Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 02-02-2023

Ranks assaulted, vehicles destroyed

- as CANU operation leads to fiery protest at Buxton

fied the suspect as 25-yearold Odearie Phillips of Vigilance Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, who was arrested. Phillips was taken into custody, and law enforcement officers have since seized the drugs found in the car.

served blocking the main highway with debris that was set on fire.

A container truck that was proceeding east along the highway was caught in the crossfire of the protest. The mob allegedly attacked the truck driver, and his vehicle was torched.

According to a statement

saulted several officers and damaged several of the unit’s vehicles to free Phillips.

However, residents stated that law enforcement officers indiscriminately opened gunfire, causing unrest.

One woman disclosed that she was awakened by the sound of gunshots.

“Before I heard the gunshots, I feel the building vibrate, when I lift my head and I look up I saw bullets coming through my building,” the resident said.

She explained further how the operation was conducted angered residents, who then pursued protest action.

25-year-old Odearie Phillips has since been arrested

of the public.

Nearby schools and a few businesses were closed as officers remained at the scene.

AN intelligence-led operation by the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) on Wednesday morning erupted into a fiery protest.

According to information from the Ministry of Home Affairs and CANU, ranks were pursuing a suspect driving along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) Public Road.

Some warning shots

were fired during the operation to stop the fleeing vehicle, which ended up in a nearby trench in the vicinity of Buxton, East Bank Demerara.

Twelve parcels of suspected cannabis, which amounted to 23.2 kilograms and valued at $7M, were found in the car’s trunk bearing the licence number PRR 6703.

CANU has since identi-

When the Guyana Chronicle arrived at the scene, residents were ob -

by CANU, members of the public became hostile, as-

However, the Ministry of Home Affairs has confirmed that no injuries were reported due to the operation.

The police stood between the crowd and the flames, followed by thick black smoke.

Meanwhile, traffic was diverted to the Railway Embankment, where officers were stationed to ensure the safe passage of motorists, pedestrians and other members

Some persons were seen walking after they disembarked public transportation at the neighbouring village, Annandale.

The Ministry of Home Affairs advised persons to desist from blocking the roadways and other illegal activities.

Subsequently, the police reported that all roadways had been cleared as the investigations continue.

A container truck that was set ablaze during the unrest

The car the suspect was driving ended up in a nearby trench

A fire was set using tyres and other debris brought a halt to traffic in the area

‘It’s like you read my mind’

- President Ali recovers Black Panther star’s birth certificate, parents’ marriage certificate

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali met with world-renowned Guyanese-British actress

Dr. Letitia Wright at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive Wednesday.

During the meeting, the Head of State presented Wright with a framed copy of her Guyanese birth certificate, and a copy of her parent’s marriage certificate.

The ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ star said she appreciated the gift, and that the President must have “read her mind”.

Dr. Wright is visiting her home country at the invitation of President Ali.

The University of Guyana (UG) on Wednesday conferred an honorary degree on Ms. Wright at its main campus at Turkeyen, Georgetown.

An honorary degree recognises meritorious accomplishments and activity in any given body of work.

Such work, in Wright’s

case, relates to her accomplishments as an actress, and its benefit to society, which is reflected in the values cherished by the university.

The actress, in her acceptance speech, shared her journey.

Her delivery from the podium hovered around an authentic reflection as a Guyanese who is filled with gratitude.

“I really took the opportunity to highlight my country, because this country is part of where I am from; this country

is in my bloodline. I go home, and there is pepperpot and bread. I go home, and there is roti; dhal roti; it’s my favourite. I go home, and there is Guyana in the very fabric of all that I do, and all that I am.

So, in a way, I have not been

home, but home hasn’t left me … As you love me, I love you; as you are proud of me, I am proud of you, too, Guyana,” Wright told the packed auditorium.

UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Paloma Mo -

hamed-Martin, before presenting the degree, took a moment to reflect on the long list of Guyanese in whose footsteps the actress is following, and who have similarly been bestowed with the same honour.

Enhanced community development efforts, solid-waste management imminent

- as House clears $18.9B for Local Government Ministry - Dharamlall calls out APNU+AFC for neglecting City Hall

By Clestine Juan

GUYANA’S lawmakers, on Wednesday, approved the sum of $18.9 billion allocated to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, as the consideration of estimates entered day three.

Subject Minister Nigel Dharamlall said that the money was much needed, especially the $263.1M, which is also allocated for the continued restoration of the iconic City Hall building in central Georgetown.

Under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project, $13.1 billion was allocated for the Mon Repos, Parika, and Leonora Markets, along with the provision for community enhancement programmes and the National Pathway Workers Project.

“These markets have been a hodgepodge… “We have decided as a government to enhance the quality of services at the markets, and we have consistently been upgrading these markets in

different phases,” the Minister told the Committee of Supply.

For project development and assistance, $1 billion was budgeted for the subvention to municipalities and neighbourhood democratic councils across the regions.

Meanwhile, under the Regional Economic Transformation, $1.5 billion was allotted to the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) projects and programmes.

Further, the sum of $1B was also approved for the Solid Waste Disposal Programme to construct a stormwater pond and landfill gas management system at the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Site.

The money will also be used to build landfills in Blairmont, Zorg-en-Vlygt, Kildonan, Bon Success, and Kara-Kara. It will also facilitate the closure of dumpsites at Charity, Lima, D’Edward and Esplande.

The House also approved the sum of $27.5M for furni-

ture, equipment, and infrastructural development.

Dharamlall took questions about his ministry from Shadow Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), who wanted an update on the City Hall Project.

Under the Georgetown Enhancement Programme, the restoration of the City Hall building is projected to cost some $780.7M, and Minister Dharamlall told the committee it is on track for completion this year.

The $780 million contract was signed on September 24, 2021, with Fidis Guyana Incorporated.

The Minister called out the opposition for neglecting the local landmark, an onus that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will take.

“City Hall has been in a dilapidated state for a very, very long time, to no fault of this government. One of President [Dr Irfaan] Ali’s

commitments as soon as he took office was the transformation of Georgetown.”

Minister Dharamlall continued: “this building has been under the Administration of the City Council for all of the years that the council has been in existence, and it is quite alarming that…. The City Council of Georgetown is controlled primarily and almost exclusively by the People’s National Congress, and of recent vintage, the APNU+AFC, of which PNC is the primary party.”

He explained to the Committee that under the administration of APNU+AFC, City Hall was left to “rot” and become “a national embarrassment” for Guyana.

“The city transcends the politics of our country and even goes beyond the minute details.” They [APNU+AFC] have refused to put resources towards cleaning Georgetown. They have refused to put resources towards the restoration of City Hall. They have refused to put resources towards safety and security in the city, where the constabulary has been hamstrung for decades.”

Further, the Minister underscored, “they have refused to put resources into the markets of Georgetown. They have refused to put resources towards the upliftment of the aesthetics of the city. But whilst they’ve refused to do almost everything to be done in the city, they have spent in excess of $2.1 billion dollars per year…A lot of the resources went for political purposes rather than to fix

City Hall.”

He added that the PPP/C government remains “steadfast” in restoring Georgetown to its original glory—the Garden City, which houses Guyana’s largest urban population.

While explaining that the restoration is quite an intricate exercise, Dharamlall said that many other issues are being found in the building.

However, he assured the Committee that this would also be fixed.

“We will not cash strap this process at the expense of compromising on the quality of the work. But we have done tremendous work already. And so far, we are on time to complete the contract at the end of the contract period,” he added.

The Minister chided the Opposition for not visiting the ongoing work at City Hall and for not partaking in the city-wide clean-up exercise, which is being led by President Irfaan Ali and is aimed at creating a family-oriented city.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

President Dr. Irfaan Ali after presenting Dr. Wright with a framed copy of her Guyanese birth certificate, and a copy of her parents’ marriage certificate

Guyanese-British actress Dr. Letitia Wright displays a copy of her birth certificate after receiving it from President Dr. Irfaan Ali

APNU+AFC SLED programme riddled with discrepancies

- Local Government Minister tells Committee of Supply

By Clestine Juan

MINISTER of Local Government Nigel Dharamlall has called out the Opposition for grabbing millions of dollars’ worth of grants under the Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme that was intended to benefit single parents and other vulnerable citizens.

On Wednesday, the Committee of Supply approved a total of $1.5B following scrutiny from A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Shadow Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul.

Minster Dharamlall reminded the House that the PNC/R is the largest element in the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, which started the SLED programme during their time in government from 2015 – 2020.

However, it was not until a change of government in 2020 that several instances

of what amounted to ‘fraud and criminality’ in the spending were unearthed under the project.

