Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 01-12-2023

FRIDAY 1st December, 2023

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE

No. 107281

ICJ to rule today on Guyana’s request for provisional measures

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President Ali conferred with Barbados’ highest national award SEE PAGE

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Guyana discusses border controversy with the UK

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday met with His Majesty King Charles III and former UK Prime Minister and current Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

During the meeting with the Foreign Secretary, issues related to the Guyana-Venezuela controversy were raised. Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo was also part of the meeting.

Dr. Ali is leading Guyana’s delegation at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

He will return to Guyana on Saturday, December 2. (Office of the President)

‘Rely only on Guyana gets greenlight to USSOUTHCOM donates up to US$550M from IDB US$1.1M field hospital to Guyana official sources’ access - as international institution approves SEE PAGE

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- PM commends continued security cooperation between the two nations

- PM urges Guyanese amidst proliferation of fake news surrounding Guyana/Venezuela border controversy

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country strategy for 2023-2026

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Essequibo belongs to Guyana! This is part of a series of information on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, and forms part of the national education campaign on the topic: The Government of Venezuela has now decided to put to its population, through a vote, certain questions relating to the matter before the Court. This so-called “Consultative Referendum” will be held on December 3, 2023.

The questions that will be answered by the Venezuelan people have been drafted to obtain responses that would support Venezuela’s decision to abandon the proceedings before the ICJ, and take unilateral action in furtherance of its claim.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

President Ali conferred with Barbados’ highest national award RECOGNISED for his leadership in regional cooperation, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali was conferred with Barbados’ highest honour, the Order of Freedom of Barbados.

The Guyanese of Headof-State is among several honorees who will receive the island’s highest national award in celebration of its independence.

He is being recognised for his “strong commitment to enhanced cooperation and collaboration to achieve regional integration and to foster deeper social and economic partnerships, particularly in relation to food and nutrition security and for the upliftment of the people of Barbados and the region.”

Since assuming presidential office back in 2020,

President Ali has been a bold voice in championing enhanced collaboration among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations.

President Ali is lead Head of Government with responsibility for Agriculture in CARICOM and over the past three years, President Ali has established several strategies to increase food production and reduce the

region’s hefty food-import bill.

While the award is mostly given to Barbadians, it can be given to a distinguished person who is not a citizen of Barbados.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, is also among the list of Independence Day honorees who were conferred with the national award.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley

USSOUTHCOM donates US$1.1M field hospital to Guyana - PM commends continued security cooperation between the two nations

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, attended a handing over ceremony of a US$1.124 million deployable multi-purpose field hospital, facilitated through the United States Government-Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), on Thursday, at Playfield, Base Camp Ayanganna.

In his remarks, the Acting Head of State expressed the Government of Guyana's appreciation for the donation, which he described as a form of continued support in the area of security cooperation with the aim to boost resilience of disaster preparedness.

He acknowledged the invaluable role of SOUTHCOM in identifying and addressing the capability gaps in humanitarian assistance and disaster management, particularly after hosting the recent TRADEWINDS exercise.

“This is not just about disaster, this is about contributing to the development of Guyana. Our deepest appreciation to SOUTHCOM

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, attended a handing over ceremony of a US$1.124 million deployable multi-purpose field hospital, facilitated through the United States Government-Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), on Thursday, at Playfield, Base Camp Ayanganna

and to the Government and people of the United States of America for this donation, and for being with us as we continue on this path of security cooperation that will only lead to the improvement of the lives and livelihood of the people of Guyana,” the Prime Minister said.

The present commander

of SOUTHCOM, General Richardson, was also commended for the ongoing engagement and dedication in delivering on identified needs to bridge capability gaps in Guyana, citing previous collaborations such as the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at Base Camp Stevenson, a DRM facility in Region Nine and the ex-

pected establishment of a EOC/Warehouse complex at Mahdia in Region Eight.

Highlighting the importance of the field hospital, Prime Minister Phillips who holds responsibility for disaster management in Guyana, outlined the donations’ role in advancing Guyana's implementation of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency

Management Agency (CDEMA) strategy.

“This facility here will help us to greatly advance in our implementation of comprehensive disaster management in Guyana, making us more effective and more able to bring relief to the people.”

During the handing over ceremony, US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole D. Theriot

said: “As Guyana works to improve its emergency disaster response in the near and long-term, the United States government is committed to supporting the people of Guyana and to strengthening our partnership”.

The handing-over ceremony also featured an incident simulation exercise.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

ICJ to rule today on Guyana’s request for provisional measures

THE International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to deliver its ruling today (December 1, 2023), on Guyana's request for provisional measures to prevent any action by Venezuela that could lead to the annexation of Guyana's territory.

The decision, expected at 10:00 hrs, will be handed down by the President of the ICJ, Justice Joan E. Donoghue, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands.

T h e u rg e n c y s u rrounding this ruling stems from Venezuela's scheduled referendum on December 3, prompting Guyana to seek protective measures to safeguard its sovereignty in the Essequibo region.

The gravity of the situation is underlined by the potential harm posed

by Venezuela's actions, as outlined in the referendum, which includes rejecting the 1899 Arbitral Award, challenging the ICJ's jurisdiction, and formally annexing the Essequibo Region.

The referendum also seeks to give Venezuelan citizenship and national identity cards to the Guyanese population, and to develop the territory as part of Venezuela,

“Guayana Esequiba.”

Ve n e z u e l a ’s Vice-President, Delcy Rodriguez, during the oral hearing at the court, expressed her nation’s complete disregard for the ICJ’s authority in addressing the border controversy.

However, renowned international legal counsel, Paul Reichler, supporting Guyana's case, had emphasised the strategic nature of Venezuela's referendum.

He stressed that it aims not only to assess public opinion, but to also secure popular sup-

port for decisions already made at the highest levels of the Venezuelan government.

Reichler underscored the need for the ICJ's intervention to prevent “incalculable and irreparable injury” to Guyana's rights, particularly in the Essequibo region.

The impending ruling holds significant importance for Guyana's ongoing territorial controversy with Venezuela.

The genesis of the controversy dates back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the land boundary between then British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.

Despite historical arbitration, tensions persisted, leading Guyana to approach the ICJ in 2018, seeking affirmation of the award's legitimacy.

The ICJ's provisional measures, if issued, are binding on the parties involved. Under the UN Charter, all states are solemnly bound to comply

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

with the court's orders, which can be enforced by the UN Security Council.

Guyana had reached out to the international community to call attention to Venezuela’s actions that are completely outside the norm of the Rule of Law, and which present a real threat to the peace and security of the Latin American and Caribbean Region.

In denouncing this

referendum and taking this matter to the Court, Guyana enjoyed the full, principled and unequivocal support of CARICOM, the Commonwealth and its other development partners around the world.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, had expressed confidence in the court's ability to uphold justice. But TURN TO PAGE 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

Guyana, US National Security Council discuss Venezuela’s referendum postures

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud

FOR Guyana and the United States of America, security cooperation remains a key component of their strategic partnership.

This was reaffirmed during a meeting between

a high-level team of the US National Security Council led by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud.

The meeting addressed, inter alia, Venezuela’s De-

cember 3 referendum.

Both sides committed to enhancing cooperation and coordination on this important matter, as well as other relevant issues.

FROM PAGE 4 while recognising Venezuela's right to consult its people on national matters, President Ali highlighted the extraordinary nature of the referendum.

He highlighted that it goes beyond ordinary consultation, constituting a potential licence to violate Guyana's fundamental rights as a sovereign state. “ W h a t Ve n e z u e l a seeks by way of this socalled referendum is a licence not only to break the law, but to crumble it to bits – a licence to violate and destroy Guyana’s fundamental rights as a sovereign State,” the Head of State said during a recent press conference.

President Ali had said that Guyana is confident that the Court will order Venezuela not to take any action that violates or interferes with its rights to and in the Essequibo Region during the remainder of this case, until the Court has ruled

on the legal validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and Guyana’s eternal rights to this territory.

“We neither expect nor need the Court to stop Venezuela from holding its referendum.

What we expect, and need, is an order from the Court preventing Venezuela from carrying out any of the hostile actions that might be endorsed by that referendum, or any other actions that interfere with Guyana’s sovereign rights,” he said.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., had expressed confidence that “justice will prevail”.

“The Government of Guyana remains optimistic that the Rule of Law and justice will prevail.

We are confident that appropriate orders will be made that will not only protect our territorial sovereignty but will also protect the integrity of the legal proceedings,

which will continue to remain pending in the court even after this ruling Friday,” Nandlall told this newspaper.

The Attorney-General highlighted that the ICJ has a duty to safeguard the integrity and sanctity of proceedings pending before it.

He expressed confidence that the court would not allow actions that could undermine its own process, especially concerning a party involved in an ongoing litigation.

“It is inconceivable that the court will stand idly by and allow a party to litigation which is pending before the court to take steps that will not only affect the pending litigation, but will undermine the court’s own process,” Nandlall said.

