Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 06-01-2023

Excavator set alight, police attacked during attempt to clear gov’t reserve at Mocha

BRAVE police officers outfitted in riot gear, and a daring excavator operator on Thursday endured assault from persons who attempted to hinder the removal of illegal structures on the government reserve at Mocha-Arcadia/Cane View, East Bank Demerara.

The Guyana Chronicle was at the scene of the standoff on Thursday when persons suspected to be squatters

demolition exercise of the remaining squatting structures.

Tensions boiled over as the defiant squatters, supported by members of the political opposition, including Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, failed to halt the exercise, which is being done so that works could continue on the critical Eccles to Diamond Road Link, which would benefit tens of thousands of Guyanese daily.

Though the entire exercise

abused the police officers and officials before eventually getting physical.

As the police came under attack, they fired rubber pellets into the air to dispel the crowd, however, neither that nor intermittent bouts of rain could disperse them.

The residents hurled racial homophobic slurs and expletives at the police officers, while the situation climaxed when several Molotov cocktails rained down on the excavator which briefly caught fire.

However, the excavator operator and police were swift with a fire extinguisher, and the operator astonishingly returned to the machine, undaunted, and continued his demolition work.

Following failed efforts to remove the structures on Tuesday and Wednesday, officials from the CH&PA returned on Thursday, this time reinforced with the support of a squad of outfitted police officers.

The demolition exercise had commenced at approximately 11:00hrs, but protesters were dangerously influenced by opposition members to occupy the structures and remain in the path of the excavators.

they were willing to move from the area amicably, but maintained that they should be paid at least $100 million each by the government.

“Moving is not a problem, but we need adequate compensation. Everybody willing to move; what is it for the government to give each one of us $100 million?” one 50-year-old man, who claimed to be the owner of one of the demolished structures, said.

years from ever attempting to get legitimate ownership of the land.

started tossing Molotov cocktails and stones, as the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), with the help of riot police completed the

concluded without any significant injuries to anyone, residents continually tried to get the situation to take a turn for the worst, as they first verbally

Nonetheless, the police was able to remove all residents to safety, trying their best to prevent the residents from returning to the structures, and maintain order at the location.

Scores of persons lined the street across the muddy dam to witness the spectacle which was widely broadcast live on several social media pages.

The demolition exercise was the CH&PA’s last resort, so that the construction of the roadway could continue, after resistant squatters continued to demand as much as $100 million to $150 million apiece to remove from the unregularised area.

The government, through the Ministry of Housing and Water, is offering the squatters land and compensation ranging from $3.4 million to $14.3 million.

As they lamented the situation, several of the squatters present at the scene said that

However, the squatters acknowledged that the area being occupied was a government reserve, which hampered them over the

The Ministry of Housing and Water has continuously issued public notices on the situation, outlining the support that is being provided to the squatting families to remove. The CH&PA has been meeting and negotiating with the squatters for some time now, and began paying compensation to the other squatters over one year ago.

Though 28 residents had already accepted compensation in the form of housing and money from

the government and peacefully removed from the area, seven squatters continued to remain at the settlement in defiance.

The government has spent over $250 million in getting the other squatters relocated, with many of the residents receiving structures with a higher standard of living than what existed at the squatting settlement.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali subsequently released a Facebook broadcast pleading with the squatters to work with the government to see the situation to an amicable resolution.

Learners will no longer be penalised for their hairdos

be held with his or her parents or guardians.

In 2022, Education Minister Priya Manickhand had announced plans to overhaul school rules that disproportionately affect learners, based on gender and ethnicity.

IN what can best be described as a monumental decision, the Ministry of Education on Thursday announced that students and pupils across Guyana can no longer to be suspended or sent home for the way they wear their hair.

The Ministry issued a ‘memo’ on the subject following months of consultations and discussion with stakeholders.

“In keeping with the guidelines provided in the Ministry of Education’s Manual of Guidelines for the Maintenance of Order and Discipline in Schools, learners must not be sent home

or suspended, denied entry to school or access to teaching and learning, sent to the Department of Education, administered corporal punishment or any other forms of punishment for having a hairstyle that is perceived to be a breach of the school’s rule,” the ‘memo’ reads.

Further, the ‘memo’ says, “Head teachers are reminded that their main priority is to ensure all learners are in school, and are being taught with the aim of reducing any further learning loss.”

The ‘memo’ also states that should a student’s hairstyle be deemed inappropriate, further discussion must

This decision was made by the ministry after sections of the public bemoaned a “hairstyle memo” issued by the Ministry of Education, granting a “one-day permission” for the relaxing of hair rules to allow for females to wear their hair as they desire on International Women’s Day.

S ince then, the Education Ministry has been actively engaging learners, parents, teachers, and members of the public to decide on an appropriate and acceptable solution to this issue.

On March 11, the ministry launched an Online survey to record the opinion of stakeholders on current policies that govern hairstyles in the public school system.

Some 4000 persons had participated in that survey

FLASHBACK: President’s College students rocking their desired hairstyles on International Women’s Day (Ministry of Education photo)

The demolition excavator on fire after being assailed by Molotov cocktails (Elvin Croker photo)

Police officers gathered at the scene to maintain law and order (Elvin Croker photo)

‘Don’t be political tools, pawns’

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President Ali tells rebellious Mocha squatters

By Tamica Garnett

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Thursday, implored squatters at Mocha-Acadia/ Cane View, East Bank Demerara, to stop being used as political tools and pawns, and see reason in the benefit of moving from the government reserve to the legal, legitimate lands and houses being offered by the government.

In an address to the squatters, the Head of State bemoaned the situation at Mocha, where families continued to be encouraged to defy the law by agents of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

“I watch with dismay the type of political opportunism, lack of leadership and irresponsibility exercised by some who refer to themselves as leaders in the political opposition. Leadership is about responsibility. One that is based on a level of trust and integrity, not one that is opportunistic in nature. Not one that seeks only to divide and use every occasion that

you believe you can extract a divisive message to people,” the President remarked.

The situation became intense on Thursday, when official from the Ministry of Housing and Water along with police officers in riot gear came under attack with Molatov Cocktails, stones and other implements as they resumed the demolition of the structures on the government reserve. The squatters were hindering the construction of the Eccles to Diamond road link which will benefit tens of thousands of Guyanese daily.

To date, 28 families have already relocated from the dam to nearby residential areas and have rebuilt new homes through government compensation. However, seven squatters refused what they were offered and instead requested exorbitant amounts to remove.

Despite being offered land and compensation ranging from $3.4 million to $14.3 million, the resistant seven squatters continued to demand as much as $100 million to $150 million each

to remove from the unregularised area.

“The fact is [that] this is the government reserve. Persons are illegally squatting along the reserve. Twenty eight families to date, who were there on the reserve, have peacefully been relocated. They understand the vision of development,” the President said.

Not only have the other residents been relocated to nearby residential area, but have also had completely new homes built through a government compensation programme.

“Notwithstanding the illegal occupation, this government is a caring, responsible government for all its citizens. We not only remove those 28 persons, we ensured they were compensated and adequately housed. [But] there are seven individuals who remain uncompliant and continue to distort every single effort in building this road and continuing the development. Making very unreasonable claim and refusing to vacate the land that they are illegally occupy -

ing,” the President said.