“We are currently conducting a forensic audit of the programme during the course of the administration of the APNU+AFC. And to give you some titbits about what we have found that will be ungracious when [Leader of the Opposition Aubrey] Norton hears of who, amongst his cohort, how many of them have benefited, some in the millions,” Minister Dharamlall revealed.

He alleged that some of the APNU+AFC members personally benefitted from the grants; even a senior member, he said, benefitted some $165M on the pretext of setting up an organisation in the Rupununi.

“I can assure you, when the audit is fully complete, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) does take action against those who pilferaged this lead grant programme,” the minister told the Committee.

Despite these grim circumstances, the minister said that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government would continue with their commitment to regional transformation, regional economic transformation, and, more particularly, the transformation of villages across Guyana.

“President Ali made a commitment in 2020 to make sure that small businesses benefit as much as possible, and small people, many of whom are single mothers and are vulnerable, benefit from grants such as this. So, during the course of this year, we will intensify the distribution of grants across the country,” Minister Dharamlall said, adding:

“Unfortunately, in the last government, only a handful benefitted. Now the masses will benefit from this programme.”

The programme provided funding to individual persons or organisations to support entrepreneurial activities, particularly in the areas of agriculture, livestock and apiculture.

A total of $760 million was disbursed under the SLED programme from 2015 to 2020, in increments of $115 million, $40 million, $100 million, $150 million, $250 million and $105 million, respectively.

The capital programme was first catered for under the then Ministry of Communities, but was later transferred to the then Ministry of Social Protection. In 2020, it was transferred to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

In that same year, after the PPP/C assumed office in August, the Ministry of Labour began assessing the disbursed monies, and how the projects from previous years have impacted community development. A special audit on the programme is also being carried out by the Audit Office, after several irregularities in the issuing system were detected in the 2019 disbursements.

From the physical assessments conducted by the ministry of the 2019 projects in Region 10 ((Upper Demerara-Berbice), several

alleged instances of ‘fraud and criminality’ are said to have been detected.

Several of the business ventures were done under coop societies. However, it was discovered that several of the co-ops were not registered with the co-ops division of the Labour Ministry.

Further, most of the projects that were assessed were never completed and needed to be fixed, notwithstanding all the money being disbursed.

According to the Auditor General’s 2019 Report: “Audit examination of a sample of beneficiaries’ files revealed that application forms were not completed, despite being a requirement.

In addition, no criteria or checklist was seen as utilised for the appraisal and approval of grants. As a result, it was difficult to ascertain the reason(s) for granting approval to the beneficiaries.”

The Auditor General’s 2020 Report noted that a Special Audit into the SLED Projects will be launched, and a separate report will be issued.

“Audit examination of a sample of beneficiary’s files under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) projects revealed that no application forms were completed despite it being a requirement as stated in the notice inviting applications published in the newspapers. In addition, there was no criteria or checklist seen as utilised for the appraisal and approval of this grant. As a result, it was difficult to ascertain the reason(s) for approving the respective beneficiaries,” the 2020 AG report reinforced.

Minister of Local Government Nigel Dharamlall

$9.7B budgeted to transform Region Three

A TOTAL of $9.7 billion has been set aside in this year’s budget to transform the landscape of Region Three (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara).

The administration has proposed a budget that strikes a balance between catering to the immediate needs of the present and the essential investments necessary for the future, ensuring that both are given appropriate attention. This is done in order to keep its commitments.

Particularly, residents of Region Three should expect a significant improvement in public works, health, and education.

This was according to the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development,

Nigel Dharamlall, on Wednesday, as the National Assembly dissolved into the Committee of Supply for consideration of estimates for Budget 2023.

During the examination of estimates for Region Three, the minister was asked several questions concerning the budget and whether it caters for develop -

ment.

Dharamlall related numerous works that the government has in store for the region.

Notably, a whopping $259 million was allocated to public works in the region. Key projects the budget caters to are; the construction of bridges at Leonora, Leguan, Uitvlugt, Wakenaam, Crane and Belle Vue.

Moreover, to improve access and living conditions for the residents of Region Three, the construction and rehabilitation of roads in Leonora, De Kinderen, De Willem, Uitvlugt, Stewartville, and Hague will also be on the cards.

With Region Three being dubbed by many as the new hub for development opportuni -

ties because of plans in place to establish a gas-to-energy project, works on a US$300 million Vreed-en-Hoop shore base facility, and the two four-lane highways are in the works, it is without a doubt that the region has constantly received tremendous support from the government, including several housing drives hosted under the flagship ‘Dream Realised’ housing initiative.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the education sector, a total of $372 million was budgeted to assist with education delivery. In particular, completing Zeelugt

Primary and Hydronie Nursery schools are essential projects to execute.

Moreover, $243.7 million was allocated for health services in Region Three. Projects include the rehabilitation of the health centre at Meten-meer-Zorg, the reconstruction of the health post at Verna Luke and landing at Upper Bonasika, the provision for a ramp and furnace at Aliki Health Post and the upgrading of West Demerara Regional Hospital. Additionally, funds have also been set aside for the purchase of ambulances.

Critical Infrastructure

DEVELOPMENT is not always a straight road, there are hurdles along the way that could only be crossed with precision and a careful approach.

A realistic example of this is the government’s approach to the traffic situation along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) that is being addressed through the construction of a network of roads from Eccles to Diamond, with plans to extend it to Timehri, which is further up the EBD, and works already underway to extend the road from Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to Eccles.

Beyond traffic alleviation, such massive investments address another critical area of development, adequate housing

solutions. Serving as arteries to development, those roads have turned and will turn backlands into prime lands, which are being used to meet the housing and commercial needs of the evolving Guyanese population.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), upon its election to office in August 2020, inherited a long list of eager applicants who were interested in securing housing for themselves and, in most cases, their families as well. With careful planning, the government has been able to start the process of effectively addressing this backlog by allocating over 20,500 house lots in just two years.

There are plans to con-

tinue this process by allocating another 10,000+ house lots and installing the requisite supportive infrastructure by the end of this year.

Not only would this effort be supported by the EBD road networks, but also the new Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway, for which funds have been included in this year’s budget.

This project would also serve multiple purposes, as one of the primary goals is to utilise this infrastructure to address the issue of traffic congestion along the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara.

In due time, the icing on the cake regarding the alleviation of traffic along the EBD to “West side,”

the new Demerara River Bridge, will soon be built.

In fact, a supervisory firm, which is expected to oversee construction of the new Demerara River Bridge, is in place and has paved the way for the project to get underway soon.

During the examination of the budget estimates for the Public Works Ministry, subject minister, Juan Edghill, was asked about the budgeted cost of some $5.163 billion for capital works related to the bridge and whether this budgeted sum caters for land acquisition among other things.

Edghill related that the contract for construction of this new bridge was signed in May of last year and as such, the firm

which was later awarded the contract to supervise the works was recently received in the country.

“That supervisory firm took effect from January 15, 2023, and they are in their mobilisation stage,” he said, adding that he was able to meet with them on Friday last.

On May 25, 2022, a US$260 million contract was signed for construction of the new Demerara River Bridge.

A joint venture of Chinese companies, led by China Railway Construction Corporation is expected to undertake the project.

The new bridge is expected to be some 2.65 kilometres with two carriageways and four lanes.

It is a hybrid design with the high span having a cable-stay design, even as the vertical height of the bridge is to be constructed at 50 metres from the mean highest watermark. This new bridge is said to have a design lifespan of 100 years and will take the place of the existing bridge, which has been in operation for more than 40 years, passing its projected lifespan. Upon completion, the bridge will indeed serve as an important link between Regions Four and Three, and supplement the slew of investments in critical infrastructure that would ultimately transform the landscape of Guyana.

Norton’s budget presentation needs corrections

Dear Editor,

PLEASE allow me to have my say as regards the Budget 2023 presentations that recently concluded, and say up front that contributions from the opposition MPs and I say all (except the Hon Lenox Shuman), were based on their own recklessness, bad governance, and visionless points when they were in government.

Everything under the previous government was falling apart, including their supporters. The APNU\PNC government in their five years forgot about the economic well-being of the citizens of this country and development of the various sectors, but now the current Leader of the Opposition believes he could stand in the National Assembly of this country to lecture to this nation about development and what the people deserve and what the various sectors need in order to be better off.

This is the same man who, under the previous government, had no vision to share with the PNC government to better our people and country.

This is the same Norton who allowed the PNC government (I say PNC because APNU is PNC and AFC is their shadow) to take away the cash grants from the innocent schoolchildren and give out the 5Bs, some old donated

buses, school bags that can hold about five books, donated boats, etc…

This is the same Norton who allowed those 5Bs to be given mainly for the benefit of certain children in a certain area.