The substantive case, which highlights the historical context and the 1899 Arbitral Award, remains before the World Court.

ICJ to rule...

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

Fostering Quality Education

MANY persons opt to make the classroom their workstation because they want to make a difference in shaping young people’s lives and contribute to the development of their community and country.

Teaching is a multifaceted discipline that requires various skills and abilities.

As such, the appropriate training and higher education are essential to developing such qualities.

Earlier this week, a total of 1,796 teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) which is the only teacher training facility in Guyana. Further, this number represents the country’s largest batch to have ever graduated at one time.

Since taking office, the PPP/C has publicly declared its intention to reform the

country’s education sector to ensure that quality education is offered to learners at every level. Such a goal involves ensuring that the requisite human resources are in place.

It is for this reason that the government has invested heavily in teacher training and has been increasing incentives which would convince those in the profession to remain and others who are undecided to join.

In his remarks, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips told the graduates that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering quality education by investing in tangible initiatives, including improving educational facilities, expanding the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in education, enhancing TVET facilities, and increasing

scholarship opportunities, among others.

The execution of the abovementioned plans moves us one step closer to having a dedicated, qualified and passionate cadre of teachers who are tasked with the responsibly of molding the nation’s children and taking up that crucial role of helping to shape the country’s future.

A few weeks ago, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that $1.9 billion in additional disposable income will go to teachers. Among the incentives included in this sum are an education allowance of $ 10,000 monthly for holders of a bachelor’s degree, $20,000 for those with a master’s degree and $30,000 for those who are holders of a doctorate, a $20,000 education allowance for teachers in remote areas,

adjustments to salaries for various categories, among other measures.

The CPCE graduates were encouraged to pursue higher education so that aside from offering the best quality of education in the classroom, they can make a tangible contribution to the country’s education system.

This was a very important piece of advice particularly since Guyana is experiencing massive economic growth and has been making a name for herself on the world stage owing to the discovery of oil.

In order for us to survive in this very competitive world, we have to ensure that our people possessive the skills that will make them marketable and that our education system has all the resources necessary to make that possible. This

includes a well-trained cadre of teachers, who are on par with their colleagues in the more developed countries.

The government has been encouraging teachers to attend the University of Guyana and to pursue GOAL scholarship programmes. Many of them have done so which is evidence that they are serious about self-development and offering the best possible quality of education to learners.

What is even more impressive about this year’s batch of students is that 20 per cent of the new teachers are from hinterland and riverine communities. This is the highest number behind Region Four’s 35 per cent. Over the past three years, government has been working towards bridging

the various gaps that exist between the hinterland and the coastland. Access to quality education is more than likely at the top of the list.

This year’s high cohort of graduates also moves the government one step closer to its goal of having 100 per cent trained teachers in the classroom. As of now, 99.5 per cent of teachers are either trained or are in training.

The evolution of Guyana’s education system is on the right track and both President Ali and Subject Minister, Priya Manickchand have repeatedly assured this nation that they intend to pull all the stops to ensure that it is modernised and gains overwhelming recognition in the international arena.

A little knowledge could be a dangerous thing

Dear Editor, GHK Lall speaks with a forked tongue, in Stabroek News when he says “I may not be of or for the PPP, but the words of President Maduro struck a sharp chord… there is Guyana’s enemy. There is the man and his company who want to wrestle from us the greatest part of our inheritance.

Therefore, he should be Bharrat Jagdeo’s enemy and target for any verbal fusillades that he has in mind.”

GHK waxes patriotic lyrics in urging robust defence of Guyana’s territory and pride, but, on the same day, writing his daily column in Kaieteur News, GHK goes overboard with encouragement and advice to Maduro on how to possibly capture and hold the Essequibo! Unbelievable!

GHK begins: “I put myself in Senor Maduro’s shoes; …First, all comparisons favour Venezuela, and unquestionably so.

Manpower. Money. Military. Means. All are there to Guyana’s huge disadvantage”.

GHK continues: “Second, the international community is sure to be adversarial, but the bell would have already been rung, the deed

done... All of this takes time to unravel, and chaos keeps company in the ensuing unsettled circumstances.”

GHK is not done, he further urges Maduro: “All things considered, it may have been concluded by him [Maduro] that it is better to seize the moment, and deliver what has eluded all other Venezuelan leaders for many lifetimes... In other words, take a chance, and deal with the consequences later.”

I believe GHK’s column has moved into the territory of betrayal, treason, and collaboration; but before exploring handcuffs, Guyanese would do well to understand, that we are not quite the pushover GHK Lall thinks we are, nor, are his premises correct; allow me to elaborate.

In 1982, Venezuela became belligerent on the border controversy, they were at that time, swimming in oil money and prosperity, but the CIA report on their military capability, however, was revealing: “Plans to improve the military in the East will encounter major maintenance and logistical problems. Even with a large portion of the military budget allocated to maintenance, Venezuela is hard-

pressed to keep its equipment functioning.

High-ranking officers acknowledge that the army could sustain operations outside of the country for only a few days, not weeks. These problems suggest that a sustained operation outside of Venezuela by a large force would be extremely difficult at present.”

CIA Report: Implications of the Falklands conflict on territorial disputes in Latin America, Annex-3. (https:// www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIARDP85T00176R001300020043-4.pdf) Fast-forward to 2023, Venezuela is a failed state, its economy in ruins, its population migrating to all points of the compass, its military leaders operate fiefdoms; engaged in businesses such as the narco-trade, human trafficking, and, running the oil refineries.

To get the generals moving, Maduro has to do more than give an order, he has to provide financial incentives and we know the cupboard is bare. Venezuela’s major military equipment (what’s left) is kept moving by cannibalization, the F-16s have long been grounded and the submarines no longer float or dive; they wallow in their berths. GHK

Lall’s fantasy of Venezuela’s great military prowess is proof that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Guyana has also experienced a drastic change in fortune and circumstance from the days when Burnham pushed his “Defence Bonds” onto a Heavily Indebted Poor Country with no useful allegiances.

Today, Guyana is the one swimming to the top of the oil-rich. It is consequently inundated with friends and allies; shared interests make for shared beds. Guyana has a small, well-trained army that will be fighting (if needed) on equalizing terrain; it is reminiscent of conditions of the Battle of Thermopylae.

GHK Lall may quiver at the thought of a Maduro invasion, but the rest of us are working to make sure our enemies, inside and out, including Maduro, understand clearly it would be a costly misadventure; Molon Labe, Senor…

Sincerely, Robin Singh

President Carter saved the world from Henry Kissinger

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

HENRY Kissinger died at the age of 100, on Wednesday. I think there are many contents of the world a columnist after 1980 should never have missing in his/her repertoire of commentaries.

These include Fidel Castro; the assassination of Indira Gandhi; Nelson Mandela; Michael Jackson; Mikhail Gorbachev; the collapse of the USSR; the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004; the rise of the internet; the 9/11 attack on the US; America’s first Black President, Barack Obama; Donald Trump, Julian Assange; the ravages of COVID-19; the genocide in Gaza in October 2023; and now Henry Kissinger.

I may have left out a few important ones, but I believe a columnist doing analyses from 1980 onwards should never end his/her career without penning a commentary on the items listed above. If you ask someone to offer their list as I did mine above, I doubt President Jimmy Carter would make it. But Jimmy Carter has done for the US and the world an invaluable service.

President Carter saved the US and the world from the mental physiology of Henry Kissinger. I prefer the term “mental physiology” to psychology because I think the term best captures what the philosopher, Hanna Arendt describes as the “banality of evil.” Mr. Kissinger did not just have a complex psychology; he was simply an evil man.

When he died on Wednesday, two of the most influential media houses in the US which are far, far from being leftist, HuffPost and Rolling Stone, did a scathing, acidic, attack on his legacy in which they used the words, “war criminal” in their respective headlines to characterise Kissinger.

Analyses are pouring out on the man, but I doubt any would exceed the brilliance of the pieces on him in HuffPost and Rolling Stone.

In the 20th century, the developed countries have produced three personalities whose cruelties and demented use of power have no parallel. I am confining the argument to the developed world and not the Third World where Idi Amin in Uganda and Pol Pot in Cambodia were dictators.

The three from the developed world were Stalin in the USSR, Hitler in Germany and Mussolini in Italy. If I was to name another personality from the industrial Western countries that was a figure of cruelty, it would be Kissinger. On the basis of sheer numbers killed through the instrumentality of a directing hand, then Kissinger is far behind Stalin and Hitler. But I would say at the height of his power during the Cold War, the amount of people killed and country ravaged because of the situation would put him in front of Mussolini.

During the Cold War, the United States always enjoyed the label of a better global force over the USSR. People around the world in great numbers chose the US over the USSR. What Kissinger did, was that he erased that distinction by turning the US into an international

leviathan that must compete for international survival using methods that derecognised the role of moral values, humanitarian instincts and possession of reason and conscience.