He related: “In [Thursday’s] newspaper, we have all seven names evaluation that is offered to all of them. Very open and transparent. There’s no political mileage or opportunism that can be extracted from this. I ask and I implore these families not to be used as political tools and pawns of a few who are totally angry at the development of our country.”

The government has spent over $250 million in getting the other squatters relocated. Earlier this week, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) commenced the demolition exercise of the remaining structures.

The President said that for the last couple of weeks, the government has been publishing, in a very transparent way, all that has been done to have a seamless and smooth movement of those who are illegal on the reserve.

“All of Guyana, every reasonable person can understand what the government has offered is above and

beyond. When will some of these so-called leaders of our country understand what is required to take this country forward? Are they thinking about the value that will come to every house in Mocha with this new highway?

“The net value of every home will increase. The net worth of every citizen will increase. We’re building the entire infrastructure out in the Mocha that they [political opposition] neglected. The ball is in the court of those seven families,” the President said.

Wi th the demolition completed, the President reminded the squatters that

the government’s offer still remains, and the President called on the squatters to complete their compensation transaction with the CH&PA.

“To the seven families, thi s government stands ready to welcome you and take you to your new homes and remove you from the illegally occupied reserve and to give you a better life… choose wisely. Think wisely and do not be used opportunistically for any political narrative.

Leadership is about responsibility and it’s about making right choices,” President Ali said.

Enhanced competitiveness, productivity, more employment opportunities

- high on Vision 2030 agenda, President Ali says during multi-stakeholder discussion

The Head of State said his government intends to build a country that has macroeconomic stability, resilience, and sustainability to ensure there is long-term continuous development and growth.

By Shamar Meusa

IN keeping with the government’s aim to build a resilient economy for 2030 and beyond, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that leaders have

to build a future that develops Guyana’s competitiveness, increases productivity and creates more employment opportunities, among other things.

The President made those

remarks during a discussion for 2023 and beyond, which was held at State House and saw stakeholders from several sectors coming together for a frank discussion on moving the country forward.

He asked: “How do we in the next eight years, lay the foundation that will build the economy that will perform in a world 2030 and beyond; that will be very much different from what you see today and still be able to compete globally and be a leader in a number of areas?”

It was then that President

Ali related that his position is that they can easily articulate a vision and work on a vision to position Guyana as a leader in energy, climate and environmental services and more, but people must understand what is required to achieve all this.

This type of discourse, he added, is necessary and not one that is short-sighted to only look at Budget 2023 and look at the removal of a few taxes and other smaller measures.

The Head of State said it must be a forum to ascertain how relevant stakeholders could build a system that is fit for pur-

pose and brings the ability to be flexible, and build a competitive environment in which the country will operate.

Against this backdrop, he related that there are a number of areas that the future platform of the country will be built on which include energy security, food security, ecological services, technological services, manufacturing and agro-processing.

He added: “Sometimes, we have to remove from the shortsighted nature of ourselves and look at the long term, and that

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

A section of the gathering at State House, on Thursday

alleged money laundering

FOLLOWING a twoyear investigation by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Police Corporal Rawl Haynes, on Thursday, appeared in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on money laundering charges.

The Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo resident was not required to plead to the three charges which were read to him by Magistrate Zamena Ali-Seepaul. He was later granted a total

of $300,000 bail.

Particulars of the first two charges alleged that Haynes, on April 7, 2020, converted $8,000,000 for part payment of properties located at Lots 284 and 285 Block 8 Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo respectively, knowing or having reason to believe that the said sum of money was the proceed of crime, with the aim of concealing or disguising the illicit origin of the cash.

He was released on $200,000 for the two charges and those matters were adjourned until January 17.

The third charge alleged that Haynes on August 22, 2019, converted the sum of $2,900,000 for payment of one Toyota Allion motor car # PYY 357, under the same circumstances.

For this charge, Haynes was granted $100,000 bail and the matter was transferred to the Wales Magistrate’s Court for January 25.

In March 2021, Haynes along with Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Kevin

Adonis and Sergeants Michael Corbin and Jermaine Fraser, were charged by SOCU with conspiracy to defraud the Guyana Police Force of $19 million.

Haynes was also charged separately with larceny by public officer.

This was after it was discovered that millions of dollars were fraudulently stolen in alleged conspiracies involving several senior and junior police ranks.

The cases were referred to SOCU for investigation.

In a release, SOCU said that Haynes had been under the radar

since 2020.

According to the Head of SOCU, Assistant Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh, the Police Corporal did a num -

ber of substantial cashbased transactions.

It is alleged that on April 7, 2020, Haynes purchased the Lot 285 property for $13 million and the Lot 284 property for $2 million.

These properties are situated next to each other. Official documents suggested that the properties would be transfer to Haynes upon the completion of court proceedings which are presently pending.

In the release, the Head SOCU further claimed that Haynes purchased two motor cars between August 2019 and February 2020.

Police Corporal Rawl Haynes

City Mayor in house lot scandal

GEORGETOWN Mayor

Ubraj Narine has reportedly knowingly engaged in land fraud, as he received a house lot under the former APNU+AFC government despite already being the owner of properties elsewhere.

This was according to Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues, during an airing of her weekly television show, “Making the Case.”

According to the minister, after the mayor had revealed during a live broadcast earlier this week that he owns property in

Pigeon Island on the East Coast of Demerara, an investigation was launched to ascertain how he was then able to acquire other property in 2019 and then again through the ministry in 2020.

Rodrigues revealed that records showed Narine acquired property at Pigeon Island in 2015 and then another at Vreeden-Hoop on the West Coast of Demerara in 2019 and later in Prospect, East Bank Demerara, in 2020.

“He was allocated land under the APNU+AFC coalition when they were trying to rig the elections. In the middle of

rigging the elections they were busy helping themselves and they gave Ubraj Narine property in Prospect, even though he was already the owner of at least two properties,” Minister Rodrigues said.

This, she said, amounted to defrauding the system as regulations indicate that persons can only benefit from the government’s housing programme if they are not already the owner of land/property, whether through the ministry or privately.

When receiving land through the government, Minister Rodrigues said persons are given a

document to sign, which states clearly that if the individual, their spouse or common-law partners are the owners or purchasers of immovable property, they are disqualified from accepting the allocation.

Rodrigues added: “And Ubraj Narine knowingly read this and signed this document, knowing that he already owned at least two properties prior to the allocation of this land from the Ministry of Housing under the APNU+AFC coalition when they were in office illegally.”

She went on to note that while the mayor wants to act as

though he cares about squatters or poor persons and the people of the country, that is not the case.

Rodrigues further said that the land which he was allocated could have benefitted a vulnerable family. Documents show that Narine even benefitted from a sizeable discount on his property acquired through the coalition.

She related that the matter is something that authorities will have to investigate further to explore a remedy or legal action.

She reiterated: “So he knowingly lied… this docu -

ment is false that he signed and so he may have to answer some questions and we’re going to have to look at ways in which we can reclaim this or there may be some remedies.”

Enhanced competitiveness, productivity, more employment...

