here, I would like to make some introductions to you.

Since November 2022, China has adopted the 20 refined measures and 10 new measures to refine its COVID response measures, and announced that, starting from January 8, COVID- 19 will be managed with measures against Class B instead of the more serious Class A infectious diseases in accordance with the law.

There will also be provisional cross-border travel rules. For visitors to China, nucleic acid test within 48 hours before flight departure is still required, but no nucleic test will be mandatory upon arrival and no centralised quarantine will be required. This is another adjustment China has made to its approach based on a comprehensive assessment of the pandemic situation, representing a shift of focus from stemming infections to preventing severe cases and further minimising the impact of COVID-19 on economic and social activities.

Since COVID began, the Chinese government has always put the people and their lives above all else. We have poured all our efforts and resources into protecting the life and health of every Chinese. From newborn babies

just 30 hours old to elderly people over the age of 100, and from international students to other foreign expatriates in the country, every life was equally and fully protected.

Over the past three years, we have effectively responded to five global COVID waves and avoided widespread infections with the original strain and the Delta variant, which are relatively more pathogenic than the other variants. We have greatly reduced the number of severe cases and deaths, and bought precious time for the research, development and application of vaccines and therapeutics, and for getting medical supplies and other resources ready, contributing significantly to global solidarity against the pandemic and to world economic recovery.

Benefitting from dynamic zero-COVID policy, globally speaking, China has had the lowest rates of infection and mortality over three years. Despite the pandemic, average life expectancy in China went up from 77.3 to 78.2 years. Even when the global Human Development Index dropped for two years straight, China went up six places on the Index. China attached great importance to balancing COVID response with economic developing. China’s average economic growth?rate? for 2020 and 2021 was 5.1 per cent, making it one?of?the best-performing major economies.

At present, the situation of the pandemic in China has evolved, and the recent optimisation of measures is a rational choice after a comprehensive study and

scientific assessment.

First, practices in many countries, including Guyana, have shown that although the Omicron variant is highly transmissible, its mortality rate has been significantly reduced. Experts say that 99 per cent of those infected can fully recover in 7-10 days.

Second, China has built a solid immune barrier. Data show that China has administered 3.4bn doses of COVID-19 vaccines. To break the number down, 90 per cent of people are fully vaccinated and 86 per cent of those aged 60 and above are fully vaccinated.

Third, China has accumulated a great deal of experience in the fight against the virus and has significantly increased its capabilities in drug development, medical services and material supplies.

In addition, the Chinese people have gained more confidence against the virus, and are more concerned about their daily lives, work, studies and livelihoods.

Adhering to the “adopting a science-based approach, and taking targeted measures” principle, the focus of China’ s anti-COVID measures has shifted from stemming infections to preventing severe cases, which reflects the voice of the general public and once again reflects the commitment of putting people and life first.

Countries adjusting the

COVID policy would invariably go through a period of adaptation. China is no exception as we shift gear in our COVID policy. Recently, as the number of infections increases, some people have hoarded medicines as a precaution, resulting in some temporary shortages in certain locations. China has now taken various measures to increase the production of key drugs. The daily production capacity of both paracetamol and ibuprofen has reached more than 75 million tablets, which is well catered to the market.

In addition to strengthening drug supply, we have been vigorously promoting the booster shot, with a focus on strengthening the vaccination and health management of senior people. Relevant Chinese departments have worked actively to open more fever clinics, optimise diagnosis and treatment mechanism, and beef up medical resources. We have mobilised as many resources as possible to protect the elderly with underlying health conditions, pregnant and lying-in women, children and other key groups, and made every effort to reduce severe cases and deaths. In a word, China’s adjustment of COVID response measures is by no means “lying flat”. On the whole, and the COVID situation in China remains predictable and under control.

Since the start of

COVID-19, China has been sharing relevant information and data in an open and transparent manner with the international community, including the WHO. We shared the genome sequence of the virus at the earliest opportunity, making important contributions to the drug and vaccine research and development in countries around the world. China’s relevant departments have shared the genome data of the virus from the latest COVID cases in China via the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID). The departments will continue to closely monitor whether the virus would mutate, share information on COVID in a timely, open and transparent manner in accordance with the?law, and work with the international community to address the COVID challenge.

The international community has responded positively to China’s provisional measures on cross-border travel that will be implemented shortly. American, British, German and other foreign chambers of commerce in China, and most foreign diplomatic missions in China noted that this will clear the way for resumption of people-to-people exchanges and business travels, rebuild foreign investors’ confidence in the Chinese market and contribute to restoring optimism and reinstating China as a priority investment des-

tination.