What Kissinger did as Secretary of State in the US was to cause huge parts of the world including most post-colonial nations to treat the US and the USSR as the same side of the coin. To steer clear from both, the post-colonial world invented the Non-Aligned Movement.

I think it is true to say that if you did not have the Henry Kissinger power show in the 1970s, many anti-American revolutions would not have taken place and many fervent nationalist governments would not have become alienated from the US. Kissinger went on a rampage doing things around the world that even his boss, President Nixon did not know about.

While preserving apartheid in South Africa, Kissinger went on an overthrow rampage. He made sure any government that was not close to the US was either overthrown or destabilised. The more countries Kissinger offended the deeper was the alienation from the US. It was not until the ar-

rival of President Carter that Kissinger was stopped in his tracks. As a direct rebuff to Kissinger’s methodology in the use of global power, Carter made human rights concern one of the cornerstones of his foreign policy. Carter tied aid and arms sale to human rights observance.

Many of the dictatorships that Kissinger armed, Carter refused to sell arms to include the brain child of Kissinger – the Pinochet dictator in Chile.

After Kissinger faded from power in 1976 with

the rise of Carter, the presidencies of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama gradually erased any shadow of Kissinger in the foreign policy of the

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United States. Had there been no Jimmy Carter, Henry Kissinger would have destroyed the US and the world.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

United Airlines to offer direct flights between Houston, Guyana - gov’t approval pending

I N T E R N AT I O N A L LY accredited United Airlines has announced that on April 1, 2024, it will start offering nonstop services between Houston and Georgetown, Guyana.

While this plan is still subject to government approval, the major, Ameri-

can Airline, on their website, said: “On April 1, United will be the first airline to offer non-stop service between Houston and Georgetown, Guyana, with four times weekly service on a Boeing 737MAX 8 aircraft,” adding that this route joins nonstop flights to more than

160 destinations from Houston, including more than 85 destinations no other carriers serve nonstop from the city.

United Airlines, has its headquarters located in Chicago, Illinois's Willis Tower and all six inhabited continents and numerous American cities

(United Airlines Photo)

are served by United's extensive domestic and international route network.

This comes at a time when the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has processed well over 545,000 passengers so far for this year, as the

country continues to be an attractive destination for tourists and other categories of visitors.

Increases in air travel to Guyana reflect the transformational work being undertaken by the government under

the visionary leadership of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. The influx of visitors and investors coming to Guyana is attributed to the massive growth in the housing, tourism, transportation and agricultural sectors.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

‘Rely only on official sources’

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- PM urges Guyanese amidst proliferation of fake news surrounding Guyana/Venezuela border controversy

OFFICIALS are once again calling on the public to rely only on authorised channels regarding information on the ongoing Guyana/Venezuela border controversy.

While acknowledging the many concerns of the populace, Prime Minister, Briagdier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, urged citizens to only seek out and share information from official government sources.

“I wish to emphasise the importance of relying on official sources for national security and public safety information. We are working tirelessly to ensure that the interests of every Guyanese citizen

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

are safeguarded, and we encourage everyone to remain calm and rational during this period,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.

The government, he said, has made note of

recent messages shared amongst communities.

Some of these have raised concerns particularly in anticipation of the upcoming Venezuelan referendum on Guyana’s Essequibo.

These messages, the Prime Minister said, could potentially spread unnecessary fear and anxiety among citizens.

“Don’t always allow yourself to sit down and let somebody tell you about the border controversy, sometimes it’s good to go and do the reading yourself, because you have children to educate, your family; you have relatives, you have people in your neighbourhood. If you are a leader, they will ask you questions,” the Prime Minister said on Monday.

Recently, the Bolivarian Republic announced its plans to hold a referendum over Guyana’s territory on

December 3, 2023. The Government of Guyana has since approached the ICJ for provisional measures to prevent Venezuela from proceeding with its planned referendum. This referendum seeks to garner support from the Venezuelan populace to claim two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.

In response, the Guyana Government has embarked on a vigorous awareness campaign which has seen many sections of the population uniting.

Guyanese are gearing up for a day of prayer and fasting on December 3 to coincide with Vene-

zuela’s planned referendum. Religious leaders and groups will lead this spiritual initiative which will start with a symbolic human-chain formation, whereby citizens will join hands to exhibit the collective strength of the nation.

Meanwhile, both government and private sector agencies have been hosting sensitisation programmes.

“We have to ensure that every Guyanese… children in the schools, old folks who are shut in at homes, every Guyanese must be clear that Essequibo belongs to Guyana,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

5,000 allottees to soon access house lots in Region Three

MINISTER of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, on Thursday, conducted an inspection of infrastructure projects at several new housing developments in Region Three.

Accompanied by a team of engineers and contractors, Minister Croal visited

housing schemes at Leonora/ Groenveldt, Leonora Phase Two, Stewartville, MetenMeer-Zorg, and De Kenderen, West Coast Demerara.

He explained that approximately 5,000 residential house lots were allocated in these housing schemes, and individuals will begin

accessing their lands by next month.

“All persons in De Kenderen can be shown their lots…In terms of MetenMeer-Zorg, we are looking at February to be able to start showing persons their lots and to be able to complete in March,” the minister told

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, on Thursday, conducted an inspection of infrastructure projects at several new housing developments in Region Three (Ministry of Housing and Water photo)

the Department of Public Information (DPI).

In Leonora, the ongoing infrastructure works cater to the construction of houses.

Several homes are currently under construction, and another set will commence construction soon.

Despite some contractors encountering challenges in accessing the lands and facing difficulties sourcing construction materials, Minister Croal stated that the works are progressing smoothly.

However, he has emphasised the need for the timely completion of the projects, as allottees are eagerly awaiting access to their lands to start constructing their homes.

One contractor was summoned to a meeting since his work was impeding the progress of three others. Minister Croal said mechanisms will need to be established to ensure those contractors can access the lots.

“We have reinforced to the contractors the necessity

for completion. Certainty we are terminating one of the contractors and the other one, based on the engagement tomorrow, we will make a decision,” Minister Croal underscored.

Some $21 billion in infrastructure works are being executed in housing schemes in Region Three.

This is in addition to the Schoonord to Crane Fourlane Road, where $8.6 billion in works are currently underway.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

Barbados’ conferral of award on President Ali a symbol of his drive for regional development - private sector organisations, FITUG say

SEVERAL private sector organisations have extended congratulations to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali for receiving his Order of Freedom of Barbados, the highest national award of the country as it signifies evidence of his dedication to strengthen regional partnerships.

Deeming it “well-deserved”, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), during their congratulatory remarks said President Ali's inclusion in the list of Barbados’ Independence Day honourees is a testament of his remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment to promoting collaboration and achieving regional integration.

The press release went on to say that the PSC also joyfully extends congratulations to Dr. Ali on the “well-deserved” accolades bestowed upon him in September and October 2023.

“The Global Inspirational Leadership Award, conferred by the African Leadership Magazine, reflects President Ali's outstanding advocacy on behalf of the developing world, a recognition that underscores his global impact,” the PSC said.

The PSC then went to highlight the award President Ali received the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Award for his contribution to food security and sustainable development. “[It] highlights President Ali's exemplary leadership in agricultural transformation and his unwavering commitment to building resilient economies in Guyana and the Caribbean,” the release read.

With Dr. Ali making waves in both the regional and international realm,

the PSC stressed that his commitment to regional integration aligns with the goals of theirs and they look forward to continued collaboration in fostering economic growth and prosperity.

The PSC also congratulated the other honourees, including Rwandan President Kagame, for their significant contributions to the global community.

Meanwhile, the President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber, Manniram Prashad, expressed similar sentiments and commended Dr. Ali for his hard-work.

Moreover, while labelling the award as “another representation of the sterling leadership,” the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), and its affiliates namely: The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) congratulated President Ali for his accomplishment.

In a press release, FITUG said: “We are conscious, that since assuming office just three short years ago, President Ali has remained an ardent supporter and proponent of regional integration and collaboration.

“The President has never wavered from this objective and, undoubtedly, recognises the important historical and contemporary role played by

our country towards the long-cherished dream of a united Caribbean in addition to the opportunities of our unity.”

They also highlighted the deepening of relations between Guyana and Barbados under the leadership of President Ali and Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and stated that

the Federation is aware of several initiatives in this direction no doubt geared to furthering the links between our two countries whose relations date back many years.

The press release then went on to read: “We are certain that as President Ali takes up the mantle as Chairman of the Carib-

bean Community (CARICOM) in the first half of 2024, we will witness further efforts by him to foster regionalism and forge a common Caribbean identity. Indeed, under his leadership, we are convinced that regional integration would receive a fillip.”

Additionally, the

Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) extended its warmest congratulations to Dr. Ali and stressed that his award is a testament to his commitment to strengthening ties between Guyana and the Caribbean community.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

‘Tommy Lee’ drowns at Three in custody as mutilated Rock Creek Backdam body found in Kilcoy drain

POLICE are investigating an alleged drowning of an identifiable man, known as “Tommy Lee,” which occurred on Wednesday at Rock Creek Backdam, Mazaruni River, in Region Seven.