FROM PAGE 3

is what we are here to look at. How do we position ourselves to benefit and to be part of this major transformation that will take place as a result of the investment that will take place over the next eight years?”

President Ali went on to note that discussions must surround the ideas and challenges that might be faced along the way and how those challenges could be addressed.

In addition to this, he said those discussions must be frank, open, positive, proactive and forward-looking

TRANSFORMATIONAL

AGENDA

The government has already embarked on a massive transformational agenda which includes several projects across the country to position Guyana to further improve its competitiveness.

“It’s not only the big macro issue we’re talking about, we’re looking at the micro issue, improving our competitiveness, our productive capacity,

we have to build a future that develops the competitiveness of our country, increases our productivity,” he said.

Guyana’s economy 2030 and beyond, Dr. Ali said, will stand once this transformative agenda is pursued diligently and using the examples of other nations as it relates to what not to do.

Speaking specifically of certain sectors, President Ali told the gathering that they must look at how they can strengthen the banking sector to deploy more capital, among other things.

Meanwhile, one attendee from the private sector raised concerns about an apparent shortage of foreign currency.

In response to this, VicePresident, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, said that Guyana does not have a single foreign currency market, where the aggregate supply and aggregate demand are allowed to clear.

What the country has is several banks with their own

demand and their own supply to their consumers and as a result, this is why the market does not clear.

Speaking specifically to one banker who raised the issue, the Vice President said that one bank may have a shortage because their demand is greater while another may have a surplus, but will never sell to a customer of another bank or will then charge them at a higher price.

“So, the state has to deal with the aggregates. The problem is that people use these Cambio licenses as a tool for their own competitiveness and to treat their own customers,” he said.

In most financial systems, he added there are interbank markets not just for money, but also for foreign currency, which people can trade; this, however, does not operate in Guyana.

The Vice-President said, therefore, that authorities cannot intervene every time there is a fluctuation in the market,

Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine

so stakeholders have to work closer to find solutions.

Meanwhile, a number of

other stakeholders in various sectors across the private sector made significant contribu-

tions and also raised concerns as part of the engaging session.

A Convenient Solution

AS Caribbean nations, particularly those ravaged by hurricanes and volcanoes, look for low-income housing solutions for its citizens, Guyana has a great opportunity to tap into this seemingly lucrative market, as we have seen.

Prefabricated houses are becoming increasingly popular across the world due to their affordability and speed of construction.

Guyanese, however, are yet to fully embrace this trend. With the increasing cost of building materials, they may want to carefully consider this option.

Wouldn’t it make sense to have a durable

structure constructed in half the time and at half the cost? When one takes other factors such as the amount of income and the size of one’s family into consideration, the best answer is yes.

That having been said, many have images in their minds of the house in which they want to live. However, not everyone can get what they want. The Government of Guyana is doing everything in its power to provide citizens with affordable housing. Mortgage rates have been reduced and the Ministry of Housing is overseeing the construction of houses of various sizes and

styles to meet everyone’s pocket.

The provision of affordable houses is an issue facing many Caribbean governments.

The effects of this is often felt following a natural disaster. The people of Haiti, St Vincent and the Grenadines, The Bahamas and Barbuda are among those who have been left with badly damaged houses or buildings in which they cannot live because they are structurally unsafe. It’s often a struggle to repair or rebuild.

The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines recently inspected some of Guyana’s low-income

houses and he clearly liked what he saw.

Arrangements are now being made for Guyanese manufacturer Duravilla, which specialises in prefabricated homes and hardwood products, to make and deliver 15 one, two and three-bedroom houses by the end of March. The houses will form part of the island’s rebuilding efforts after the 2021 volcanic eruption.

This is good news for Guyana because if all goes well, this can evolve into a lucrative business which could add to the positive reviews Guyana is already getting. Already known for its vast resources in -

cluding gold, diamond, rice, oil and agricultural products, Guyana can become the next big thing is “prefab” construction.

Dr Gonsalves said the houses were “elegant” and “reasonably priced.” He also brainstormed how the houses can be constructed to withstand a category four hurricane. What is more assuring is that he applauded the Guyana Government’s housing efforts.

Back in November, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, who is spearheading the government’s aggressive housing programme, had announced that the Guyana-made houses were

in high demand.

In addition to the 1,000 ordered by Barbados, St Vincent and Grenadines said it was interested in procuring 100. Antigua and Barbuda and Trinidad and Tobago had also expressed interest in acquiring some of the houses.

One cannot help but assume that PM Gonsalves did not realise how great a buy it was until he saw it firsthand.

Other Caribbean leaders should follow suit and take a tour of our prefabricated houses. After all, they could be the solution to the region’s housing problems.

Evidence at elections CoI

Dear Editor, A COUPLE of weeks ago, I spent a few moments reading the evidence given by the Honorable Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and was, to say the

least, astounded by the evidence given by the goodly lady. I resolved to remain quiet and just “swallow me spit.”

When I thought it couldn’t get worse, lo and behold, today’s (5/1/2023) reporting of the evidence

by the former Commissioner of Police sent me in a state from which it would be difficult to recover.

I could have never in my wildest dreams (and they can be wild) imagined such incompe -

tence ex isted in two of the highest institutions in our land.

I don’t expect any of the GECOM officials, whether the former CEO, the Deputy, “de mango man” or any of the Commission-

ers to respond to the GECOM’S Chairperson’s disclosures, but I would be very interested in reading in public print, the eloquent responses of Mr. Slowe and Mr. Conway, since they so often have their

intense knowledge of the SOPs of the Police Service displayed in public (mind you, I’m not referring to the SOP’s of the APNU+ AFC, which are still to be made public).

Best regards,

Harry N Nawbatt

Kaieteur News has been spearheading an attack on the government

Dear Editor,

THE editorial in Tuesday’s Kaieteur News titled “President Ali on Al Jazeera” speaks volumes about the Editor/publisher’s dissatisfaction with this government and I hear what he is saying, but may I please be permitted to make a few comments which I suspect will be of little comfort but which I will nevertheless make.

It seems to me, a Guyanese from the outside looking in, that there is no patience being shown towards this government that has only returned to power just two short years now and has during this short time, done more for Guyanese than their predecessors did between 2015 and 2020.

In my research of Kaieteur News editorials between 2015 and 2020, I find no criticism of the regime that was in power, no finger pointing and accusation of corruption and thievery.

Yet, since August 2020, this newspaper has been spearheading a full frontal attack on this government, calling them every evil name under the sun and totally dissatisfied with everything this government has tried to do for Guyanese and the Guyana economy.

In my past comments to previous editorials, I have asked that Kaieteur News’ journalists embark on investigative journalism (like we see here in the West) to expose the corruption and thievery you claim to be happening.

So far, I have seen no evidence of investigative journalism or a shred of evidence showing where, when and how the thievery and corruption are taking place, yet, they continue to make such outlandish accusations.

What is most ironic is the government between 2015 and 2020 with whom you had no problems, we are now seeing the evidence of corruption and thievery that took place when they were at the helm and which even to this day, you are not even remotely interested in publishing.

What is most perplexing is the expectation that this government will perform miracles and I suspect that even if that was possible it would not be enough.

I was born and raised in the colony of British Guiana and then suffered under 28 years of PNC dictatorial rule.