Tourism departments of many countries including Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Switzerland warmly welcome Chinese tourists to visit and travel. They have posted on the Chinese social media Weibo that “it has been three years, we miss you”.

Recently, our Embassy’s Facebook page (Chinese Embassy in Guyana) posted the top 10 happiest cities in China for 2022, and Guyanese friends have been liking and commenting to express their desire to travel to China. I believe that by relying on the pandemic prevention policy that is in line with China’s national conditions, and through the united efforts of the whole country and its people, China will be able to quell the pandemic, and normal exchanges between China and Guyana will gradually resume.

As the COVID-19 situation in China continues to improve, the effects of policies to stabilise economic growth continue to emerge, and exchanges between Chinese and other peoples become easier, China’s long-subdued consumer demand will be released, investor confidence will be boosted and the economy will rebound strongly.

This is good for not just China but the entire global economy including Guyana.

RACING TIPS

American Racing Tips

Gulfstream Park

Race 1 Rich Gift

Race 2 Island Magic Race 3 T Ville Race 4 Mesaoria Race 5

Anotherdaygoneby Race 6 American Of Course Race 7 Clay Soldier

South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:30 hrs Blackwhitedynamite 09:05 hrs His Master’s Voice 09:40 hrs Royal Kitty 10:10 hrs Lady Macbeth 10:45 hrs Feeling Groovy

English Racing Tips

Newcastle 08:30 hrs Oscar Doodle 08:50 hrs Reclaim Victory

09:20 hrs Regal rambler 09:50 hrs Hardy 10:20 hrs Silverlode 10:50 hrs Gowanhuster 11:20 hrs Final Frontier

Hereford

09:00 hrs Fazayte 09:30 hrs Just Another One

10:00 hrs Diegos Way 10:30 hrs Saint Segal 11:00 hrs Fairy Gem 11:30 hrs Loup De Maulde

12:00 hrs Kestrel Valley

Kempton

12:55 hrs Asdaa

13:30 hrs Mabre

14:00 hrs Star Guest

14:30 hrs Swiss Pride

15:00 hrs Molly

Valentine

15:30 hrs Secret Portion

16:00 hrs Sir Titan

16:30 hrs Sicario

Irish Racing Tips

Dundalk

09:40 hrs Little Queenie

10:10 hrs Capuchinero 10:40 hrs

Hightimeyouwon

11:10 hrs Vikki Wall

11:45 hrs Malaysian 12:15 hrs Fendi

12:45 hrs Two Two Time 13:15 hrs Never Mistabeat

Steady Pakistani resurgence spearheaded by ul-Haq, Shakeel

(ESPNCRICINFO) - A confident 74 from Imam-ulHaq and a slow, yet solid 13 from Saud Shakeel ensured Pakistan made a steady resurgence in their innings after they briefly appeared to fall apart. The pair's unbeaten fourth-wicket stand of 55 lifted Pakistan to 154 for 3, still 295 behind New Zealand's first-innings total of 449.

Pakistan had made a steady start in their response to 449, but the dismissals of Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood, and then the runout of Babar Azam made it appear like day two would completely belong to New Zealand. But that wasn't to be, with Imam and Shakeel ensuring Pakistan pulled things back, even though the visitors remained slightly ahead in the contest after two days of cricket.

All eyes in the final session were on Imam, who had turned down a third run to cause a mix-up with Babar and effect a third dismissal, but he continued his batting fluency from the first Test to hit nine fours and a six in his 125-ball innings. He struck four fours through the covers, using his feet to good effect against the ball turning away from Michael Bracewell, and also played in the region in front of square on the leg side, collecting 23 runs in that area.

Shakeel, at the other end, anchored himself for the most part, taking 42 balls to score his first run off the bat. Initially, he poked at the deliveries turning away from Bracewell in what appeared to be a tricky initiation into the innings, missing a few early on. His resistance came via his dead-batting ploy to see off the day, which he successfully did, playing 75 deliveries to make 13 in an innings that saw only one boundary in it.

Before that, Both Shafique and Masood were out trying to play aggressively. Shafique, the righthand opener, had struck four early boundaries to move to 19, but then tried pulling a

rising short ball from Matt Henry while taking his eyes off the delivery. He ended up hitting the shot high, and to the only outfielder in the deep on the leg side.

Masood then produced a fluent beginning, hitting four fours in his first 10 deliveries to race to 20. In fact, he had crunched three boundaries in a single Ajaz Patel over before trying to search for a fourth when he sliced a half-tracker to the fielder at point.