According to the police, on the day in question, at 08:00 hrs, an intoxicated “Tommy Lee” went to Vanessa’s Mining Camp at Rock Creek Backdam and started to converse with one

Lennox Adolphus.

“He then proceeded to an old mining pit located about 20 feet away from Vanessa’s Mining Camp to swim.

Shortly after, Adolphus left and went to do some work in Vannesa’s kitchen, leaving him in the Pit swimming by himself,” the police said in a release.

It is alleged that when Adolphus was finished in the kitchen, he went to check on “Tommy Lee” but he was

nowhere to be seen.

Acting on a hunch, Adolphus decided to conduct a search of the pit, and there he recovered Tommy’s motionless body beneath the water.

Police were contacted, and a rank, on arrival at the scene, checked the body of the victim and found no marks of violence on him.

Thereafter, the body was transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital as investigation continues.

THREE persons, including a woman, are currently in police custody following the discovery of the mutilated body of 43-year-old Chetram Ramjattan, known as “Buck Crab,” in a drain at Kilcoy, Corentyne, Berbice, on Thursday morning.

The suspects, aged 31, 32 and 34 are reported to be Venezuelan labourers residing in the same village.

The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Ramjattan, who is a domestic worker of Lot 53 Kilcoy Settlement, was allegedly murdered sometime between 13:00 hours on Sunday, November 26 and 06:50 hours on Thursday, November 30th.

Speaking with the media on Thursday, the victim’s sister, Kamaladai Ramjattan, 45, revealed that her brother had been missing for the past four days.

After searching, the family filed a missing person report at the Albion Police Station on

Wednesday.

Recounting the last sighting, Kamaladai mentioned that, on Sunday, at 12:00 hrs, she observed her brother con-

Chetram Ramjattan

suming alcohol at her home before he left.

The search intensified, leading a party to the vicinity of Arjune’s Chicken Farm at Fyrish Village, on Thursday, at about 6:00 hrs, where Chetram's lifeless body was found face down in a drain.

He was dressed in red and white track pants without a shirt. The external examination revealed suspected stab wounds below the neck, along with injuries on the head, indicating multiple chop wounds.

The body was picked up and escorted to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body was thereafter escorted to the Ramoo Funeral Home for a post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, Kamaladai described her brother as quiet, since he did not have problems with anyone. She is seeking justice for her brother’s death and hopes that the perpetrators will face the full brunt of the law.

“Them say he head cut out. Them stab am up in he stomach and chop up he face. The parlour say them damage am”, she told this newspaper while fighting back tears.

Investigation into the murder is ongoing.

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Guyana gets greenlight to access up to US$550M from IDB

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

- as international institution approves country strategy for 2023-2026

THE Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Bank (IDB) approved a new Country Strategy with Guyana for 2023 through 2026.

According to a press release from the IDB, the strategy is focused on resilient infrastructure, human capital development with an emphasis on improving health and education outcomes and social services and strengthening institutional capacity.

Wi t h a n i n d i c a tive lending pipeline of US$550 million from the sovereign side of the bank, the strategy aims to continue supporting Guyana as it pursues sustainable development and inclusive growth within a diversified economy.

Additionally, there is an expected increase in private sector activities from IDB Invest, the private sector arm of the IDB Group in keeping with the

economy’s growth trajectory and to foster access to longer-term financing for Guyana’s private sector.

This will strengthen the development of Guyana’s private sector by deepening its links to the booming economy and improving the business climate in non-oil industries through productivity-enhancing, resilient infrastructure and a better equipped labour force.

This new strategy puts people at the centre, reflecting the government’s commitment to improve the well-being of the Guyanese population, hand-inhand with the economic growth. Through these areas of support, the IDB will further contribute to Guyana’s economic transformation supporting more investment and employment, and ultimately improving standards of living across the country “It is a unique, oncein-a-lifetime opportuni-

ty to witness Guyana’s current resource boom,” said Lorena Solorzano Salazar, the IDB’s representative in Guyana.

He added: “It gives momentum to innovative and sustainable solutions that can help improve the quality of public and social services and, ultimately, people’s lives.”

Climate change, environmental sustainability and strengthening gender and diversity are cross-cutting themes of the strategy.

“As a long-standing development partner to Guyana, at the IDB Group

we remain committed to deepening our collaboration and ensuring our

interventions are meaningful and impactful,” added Solorzano Salazar.

The new strategy also provides support to Guyana on implementing its Low Carbon Development Strategy and meeting its decarbonisation objectives. Moreover, Guyana will leverage resources from other facilities like the IDB Group’s Amazonia Forever Programme and the forthcoming pro-

gramme for the Caribbean to strengthen Guyana’s actions in areas such as regional integration, food security, and climate change, among others.

The country strategy is the result of an inclusive process of sustained dialogue and engagement with the Government of Guyana, and consultation with a wide cross-section of civil society stakeholders.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

Private Sector body congratulates President Ali on receiving Barbados’ highest honour IN a momentous occasion, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has been bestowed with the prestigious Order of Freedom of Barbados, the highest national award of the country.

The announcement, made on Thursday, revealed President Ali as one of the Independence Day honourees, alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

The distinguished

This prestigious honour not only reflects his individual accomplishments but also symbolizes the spirit of unity and progress he advocates,” said Khan.

He explained that President Ali’s strong commitment to co-operation, as cited in the award, has played a pivotal role in achieving regional integration goals.

The recognition positions him as a beacon

honour is a testament to President Ali’s exceptional commitment to enhancing co-operation and fostering regional integration. The recognition specifically acknowledges his efforts in forging deeper social and economic partnerships aimed at uplifting the people of Barbados and the broader region.

Tr a d i t i o n a l l y r e served for Bajans, the Order of Freedom of Barbados, in a rare move, has been granted to President Ali as an Honorary Award recipient. This exceptional recognition highlights the global impact of President Ali’s leadership and his dedication to collaborative initiatives.

Halim Khan, Head of Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSi), extended his heartfelt congratulations to President Ali, emphasising the significance of the award.

“President Ali’s unwavering commitment to regional integration and socio-economic progress is truly commendable.

of leadership, inspiring not only the citizens of Barbados but also resonating with the international community.

“In an era where collaboration is key to addressing global challenges, President Ali’s recognition comes as a shining example of leadership that transcends borders. The acknowledgment alongside President Kagame underscores the caliber of leaders working towards shared goals on the international stage,” Khan added.

As the news of President Ali’s award reverberates, Khan said it is evident that his efforts have left an indelible mark on the path towards a more integrated and co-operative future for Barbados and the wider region.

“The award not only honours an individual but serves as a beacon of inspiration for collaborative efforts and partnerships, setting the stage for a brighter future,” Khan said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

Jumo responds to border controversy with ‘Let’s Love’ calypso Even though it’s nice to be nice in this beautiful paradise, don’t make no mistake and take things for granted.

We must stand up for our rights, whether it’s One Guyana, One People One Destiny, we must all come together and protect our sovereignty.

We don’t want war with our neighbours but we have to be smart, protecting our territories, protect it with all we heart.

By Telesha Ramnarine LOCAL singing sensation Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo has done it again – releasing new music - this time, not only to entertain but to educate the nation about the contentious Venezuela-Guyana border controversy.

“Let’s Love” is the title of his calypso 2024 track that was released at 08:30 hrs last Tuesday on all of his social media platforms.

It was written by him and produced by Fraser Recordz.

“A lot of people are not really taking it serious so it’s for awareness and also for people to understand it’s a time to put all differences aside and put country first,” Jumo told Buzz this week, adding, “Think about the nation, the future of our children. There is a time for everything - a time for joke and a time for seriousness.”

Jumo wants to achieve a nationwide call for peace, love and unity from all Guyanese through his new release.

“Let’s show the world that we are united and we know when to put our differences aside. I want everyone to share a call for brotherly and sisterly love, whether you like each other or not, because the outcome can affect all of us.”

He expressed that he also wants people to see this as a wakeup call for the nation because at this point, it’s not about party or race; it’s about country.

“And if we can come together now, we can do it all the time and let Guyana be an example to the rest of the world not only because of our resources, but our people’s love for each other living together in this beautiful country.”

“DJs can contact me on my WhatsApp (600-2768) or send their email to my inbox on Facebook so that they can be a part of the call for love and peace because it’s needed,” he added.

Below are the lyrics of the new song: “Tell Mr Maduro Essequibo is we own We have no problems with Venezuelans Please leave Guyana alone, They coming in by the thousands coming in by de droves.

Guyanese don’t play lackadaisical or we will surely lose our home So let’s love, and stop de fighting Come together and start uniting See everyone as a brother, as a sister, that’s the only way we can overcome.

So let’s love and stop de fighting.

Come together and start uniting See everyone as brother and your sister, that’s only way we can overcome

We don’t want to resort to violence, let’s resolve this thing peacefully.