I challenge you to show me where Guyanese of that time were given a single dollar of relief pay-

out by the governments of the day. Show me where we got free world class healthcare with free medication, education grants or grants of any kind from the colonial government or the PNC government.

What we now see in Guyana is the current Guyanese population are being fed a diet of entitlement and unreasonable expectations. They are being told that they do not need to work and that they are entitled to much more than they are currently getting.

This is what they are being fed, day in and day out in Kaieteur News and social media despite the fact that Guyana has only been an oil producer for about three years, and it is greatly indebted to Exxon for the umpteen billions of $$$ U.S. spent on oil exploration and production which now has to be repaid.

Editor, if I were to give you the task of making healthcare in Guyana world class, do you think you can do it in two years, considering the level of healthcare in 2020 when the current government came to power?

Do you think, you would have eradicated poverty in Guyana by now had you been put in charge in July 2020? Would you have raised the standard

of living of all Guyanese so that everyone is happy and no one wants for anything?

I would certainly like to hear back from you on these questions.

Best regards, Dennis Balgobin

PNC leaders dodge elections CoI

FE ARING self-incrimination, three senior members of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) refused to give testimony before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the 2020 regional and general elections that saw an elaborate plot to rig the elections so that the PNCR-led APNU+AFC coalition could return to office.

Former Minister of

Health, Volda Lawrence; Carol Smith-Joseph and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings, opted to remain silent and not testify when they appeared before the CoI on Thursday.

Attorney Nigel Hughes who appeared on behalf of Lawrence and Smith-Joseph, said that their testimony would be in breach of Article 144 of the Constitution, their rights against self-incrimination.

Hughes added that his clients are part of criminal proceedings before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in relation to the elections. Senior Counsel Sophia Chote, of Trinidad and Tobago, informed the CoI that Dr Cummings had opted to take the same course of action.

So far, evidence provided to the CoI has detailed how some employees of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) participated in an alleged plot to divert votes to the APNU +AFC instead of safeguarding the electoral system.

The CoI has also heard from previous witnesses about the actions of former Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers; District Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo and Enrique Livan, during the vote count.

The GECOM employees are all before the court on electoral fraud charges.

Further, the CoI was told that GECOM staffers ignored specific instructions from the court, used materials

that were illegal and or manipulated, and sided with APNU+AFC agents to berate observers whenever objections were raised.

Smith-Joseph has been named by witnesses testifying before the CoI as one of the persons who threatened an observer representing the Bar Association, Pauline Chase, to stomp her in the face and threatened Private Sector Representative Kit Nascimento, to spit in his face.

Joseph had also told diplomats from the ABCE countries to “get the f– out of Guyana.”

Testimony was also provided that Dr Cummings had received a call and then passed that phone onto Myers during an encounter at the Ashmin’s building, the headquarters of the Region Four Returning Officer where the final tabulation was taking place.

Recently, the High Court refused to grant an injunction to three former employees of GECOM who were trying to prevent the CoI from compelling them to give evidence.

The applicants, Denise Babb-Cummings, Shefern February and

Michelle Miller had opted not to offer evidence in the CoI. The hearing into the substantive application was adjourned to February 2, 2023, by which time, the state is required to file an affidavit in defence.

Guyanese, after casting their votes on March 2, 2020, had to endure a five-month wait for the results of the elections, as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.

During this time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as electors observed what were described as attempts by the then APNU+AFC administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation, with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by Caribbean leaders and international observers.

It was only after the legal challenges and international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened and the figures showed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC coalition got 217,920 votes.

From left: Volda Lawrence, Carol Smith-Joseph, and Dr Karen Cummings

Honey production favourable despite challenging weather

– Minister Mustapha says

WITH the global honey market size expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2 per cent from 2022 to 2030, expanding Guyana’s honey industry will be high on the government’s agriculture development agenda for 2023.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, while addressing honey production for 2022, said that the Ministry of Agriculture through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has been working to develop the industry, especially in the hinterland communities.

He related that despite somewhat unfavourable weather conditions in 2022, Guyana was able to maintain its honey production levels.

“Although we experienced a lot of rain last year which is known to have an impact on how bees are able

to maneuver thus ultimately affecting honey production, we were able to maintain our overall honey production level, having produced over 3,700 gallons of honey in 2022. There was no decline.

“This is partly due to the fact that there were more hives and apiculturists working last year. More people have expressed an interest in becoming apiculturists and we’ve been able to assist them with training. Last year, the GLDA was tasked with developing a comprehensive plan for the industry and has commenced working with new and existing beekeepers so that they can either establish or expand their operations. This will continue in 2023,” the minister said.

Minister Mustapha said that during the course of 2023, persons from Regions One, Five, Six, and Nine

will benefit from additional support to further develop Guyana’s honey industry. This, he added, will enable persons to view bee rearing as an economic activity.

In 2021, the global honey market was said to be valued at US$8.58 billion. With honey being a natural sweetener and an excellent source of numerous nutritional ingredients including vitamins, minerals, calcium, and antioxidants, the global demand for pure and unadulterated honey continues to increase

Last August, during a visit to Region Nine, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, hinted at his government’s intention to develop the necessary infrastructure to advance apiculture in Masakenari Village, Deep South, Rupununi.

Given its vast honey production potential, the Head of State said that the village could become a major organic honey production hub.

149 new community policing groups formed in the hinterland last year

uted in Mahdia, Lethem, Mabaruma, and Linden to facilitate patrols in their communities.

In addition, 20 motorcycles were assigned to CPG liaison officers in different communities, and eight brush cutters were distributed to liaison officers in Mabaruma, Bartica, Lethem, Linden, C2, and A2 Divisions.

IN an effort to build strong community relations, the government through the Home Affairs Ministry invested some $99 million in the 2022 National Budget to support the National Community Policing (NCP) of Guyana.

Year-end statistics provided by the ministry to the Department of Public Information (DPI) revealed that the NCP expanded its capacity by forming 149 new groups in several regions across Guyana.

This is critical, since policing groups play an essential part in crime prevention in remote and rural communities.

Communities in Moruca and Mabaruma

in Region One, Orealla and Siparuta in Region Eight, and Lethem in Region Nine were beneficiaries of new policing groups that will serve in their best interest.

With the formation of the new groups, the total number of community policing groups has moved to 353, with a total membership of 7,425.

Not only were new groups formed, but the government provided necessary tools to the various groups to help them effectively serve their various communities.

Policing groups in Regions One, Six, Seven, and Nine received outboard engines and boats, while ATVs were distrib-

Also, 13 women groups were formed with 250 members and 41 youth groups with 1,090 members in communities across Guyana. (DPI)

A model hive on display at the inaugural Agri Investment Forum and Expo last May

Members of a community policing group

Commodity prices remain stable at major markets

PRICE checks by the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) between December 29, 2022 and January 4, 2023, showed that the retail and wholesale prices for crops and livestock remained stable at all major markets when compared to November to December 2022.

The GMC made checks at Kumaka, Anna Regina, Parika, Vreed-en-Hoop, Diamond, Stabroek, Bourda, Mon Repos, and Skeldon municipal markets.