Today, this same man who reportedly demanded and ordered the then PNC treasurer to sign 30 blank cheques so he can use his party money how he wants as if it’s his, is telling us that our children should get more than the $40,000 “Because We Care Cash Grant”.

He tells this nation that the PPP is failing us because they are not fulfilling their 2020 manifesto promises to the nation.

But Norton fails to realize that the said manifesto is a fiveyear plan for the nation, just as the previous government and the PPP within the past two and a half years have already fulfilled more than 60 per cent of their promises to the people, and the previous PNC government completed only about 25 per cent of their manifesto promises in almost five and a half years and was kicked out of office by the people of Guyana.

The Leader of the Opposition stood in the Assembly and talked to us about agriculture and what he and the PNC plans to do to better this sector.

But this very man failed to tell the nation that it was his PNC government that tried to kill the

agricultural sector in this country in every way they could.

Norton failed to tell the nation that thousands of sugar workers, rice farmers, and their families voted for the coalition in 2015 because the then AFC made the PNC see another government in power, and then they (PNC & AFC) stabbed those very people in their backs.

Norton failed to tell us that it was Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan along with all the then AFC ministers who joined hands with the PNC to knock off thousands of sugar workers and put their families on the breadline and raise the land rates, taxes and D&I charges for farmers.

Seems like Norton wants us to forget what the PNC did to those sugar workers and farmers.

In Region Five, cash crop farmers were thrown out of their farmlands at Fort Wellington and yes, I can speak of this matter because I was made aware the next day.

I approached the then REO and started to curse him about what he did and demanded that the farmers be given lands within that very area to continue their farming; and yes, I took control of that and tried to get the farmers to occupy lands at the same area.

Over one hundred million dollars was spent to develop a model farm that saw hundreds of coconut plants and buildings going up (a

certain contractor was milking the money on contracts), which was a waste of taxpayers’ dollars.

Produce was taken to Linden and those very amounts when sold could not be enough to purchase the fuel and pay the workers who took it. I rebelled against all of that and even went as far as to label the then REO a despot.

I can go on with the agricultural sector, but I want to tell Norton and the PNC that in two and a half years of the PPP government, this sector alone conquers all the works of the entire previous PNC government’s five and a half years in office.

Norton went on to talk about the housing sector and what are his and the PNC’s plans to better the sector if they get back into government, ‘LOL.’

Norton needs to stop dreaming about the PNC going back into government soon, because the PNC government will sit in the opposition for a long, long time to come.

Never again should we allow the PNC to rule this country and in fact, now that the AFC is a ‘deadmeat’ party, the PNC stands to go further down the drain come 2025.

I can recall in Region Five under the previous government that title holders had their lands given to PNC supporters, and hardly any housing scheme developments, except for the Food For The Poor schemes at Fort Wellington and

No.29 areas.

House Lots were hard to get and many could not have accessed basic facilities within the schemes.

The housing sector in the entire country was dying under the previous government. Norton should have educated himself on this sector before even speaking about bettering it when the PNC did nothing to better it in five years.

The Opposition Leader talks about bettering what should have been in the 2023 budget for social services and what our elderly deserve.

But fail once again to say that the then PNC government, which he was a part of, never even thought about bettering the lives of the elderly, but rather they were bettering the lives of the PNC pensioners that were given work under the previous government.

I know of a woman who is a pensioner in Region Five, who used to work full time as a community development officer and also did part-time work within the health sector and social service sector under the PNC government. She alone had three jobs.

That alone tells us that is why then President Granger could have told the young people of this country there are no jobs for them and they should go sell cook-up rice.

In sports, Norton should be ashamed to talk because he should have known that only certain

grounds in certain areas were enhanced in Region Five for certain people. A synthetic track was built in New Amsterdam and not in the centre of Region Six because in that area, certain people will benefit.

Today, under this government and the leadership of the Hon Charles Ramson, M.P., works are being done across the country to better the grounds and sporting facilities, regardless of race or village or who will benefit.

I can go on and on about correcting Norton on his 2023 budget presentation, but I feel as if I am just trying to educate a man who only knows to read what someone wrote for him to say and knows about racism in everything he does and speaks.

Budget 2023 has something for everyone, the young and old, the poor, single parents, etc… and moreover, those in the very opposition who have children and grandchildren going to school will have the $35,000 We Care Cash Grant and the $4,000 school uniform voucher, while many, including Granger and Nagamootoo, will be having a raise in their oldage pensions.

Budget 2023 is a people’s budget.

Yours sincerely, Abel

Seetaram

Religious organisations key in nationbuilding, Prime Minister Phillips says

PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said that interfaith dialogue creates a platform for cohesiveness and forms the foundation for positive social and cultural development.

The Prime Minister, who spoke at the official launch of the United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week 2023 (Guyana) on Wednesday at the National Cultural Centre, emphasised the critical role that religious organisations play in nation-building.

He said religion plays a vital role in faith and guided structure, and that mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace.

“Peace and harmony ultimately promote prosperity, a commitment that our government has also made to the People of Guyana.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, centre, and religious leaders at the launch of the United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week 2023 at the National Cultural Centre on Wednesday

So, we recognise the need to ensure that all stakeholders are included, so that we can receive their contributions on how to continue to build a harmonious nation,” the Prime Minister noted.

The senior government official reiterated the Government’s commitment to inclusion and its vision of

One Guyana.

Peace and harmony, he explained, ultimately promote prosperity, a commitment that the Government has also made to the People of Guyana.

“So, we recognise the need to ensure that all stakeholders are included, so that we can receive their contributions on how to

continue to build a harmonious nation; our Government is guided by the vision of ONE GUYANA, as set out by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. This vision speaks of peace and harmony among our people, which are necessary for our existence,” Prime Minister Phillips added.

Harmony Week, he added, is a welcomed and timely occasion as it aligns perfectly with the Government’s vision for its people.

“We have committed to ensuring that there is no discrimination based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation in our society. We have commit-

ted to fostering diversity and inclusiveness by sensitising our people about their importance.”

The World Interfaith Harmony Week 2023, organised by the Inter Religious Organisation of Guyana (IROG), is being held under the theme: “love of God and love of the neighbour”.

First Lady named ‘Godmother’ of Guyana’s third FPSO

GUYANA’s third Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, the Prosperity, was officially dedicated by First Lady Arya Ali and company officials on Wednesday at a ceremony at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore.

The naming and dedication ceremony marked the final stage for the Prosperity as it readied to set sail for Guyana, where it will arrive some two months after departure.

In keeping with tradition, the dedication was performed by Mrs. Ali, who is the “Godmother” of the vessel, tasked with bestowing good luck and protection over it and all who sail aboard.

Honoured to receive the title of Godmother of the vessel, the First Lady said the name Prosperity was fitting as it reflects the promise in store for the people of Guyana. “Our first FPSO sealed Guyana’s promising Destiny; the second called for our Unity, and now this third will move us forward on the path toward Prosperity. As we move forward, we are hopeful and optimistic that the state we find ourselves in echoes the name of this vessel, and that the people of Guyana thrive and succeed,” Mrs Ali said during her remarks at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore.

Notably, she said that this third vessel signals the potential for more local content growth – more opportunities

for businesses and jobs for individuals.

This, she noted, ultimately means increased revenues for Guyana, which will go towards helping the country achieve many of the goals

outlined in the national development strategy, including access to quality medical treatment and education.

“For Guyana, this vessel offers another avenue to prosperity, an opportunity to

build a future for our people; a future they deserve,” Mrs Ali said, adding that the vessel is not just a symbol of development but also a physical manifestation of the hard work and collaborative relationship between the people of Guyana and the collection

of companies doing business in the oil and gas sector.

Describing collaboration as “critical” to the vessel’s success, the First Lady acknowledged the work of every partner who made it possible. “The work that was carried out on the vessel during the challenges of the pandemic, the way the teams’ focus and drive was steady and productive, has brought us here for this significant milestone,” she added.

Described as the “personification of excellence,” President of ExxonMobil Global Project, Mr. Jon Gibbs said Prosperity incorporated the lessons learned from the Liza Destiny and Unity FPSOs, which led to an even more complete offshore facility delivered with minimal carryover work. “Prosperity is an inflection point in the broader Guyana development plan and the rate of development will only accelerate from here,” he said while acknowledging the role of each partner in successfully executing the project.

ExxonMobil’s Senior Vice President of Deepwater Hunter Farris praised the level of collaboration among multiple companies in several countries that went into making the project a reality. He also highlighted the benefits that will arise from having a third vessel operating offshore Guyana.

“The Prosperity reaffirms ExxonMobil’s commitment to Guyana. A third vessel operating offshore will further contribute to Guyana’s transformation, creating new business and employment opportunities over the life of its operation,” said Mr. Farris.