Lord, put your hands on Guyana and protect this blessed country Come together, devise a plan, there must be a way to solve this dispute without bloodshed on we hands.

We don’t want to lose our soldiers, not a blade of grass.

People all over the world crying for peace who want war carry yo as…..s”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

Second annual Massy Christmas tree lightup slated for today MASSY Stores Guyana will be hosting its second annual Christmas tree light-up today from 15:00 hours at its Ruimveldt location.

Cristal Lam, the store supervisor said that in addition to the Christmas tree lightup, attendees will be treated to a number of giveaways and promotions by Massy Stores, including their Christmas Jackpot. Customers who spend $5,000 or more at any Massy location will have a chance to win the grand prize of a brand new MG ZX or one of the wonderful weekly prizes from now until January 31, 2024.

Further, with the purchase of $10,000 or more, persons will be able to receive a free gift and photo with Santa while stocks last.

According to Lam, “Santa will be here. Santa will be sharing out gifts as well, to about 100 kids, or just over a 100 kids, and of course there will be free ice-cream as well. So, with the photo for Santa, children will be able to have that opportunity, and of course if the adults would

like to join in the fun, then no problem.”

She described it as a collaborative affair with Massy’s suppliers which includes Banks D'Aguiar's

Search begins for Miss World Guyana 2024

Imperial House/Banks DIH, and Ansa McAL. Sampling of Rude Boy’s Beverages will also be done.

Lam urged persons to bring out their entire family.

The reigning Miss Guyana World, Andrea King, will be representing the country on the international stage on March 3, 2024 in India

MAJESTY International, the official licensee of the Miss World franchise for Guyana, proudly announces the launch of its search for Change Ambassadors for the 2024 Miss World Guyana season, commemorating 10 impactful years under the Beauty With a Purpose initiative.

According to a press release, this exciting initiative follows the remarkable achievement of Rafieya Hussain, who not only clinched the coveted Beauty With A Purpose Award in 2014 but also secured a top 10 placement, becoming the first Guyanese in over 40 years to achieve such recognition on the global Miss World stage.

Rafieya Hussain's historic win of the Beauty With A Purpose award in 2014 marked a transformative moment for Miss World Guyana.

This year's search aims to build on that legacy by identifying and empowering change agents, one of whom will proudly represent Guyana on the global stage at Miss World 2024.

“In alignment with the Beauty With a Purpose ethos, the Miss World Guyana or-

ganisation seeks young women epitomizing values such as compassion, social responsibility, purpose driven and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.”

“These Change Ambassadors will play a pivotal role in championing causes aligned with the Beauty With a Purpose ethos—the cornerstone of the Miss World organisation,” the release said.

Reigning Miss World Guyana 2022-2023, Andrea King, believe the last decade has been extraordinary for Miss World Guyana’s national winners, who collectively raised $60 million and sees the Beauty With a Purpose projects as a positive impact in the years to come.

"I am thrilled to be part of this momentous occasion as we embark on the 2024 journey to find Change Ambassadors who will carry the torch of Beauty With a Purpose forward,” King said.

As the reigning Miss World Guyana, Andrea is currently in the heightened period of her final preparations to represent Guyana at the Miss World 2023 compe-

tition in India.

The finals are scheduled to be held on March 3, 2024, in Delhi. Her dedication to the values of Beauty With a Purpose serves as a powerful example for aspiring Change Ambassadors.

Prospective Change Ambassadors are invited to submit their applications electronically for a chance to participate in the Miss World Guyana 2024 national competition and potentially become Miss World 2024.

“The application process and finals will be rigorous, evaluating candidates on their commitment to social causes, talent, communication & public speaking, fitness, marketing & media, teamwork, and leadership skills, as well as their ability to continuously effect positive change,” the release added.

Persons desirous for getting more information on the application process and updates on Miss World Guyana 2024, can visit www.missworldguyana.gy/ apply or contact team@ missworldguyana.gy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

Rupununi Music and Arts Festival pilots exciting upcycling music programme THE finale was noisy musically noisy - as the participants from Joshua House Children Centre ended the upcycling programme on a musical high.

Popular Surinamese musician Leon Limmer (aka Bongo Charlie), conducted the 16 -member group and the laughter and the percussive sounds filled the boardroom of the National Racquet Centre in Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, bringing the three-day pilot upcycling music programme to a happy ending earlier this month.

The ‘Arts & the Environment’ project, of the Rupununi Music & Arts Festival, is an ongoing tailored programme designed to integrate the arts into its educational work, focusing on creating awareness about the negative impact of climate change.

Aimed specifically at children and young people, the programme is flexible and can easily accommodates adults, each in their own way, contributing to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) through recycling, upcycling and tree planting.

The programme has been in gestation for nearly two years and was launched

Popular Surinamese musician Leon Limmer aka Bongo Charlie, conducted the 16-member group (Cindy Beckford photos)

in Lethem, Region Nine, last May 26, with the help of many supporters from the diplomatic community.

According to Festival Director, Dr. Bob Ramdhanie: “We must engage the younger generation about climate change and there’s no better way to do it than through the arts. We are surrounded by raging fires in Europe, the USA and Australia, tsunamis in Bangladesh, drought across Africa and these are all clear indicators that climate change is about you and me; about our behaviour and our reluctance to change.”

The arts are instruments of social change and have a key role to play in increas-

ing community awareness.

“As individuals, we may feel helpless and think we have no contribution to make but that’s not true. We can recycle and upcycle, we can plant trees and protect the ones we have, we can form community groups and spread awareness of the issues and we can join forces with many other organisations to make our voices heard,” Ramdhani shared.

The Festival launched two pilot programmes in Georgetown in last October and November. The October programme focused on sharing information about planting trees as part of a long-term economic strat-

one of the humblest, kindest human beings in Jamaica. As a matter of fact, when I had just got my break in music, he called me and gave me a whole heap of jewellery and told me I have to look like a star," Mr Vegas explained.

With its explosion on social media, Mr Vegas plans on hosting a dance challenge to further accelerate the promotion of Money Mike Walk.

"I was surprised at the quick, positive reaction. As a matter of fact, this is the first time I have gotten over 100,000 views in one week on TikTok and Instagram for any post I have made. I feel confident that the song will continue to grow, especially after the release of the music video which features Gabbidon, the creator of the dance move for the song Drift. I

will also be doing a major #mikechallenge on social media. People can post their videos and win nuff money," said Mr Vegas.

According to the I am Blessed entertainer, Millwood is appreciative of the song.

"I believe him rate the song big time, because he endorsed it by giving us his boat as a prop to use while we were filming the music video. He also made an appearance in the music video as well," Mr Vegas reasoned.

Money Mike Walk was produced by Kisko Hype and MV Music.

"So far, the reaction to the song has been very pleasing.

People have been calling from all over saying that the song is a hit. Right now, mi nervous because a long-time

Participants who were initially shy benefitted from the energy and enthusiasm that came out of the workshop

egy (cocoa and cotton) in addition to the cultivation of trees for food and fruits. In partnership with the University of Guyana, the festival will be planting 50 fruit trees on the university’s campus.

During November 1719, the festival collaborated with the Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname to pilot the music upcycling programme, which highlighted how discarded and unwanted materials could be recycled and upcycled,

Mr Vegas' Money Mike Walk explodes on social media

SONGS such as Raging Bull, Bruk it Down, Hot Wuk, and Tek Weh Yuself are among a long list of dance-inspired songs that have made dancehall veteran Mr Vegas a favourite among his fans.

The enterprising entertainer has scored another dance-inspired hit with Money Mike Walk, which is currently the rage on social media platforms Instagram and TikTok. Money Mike Walk is inspired by popular businessman and prominent property developer Michael "Money Mike" Millwood.

"When I saw Money Mike merely walking around and people found it hilarious, I decided to give him his own song. I know Mike personally; he is a family friend. He is

mi wah find back a hit song and Money Mike Walk plus another song Dugu 2 seem to be heading in that direction," said Mr Vegas.

Known for a string of hits, the Billboard-charting Mr Vegas (real name Clifford Smith) exploded onto the music scene in 1997 with the Jeremy Harding-produced Nike Air (Hand Inna Di Air) which charted on the UK Singles and Billboard charts.

Proving that he's no fluke, Mr Vegas later followed up scoring other Billboard-charting hits with Hot Wuk, Pull Up, Hot Gal Today (with Sean Paul), and Standing on the Sun (remix) with international superstar Beyoncé. (Jamaica Observer)

and turned into musical instruments.

The Festival sees the ‘Arts & The Environment’ programme as an integral element of its longer-term plans and will explore more avenues to engage creatives – landscape designers, story tellers, visual and performance artistes, architects, musicians, writers, composers and many others – to work alongside community groups, involving them in creative ways to share their stories and develop mean-

ingful programmes within an action-oriented climate change programme.

The workshops were free, and overall, both pilot programmes were successful and will be ongoing.