As these major markets resumed normal operations following the festive season, GMC confirmed that the prices for chicken, beef, pork, and mutton remained steady and are in bountiful supply at all locations.

Other commodi -

ties such as milk, eggs, fruits, and fresh vegetables when compared to the corresponding period as livestock, remain available and affordable.

Notably, vegetables such as boulanger, cabbage, ochro, and pumpkin have remained under $500 per parcel and/or lb respectively.

The same can be said for plantains, carrots, and other root crops.

Moreover, Guyanese can look forward to the continuation of this trend as farmers

In September 2022, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean will benefit from a US$28 million investment from the United States (US) Government that will support increased food production and agriculture development in the region.

encounter more favourable weather conditions in the upcoming months, which is expected to inspire increased production.

In addition, food production in Guyana will continue to attract further investments in 2023 that will improve overall productivity in the sector.

Food security continues to be a paramount policy initiative for the Government of Guyana, which holds lead responsibility for agriculture, agricultural diversification, and food security in CARICOM, and is spearheading the regional body’s quest to reduce its foodimport bill; this is an action that requires each state achieving a reduction in foodimport of 25 per cent by 2025. (DPI)

Stable supply of fresh fruits and vegetables

Stable supply of root crops

Guyana’s manufacturing sector geared for exponential growth

– Prime Minister Gonsalves says

WITH the government’s financial injections into Guyana’s economy yielding major growth and transformation across the country, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves sees a major shift coming in Guyana’s economic viability on a regional and international scale.

He made this prediction during his engagement with members of the President’s Youth Advisory Council (PYAC), the One Guyana Company, and members of the Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) programme on Thursday.

Citing the scale of fellow CARICOM member Trinidad’s success in the manufacturing sector, Dr. Gonsalves said that up until now, no other country has been able to compete with that nation due to their low energy costs.

However, he stated, that may very well change shortly.

“Trinidad will be, in the next five years, challenged seriously by Guyana in respect of the manufacturing sector, and

the manufacturing trade in the region, because… the price of fuel will be competitive with that of Trinidad, the wage rates in Guyana are on an average low, the country’s wealth will source more productive workers, and you have more cheap raw materials from which you can draw for your manufacturing sector,” he said.

Critically, he added, Guyana’s government has been encouraging other CARICOM countries to invest and conduct business in Guyana.

Just last month, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that the government was positioning the country to be second to none in energy and food security, climate, ecological, biological, and technological services, as well as health and educational services, and manufacturing.

Through negotiations, collaboration and trade with other CARICOM member states, the government is also placing itself in a position of major growth and development to become a leader in the productive sector of the region. (DPI)

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves

$1.1B worth of drugs off the streets last year - CANU reports

THE government has been investing millions of dollars in the security sector to provide a safe and secure environment for Guyanese.

This includes purchasing vehicles for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) while training police officers and allocating half a million dollars to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) to advance its work.

These investments have proven fruitful with the GPF recording a 19 per cent decrease in serious crimes and now CANU increasing its narcotics seizure in 2022. During 2022, CANU conducted several raids and was able to clear 3,403.68 kilogrammes of narcotics amounting to a street value of $1.1 billion, off the streets.

This represents a significant increase when compared to 2,022.88 kilogrammes of narcotics amounting to $634 million in 2021.

There were 24 cases of cocaine, 80 cases of cannabis, four cases of ecstasy, and two cases of methamphetamine in 2022.

Seizures were made in Regions Four, Six, Nine,

Three, and 10, with Region Four, accounting for the largest narcotics seizure.

In Region Four: 104.49 kilogrammes of cocaine, 410.12 kilogrammes of cannabis, 302.6 grammes of methamphetamine, 366 grammes of ecstasy, and one kilogramme of can -

streets by the unit and handed over to the Guyana Police Force, and 1,708 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.

Those weapons are one crossbow, eight shotguns, and 12 pistols, which were

all handed over to the force.

In addition, CANU formed several units to bolster operations including the Metal Monitoring Unit, Joint Maritime Control Unit, and Container

Scanning Unit. It is also actively involved in investigating criminal activities such as terrorism, arms, human and wildlife trafficking.

Persons also completed training sessions in-

ternationally and locally to increase CANU’s human resource capacity. There was also greater collaboration among domestic agencies through successful joint operations. (DPI)

nabis seeds were confiscated.

In Region Six: 50 grammes of cocaine, 2845.52 kilogrammes of cannabis, and 452.7 grammes of ecstasy were removed from the streets by the unit, while in Region Nine – 22 grammes of cocaine and 4.81 kilogrammes of cannabis were removed.

Meanwhile, in Region Three: 16.74 kilogrammes of cocaine and 118 grammes of cannabis were seized while in Region 10, 19.67 kilogrammes of cannabis were seized by CANU.

According to CANU’s data, the conviction rate saw improvements as there were 115 cases of narcotics in 2022, and 42 convictions. Comparatively, there were 75 cases in 2021 with 24 convictions

In addition, 21 weapons were taken off the

Narcotics seized in September 2022 during one of the many raids done by CANU

‘Feel the Rhythm of the Drums’ set for today

AS part of efforts to increase interest in drumming and to promote unity, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Majek Fingers Drumming School, Orlando Primo, has organised a ‘drumming fest’ at the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) building, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

The aptly named “Feel the Rhythm of the Drums” event will see 10 drumming and dance groups coming together in a cultural display that promises to be a delight to those in attendance.

Locally made products will be on display from 16:00 hours but the actual event will get underway from 17:00 hours, Primo told Buzz this week.

“The festival is a celebration of unity through the arts; through drumming, dancing, poetry, singing and culture,” he shared. It is also being held to commemorate the 13th year of his drumming school’s existence.

The participating groups are Kreative Arts, Conga Nya, Music Unlimited, Devine Stars, Otishka Drummers, X Factor, Enigma Dance School, Unified Tassa Group, Dave Tassa, Dubraj Tassa, Happy Feet Dance School, and Kast Dancing Group.

According to Primo, the event will present a

grand opportunity for youths and others attending to get a firsthand experience with the art of drumming. It is intended to pique their interest and to possibly motivate them to pursue it.

“We (through the drumming school) create a space to help others learn the art form,” he added.

Primo is one of the four teachers at the school, having been taught since the age of seven by an older brother (now deceased).

“His legacy lives on

through the school. Drumming was never my thing but while growing up and learning the art, and understanding the importance of it, I found a love for it,” he expressed.

Primo who launched the drumming school in 2010 added that he thought that that was a good way to give back to the community, and, about five years ago, he opened a branch in Louisiana, USA, which has about 60 members.

The school here, at Lot 23 John and Norton

Streets, Werk-en-Rust, has 20 members and is growing.

“We teach the art of Afro-Caribbean drumming to kids and adults. We have the beginner, intermediate and professional levels. From as young as four years old; no matter the age, we teach you to play the drum,” Primo said.

The school was created with the focus of revitalising the drumming art form and to give young people an opportunity to learn to play.