The Dutch provider of

FPSOs, SMB Offshore, was responsible for the construction of the oil vessel, and according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Bruno Chabas, it was a remarkable feat to deliver the vessel in just over two years, considering how adversely the COVID-19 pandemic impacted global mobility and worksites.

The vessel will work on ExxonMobil’s Payara development, located roughly 200 kilometres offshore Guyana. The Payara project will target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels. The project start-up is expected later this year.

The FPSO is designed to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day, with an associated gas treatment capacity of 400 million cubic feet per day and a water injection capacity of 250,000 barrels per day. It will be spread moored in a water depth of about 1,900 meters and will be able to store around 2 million bar-

rels of crude oil.

Mr Chris Ong, CEO of Keppel Offshore & Marine, shows First Lady Arya Ali a replica of the Prosperity and explains how the vessel will operate to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day in Guyana

First Lady Arya Ali and officials of the companies involved in the construction and operation of the Prosperity following the unveiling of the vessel at Keppel Shipyard in Singapore

First Lady Arya Ali addressing officials and staff of companies involved in the construction and operation of the Prosperity at the dedication ceremony at Keppel Shipyard in Singapore on Wednesday

First Lady Arya Ali flanked by other officials of the Prosperity FPSO during a tour of the vessel

Berbice businessman charged with attempted murder of ex-wife remanded to prison

FIFTY-FIVE-yearold Khemadatt Persaud of Vryhied, West Canje Berbice, was on Wednesday charged with the attempted murder of his ex-wife, Deoranie Badal, also called Marcie, 36. The duo separated about three months ago.

Persaud appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court for the indictable charge to be read to him. He was not required to

plead.

It is alleged on January 29th, at around

13:00hrs, the accused attempted to murder Badal when he inflicted several chop wounds to her body, mostly to her head.

He was subsequently remanded to prison until February 16th, and the matter was transferred to the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

On the day in question, the victim, while driving in her motorcar, turned into a car wash and tyre shop in Port Mourant. As her vehicle came to a halt, and she exited, her attacker rushed up to her with a cutlass in his hand and inflicted several chops.

The woman subse -

quently collapsed to the ground while the man made his escape.

Badal was then picked up and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, then transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital and the Liliendaal Hospital after she tested positive for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Badal, the Import Manager attached to Nand Persaud and Company, remains in a critical condition at the hospital.

$24M expended for rehabilitation of Achiwuib, Awaruwaunau bridges

THROUGH the Public Works Ministry’s Capital Works Programme, the government has expended some $24 million for the construction of

bridges in the communities of Achiwuib and Awaruwaunau, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

The execution of this significant project will

significantly improve the lives of 597 residents of the Achiwuib Village, and some 1,919 residents of Awaruwaunau and surrounding areas.

Of the $24 million,

some $14 million was expended for the rehabilitation of the Achiwuib Bridge that travels along the main access connecting to the village of Karaudarnau.

The substructure was fortified with reinforced

concrete and timber decking to ensure the structure’s longevity.

The contractor of the project was Clyve King.

The duration of the project was four months.

Similarly, the Awaruwaunau Bridge, which

was severely damaged, was rehabilitated at the cost of some $10 million.

The project was executed by Cyril King and was completed within two months.

(DPI)

Remanded: Khemadatt Persaud Hospitalized: Deoranie Badal, also called Marcie

The completed bridge at Achiwuib

Four Guyanese participate in latest Know India programme

THE High Commission of India in Georgetown selected four young Guyanese Nationals to participate in the 64th edition of the Know India Programme (KIP), which was conducted over three weeks, from January 3 – 24, 2023 in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Those selected were: Ms. Sumintra Ram, a Collateral Analyst from East Coast Demerara; Ms. Devika Gurucharran, a Community Development Officer from East Coast Demerara; Ms. Maria Fraser, a Marine Scientist from Berbice; and Mr. Lakhram Mahadeo, an Administrative Officer of East Coast Demerara.

On Friday, December 30, 2022, the participants met and interacted with the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Dr. KJ Srinivasa, and

were encouraged to use the initiative to connect with their roots in India, the land of their ancestors.

Madhya Pradesh also hosted this year’s Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) convention from January 8 – 10, 2023, which saw among those in at -

tendance President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023. The KIP participants were also present at the three-day extravaganza.

The Know India Programme is a flagship pro-

gramme of the Ministry of External Affairs for engagement with Indianorigin youth (between 1830 years) to enhance their awareness about India, its cultural heritage and art.

Participants are provided local hospitality like boarding and internal transportation in India, and return air tickets from their country of residence to India. The minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is

graduation from a recognised University/Institute, or being enrolled for graduation and the ability to speak in English. The applicant should not have visited India through any previous programme of the Government of India. Those who have not seen India before will be given preference.

Meanwhile, two officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) also met and interacted with

the High Commissioner of India in December 2022.

Corporal Terrence Collins was selected to pursue the Junior Leader Course in India at the Junior Leader Academy in Bareilly, Western Uttar Pradesh. Corporal Collins, who hails from Corentyne, Berbice departed Guyana in December 2022, and will remain in India for 50 days until February 9, 2023.

Sergeant Arthur Scipio, of East Bank Demerara, was also selected and departed for India in January 2023 to commence his month-and-a-half training in the Platoon Commander Course at the Junior Leader Academy in Karnataka, Bengaluru.

The High Commission of India noted that the Government of India will continue to strengthen its bond with Guyana, and promote India-Guyana defence collaboration by offering military, technical and leadership scholarships.

Third from left are: High Commissioner Dr. KJ Srinivasa and Second Secretary B D Tyagi (extreme right) with KIP Participants Ms Sumitra Ram, Ms Devika Gurucharran, Ms Maria

— Wright says after conferred with Honorary Doctor of Letters by

‘I have not been home, but home has not left me’

By Cassandra Khan

GUYANESE-BRITISH actress, Letitia Wright, was, on Wednesday, conferred with an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Letters, by the University of Guyana (UG).

The star said, during her acceptance speech, that Guyana is in the fabric of all that she does.

“I go home and there is Guyana in the very fabric of all that I do and all that I am, so in a way I have not been home, but home has not left me,” an emotional Wright said.

The Black Panther star related she has made it much known to everyone that she is from Guyana because her country is in her bloodline and it is a part of where she is from.

“I come from a very humble family and I come from a very beautiful family that has always loved me. I grew up in the West Bank of Guyana… my compound was filled with love and family and that’s all I know,” she said.

Wright added: “As you see me, you may expect someone from Hollywood

to have a certain way of being or carry themselves in a certain way and as you see me, you see humility and that’s literally from my family and that’s actually from God and I don’t know any other way else to be than to be humble.”

She told the audience no matter where they are going or where their path takes them, move forward with humility and trust that God will exalt them in time.

“I always waited for my moment,” the actress said.

Wright related that while visiting schools on Tuesday, there was a re-enactment of her childhood, which brought her back to her being a young girl.

“Those moments really came back to me, being a young girl and practising my art when no one could see,” she said.

She related that no one would see her practising the American accent or the African accent or even just looking at herself in the mirror, believing that she could do it.

“…making myself vision boards that sometimes I would rip up when life would knock me down… you would not believe the obstacles we have overcome to even be here. It was not given to us., no silver spoon. We worked very hard,” Wright related.

She said that she would watch her parents go from job to job and even her grandma would work hard so ensure that they had everything they wanted.

“I practised and I had vision boards and I

prayed. Sometimes, I got angry and sometimes I fell into depression and sometimes I didn’t pick myself up and my mom would come in my room and say to me you could do this, but my dad will come and say [Letitia] if there’s one thing you do, do this with excellence and we’re behind you,” Wright said.

She said the opportunities came and doors opened for her and she was prepared for those auditions.

Further, she shared that while she was on the set of

another show when she received a “strange” email, being asked to audition for a project.

“The role that they masked it under was called Sarita and she was talking to the Queen of a country saying that her brother is going forward to fight for the throne and she feels that she can fight for it too,” she said.

Wright added: “I’d never seen a Black woman written like this before, so I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I trusted God and I told the truth

with that tape. That tape went all the way to Hollywood and came back and they gave word, I think this is Black Panther.”

She said that she knew nothing about Marvel movies or comic books but the role seemed interesting.

“I said God, if there’s something in this Black Panther movie that’s going on then let your will be done. I sent another tape and then one day in my prayer room, I heard this very clear voice and if you have a relationship with God, he speaks in different ways… you just have to find a way that matches with yours and how he communicates with you, but he said I’m about to give you a blessing,” Wright related.

She got the role of Shuri and she met Chadwick Boseman whom she said, at that moment, she knew would be her brother. And although the journey to get to where she is now was not easy at all, the young actress was grateful for her achievements.