“Initially, participants who were introverted and shy expressed their joy and their happiness through their energy and enthusiasm in creating and making music from their souls,” Ramdhani said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday December 01, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Malcolm Marshall-41 wickets (26 matches) (2) James Anderson-32 wickets (21 matches) Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest ODI score made by a WI against ENG to date?

(2) What is the highest ODI score made by an English player against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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Reggae Girls...

From page 27 “Of course we wanted to win but we’re still in with a shot coming up in our final game.”

He continued: “I think we just didn’t score. We had to score goals to win and we just didn’t get on the scoresheet [enough].”

Jamaica twice spurned half-chances to take the lead early in the contest. Davia Richards just failed to get on to the end of Melissa Johnson’s squared pass in the ninth minute, with goalkeeper Yenith Bailey beaten.

In a nearly carbon copy move in the 17th minute, Buckey squirted a pass across goal but yet again, Richards failed to find the finish.

Against the run of play, the visitors took the lead when Lauren Reid brought down captain Natalia Mills in the box and Cox sent goalkeeper Serena Mensah

the wrong way from the spot.

However, Jamaica found the equalising goal with half-time beckoning, Marlo Sweatman scooping a cross to the far post where Buckley finished clinically.

In the second half, Jamaica pressed for the game-winning goal but failed to find it despite thrice coming close.

Meanwhile, unbeaten Guyana pulled off the most dominant win of the evening when they thrashed Dominica 9-0 in Paramaribo.

Playing in League B, the Guyanese got a hat-trick from Otesha Charles (4th, 74th, 79th) and a brace from Annalisa Vincent (38th, 88th) as they remained on top Group A with their fourth win, moving to 12 points.

The loss for Dominica was their third, leaving them bottom on four points and eliminated from progressing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

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England Test captain Ben Stokes had knee surgery and aims to be fit for India series

All-rounder Stokes was only able to play as a batter at the World Cup because of ongoing knee problems

ENGLAND Test captain, Ben Stokes, has undergone surgery to address problems with his left knee. The 32-year-old all-rounder was unable to bowl in the summer's final three Ashes Tests and only featured as a batter at the World Cup in India.

Stokes is aiming to regain fitness in time for England's five-match Test series in India in January.

He posted a picture on Instagram of himself on

crutches outside London's Cromwell Hospital, with a caption that read: "In and out.

Under the [knife emoji] done.

Rehab starts now."

Last week, the all-rounder made himself unavailable for the 2024 Indian Premier League to manage his workload and fitness.

Stokes was Chennai Super Kings' most expensive signing for the 2023 IPL but played just twice due to injury. (BBC Sport)

Reggae Girls held by Panama

Caption: Goal-scorer Shaneil Buckley.

MIAMI, United States, , (CMC) – Jamaica’s Reggae Girls left themselves with all to do against Guatemala next Sunday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Panama in their penultimate game of the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup qualifiers on Wednesday.

Playing at the National Stadium in Kingston, the Jamaicans trailed after 30 minutes through Marta Cox’s penalty but recovered to draw level courtesy of Shaneil

Buckley on the stroke of half-time.

The draw left Jamaica bottom of Group B of League A on two points, Panama moving to the top of the standings on seven points with Guatemala second on four points.

“We just wanted to ensure we didn’t lose tonight – that was the first objective,” said Jamaica’s head coach Xavier Gilbert.

Continued on page 26

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

Bumrah, Rahul and Shreyas back in India's Test squad

— Ajinkya Rahane, who was vice-captain on the West Indies tour earlier this year, has been dropped

KL RAHUL, Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah have made comebacks to India's Test squad for the two-match series in South Africa. Ajinkya Rahane has been dropped, while Virat Kohli, who opted out of the white-ball leg of the tour, is part of the squad led by Rohit Sharma.

Mohammed Shami, who was rested for India's last Test series, in the West Indies in July, is also back, but his inclusion is subject to fitness the BCCI release announcing the squad said the fast bowler was "currently undergoing medical treatment".

The series will also mark Rahul Dravid's first Test assignment in his second stint as India's head coach after his contract was extended on Wednesday.

With Rahul included as a wicketkeeping option, there was no place in the squad for KS Bharat, who was one of two keepers in the West Indies, where he slipped behind Ishan Kishan in the pecking order. Until that tour, India had preferred Bharat over

Kishan, both for the home series against Australia and the World Test Championship final at The Oval.

Also left out from the squad that toured West Indies are fast bowlers Jaydev Unadkat and Navdeep Saini, while fellow quick Mukesh Kumar, who made his debut during that series, keeps his place.

Bumrah last played a Test more than 17 months ago, against England in Birmingham. Since returning from a back injury that kept him out for over a year, Bumrah has slowly built up his workload across white-ball formats.

He returned to action this August on the tour of Ireland, and spearheaded India's pace attack at the 2023 World Cup, where he was the tournament's fourth highest wicket-taker. Rahul and Iyer are also returning to Test cricket following long injury layoffs after last playing the format during the Border-Gavaskar series at home in February-March.

Iyer's return left no place for Rahane, who was India's

Jasprit Bumrah last played a Test in Birmingham in July 2022 (Getty Images)

Test vice-captain on the tour of the Caribbean in July, an elevation that came on the back of an excellent outing in the WTC final against Australia at The Oval. Rahane's two subsequent innings in the Caribbean yielded scores of 3 and 8.

Ya s h a s v i J a i s w a l , a breakout star with a hundred on Test debut in the West Indies, is expected to open alongside Rohit with Shubman Gill continuing to bat at No. 3. Like in the Caribbean, Ruturaj Gaikwad pipped Abhimanyu Easwaran as the reserve opener.

Easwaran will have an

opportunity to strengthen his credentials, having been named in the Bharat-led India A squad for both the four-day games against South Africa A as well as in the expanded pool of Indian players for the intra-squad three-dayer. His inclusion, however, is subject to fitness.

The selectors have also handpicked Delhi fast-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana, Karnataka seamer Vidwath Kaverappa and Rajasthan left-arm spinner, Manav Suthar, for the four-dayers, on the back of their domestic performances. Rana and Suthar also impressed for

India A during the Emerging Nations' Asia Cup in July, and are part of a wider pool of players that have been earmarked by the NCA. Also in the mix for the red-ball games are prolific Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan and Tilak Varma.

India are scheduled to play two Tests in South Africa, in Centurion from December 26 and in Cape Town from January 3. The series is India's second in the 20232025 cycle of the World Test Championship, after the twoTest series in West Indies in July, which India won 2-0.

After the series in South Africa, India return home to host England for five Tests, which are also part of the WTC cycle.

The last time India played a Test series in South Africa was during the COVID-19 pandemic in December and January 2021-2022. India won the first Test in Centurion, before South Africa won in Johannesburg and Cape Town to take the series 2-1.

India's Test squad for South Africa

Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), KL Rahul (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-capt), Prasidh Krishna.

India A squad for the first four-day match: Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran*, Devdutt Padikkal, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Sarfaraz Khan, KS Bharat (C) (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Shardul Thakur, Pulkit Narang, Sourabh Kumar, Manav Suthar, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Tushar Deshpande.

India A squad for second four-day match: Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran*, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, KS Bharat (C)(wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Akash Deep, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Navdeep Saini.

BCB AGM and General elections to be held on December 17 THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) would be hosting its annual general meeting (AGM) and general elections on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at the St. Francis Community Developers Training Hall, Portuguese Quarter, Port Mourant.

The AGM starts at 10:00 hours and 14 cricket clubs and three sub associations are expected to participate.

The annual general meeting would see minutes of the last general meeting being submitted and adopted along with the president's report, secretary’s report, treasurer’s report and the chairman of competition committee report.

The elections which would be conducted by the cricket ombudsman would be for the position of president, vice president- cricket development, vice president- administration, vice president- finance, secretary,

…WBCA set for December 10 & UCCA on Dec 14

Hilbert Foster is the present BCB President

treasurer, assistant secretary and assistant treasurer.

The clubs and sub associations of the Berbice

Cricket Board are Berbice River Cricket Association, West Berbice Cricket Association (WBCA), Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA), RHTYSC, Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, Blairmont Cricket Club, Port Mourant Cricket Club, Kildonan Cricket Club, Whim Cricket Club, Chesney Cricket Club, Young Warriors Cricket Club, Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club, Tucber Park Cricket Club, Guymine Cricket Club, Mt Sinai Cricket Club, Police Sports Club and Fort Canje Mental Hospital.

Meanwhile, the annual general meeting of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association will be held on Thursday, December 14 at the Skeldon Community Centre. After the AGM, which is scheduled to start at 15:00 hours, the election of office bearers would take place. A total of 28 regis-

tered cricket clubs in this sub association are expected to vote for the position of president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and assistant secretary/treasurer.