Founder of Majek Fingers Drumming School, Orlando Primo

Five years ago, another branch of the drumming school was launched in Louisiana, USA (Photos courtesy of Orlando Primo)

The Majek Fingers Drumming School is now celebrating its 13th year in existence

Macka Diamond aims to sparkle more in 2023

MACKA Diamond is hailing her set at Alkaline’s New Rules Festival as her best moment in 2022. That show was held at the National Stadium in St Andrew, on July 2, 2022.

“Just imagine going on Alkaline’s show as a mongrel and coming out as a fully grown pedigree? That’s what led to a series of shows for the rest of the year. I kept telling myself that

Shaggy hopes to ‘Sting’ at Grammys

DESPITE having two Best Reggae Album Grammys, Shaggy says he’s a bit excited about his recent nomination in the category and is looking forward to the awards ceremony slated for next month.

“I’m really excited about this one, because of Sting. The one that we won the last time, Sting wasn’t with me. I’m hoping we’ll be together on this one. He [Sting] produced Com Fly Wid Mi...Sting made me do something I pretty much never knew I would do, which is to sing the way I do. Sting has always pushed me to do things that I’m scared of doing... He has always pushed me to that little place of uncomfortableness, for lack of a better world, so I’m really excited about this project,” he told the Jamaica Observer recently.

Com Fly Wid Mi was released in May and sees the entertainer Shaggy singing 10 of the legendary actor/singer Frank Sinatra’s best-known songs.

Nicknamed the ‘Chairman of the Board’ and ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’, Sinatra was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. He is among the world’s bestselling music artistes with an estimated 150 million record sales. Sinatra passed away May 14, 1998 at 82.

Shaggy said both Sting and himself had to personally promote the project.

“To get any major company to go behind a reggae

record right now is virtually impossible because of the market share we [reggae] hold. So I know we had to promote it ourselves. We did everything to be nominated. We created the right amount of music... We did all the right things to be nominated so we weren’t surprised. We did all the right things to be part of the conversation. If I wasn’t [nominated] I’d be disappointed, but I would be right there to cheer the next guy on,” he said.

Sting (given name Gordon Sumner) is a British musician and former frontman of rock band The Police from 1977 until their breakup in 1986. As a solo musician and a member of The Police, Sting has received 17 Grammy Awards.

Shaggy has two Grammy wins under his belt–he won in 1996 with the album Boombastic and again in 2019 for the joint album with Sting dubbed 44/876.

“If you look at the gap between my Grammys, the

first one was in 1996 and the other in 2019. I’m not really a Grammy darling, but it’s a small fraternity and you can understand why I’m part of the conversation. If you look at it, it’s quite undeniable. The year I won it, there was no other record as big as Mr. Boombastic, and there was no other record as big as 44/876 at that time. And the [44/876] tour was the second largest grossing tour in the world at the time. It kinda made sense. Nobody could sit down and question it–it’s warranted,” he said.

In addition to Shaggy’s Com Fly Wid Mi, Koffee (Gifted), Sean Paul (Scorcha), Kabaka Pyramid (The Kalling), and Protoje (Third Time’s the Charm) are the nominees for Best Reggae Album at the 65th Grammy Awards. It is scheduled for the Crypto. com Arena in Los Angeles on February 5, 2023. (Jamaica Observer)

I was going to the show to create a big impact and I did this and more. Within minutes of my performance, social media was buzzing like a bee,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

It was a year which started out with Macka Diamond’s Sweet Sixteen Birthday Tour which saw her performing in several US states, including New York, Connecticut, and North

Carolina.

“My Africa tour was great. Africa is very dear to my heart because this is the land of my forefathers. And, it reminds us of Nelson Mandela who fought in ending discrimination against blacks in South Africa,” she said.

For 2023, Macka Diamond will kick off her Sweet Sixteen Birthday Tour with performances in New York.

“I will be doing four performances then head off to Canada for the end of my tour February 4, 2023. I will also be promoting my latest songs Dream Body, Katchie featuring Razor B, Honor Roll, and Big Woman Choppa.

“Expect the release of an EP and lots more local shows as my fans are just hungry to see me in action,” she added. (Jamaica Observer)

Macka Diamond (Jamaica Observer photo)

British singer-songwriter Sting (left) and Shaggy greet each other warmly at the Ian Fleming International Airport in St Mary, in 2018 (Joseph Wellington/Jamaica Observer photo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday January 06, 2023)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to Sunday’s quiz: (1) 93 T20 International players (2) 13 captains

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many teams have contested Test matches to date?

(2) Against which team the WI have played most Test matches to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

RACING TIPS

English Racing Tips

Kempton

08:45 hrs Drum Brae Boy

09:15 hrs Princess Naomi 09:45 hrs Rooful

10:15 hrs Aztec Empire

10:45 hrs Golden Speech 11:15 hrs Dagmar Run 11:45 hrs Easy Equation

Ludlow 09:00 hrs Jar Du Desert 09:30 hrs Impose Toi 10:00 hrs For Langy 10:30 hrs Romancero Le Dun 11:00 hrs Tide Times 11:30 hrs Hurricane Harvey 12:00 hrs Call The Dance

Southwell 13:15 hrs Colors Of Freedom 13:45 hrs Haaland

14:15 hrs Rebel Angel 14:45 hrs

Dancinginthewoods

14:15 hrs Kodebreaker 15:45 hrs Harry Magnus 16:15 hrs Peachey Carnehan

Irish Racing Tips

Dundalk

11:50 hrs Zig Zag Zyggy 12:25 hrs Not Too Real Bad 13:00 hrs Zonik 13:30 hrs Je T’ai Porte 14:00 hrs Un Bacio Angora 14:30 hrs Rochester Mike 15:00 hrs Leclerc 15:30 hrs Woodrow

American Racing Tips Aqueduct

Race 1 Uncorrelated Race 2 Amanda’s Folly Race 3 Honest Banker Race 4 Lifetime Of Chance

Race 5 She Caught My Eye Race 6 Eternal Glory Race 7 Durkin’s Call

Arab Emirates Racing Tips

Meydan

10:00 hrs Deryan

10:35 hrs Walk On Stars 11:10 hrs Gladiator King 11:45 hrs Bay Of Plenty 12:20 hrs Secret Ambition

12:55 hrs Dubai Mirage 13:30 hrs Ponntos

South Africa Racing Tips

Fairview

08:00 hrs Honey Land 08:35 hrs Holly’s View

09:10 hrs Sarajevo

10:25 hrs Waiting For Summer 10:55 hrs Jack And Ginger

Shanaka overcomes

Axar to help Sri Lanka keep the series alive

Axar Patel tried his absolute best with both bat and ball, but Dasun Shanaka continued his all-round domination of India to bring up a 16-run win for Sri Lanka in what turned out to be a thrilling contest at MCA Stadium in Pune.

Batting first, the visitors, helped by some shoddy Indian bowling, including seven very costly no-balls, racked up 206 for 6 in their 20 overs. Kusal Mendis (52 off 31) and Shanaka (56* off 22) were their top-scorers.

The Sri Lankan bowlers then broke India's back, reducing the hosts to 57 for 5 in the 10th over. The chase seemed to be done and dusted at that stage, but Suryakumar Yadav and Axar staged a fightback for the ages, adding 91 runs off 40 balls for the sixth wicket. Even as Suryakumar fell, Axar and Shivam Mavi kept the game in the balance.