Brigadier Bess joins UK, Caribbean defence heads in Barbados conference

CHIEF- Of- STAFF (COS) Brigadier Godfrey Bess joined his Caribbean counterparts for the third United Kingdom and Caribbean Heads of Defence Staff conference in Bridgetown, Barbados.

The conference commenced on Monday, January 30, and concluded on Wednesday and was hosted jointly by the United King-

dom Armed Forces and the Barbados Defence Force.

According to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the conference provided a platform for multilateral discourse on current and emerging threats to the region, analyses of the issues impacting regional security, including Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response cooperation, and understand-

ing the United Kingdom perspective on providing assistance in the aforementioned areas.

The military heads and other stakeholders will continue to explore the UK’s support for regional initiatives, the multidimensionality of the regional threat environment, and capacity development through training, consultation, and other initiatives.

UG — urges Guyanese to trust in God and believe that their moment will come

Guyanese-British Actress, Letitia Michelle Wright, being conferred with an Honorary Degree by Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin (DPI photo)

COS Brigadier Bess (first left, second row) with other military officials that participated in the Caribbean Heads of Defence Staff conference

122 roads under construction in Region Two

REGION Two residents can soon look forward to improved connectivity, enhanced safety, increased mobility, and an improved quality of life, as 122 priority roads are currently being constructed in the region.

The roads span several areas across the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the Anna Regina Municipality.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, pro-

vided this information to the Committee of Supply, on Wednesday, in his response to Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Shurwayne Holder.

He reminded the committee that the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, had gone to great length to explain that some 1,084 roads on Guyana’s coast will be constructed.

Of that number, 261 were identified in Region Two, of which 122 are being built. These roads will be

made of asphalt or reinforced concrete.

Charity, Bounty Hall, and Dunkeld are among the communities that will immediately benefit from these roads.

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has been allotted some $108 million in the 2023 National Budget for the construction of community roads in Region Two.

The construction of priority roads is part of an overarching project fostered by collabora -

tion among the ministries of Public Works, Local Government and Regional Development, and Housing and Water.

The project will see a number of important roads across the country identified for construction as part

of the government’s wide-reaching and inclusive, transformative agenda. (DPI)

$4.3B approved for Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry

— Accreditation of creative arts institute, hosting of literary arts festival on the cards

THE Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry’s budgetary allocation of some $4.3 billion was, on Tuesday, approved by the Parliamentary Committee of Supply and will see the further advancement of these sectors in 2023.

Subject Minister, Charles Ramson Jr., noted that, from the allotment, some $200 million cater to the upcoming Mashramani float parade and a series of sub-events, including flag raising ceremony, Calypso, Chutney and Soca monarch competitions, steel band panorama, and folk evening.

The minister disclosed that the Guyana talent search, religious events, and other activities related to Cricket Carnival and the One Guyana festival are also catered for in the allocation.

This year’s budget allocation will see funds expended for the Institute of Creative Arts accreditation.

The Literary Arts Festival, which aims to bring all the works associated with the Guyana Prize for Literature to life, through a number of sub-events, such as poetry slam, storytelling, symposiums and others, is also catered for.

There will also be a drama component, which will see three to four plays being supported by the government. The first one will commence during the Literary Arts Festival and the second during the Independence Day celebration.

The Regatta, which will be hosted at Blue Lake, Linden, Region Ten, as well as steel pan on the beach, are also on the cards. (DPI)

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr

ExxonMobil posts record-breaking US$56 billion earnings for 2022

WITH 2022 closed, ExxonMobil raked in a whopping US$55.7 billion in earnings for the full year, up from US$23.0 billion in 2021 – a US$32.7 billion increase, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darren Woods reported to investors on January 31.

The company earned US$19.7 billion in the third quarter of 2022. In the second quarter, the company recorded US$17.9 billion in earnings, its largest quarterly record ever at that time. This was almost a four-fold increase in earnings made during the same period in 2021. In the 2022 first quarter, Exxon made US$$5.5 billion.

“The hard work and

commitment of our people enabled us to deliver industry-leading operating and financial results and shareholder returns in 2022,” the CEO said.

Woods added: “While our results clearly benefitted from a favorable market, the counter-cyclical investments we made before and during the pandemic provided the energy and products people needed as economies began recovering and supplies became tight.”

Exxon’s fourth-quarter result included unfavourable identified items of US$1.3 billion associated

with additional European taxes on the energy sector and asset impairments.

Its capital and exploration expenditures came in at US$7.5 billion in the fourth quarter, bringing full-year 2022 investments to US$22.7 billion.

Exxon said that other factors that impacted its results were price and margin improvements driven by recovering demand and tight supply, the favourable mark-to-market impact of unsettled derivatives, and volume increases on strong refining throughput and growth of advantaged assets.

Exxon’s structural cost savings now total US$7 billion. The company said it achieved an additional US$2 billion of savings during the year and is on track to deliver US$9 billion of total annual savings in 2023.

The company said its cash increased to US$22.9 billion in 2022 with a free-cash flow of US$62.1 billion.

This year, its shareholder distributions were US$29.8 billion, including US$14.9 billion in dividends and $14.9 billion of share repurchases. The company also increased and extended its share-re-

purchase programme with up to US$35 billion of cumulative share repurchases in 2023 to 2024.

According to Exxon, its net-debt-to-capital ratio improved to five per cent, reflecting 2022 debt retirements of US$7.2 billion and a period-end cash balance of US$29.7 billion, further strengthening its balance sheet and providing greater financial flexibility.

“We leaned in when others leaned out,” Woods told investors. Looking ahead this year, the Exxon CEO said the company’s plan calls for further progress on its strategic

objectives, which include leading the industry in safety, operating, and financial performance.

“We will continue to invest in our advantaged projects to deliver profitable growth, help meet society’s growing needs, and reduce emissions in our operations, while providing innovative solutions that help others reduce theirs,” he continued.

Exxon has a 45 per cent stake in Guyana’s 6.6 million acres Stabroek Block, with Hess Corporation holding 30 per cent and CNOOC 25 per cent. (OilNOW)

Letter to the Editor

Essequibians upset over injustice to Adams

Dear Editor.

Many are asking for answers and have used social media to express their views. But no answer could justify the injustice that was done to ANTHONY ADAMS by his non-selection on the GHE’s [Guyana Harpy Eagles’] squad. The damage has already

been done to an Essequibian cricketer, a young man who is dedicated and has spent most of his life working tremendously hard on his game and fitness over the past 15 years.

A son of the soil who hails from SOUTH Essequibo, ADAMS has been knocking on the doors of the Guyana selectors with his consistence performances in most of the GCB competitions for over a decade.

ADAMS has been competing with some of Guyana ’s premier spinners -BISHOO, PERMAUL and MOTIE -- all of whom have played regional first-class and Test cricket.

This time , when BISHOO is not around the Guyana set-up and Motie is unavailable due to West indies selection, the majority of cricket pundits who want to be fair on a man whose stats are there to show in all department of his cricket [sic].

ADAMS should have been the left -arm spinner selected, along with Permaul in the Guyana fourday squad for the first two

rounds.

The GCB, ECB and the selectors must be held accountable. it is absolute[ly] clear now, from evidence, that the way things are being done, is without any fairness, honesty or integrity.

The president of the ECB, who is a CWI director, seem unconcerned since nothing has been said by the ECB as they remain silent on ADAMS’ non-selection.

These are the words of the ECB president seen in a WhatsApp message. “As an executive of the GCB I cannot go public”

We are now left to wonder what does this mean

The ECB vice- president and Guyana Senior selector is well known for his letters and articles in the newspapers about Essequibo ’ s cricket

He has been especially critical of the previous BOARDS and non-selection of this very player , ANTHONY ADAMS Where is his pen and voice now?

After looking and listening to their press conference where only three persons from the media were present, there is clear evidence

of incompetence and biasness existing in selection with the ridiculous and nonsensical responses given to questions asked on Adams non-selection

It was very strange what was said by chairman of selectors at the press conference

The GHE’s Head Coach, when called on for his input as an Essequibian, it seems, found himself between a rock and a hard place

Having worked as coach alongside ADAMS as Captain , a lot of recognitions was gained after winning both three-day and 50 overs titles at the senior level with the Essequibo team

With the knowledge of ADAMS ’ ability and what he can bring to the team, stronger representations and recommendations should have been made for his place in the team by the GHE’s head coach

It’s with great concern that we have recognized the kind of representations that is being made by ECB which can now be considered spineless

It also seems there is a fixed number of TWO

players from Essequibo who are allowed in the Guyana squad

Also when selected, the unfair treatment given to them to make the final eleven

Just to name a few : Trevor BENN in 2010; Delon Heyliger in 2012; Norman Fredricks in 2015, and Quintin Sampson in 2022

All of whom were selected and NEVER given an opportunity [to] play a single GAME of an entire regional tournament

The disrespect and injustice to some of our ESSEQUIBO cricketers at the senior level can’t be accepted anymore and must be stopped.