That had left Imam and Babar looking to start a Pakistan recovery after tea, but that partnership could never blossom, with the captain run out, on 24, for the sixth time in his Test career.

Earlier in the day, both Henry (68) and Ajaz (35) put on their highest individual Test scores while also becoming only the fourth pair in Test history to post a 100-plus partnership between a No. 10 and a No. 11. That lifted New Zealand from potentially folding for under

350 to eventually finishing at a run less than 450.

The two came together when New Zealand lost their ninth wicket with the score reading 345. However, Henry took on Abrar early with a four through midwicket before hammering Hasan Ali for four, four and six in consecutive deliveries. The umpires called for an extra thirty minutes of play in the first session with New Zealand nine down, but Henry and Ajaz batted right through that. Ajaz was more circumspect, freeing his arms on rare occasions in his 78-ball stay. He hit three fours and looked quite comfortable on the whole, especially against the short-pitched bowling that Pakistan tested him - unsuccessfully - with.

Henry reached his fifty before lunch, and the duo added a further 16 in the second session before they eventually folded for 449. The innings ended when Ajaz attempted to sweep an Abrar googly, only to get a top-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday January 04, 2023)

edge for slip to gobble up. Before their entertaining final-wicket stand, it was Tom Blundell who started off strongly for New Zealand after they resumed day two on 309 for 6. After Ish Sodhi fell for 11 early, Blun-

dell, in Tim Southee's company, reached his ninth Test fifty. But Abrar dismissed Blundell for 51 and Southee for nine in quick succession before the Henry-Ajaz stand.

Naseem Shah was the most impressive of the

bowlers from the first innings, finishing with 3 for 71 while having an economy of 2.95. While Abrar took a four-for, he conceded 149 and Salman, who barely bowled in the first Test, took 3 for 75.

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Matt Henry and Ajaz Patel walk off the field after an 88-run stand in the opening session (Associated Press)

A Very Rich History of Guyana’s Cricket Commentators!

By Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira

WHILE conducting my research on the men who presented ball by ball commentary to the Guyanese and Regional public, I reached out to a wide cross-section of people to

be able to document the various personalities who provided important information while painting a word picture for listeners who were not at the venue.

I believe early Cricket commentary might have been done on the ZFY station just

around the corner from Bourda on North Road and later carried by Radio Demerara (Rediffusion owned) and the Guyana Broadcasting Service (GBS). My recollection of some of the early voices, include Herman De Caries, Harry Cressall, Claude

Viera, Kenny Wishart and Peter Bailey. Names like Brian Sadler, Reggie Aaron, Norman McLean and Clyde Walcott were also part of the Radio Demerara team.

In 1968 GBS came into operation with yours truly along with Frank Bettencourt, Rocky Mann, Fred Wills, Stanley Moore and Cuthbert Monchoir. Others who followed included Sean Devers, Allan LaRose, Nayem Chan, Inderjeet Persaud, Matthew Kissoon, Keith Austin, Allan Brasillio, Clive Bacchus, Edwin Searaj, Imran Khan and John Ramsingh.

Some of the personalities who served as comments men were Ronnie Willock, Steve Camacho, Basil Butcher, Clive Lloyd, Roderick Lovell, Sydney Jackman, Jermaine Neblett, Travis Dowling, Steve Jacobs, Neil Barry, Clyde Butts, Mark and Roger Harper.

Given that none of the Commentators, including yours truly ever received any formal training, I’ve always felt the cricket listening public was over-critical of those personalities who faced the microphone, as they had to deal with live radio describing play as it happened in a matter of seconds.

The same applied to the comments personalities who, on occasion, had a little more time to analyse a dismissal or a good bowling or batting performance, condition of the pitch and bowling changes.

By contrast, the Guyanese/Regional cricket writers returning to their desks at close of play would have adequate time to provide readers with a description of the days’ play but not under the same time constraints of the spoken commentary on

live radio.

To further improve the art of ball-by-ball commentary, regular opportunities must be provided by a radio station in Guyana to sports commentators. On some occasions, it would be valuable to arrange for ball-by-ball broadcasts of weekend matches and where necessary schedule individuals to do 10-minute reports from various grounds providing opportunities to be on-air on a regular basis, for all club events.

The cricket venues in the early days were Bourda, Everest, DCC, Hampton Court, Rose Hall, Albion, Enmore, Leonora Uitvlugt, Blairmont, the New Amsterdam Mental Hospital, McKenzie Sports Club, all the club grounds in Georgetown, Berbice and Essequibo, and of late the Providence National Stadium. The cricket writers in the 60s and 70s were Jake Croker, McDonald Dash, Rick Ferier, Prior Jones, Julian Mends, Bruiser Thomas and Ceddi Wilshire.