However, with India needing 21 to win off the final over, Shanaka picked up the ball for his first over, took two wickets and helped his side get over the line.

Kusal Mendis starts on fifth gear before spinners strike

It started well enough for India. They won the toss and were able to bowl first to avoid fielding in the dew later on. Hardik Pandya bowled the first over and conceded just two runs. And then it all went downhill. Mendis went on a rampage as Sri Lanka smashed 45 runs in the next three overs to trigger panic in the India camp. Mendis raced to a 27-ball fifty.

Hardik had to rely on his spinners to pull things back. Axar and Yuzvendra Chahal put a lid on the scoring and picked up wickets at the same time. The duo conceded just 54 runs off their eight overs combined.

Arshdeep and a tale of five no-balls

Arshdeep hasn't played competitive cricket since the final ODI against New Zealand on November 30 and was bound to be rusty

coming into this T20I. He was introduced in the second over and started off with a half-volley on the pads that was clipped through square leg. No fuss - first ball after a fairly long break, happens. The next four balls went for just a run. Then began a saga of inexplicable noballs - three on the bounce in his first over. The first was sprayed down leg, the next flicked to deep backward square leg for a four and the third smoked over the fielder in the same region.

Arshdeep wasn't brought back till the 19th over, and when he was, the horror noballs continued. He bowled two more - Shanaka was caught at long-on off one of those - to finish with figures of 37 runs in two overs. His five no-balls changed the complexion of the game.

Shanaka continues his India domination

When the Sri Lanka captain walked out to the middle, his side had stuttered to 110 for 4 in the 14th over. He then saw Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga fell to Umran Malik off successive balls and faced the hat-trick ball. One that he pumped straight over the bowler's head. There was no stopping Shanaka thereon. He brought up his fifty off 20 balls, the fastest by a Sri Lankan in men's T20Is, as they hammered 93 runs in the last six overs. Later, when the chase got tricky, he

took it upon himself to bowl the final over, and picked up two wickets, giving away four runs.

Sri Lanka quicks blow away India's top order

Seeing how Sri Lanka finished off their innings might have given hope to India's top order that the Pune surface was full of runs. They were in for a rude awakening. The Sri Lanka fast bowlers bowled with gusto and had the batters in all sorts of trouble. By the time the powerplay ended, the hosts had been reduced to 39 for 4, with all of Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha and Chamika Karunaratne on the board.

Axar, Suryakumar stage a fightback to remember India were languishing on 64 for 5 after 10 overs. With a long tail to follow, a heavy defeat seemed imminent. Then came a run-out chance, one that saw Axar and Suryakumar almost at the same end. Sri Lanka missed, and that turned a switch. Both Suryakumar and Axar went for their shots like two men possessed. Not one Sri Lanka bowler was spared and a required rate often near 15 was being managed fairly well. Axar brought up his fifty off 20 balls, Suryakumar off 33. Eventually, though, the target turned out to be a peak too big to scale.

Game recognises game - Dasun Shanaka pats Axar Patel after a fantastic knock (Associated Press)

Khawaja, Smith pulverize South Africa

Usman Khawaja made his highest Test score, while Steven Smith overtook Sir Donald Bradman in the record books with his 30th Test hundred, as Australia gained a stranglehold on the third Test against a hapless South Africa.

Khawaja was ruthless on a slow SCG surface to finish unbeaten on 195 and anchor Australia's massive 475 for 4. But their push for a declaration before stumps on day two was thwarted by rain ending play an hour early.

With a declaration looming, Khawaja and Travis Head accelerated after tea with Australia keen on moving the match forward due to more rain forecast in Sydney on days three and four.

In what has become a trademark, Head played a swashbuckling innings to smash a flagging South Africa attack with a 59-ball 70 before holing out. In his first Test match since 2018, and having tested positive for Covid-19 on a rapid antigen test before play on day one, Matt Renshaw was on 5 not out.

Khawaja bettered his

highest Test score of 174 in streaky fashion with a gloved boundary that just beat high-flying wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. His 13th Test century took him level with Wally Hammond, Doug Walters and VVS Laxman as the only batters to have struck three consecutive tons at the SCG.

Having revived his Test career a year ago with twin centuries against England on this ground, Khawaja has now hit four centuries from

seven Tests at the SCG with an average over 100.

It ended a frustrating Test summer for Khawaja, who had missed out on Australia's run glut and only averaged 27.43 from seven previous innings.

Khawaja combined in a 209-run partnership with Smith to torment South Africa for most of the first two sessions on day two. It was their 10th century partnership from just 33 innings and their highest stand, over-

taking their 188 against England at the SCG in 2018.

Having moved past Bradman on the career Test century list with his 30th ton, Smith fell for 104 after tamely spooning a return catch to spinner Keshav Maharaj. After a slow start, Smith produced a masterclass and reached his ton with a pull shot to the boundary off Anrich Nortje. His back-foot trigger movement was more pronounced in this innings, having been refined earlier in

the season, but it didn't affect his game with Smith toying with the bowlers.

It would have particularly satisfied Smith, who in 20 previous innings against South Africa averaged 41.67 - nearly 20 below his career mark. His only Test ton was in his first innings against them when he struck 100 in Centurion in 2014.

In the process, Smith overtook Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke to sit fourth overall in Test career runs for Australia. He also passed 1000 Test runs at the SCG as he struck his fourth ton on his home ground.

Another strong Australian batting effort put them on track for a clean sweep of the series with victory to secure a position in the World Test Championship final in June. They also completely sucked the life out of a beleaguered South Africa, who have been out of answers.

With just four wickets in 131 overs, the spotlight might further shine on under-pressure skipper Dean Elgar who has seemingly been reactionary and conservative with his tactics.

He juggled his bowlers sometimes bafflingly like when Nortje and spearhead Kagiso Rabada were not used after lunch with offspinner Simon Harmer taking an almost brand new ball.

Harmer had been under-bowled on day one and in the first session, but struggled to make an impact and was hit for a huge six by a fleet-footed Smith.

Nortje couldn't quite summon the same fire he conjured during his heroic day one effort, where he claimed the only two wickets, while Rabada was wayward to continue a disappointing series.

There was relief for leftarm spinner Maharaj after removing Smith out of nowhere. He was finally rewarded having leaked 247 runs off 75.5 overs in the series before his long overdue first scalp.

Their chances of a victory to revive their slim chances of making the World Test Championship final appear forlorn. To avoid a series whitewash, South Africa might need Sydney's temperamental weather to further intervene.

Late strikes boost NZ as Pakistan chase 319 on final day

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Some enterprising batting after tea, a late declaration from Tim Southee, and two Pakistan wickets in the final ten minutes of the fourth day gave New Zealand a massive advantage going into day five.

On the last day of the deadlocked Test series, New Zealand will need eight wickets to win while Pakistan need to either score 319 - a record target on Pakistan grounds - or survive a maximum of 90 overs.

New Zealand won two of the three sessions, starting off by dismissing Pakistan's overnight No. 11 inside the first over to take a 41-run lead. After that, Tom Latham (62), Kane Williamson (41), Tom Blundell (74) and Michael Bracewell (74*) made useful batting contributions to take their innings forward.