We will be calling on President Ali, VP Jagdeo and Ministers to address the unfair treatments given to some of our cricketers and also the Administration of Cricket by the ECB

PRO and Executive Member South Essequibo Cricket Committee Andy Ramnarine

GCB clears the air on non-issuance of caps

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023)

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THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) noticed in a Facebook post earlier today made by Cricnation592 that debutants did not receive caps prior to the start of the first round match of the West Indies Championship against Barbados Pride in Antigua.

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 44 Tests

(2) 3104 Test runs TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) What was basil Butcher’s highest Test score?

(2) How many Test centuries he made?

It should be noted, there was a delay in the shipment of the uniforms and caps that were ordered for the tournament due to the unfortunate death of a close

family member of the supplier and a subsequent delay in Miami. However, the GCB issued caps to all players (not the Baggy Green) prior to the team’s departure to Antigua. Additionally, the customary handing-over ceremony will be held during the lunch break.

To suggest caps were not issued to the debutants is erroneous.

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Jofra

Archer’s maiden ODI fivefor crowned his comeback and ensured England would leave with more than a consolation victory after Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan’s perfectly crafted centuries prevented what had looked like a certain series sweep to South Africa.

The tourists depart in the knowledge that Archer is back in business after his 6 for 40 in just his second international match after spending the best part of two years out of the game injured. He sealed a 59-run victory despite the best efforts of Heinrich Klaasen and Wayne Parnell, who put on 85 runs off just 54 balls for the seventh wicket, which poses implications for South Africa’s hopes of qualifying directly for this year’s World Cup. They must now beat Netherlands 2-0 in their upcoming series and hope New Zealand defeat Sri Lanka at least once in their three-match series to secure an automatic berth in India.

The hosts were on course for a 3-0 series result when England slumped to 14 for 3 thanks to Lungi Ngidi’s three wickets for seven runs in the space of 11 balls. But Buttler and Malan staged a fourth-wicket stand worth 232 runs to take their side

to 346 for 7.

Half-centuries from Klaasen and Reeza Hendricks and starts by Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and Parnell kept South Africa in touch but breaking partnerships was key for England and Archer was the chief destroyer.

Bavuma, centurion and Player of the Match as South Africa went 2-0 up on Sunday in Bloemfontein, eased to 22 off 16 balls at the end of the fourth over which included a huge six over deep midwicket off Chris

Woakes. At 41 for no loss after seven, England introduced Archer, but it was Woakes who made the breakthrough with a slower ball that saw Bavuma chipping to Reece Topley at mid-off.

Archer, back after resting for the second match, claimed just his second wicket of the series when Rassie van der Dussen slashed to Jason Roy at point. Archer’s next ball was a 146kph/90mph bouncer which rapped Markram’s left shoulder; Markram responded by driving

the next ball fiercely down the ground for four.

With Hendricks opening in place of Quinton de Kock, who was rested after picking up a minor thumb injury in the second ODI, South Africa’s run chase was still in good hands. He reached his fifty off 59 balls and put on a half-century partnership with Markram off 40 deliveries, but then Adil Rashid removed Hendricks, stepping back to try and dig out one that had pitched well outside leg stump before

turning back to rap the inside of his left knee and deflect onto his stumps

Markram was looking set and put on 46 runs with Klaasen before he miscued off Archer and found Moeen Ali sitting under the ball at midwicket. That brought in David Miller and he crashed Moeen’s first ball through the covers for four and his fourth down the ground for an effortless-looking six. But then Archer removed the threat with the first ball of his next over, a sizzling back-of-a-length delivery that found Miller’s inside edge and was pouched by Buttler.

Klaasen and Parnell then teamed up, Klaasen clubbing Moeen for 14 runs in the 37th over and reaching 80 off 62 before skying Archer to Ben Duckett, running in from deep backward square. Archer took out Parnell’s middle stump to seal his five -for and made it six when he pinged the top of Tabraiz Shamsi’s off stump, ending England’s five -match losing streak in ODIs.

Jos Buttler leaves the crease after his century•AFP/Getty Images

At the 10-over mark, England’s scoring rate was going nowhere at 20 for 3 after South Africa had sent the visitors in on a Kimberley ground notoriously difficult to defend upon.

Ngidi hit his lengths beau-

tifully at the outset and struck with his sixth ball as Roy mistimed his attempted drive and picked out Bavuma at mid-off.

Archer returns with five-for against South Africa

Ngidi struck again in his second over with a shorter ball angled across left-hander Duckett, who nicked to Klaasen behind the stumps. Harry Brook was unable to lift his side off the back of his 80 in the second game, which followed a duck on debut in the series opener, when Ngidi had him caught behind stabbing at a wide delivery outside off stump which found the inside edge.

Buttler found the initial going tough, taking 14 balls to get off the mark. Markram saw his fourth ball smashed for six over long-off as Buttler set about raising the tempo. That was after he had narrowly survived being run out chancing a second off Parnell with Miller diving, gathering and firing the ball into Klaasen in one fluid motion, and before Malan’s pull shot off Shamsi burst through Hendricks’ fingertips.

Buttler raised his fifty off 64 balls, which was slow by his standards but what his side needed in the circumstances.

Shamsi missed the chance to remove Malan when he dived to his right for an attempted return catch but managed only to get a finger to it. Malan then dispatched Parnell over the fence at deep square leg to bring up an even more sluggish half-century (off 79).

Gill scores century as India overturns New Zealand

(ESPNCRICINFO) - This is the year of Shubman Gill. We are just living in it. To add to his three ODI centuries in the first month of the year, he started the second by becoming the fifth Indian to have scored hundreds in all three international formats. India played the near-perfect innings around Gill anchoring at a two-runs-a-ball 126, and followed it up with the near-perfect bowling performance to bowl New Zealand out for 66.

India’s margin of victory - 168 runs - was the highest in any T20I involving two Full-Member teams.

It was no accident that India found themselves bowling when the ball moved around Hardik Pandya used his experience of the IPL final, even though his side had won it chasing, to decide to bat first because the ball moved around more in the night in that match. It proved to be the perfect call as India got to make the most of the batting conditions before getting just enough help in the night to reduce New Zealand to 7 for 4 and 21 for 5.

The come-from-behind series win meant India maintained their unbeaten series record in all formats at home since March 2019.

The powerplay symphony

New Zealand got immediate results with the decision of opening the bowling with Michael Bracewell through the wicket of Ishan Kishan, but that was to be the last bit of joy for them. It brought together Gill and Rahul Tripathi, one batter in great touch, the other making the most of his intent.

If Tripathi ramped Lockie Ferguson over short fine, Gill caressed him through the covers.

If Gill took apart Blair Tickner with what seemed like paper cuts in the fifth over, Tripathi bludgeoned and ramped Ferguson in the sixth. India were 58 for 1 at the end of the powerplay, with Gill 34 off 20 and Tripathi 20 off 13.

Tripathi races away

Gill played a superb innings, but part of the credit for India’s display belongs to Tripathi too. He, and in part

Suryakumar Yadav, allowed Gill to set himself up for a final assault and scored just 16

off the first 15 balls he faced after the powerplay to get to a maiden T20I fifty.

While Gill took his time in the middle overs, Tripathi, the intent monster, played around with bowling that wasn’t really bad. He scored 24 off the nine balls he faced in the middle overs, which is exactly his role: score quick in the powerplay, look to score quicker outside of it without worrying about his wicket.

Suryakumar managed 24 off 13 including a slog-swept six off Ish Sodhi to leave India at 125 for 3 in the 13th over.

The Gill show Pandya scored 30 off 17, but never has someone scoring 30 off 17 looked more like a bystander than he did at the end of this innings. Ferguson came back at the fall of Suryakumar’s wicket, and did the right thing by bowling short to try to bring the bigger square boundaries into play. The boundaries were not big enough. Gill pulled him for a six and a four in the 14th over.

Debutant Ben Lister, who had bowled well till then, bowled an ordinary 16th over,

and Gill played the pick-up and the whip for sixes off length balls. Tickner’s leg-cutters didn’t grip either and he got both driven and pulled for sixes. Ferguson tried to go fuller only to be driven over wide mid-off to take Gill to his hundred, a 50-to-100 progression in just 19 balls.