Among the official Cricket Board Scorers were John Barnwell, Ron Legall, Bahrat Mangru, Rudolph Haynes, Trevor Hussein and Zandra DeFlorimonte.

Ron Legall later became the scorer for GBS Radio and reached the international level, scoring many Test matches, ODIs and numerous first-class games. On Radio Demerara at five to eight and “do not be late”, B L Crombie provided a five-minute sports cast covering the major events of the day for well over 26 years. B L later became full time on Radio Demerara after GBS was opened in October of 1968.

The reporters on radio were Claude David, Zandra DeFlorimonte, Troy Peters, Franklin Wilson, Huvel Chunya. Courtney Gonsalves reported on sport in Essequibo and similar reports came from Berbice correspondents.

In addition to Sean Devers, cricket writers in Guyana are Brandon Corlette, Clifton Ross, Akeem Greene, and Avenash Ramzan.

The T20 white ball game is changing the language of cricket which it is hoped

will not be used, when the commentators describe the four-day first class format or the Test game. Listeners and viewers are now hearing pace off – pace on ( as if Fraklin Stephenson is totally forgotten as the man who created these deliveries), we go back to the descriptions Hard length, batting got heavy lifting- Match UpDug Out- Change room (no mention of dressing room) – leg pole – off pale-grab (catch) bowel got four bullets left- bowler got two rocks to come - there are four soldiers in the covers, hit and a miss as well as stand and deliver, curve-ball!

Because of the excellent availability of stats and players a great deal is being provided by some commentators and although such information in general is appreciated, it must not get to the level of being too technical to eliminate 6070 per cent of viewers and listeners. In giving advice, some commentators tend to cross the line and are found to be coaching while on air. Others seem to forget that they are broadcasting to the world and not about players only from their land of birth.

During the halcyon days of the conventional five Test series in the Caribbean, some of the top international voices who visited and worked included E.W. Swanton, Don Mosley, Trevor Bailey, Jonathan Agnew, Jeff Boycott, Allen McGuilvery, Jim Maxwell, Nevil Oliver, Harsha Bhogle, Dickie Rutnigar, Sunil Gavaskar, Berry Sarbadhikari (1971 Indian Tour) Allan Richards, Bryan Waddle, Gerald DeKock and of course Tony Cozier. It is also important to note some of the early West Indian journalist who covered the 1950 England Tour, such as Barbados’ E.L.C. Cozier (Father of Tony Cozier) and Guyana’s Earnest Itel (did the 1951 Tour to Australia.)

In this recap, there may of course be those whose names have been inadvertently not included. My sincerest apologies are, therefore, extended to any and all of those who have been missed.

Dr. Puran Singh renews sponsorship of BCB National Players Financial Scheme

ON the first day of 2023, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) was informed that long time sponsor, Dr. Puran Singh has renewed his sponsorship of the National Players Financial Scheme.

Dr. Singh, a Berbician by birth is based in Barbados and has been supporting the BCB over the last four years in its cricket development programme.

Under the scheme, all youths who made a national team at the U-13/15/17/19 levels along with senior females would receive a stipend of ten thousand dollars to assist them in their preparation for national duties.

Last year, a record fifty Berbicians including seniors represented Guyana or the West Indies at all levels as the ancient county continues to produce players of a

very high standard via a series of developmental programmes.

BCB President, Hilbert Foster expressed delight that Dr. Singh has renewed his support for the scheme, which is one of the several programmes that encourages youths in the county to excel on the cricket field. Foster noted that the BCB was targeting a total of about thirty six youths at all levels for the national teams.

The active BCB in 2023 hopes to build on the successes of 2022 and would be investing heavily in the development of new talents for clubs via a robust primary and secondary school cricket programme that would include coaching and tournaments.

The board would also be working overtime to obtain several crucial equipment for the effort including several bowl-

ing machines which would be placed across the county in an effort to assist in the development of batsmen and the way they play fast bowling.

Twenty clubs across the county have already received practice nets towards the proper organising of practice sessions.

They have also received cricket balls, youth information booklets, gears and coaching manuals to assist them in the youth development programme. The BCB also assists with educational grants and cycles to assist youths to complete their educational careers.

Foster also disclosed that one of the main aim of the BCB in 2023 is the construction of four outdoor concrete batting strips, one in each of the zones in the

county- West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne.