The way Blundell and Bracewell batted in the third session would've deflated Pakistan, however, Pakistan took three top-order wickets in quick succession after

lunch to dream of possibly chasing a lower target, but the Blundell-Bracewell duo put on 120 for the fifth wicket. That helped New Zealand eventually declare on 277 for 5 and set a target of 319.

Then, Pakistan, left with three overs to bat before stumps, lived their worstcase scenario. Abdullah Shafique was bowled by Southee for a duck and Mir Hamza also went for zero courtesy an Ish Sodhi ripper. Pakistan ended the day at 0 for 2.

The day had also begun for Pakistan poorly, lasting only one over with the bat on the fourth morning to be bowled for 408 and conceding a 41-run deficit. Even though Hamza dismissed Devon Conway for a first-ball duck, Latham and Williamson used their sweeps, and the latter his shots straight back, to put on a partnership of 109.

Latham and Williamson then looked to extend New Zealand's lead, but both were dismissed in

a frenetic period of play. Latham, on 57, was caught on the back foot off Abrar Ahmed around the stumps, but survived an lbw dismissal since Pakistan, with only one review in hand, did not go up after umpire Alex Wharf turned it down.

That decision from Babar Azam did not hurt Pakistan, though, since Latham was out for 62 next

over trying to flick Naseem Shah off his hips, only to hit it to the left of a diving Abrar at short midwicket. The new batter Nicholls then survived a caught-behind decision from umpire Aleem Dar, but his review changed the decision after no edge was detected.

Abrar, now high on confidence after the Latham catch, then trapped William-

son going for the sweep.

Williamson went up to review, and was deemed out by the faintest of margins with the ball clipping the outside half of leg stump.

Blundell then was given out lbw by Wharf first ball courtesy an Abrar googly, but his review saved him, with a spike coming up on replay.

Blundell made the most of that chance, and a

dropped catch by the wicketkeeper and Agha Salman at first slip, to motor along to his ninth half-century. It was a forgettable day for Sarfaraz, who dropped a total of three chances.

Bracewell, meanwhile, made a streaky start, genuinely struggling against the Abrar googly from around the stumps. But he hung in there and built on the longer the partnership grew in the final session.

Bracewell really showed his wares after the 75th over when New Zealand's lead had touched 270. At the time, he was on 45 in 99 balls, but then smacked Abrar for backto-back fours to reach his maiden Test fifty. While Blundell fell for 74 trying to slog another boundary, Bracewell remained unbeaten on 74. New Zealand could've batted out the day, but with the light dying, they preferred to bowl three overs at Pakistan. That proved to be deadly for the hosts under trying conditions.

Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith put on a 209-run partnership (Getty Images)

Tom Blundell's 74 helped New Zealand set a target of 319 (AFP/ Getty Images)

2022 was best year in Squash for Ashley Khalil Plans to return to Badminton in 2023

By Sean Devers

AT age 29, Guyana and Caribbean Women’s Squash champion, Ashley Khalil, informed Chronicle Sport that 2022 was her best year as a squash player.

The multitalented lass won the National Open Women’s title while her bother, Jason Ray, won the Men’s Title.

In a repeat of the National final, Ashley beat fellow Guyanese Taylor Fernandes in the final of the Senior CASA in Jamaica.

All of the semi-finalists in that tournament’s Womens’ division were Guyanese as Guyana won the Team Title.

Playing in her second Commonwealth Games, in London 2022, after participating in the 2010 Games in India, Ashley partnered with her brother to finish runner’s up in the Mixed Doubles Consolation.

“The only year that comes close would be 2007 when I won Junior Sportswoman of the Year and was National Champion in both squash and badminton in Under 15, 17 and 19 at 14 years old” said Ashley, whose first love was Badminton.

In that year, Ashely also won Silver and Bronze at the Junior Pan Am Games U-19 tournament and won Silver

at the National Seniors.

“My brother, Jason-Ray and I created history by being the first pair of siblings to win the Men’s and Women’s

Open Titles in 2019 and repeated the feat in 2022.

My 2022 performance at the Caribbean Championships was truly satisfying. I would

never be able to surpass that performance, but I could repeat it. Winning all the events played at a CASA is an extremely humbling experience”

continued Ashley, who quit Badminton due to issues with the GBA, which she feels wanted to keep her out.

“I feel I am still good enough in Badminton and in 2023, I plan to return [to] the Sport and hopefully represent Guyana once again” added Ashely.

Squash is not an Olympic Sport and Ashley feels that the biggest dream of any athlete is to participate in an Olympics….and Badminton might just give her that chance.

“The Commonwealth Games is always the toughest competition for a squash player as it consists of many of the world’s highest ranked players. It is also considered the “Squash Olympics” as squash is not an Olympic Sport as yet.

The greatest learning experience from this Commonwealth Games was to be more consistent and patient during the rallies” disclosed Ashley, who was born on March 15, 1993 in Georgetown to Raymond and Amanda Khalil and is the second of three siblings.

Ashley’s plans for 2023 is to continue training and competing in squash and hopefully play some badminton again.

“I also want to improve both my mental

and physical strengths

My resolution for 2023 is to be a better person both on and off the Court.

I do think about marriage and kids and it’s in the plan for the future, but as of now my main focus is on my family and improving my sporting career” revealed Ashley, who attended Marian Academy, from Prep ‘A’ to fifth form before going on to School of the Nations for another two years, completing lower and upper sixth forms.

“Unlike many public schools, most private Schools place a lot of emphasis on both sports and Academics. I am forever grateful for the well-rounded environment which Marian Academy provided during my school life.

“They not only encouraged academics but also extra-curriculum activities. As a result, I was able to excel in badminton, athletics and volleyball. I also played tennis and basketball” said Ashely

“I would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to my family, friends and all well-wishers. The support received throughout every tournament for the year 2022 has truly been incredible and humbling” concluded Ashley.

Coach Carl Ince is flanked by 2022 National Open Champions Jason Ray Khalid & his siser Ashley (Sean Devers photo)

National & Caribbean Champion Ashley Khalil plays a back hand shot (Sean Devers photo)

2022 was best year in Squash for Ashley Khalil

Plans to return to Badminton in 2023

GMR&SC to host elections on January 10

THE

report, and the election of Auditors.

18:00hrs.

The AGM will serve to elect members to the Executive Committee and there is expected to be a presentation on the management of the 2022 accounts, the Treasurer’s

It is understood that the current president, Mahendra ‘Raj’ Boodhoo, will seek re-election and will enter the elections with an unchanged slate. At this point, he has no challenger.

The successful slate which was elected into office on May 24, 2022, included Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin (Vice-President), Azim

Jaffar (Secretary), Chetram Singh (Treasurer), Azaad Hassan (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer), Rameez Mohamed (Club Captain), Joel Evans (Technical Adviser) along with Committee Members: Mark Vieira, Gavin Guyadin, Roshan Ali and John Chin

According to the notice by the club, “only financial members are entitled to attend and vote”.

Incumbent President Mahendra ‘Raj’ Boodhoo

Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) will host its 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at their Albert Street and Thomas Lands base on January 10 from

Team Champions Guyana at Senior CASA in Jamaica