In the 19th, Gill managed to hit two excellent deliveries for fours. Lister nailed the

yorker but he steered it past short third, and then when he missed his length by six inches, Gill drove it all along the ground, straight of long -on. If this was happening to good balls, the juicy full toss stood no chance, disappearing over wide long-on

Daryl Mitchell bowled an excellent last over to concede just six - it was one of only three overs in the innings with-

out a boundary. Gill and Pandya added 103 in just 40 balls. New Zealand now needed all the flatness of the pitch and the dew if they were to challenge the total.

Fast bowlers kill the chase Pandya the bowler immediately vindicated Pandya the captain when he had Finn Allen caught at slip in the first over. Arshdeep Singh went one better in the second over, taking out Devon Conway and Mark Chapman. The length ball that seamed to take the edge of Chapman wouldn’t have been out of place in a Test match.

Pandya repeated the Allen dismissal with Glenn Phillips: short of a length, extra bounce, slight movement, an identical overhead catch for the leaping Suryakumar at slip. When Umran Malik beat a hoick from Bracewell in the fifth over, New Zealand still needed 214 with only half their wickets in hand.

Mitchell and Mitchell Santner then added 32 for the sixth wicket, but once Santner fell, the end came swiftly.

Shubman Gill now has centuries in all three international formats (CCI)

Jofra Archer claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs (AFP)

JARLY MOORE has been appointed the strength and conditioning coach for the Guyana Harpy Eagles.

Moore is a fitness trainer certified by the International Sports

Jaryl Moore Appointed Harpy Eagles’ Strength and Conditioning Coach

Science Association and recently worked at the Ministry of Education, Queen’s College Compound, where he taught physical education and sports.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, a Graduate Diploma in Computer Science, Psychology at the Cambridge A Level, and CXC subjects in the area of science.

The appointment of Jaryl Moore as the Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Guyana Cricket Board ( GCB ) is in keeping with CWI Sports Medicine and Science Strategy for the development of players

CWI Manager of Sports Medi-

cine and Science, Dr Oba Gulston expressed gratitude to the territorial boards for their commitment shown in the appointment of physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches.

Moore’s selection complements the appointment, in December 2022, of Angelica Holder as a physiotherapist attached to the Guyana Cricket Board, with her main responsibility being to work with the Guyana Harpy Eagles team.

On the implementation of this new Regional Medical Team, Dr Gulston indicated that “the assignments of the physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches will greatly improve the medical

support for all players in our system and the communication between our medical professionals, teams, and players.”

Further, Dr Gulston mentioned that “CWI will centrally train all the strength and conditioning coaches and physiotherapists to ensure compliance with operating procedures for testing The Territorial Board-assigned strength and conditioning coach and physiotherapist will now be able to work collaboratively to carry out the relevant tests locally for all players -- men, women, and youths -- within their Territory Given this fact, it is necessary that each Territorial Board has access to the correct equipment, with the initial equipment purchases

including that timing gates, jump mats , dynamometer ( muscle tester) with an expansion pack, and Software and IT support for all equipment.”

Jaryl Moore said that he was happy to be appointed as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Guyana Cricket Board and that he is keen on using his knowledge and experience to improve players by getting them to match readiness.” Jaryl indicated that thorough planning on mental, skills and decision-making will be necessary for player growth. This approach will help to realize improved performances and so help the players to transition to higher competitive levels.

James, Holder announced in ICC world cup squad

CMC – The West Indies Women’s team selectors have included the Under-19 World Cup trio of Zaida James, Trishan Holder and Djenaba Joseph in a 15-member squad announced Wednesday to compete in this month’s ICC Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.

All three players, who have already made their senior team debuts, will be joined by veteran seamer Shakera Selman, Chinelle Henry and Chedean Nation, who missed most of

the recent T20 International Tri-Series against India and South Africa through injury.

Former captain Stafanie Taylor has been named in the unit but faces a final fitness assessment before her place is confirmed.

“The selectors have opted for a blend of youth and experience for the upcoming T20 World Cup,” said chief selector Ann Browne-John.

“Four senior players who have been out through injury have returned – Stafanie Tay-

lor, Shakera Selman, Chinelle Henry and Chedean Nation.”

“We continue the developmental pathway to grow women’s cricket in the region, hence we feel the time is right to include three of the Under-19 Rising Stars in the squad.”

The left-handed James, with two fifties in the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup, made her senior team debut in the final game of the Tri-Series last on Monday.

Holder, meanwhile, played three T20Is last month on

England Women’s five-match tour of the Caribbean, after making her debut for Barbados at last year’ Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Joseph also made her international debut against England Women before playing in the final match of the recent Tri-Series.

“Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph and Trishan Holder have been making great progress and have been included in the squad,” Browne-John continued.

“Zaida brings both lefthand batting and left-arm orthodox bowling, both of which the team has been missing in recent time.

“Djenaba is a batting allrounder and Trishan a powerful striker and wicket-keeping option. They have all proven that they can hold their own at this level.

“We believe the 15 players consist of a good all-round mix and we expect them to be able to compete in this World Cup.”

West Indies Women, the

2016 champions, will compete in Group 2 alongside England, India, Pakistan and Ireland in the February 10-26 tournament.

SQUAD – Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams.

Leandro Trossard (centre) has scored seven goals so far this season

Jaryl Moore

West Indies Girls Under-19 World Cup star, Zaida James.

RHTYSC launches full coloured review magazine -GTT main sponsor

THE Management of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) last week launched its 2022 Review Magazine as the club presses ahead with plans for 2023.

The magazine was launched in a brief ceremony involving the management and members of the club, which is among the most active and vibrant youth and sports organisations in Guyana.

Club Secretary /CEO, Hilbert Foster, who served as the Editor in Chief of the forty-page magazine, hailed it as another red letter day in the remarkable day in the RHTYSC thirty-three year history.

The club, he stated, has published an annual magazine since 2000 but it was the first time that it was fully colored. The magazine was produced by the Public Relations Committee of the club and published at J Printery in New Amsterdam.

The review, apart from reviewing the club’s achieve-

ments in 2022, also covers the outstanding work done during

the last five years by the eleven teams of the club.

Among the sub headings covered are Cricket Teams, RHTYSC Honor Roll of International Players, sponsorship, Award Ceremony, Medical Outreach, tribute programmes, Charity Outreach, Say Yes/ Say No campaign, Club Executives, Future Cricketing Stars, Christmas Village, Republic Bank Summer Camp, Busta and Bakewell Cricket Academy, Tribute to Club Members, National Awards, support for St Francis Church, Community Projects, Dolphin Award of Excellence.

Tribute to Parents, Construction of Homes, Meeting with Government Officials , Basil Butcher Trust Fund, 2023 Captains and major achievements 1990 -2023.

The magazine also features a Secretary Remarks from Fos-

ter, who expressed thanks to his fellow executives for their dedication to making a positive difference.

The RHTYSC in 2022 produced a total of twenty-two regional and Guyana players while a combined 29 played for Berbice at all levels. The magazine would be shared out free of cost across Guyana, the West Indies and North America.

Special thanks were extended to the management of Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co Ltd (GTT) for being the main sponsor of the magazine, especially Marketing executive Clarence Perry.

Other sponsors were Bakewell, Panthera Solutions, Ansa McAl, Berbice Cricket Board, GNNL, Mart, Annexe Salon, Guyana Beverages, Namilco and Banks DIH Ltd.

Hetmyer spurs Giants to win over MI Emirates

CMC – West Indies lefthander Shimron Hetmyer lashed a six off the final delivery of the contest as Gulf Giants edged Kieron Pollard’s MI Emirates by five wickets here Wednes-

day, to notch their fifth win in six games in the International League T20.

With Giants needing three for victory off the last ball after being asked to chase 140

One Guyana Republic 10/10 cricket for Berbice on Feb. 19

The One Family Star Promotions, in association with the Mayflower Sports Club of Number 10 Village Corentyne, Berbice, will be hosting the inaugural Region Six ‘One Guyana Republic Ten10 Softball Cricket Festival’.

The ten overs a-side affair will be played on Sunday, February 19th at the Number 0 Sports Club Ground, Corentyne Berbice, and will be played on a one-game knock-out basis.

According to the organizers, over $200,000 in cash and trophies are up for grabs and will be awarded to the top teams and outstanding individual players. The competition will be coordinated by Roy Jaffarally and interested teams can make contact with him at 654-8187 or can make contact with Mayflower Sports Club at 6627-2331 or One Family Star Promotions on 706-5907.

According to the One Family Star Promotions, there will be lots of side attractions and giveaways for patrons.

at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Hetmyer deposited a low full toss from English seamer, Jordan Thompson, over the ropes at mid-wicket, to earn his side a spot in the playoffs.

Hetmyer finished on 13 not out from eight balls but it was Tom Banton, who top-scored with 45 from 39 balls, who laid the foundation for the successful run

chase.