As part of the comprehensive programme to lift the county cricket higher, the BCB is also working with Dr. Frank Denbow to organise a tour to a Caribbean Island in April for a Berbice Under-21 team.

It would be the first tour by the BCB in over 40 years and the main objective is to encourage players to continue playing the game after the under 19 level.

Dr. Singh stated that he was delighted to be associated with the BCB once again as he was very impressed with the standard of Berbice cricket and the visionary leadership provided by the executives under the leadership of Hilbert Foster

GFF President donates football equipment to Albouystown youths

ON New Year’s Day, President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, visited Albouystown and interacted with a number of budding young footballers. During the visit, Forde handed over a quantity of balls, cones and bibs to Coach Clifford Anthony aka Zebulun, who is a senior member of the commu-

nity that has for many years been volunteering his time as a coach and mentor to youngsters.

During his interaction, President Forde also played in a 5 v 5 mini competition. And, he shared remarks after, “I know how important football is to all of you and I can see how well you can play because of the many hours you spend in

the streets playing. I want to ask you a big favourplease also spend some of that time on your school work in the evening. Education is your safest bet to having a better life.”

Forde added that, “I will continue to provide Coach Zebulun with more equipment to do this important work and I will be back here to officially launch a inter- street week-

end knock out competition for boys, girls and adult players as well. It is my intention to visit many more inner city communities and support the work of community coaches.”

The visit to the community was coordinated by Coach Sampson Gilbert, who is a Coach Educator assigned to the GFF.

Brazilians begin paying...

From page 32

his coffin will be placed in the middle of the pitch.

Fans had already started lining the streets in the early hours of Monday morning, many holding flags or banners with messages for ‘O Rei’ (“The King”). “Pelé, you are eternal,” read one by the side of the highway.

Inside Santos’ 16,000-seater stadium, a number of large banners had been placed throughout the stands, with one reading “long live The King.”

Pelé’s son, Edson Nascimento, posted a series of stories on Instagram about the trip to Santos.

“Taking our king home”, read one that showed the convoy on the highway. Another showed his hand over the coffin with the caption: “We are home.”

Famous Brazilians, including players such as Romário and Neymar Jr., and club officials from Real Madrid and São Paulo FC, were also in attendance.

According to CNN Brasil, Pelé’s widow, Marcia Aoki attended the wake and was seen hugging Edson Nascimento.

People of all ages flocked to the stadium as the gates opened for the memorial and many people were wearing the iconic yellow jersey worn by Brazil’s football team and Santos FC jerseys.

It was a somber occasion and many fans were overcome with emotion, tears running down their faces as they made their way into the ground. The stadium’s public entrance was adorned with flower bouquets and the Santos FC flag was flown at half-mast.

The song Meu Legado (“my legacy”), sung by Pele, was played on repeat inside the stadium from the moment his casket entered, as fans sang along to the words.

Among the first to arrive to pay their respects was FIFA president, Gianni Infantino.

“Pele is eternal,” Infantino told reporters, per Reuters. “FIFA will certainly honor the ‘king’ as he deserves.

“We have asked all football associations in the world to pay a minute of silence before every game and will also ask them, 211 countries, to name a stadium after Pele. Future generations must know and remember who Pele was.”

For more than 60 years, the name Pelé has been synonymous with football. He played in four World Cups and is the only player in history to win three, but his legacy stretched far beyond his trophy haul and remarkable goal-scoring record.

“I was born to play football, just like Beethoven was born to write music and Michelangelo was born to paint,” Pelé famously said.

Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history and Brazil held three days of national mourning following his death.

Tributes have poured in from sports stars, politicians and musicians from all around the world for a man that transcended his sport and became a global icon.

GFF President donates football equipment to Albouystown youths

Brazilians begin paying respects to Pele

(CNN) - BRAZILIANS have started paying their final respects to football great Pelé with a 24-hour public wake, which began on Monday at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium, the home of his former football club, Santos.

The wake is open to the public and mourners began entering the stadium Monday morning.

On Tuesday, a funeral procession will then carry Pelé’s coffin through the streets of the city of Santos, including passing down the street where Pelé’s 100-year-old mother lives.

The procession will continue to Pelé’s final resting place, the Memorial Necrópole Ecumênica cemetery, where a private funeral will be held for family members.

Fireworks greeted the hearse carrying Pelé’s coffin as it left the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, where the threetime World Cup winner died on Thursday from multiple organ failure due to the progression of colon cancer.

The hearse was under a heavy police escort as it headed to the stadium, where

Wayne Forde (right) with some of the youths in the community on Sunday

Pelé's