The elections would be conducted by Malcolm Peters, the cricket ombudsman. Each of the 28 Upper Cricket Association clubs would be represented by two representatives and the UCCA is asking for them to be seated at the Centre by 14:45 hours for the AGM. The registered clubs of the UCCA which would participate in the AGM are Crabwood Creek gladiators, Crabwood Creek Bomb Squad, Crabwood Creek Sports Club, Line Path Raptors, Line Path CC, Skeldon Back Centre, Just Try Cricket Club, Scottsburgh CC, Dukestown CC, #73 Young Warriors, #73 Radha Krishna Foundation, #72 Cut and load, #71 Sports Club, #70 MYO, #70 Young

Blood, #70 Spartans, #69 Vikings, #69 Red Rose, #69 Eagles, #68 Turn Team, #68 Superstar, #64 Fighting Marines, #67 Cricket Club, #48 challengers, #43 Scorpions, Yakusarie Caribs, Yakusarie Horizon and #35 Explosion.

Cricket clubs in the West Berbice Association met on Thursday last and voted to hold the general election of the West Berbice Cricket Association on Sunday, December 10.

The clubs present were Shieldstown Sports Club, D Edwards Sports Club, #5 Modderlust, Woodley Park Young Strikers, Cotton Tree Die Hard, Bath Sports Club, Achievers Youth and Sports Club, Hope Town United, Bush Lot United, Bush Lot Rising Stars Rainbow Generation, Paradise Challengers while Blairmont Community Centre was present as an observer.

BCB. The clubs also decided that the following

clubs should be allowed to vote -- Shieldstown Sports Club, D’ Edward Sports Club, #5 Modderlust, Woodley Park Young Strikers, Cotton Tree Die Hard, Bath Sports Club, Achievers Youth and Sports club, Hopetown United, Bush Lot United, Bush Lot Rising Stars, Rainbow Generation, Paradise Challengers and Blairmont Renaults.

The Blairmont Community Centre and the Region Five Police team shall attend as observers. Each club shall be represented by two delegates and they are asked to be seated by 09:45 hours for a prompt start of the elections.

The elections which would be conducted by the cricket Ombudsman would see the election of the WBCA president, vice-president secretary, treasurer and assistant secretary.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

Timeline challenges force Dominica out of T20 World Cup hosting

ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC) – Dominica has pulled out of the staging of next year’s Twenty20 World Cup due to challenges with “implementation timelines” regarding venue upgrades.

In a statement Thursday, government said while the required work on the match venue, Windsor Park, and practice venue, Benjamin’s Park, had begun, “it would not be possible to complete these works within the stipulated time frame before the commencement of the tournament.”

The T20 World Cup runs from June 4-30 in the Caribbean and the United States.

Windsor Park.

“Several tangible actions were taken both at

Windsor Park, Dominica premier sporting venue

the Windsor Park Sports Stadium and at the Benjamin’s Park, including the commencement of upgrading and enhancement of the practice and match

venues, various assessments and the creation of additional pitches where necessary,” the statement said.

“As a result, a deci-

sion was taken not to host any of the matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 as it would not be prudent for the Government of Dominica to

commit to hosting these games.”

Dominica was one of seven Caribbean countries announced, in September, to host matches during the International Cricket Council showpiece, with Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, and St Vincent & the Grenadines also named as host venues.

Windsor Park, the country’s premier sporting venue, had been scheduled to stage one group stage match and two Super Eight games “subject to the attainment of various obligations as set out in a Memorandum of Understanding”, the government statement said.

“In light of Dominica’s sterling reputation in hosting international cricket,

this decision is considered to be in the best interest of all,” the statement continued.

“The Government of Dominica thanks Cricket West Indies (CWI) for its partnership over the years and looks forward to continued collaboration in the future.

“The Government of Dominica extends best wishes to the organisers for a successful tournament in June 2024.”

D o m i n i c a ’s w i t h drawal comes just seven months before the start of the tournament, which will also see matches played for the first time in Dallas, Fort Lauderdale and Long Island in New York.

Dowrich quits international cricket ten days after recall

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – WICKETKEEPE R / B AT S M A N S h a n e Dowrich has abruptly retired from international cricket, just ten days after being recalled to the West Indies squad, following a three-year exile.

Cricket West Indies made the shock announcement Thursday, saying the 32-yearold Barbadian’s decision was with “immediate effect” and had led to his withdrawal from the 15-man squad for the One-Day International series against England starting Sunday in Antigua.

Dowrich featured in the recently concluded Super50 Cup in Trinidad and Tobago, where he captained Combined Campuses and Colleges while scoring 234 runs at an average of 78.

“We want to thank Shane for [his] contribution when he played for West Indies,” said CWI’s director of cricket, Miles Bascombe.

West Indies wicketkeeper/ batsman, Shane Dowrich

“He is a disciplined, hard-working cricketer who always gave his utmost in front and behind the stumps.

“He had a memorable series in 2019 when he made an outstanding Test century on home soil in Barbados to help us beat England and win the Wisden Trophy.

“We respect his decision to retire and appreciate it is not an easy one to make. We wish him all the best as he steps away from the international stage.”

CWI said in its statement no replacement would be named.

Dowrich, who played 35 Tests and a single One-Day International, saw a promising career plunged into turmoil when he also abruptly left the tour of New Zealand three years ago for “personal reasons”.

That development was followed by a protracted break from first class cricket, the player finally making a return last year.

His recall to international cricket this month came four-and-a-half years after he played his only ODI but in defending the move, chief selector, the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, said Dowrich still had much to offer West Indies cricket.

“Dowrich has proven to be [a good] player, batting in the middle, playing spin very well,” Haynes said earlier this month.

“He’s done well. Even

though he hasn’t played a lot of one-day games, he’s done very well at Test level and that’s one of the things as selectors – we always think if you can perform at Test level, it makes it a lot easier playing 50-over cricket.

“And Dowrich proved he can play at that level with a couple of Test hundreds.

“He had an illness, he came back, he captained the CCC team, done very well.

He got a hundred and we were very impressed with the way how he led the side.

“We just thought in the situation of obviously we’ve only got Shai (Hope) as a ’keeper as well, we thought that Dowrich would just be the other ’keeper in the side.”

Dowrich scored 1 570 runs at an average of 29, hitting three centuries with a top score of 125 not out against Sri Lanka in Trinidad in 2018.

He snared 85 catches and five stumpings.

Bangladesh 310 and 212 for 3 (Shanto 104*, Mushfiqur 43*, Patel 1-94) lead New Zealand 317 (Williamson 104, Philips 42, Taijul 4-109) by 205 runs

NAJMUL Hossain Shanto's fifth Test century tilted the Sylhet Test heavily towards Bangladesh at the end of the third day. The home side lead New Zealand by 205 runs with seven wickets in hand, after mostly dominating the day's play.

Shanto added 96 runs for the unbroken

fourth wicket stand with Mushfiqur Rahim. That was Shanto's third Test hundred in the last four innings, after he scored twin tons against Afghanistan back in June.

Shanto celebrated in style after he reached the three-figure mark, as Bangladesh breathed a sigh of relief having lost two early wickets in their second innings.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

ANSA McAL onboard KFC Goodwill School Football

ANSA McAL Trading Limited announced their partnership with the Petra Organisation for the fourth annual Goodwill School Football tournament scheduled from December 12-22 in Georgetown.

On Tuesday, ANSA McAL’s Director Troy Codogan presented a sponsorship of G$1,260,000 in support of the tournament.

Troy Mendonca, Director of Petra Organisation, expressed gratitude to ANSA McAL for their enduring support. He highlighted the tournament's significant growth potential, evolving from a modest event with three teams, including a single foreign team, to this year's expanded lineup of

eight participating teams.

Top Jamaican School football team, Clarendon College, will contest the championships starting December 12.

The Jamaican joins teams from Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, who will battle against the top teams from Guyana in the tournament’s fourth edition, which concludes on December 22.

Clarendon College will join St. Benedict’s C o l l e g e f r o m Tr i n i dad and Tobago and Voorgezet Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs Four (VWO-4) of Suriname, defending champions D.C Caesar Fox Secondary (Waramadong), St. Ignatius Secondary along with the top three teams from the ongoing Lima-

col School League.

Teams will be split into two groups of four, and the top two will prog-

Petra Organisation member Jacqueline Boodie receives the sponsorship cheque from Non-Alcoholic Brand Manager Kristoff Stoll in the presence of Troy Mendonca (left), Co-Director of Petra Organisation, and Ansa McAl Managing Director Troy Cadogan

ress to the semi-finals.

The top school cops a prize of US$2,500, followed by US$1,500 (sec-

ond), US$1,000 (third), and US$500 (fourth).

Matches will be staged at the Ministry

of Education Ground, C a r i f e s t a Av e n u e , and Queen’s College Ground.

to clinch victory and qualification.

Masaba hopes that his team's success can develop the growth of cricket in Uganda, which does not have a professional system yet.

"There's lots of guys that have had to sacrifice work and family duty and school to pitch up for training and for tournaments," he added.

"Hopefully going forward, maybe we can fully professionalise and it just opens up opportunities for a lot of guys.

"It's shown that given the opportunity and the right facilitation, the game of cricket can grow much bigger in Africa.

"For us, it's opened a lot of doorways and shown the rest of the world that outside the top nations there's also quite a bit of potential and these boys just need the chance."

"For my players to interact with some of the big

names from India, Australia or New Zealand - that would be very special and something I look forward to.

"We came into this tournament and not many people gave us a chance, but it's cricket, bat and ball.

"We will walk into the World Cup firmly believing that we have a chance to win a couple of games. That's the mentality that has got us through this qualifier and it's the same mentality we'll create at the World Cup." Zimbabwe's men were the top-ranked side in the African qualifiers at 11th in the world, one place ahead of Namibia.

The Chevrons have played at six of the eight previous editions of the T20 World Cup and reached the Super 12 stage in Australia last year, but will miss out on next year's tournament.

New York, Dallas and Florida confirmed as 2024 host venues

T20 World Cup qualification 'a dream come true', says captain Brian Masaba

Uganda's qualification for the men's T20 World Cup in 2024 is a "dream come true", says their captain Brian Masaba.

Uganda have reached the tournament for the first time after a nine-wicket victory over Rwanda.

The win means the Cricket Cranes finish second in the African qualifiers in Windhoek, Namibia.

"We're still trying to process all the emotions," Masaba, 32, told the BBC World Service's Sportsworld.

"It's been a long process, a long journey. This is the culmination of a lot of sweat, blood and tears.

"As a team it was a very, very special moment for us."

Uganda will join Namibia, who qualified on Tuesday with a game to spare, at the tournament in the United States and the West Indies.

Uganda's run to qualifying included beating Zimbabwe by five wickets in

Uganda beat Zimbabwe, who have played at six of the eight previous editions of the Men's T20 World Cup, en route to qualification for the 2024 tournament

their first T20 International against a full ICC member, which Masaba describes as "the turning point".

"Once we beat Zimbabwe, we knew our fate was in our own hands and the boys stood up," he said.

"This is a big boy, the

World Cup! And to be on this platform is something that only happened in our wildest dreams and for us to finally get there is a dream come true for a lot of the guys."

They subsequently cruised to a nine-wicket triumph over Nigeria and beat

neighbours Kenya by 33 runs on Wednesday, then thrashing Rwanda by nine wickets after bowling them out for just 65 to spark the celebrations.

The team celebrated with a small band of travelling fans after opener Simon Ssesazi hit the winning run

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

Lady Jags whip Dominica 9-0 to maintain lead in Concacaf W Road To Gold Cup

GUYANA’S Lady Jags all but sealed their place in the preliminaries, as the Concacaf W Road To Gold Cup tournament continued with four League B encounters on Wednesday.

Suriname started the day with a victory to continue its chase for first place in Group A, but Guyana widened its gap with a dominant victory over Dominica.

The Lady Jags maintain their three-point lead and have built a tough goal differential to overcome, as the Preliminaries spot will be

The Lady Jags celebrate one of their nine goals (Photo: Concacaf)

decided on the final match-

day.

Guyana won 9-0 against Dominica at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Otesha Charles opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a left-footed strike from outside the box.

Shanice Alferd extended the lead in the 19th, converting on a delivery after a short pass from a corner kick.

Brianne Desa struck from the penalty spot in the 28th with a right-footed hit to the upper right corner.

Stefani Kouzas had an

attempt from inside the penalty arc in the 34th for Guyana’s fourth of the night.

Annalisa Vincent struck inside the area in the 38th, finding a lob pass from Desa to cement a strong 5-0 lead before halftime.

Anya Tribune got on the board in the 61st after pushing the ball past the goal line after the ball was assisted with a header on a free kick.

Charles earned her brace in the 74th, striking first time with her right foot past goalkeeper Celia Gregoire.

In similar fashion, this

time with a ball over the top, Charles struck again in the 79th to collect her first hattrick of the campaign.

Vincent headed in her second of the night in the 88th, connecting with a Charles service off a corner to complete the 9-0 scoreline.

After starting their campaign with a 2-1 loss to Antigua, the Lady Jags have been on a winning streak, defeating Dominica 5-0 and Suriname 1-0 twice, before Wednesday’s game. (CONCACAF).

WI-A in danger of defeat after another batting collapse

EAST LONDON, South Africa, (CMC) – West Indies-A were staring at a Herculean task on Friday’s final day of the second fourday “Test” after South Africa-A dominated Thursday’s penultimate day at Buffalo Park.

Set a mammoth 442 for victory, the visitors suffered yet another top order implosion to end on 134 for five in their second innings – still requiring a further 307 for victory.

Opener Zachary McCaskie struck his second half-century of the game with exactly 50 while Kavem Hodge chipped in with 22 but the remainder of the bat-

ting crumbled meekly, with off-spinner Dane Piedt doing the damage yet again with three for 57, to follow up his first innings five-wicket haul.

At the close, Tevin Imlach (16 not out) and fellow Guyanese Kevin Sinclair (15 not out) were propping up the innings.

Resuming the morning on 65 for one, South Africa-A flourished through Keegan Petersen who struck an up tempo unbeaten 112, before declaring their second innings on 297 for four.

He was supported by Raynard van Tonder who lashed 56, Khaya Zondo who got 49 and Tony de Zorzi who made 37.

Kaven Hodge

De Zorzi added only three to his overnight 34 but Petersen arrived to marshall the innings in a sequence of partnerships.

The 30-year-old right-

hander faced 134 balls and struck ten fours and five sixes, posting 64 for the third wicket with van Tonder, 101 for the fourth wicket with Zondo before adding 57 in

an unbroken fifth wicket stand with Ruan de Swardt (29 not out).

Van Tonder hit five fours and a six in a 74-ball knock while Zondo faced 62 deliveries and struck seven fours.

West Indies-A then found themselves in early trouble in their run chase when they slumped to 27 for two just after tea.

Left-hander Tagenarine Chanderpaul perished without scoring in the second over, caught behind driving at a wide delivery from seamer de Swardt.

And Kirk McKenzie, unbeaten on 13 at tea with West Indies-A on 23 for one, fell to the fifth delivery after the

break, bowled through the gate playing defensively to Piedt.

As they did in the first innings, McCaskie and Hodge then combined to prop up the innings, this time in a 59-run third wicket stand.

McCaskie counted seven fours in a 90-ball knock while Hodge faced 50 balls and struck three fours.

Seamer Tshepo Moreki broke the stand when he bowled Hodge and McCaskie eventually followed, lbw missing a pull at Piedt.

When captain Joshua Da Silva was stumped off Piedt for five, West Indies-A had lost three wickets for 32 runs to decline swiftly.

Springer and Hinckson smash 200m records at ‘Nationals’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 1, 2023

Tianna Springer shattered the Girls U-18 200m record

TIANNA Springer, Athaleyha Hinckson, and Skylar Charles, for the second night running, dazzled under the lights at the National Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara, by producing record-breaking runs on their way to gold at the 61st National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships.

With gold in the U-18 100m and 800m already in the bag, Springer added another gold and record by blazing to 24.30 seconds in the 200m on Thursday evening.

In the girls’ U-16, Hinckson clocked 24.50 seconds to smash Springer's previous record of 24.72 seconds in 2022.

District Three’s Jonathan

Roberts also got a sprint double as he missed out on a record in the 200m but got gold in a time of 22.32 seconds.

Tessianna Harris of District 10 lowered her 200m record to 26.35 seconds after clocking 27.84 seconds in 2022.

1500 METRES Javon Roberts struck gold but could not shatter another record as he clocked

Athaleyha Hinckson breezed to a new personal best in the Girls’ U-16 200m record

4:33.1 seconds, a distance from the standing record of 04:17.92 set by Murphy Nash in 2018.

District Five’s David Bovell (4:33.8 seconds) was second, followed by District Four’s Jamol Sulivan (4:40.4 seconds).

District Three’s Odida Parkinson suffered an upset in his Boys’ U-20, as he clocked 4:29.8 seconds to

finish second behind District Five’s Samuel Henry (4:27.1 seconds), while Akandy Vammaalson (4:31.9 seconds) of District 11 got the bronze.

Meanwhile, Deshwan Williams of District 13 (South Georgetown) won the female teachers U-31 Long Jump with a best leap of 4.13 metres.

Kerry Matheson of Dis-

trict 6 (Corentyne) got second (4.08m), while Sheneel McCalmon of District 10 got third (4.03m).

More so, District 11 won both the Boys and Girls Open 4x400m. The event will conclude tonight, with the main attraction being the 400m finals and 4x100m relays.

GCB congratulates President Ali following bestowal of Barbados’ Order of Freedom National Award THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) sent its congratulations to the President of the Republic of Guyana Dr. Mo-

hamed Irfaan Ali, who was bestowed with the Order of Freedom of Barbados on Thursday, November 30.

President Ali received the prestigious award as part of Barbados’ 57th Independence Day celebrations held on Thursday.

The Order of Freedom of Barbados, which is an honorary award, is given to distinguished non-Barbadians for

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their service to Barbados, the Caribbean, the Caribbean Diaspora or humanity at large.

| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023