Chris Lynn chipped in with 28 while James Vince struck 26, Gerhard Erasmus helping out in the lower order with 20.

Veteran former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo finished with two for 32 from four excellent overs.

Earlier, former West Indies white-ball captain Nicholas Pooran top-scored

with 42 from 29 deliveries but Emirates could only muster an inadequate 139 all out with a ball left in the innings.

Opener Andre Fletcher (4) was one of two early wickets, trapped in front by West Indies teammate, leftarm seamer Dominic Drakes (2-21), as Giants slipped to 27 for two in the fourth over.

However, Pooran arrived

to blast three fours and three sixes, inspiring a 61-run, third wicket partnership with Muhammad Waseem (29), to lift the innings.

Once Waseem was bowled by Barbados-born England seamer, Chris Jordan (3-12) – the eventual Man-of-the-Match – the innings declined swiftly with the last eight wickets falling for 51 runs.

Pollard sparkled albeit briefly with a seven-ball 19, with a four and a brace of sixes while Bravo made only three.

In reply, Banton and Lynn then anchored the two key partnerships which helped get Giants over the line. First, Banton struck five fours and a six in a 61-run opening stand with Vince before Lynn put on a further 42 for the third wicket with Erasmus, leaving Hetmyer to put on the finishing touches.

RHTYSC Secretary, Hilbert Foster, presents a copy of the club magazine to the Director of the Tain Campus of the University of Guyana.

Shimron Hetmyer struck a six from the final delivery of the game

$4.3B Sport budget

CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament 2023 Round 1…

Guyana Harpy Eagles vs. Barbados Pride

Nandu fifty highlights opening day for Eagles

The National Sports Commission (NSC) commends the 2023 National Budget presented by the distinguished Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, which includes the largest-ever allocation for the sports sector. The provision of $4.3B surpasses the prior allotment with a substantial increase

Other scores in Round 1

of $1.1B. This unprecedented allocation must be extolled as it highlights, inter alia, this H.E President Irfaan Ali-led government’s continued commitment, vision, and direction for the development of sports and sportsmen and women.

Guyana Harpy Eagles newbie Matthew Nandu

At Coolidge, T&T Leewards Hurricanes vs. Jamaica Scorpions

Leeward Hurricanes 163-6 1st innings (Jahmar Hamilton 40, Montcin Hodge 37, Rahkeem Cornwall 29*)

With the largest ever allocation

(Abhijai Mansingh 2-27, Marquino Mindley 1-11, Jamie Merchant 1-23)

for the National Sports Commission, Budget 2023 paves the way for Government’s continued transformation in our sports facilities –something that is critical to the development of world class athletes and for the hosting of international tournaments which would have commenced in the previous year.

The allocation also allows for the development of our sportsmen and sportswomen with the National Sports Academy – the first ever in Guyana and the Region – launched last year and has already started to change the landscape of sports in Guyana.

The National Sports Com -

mission is unshakeable the presented the leadership Culture, Honourable MP, sport will transform forever.

At Grenada

Windward Volcanoes 243 all out (Tevyn Walcott 87*, Sunil Ambris 55, Alick Athanaze 41, Ryan John 36)

(Bryan Charles 4-46, Terrance Hinds 4-72)

Sports headed in right direction with $4.3B allocation

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 315 all out (Amir Jangoo 86, Tion Webster 79, Hinds 52, Darren Bravo 38),

(Ryan John 5-18, Darius Martin 2-80)

By Calvin Chapman

Volcanoes 2nd innings 60-0 (Kimani Melius 39*, Jerlani Robinson 19*) trail Red Force by 12 runs

THE Government of Guyana continues to show their commitment to sport with H.E. President Irfaan Ali overseeing a total of $9B invested thus far in sport since taking office.

This year’s mammoth budget of $4.3B for sports, which was announced by Senior Minister in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh, during Monday’s budget presentation, eclipses 2022’s $3.2B by over 33% and 2021’s $1.5B.

The Harpy Eagles ended day 1 on 205-5 from 76.4 overs, thanks in part to Nandu, who stroked 9 fours in his 70*. The 19 year old faced some 219 balls and will be likely eyeing a century when play resumes today.

All-rounder Kevin Sinclair, who was looking good on 28

The 2023 sports budget provisions for a massive stadium at Palmyra, is testament to the administration’s aim of decentralising sport, and true to President Ali’s promise of having a state-of-the-art sport facility on the Corentyne.

frastructural works with Hinterland com munities set to benefit from multipurpose facilities and, the rehabilitation of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), which has already seen works being commenced.

“Provision has been set aside for the estab lishment of a National Cricket Academy.” Meanwhile, there will be, “Construction of stands and grass mounds in Regions Two and Six, extension of the Squash court at the National Racquet Center and procurement of sports gear,” Dr. Singh continued.

Sport’s Community Ground Enhancement project, which benefitted 54 communities

West Indies Test Squad for two-Test Series in Zimbabwe

…Gabriel, Warrican and Motie recalled to 15-member

when stumps arrived, will also be expected to post a good score as the Eagles seek to build on their total.

A combination of pace and slow bowling did the trick early on for Barbados, as spinner Chaim Holder (2-36) and fast-bowler Akeem Jordan (2-34), stemmed the flow of runs for Guyana on day 1, despite a few promising starts.

Those starts which were not capitalized upon, saw Eagles Captain Leon Johnson (26), alongside debutant wicket-keeper/ batsman Kemol Savory (25) and seasoned gloveman Anthony

ST JOHN’S, Antigua –The Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) Men’s Selection Panel Tuesday announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test Series in Zimbabwe, starting on 4 February. The Selection Panel recalled experienced fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, as well as left-arm spinners, Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican.

Bramble (20), all showing good Test cricket form, however failing to convert their innings into something more significant; but could easily make up come the 2nd innings.

Nandu was solely responsible for being involved in the Eagles most prolific partnerships, adding 45 for the 3rd wicket with Savory before sharing 46 with his Captain and 37 with Bramble, the 5th wicket partnership which helped to anchor things after the middle-order collapsed.

Action continues today. (Clifton Ross)

last year with 21 of those being outfitted with lights, has been allocated another $250m this year for the continued improvement of community grounds across the country.

Saints Hockey Club elects New Executive Committee for 2023

THE Saints Hockey Club (SHC) held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Friday after three years of significant delays due to the most recent pandemic and other factors. Being the first AGM since 2019, this meeting was anticipated and well attended by both senior and junior members of the club.

Gabriel has taken 161 wickets in 56 Tests, placing him joint 12th in the West Indies all-time wicket-takers list and more recently was the joint-leading wicket taker in the CG United Super50 Cup for the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in November last year.

the Victory of Saints hockey girls in the bounty 2nd Division tournament etc.

President’s Ali promise of making Guyana a regional hub for sports began to take massive strides in 2022. Dr. Singh mentioned that, “Beyond the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2022, we saw at the Regional level the return of the Inter Guiana Games to these shores after a five-year hiatus.”

Test of the two-match Series victory against Bangladesh.

method.

Shannon Test against

Dr. Singh also mentioned that the partnership be -

TURN

The agenda for this meeting included: The President’s Report, the Treasurer’s report, new plans and strategies for the upcoming year and election of new committee members for the year 2023-2024.

The President’s report highlighted the achievements made by both the club and individual members from the years 2020-2023. Such achievements included

The Treasurer’s report highlighted the major setbacks imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which crippled the club financially for the past two years. He, however, made mention of the few successful fundraisers held by the club in the most recent year (2022) and encouraged the club to engage in more fundraisers in 2023.

Gabriel’s last Test Match was against Sri Lanka in November 2021. Warrican’s last international appearance was also in Sri Lanka in December 2021 when he played in both matches in the Test Series. Motie made his Test debut for West Indies in Antigua in June 2022 in the first

The coach, Robert Fernandes, emphasised the President’s and Treasurer’s sentiments on both the victories and shortcomings faced in the previous years.

The election was by coach Robert Fernandes who managed to conduct the voting process through a show-by-hand

Jayden Seales is unavailable for selection following a knee injury and subsequent surgery, while Anderson Phillip is also unavailable due to injury.

The following persons were elected to serve on the executive committee for the period 2023/2024: Dr. Charlyn Elliot (President), Shomere Garnett (Vice President), Aquila Scott (Secretary), Leroy Geer (Treasurer), Alexcia Elias (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer), Sarah Harry (Female Junior Representative), Leroy Evans (Male Junior Representative).

Lead Selector, The Most Hon Dr. Desmond Haynes said: “This is the start of the international calendar for 2023 and we will hope to start with a win. We appreci-

In closing, the club president noted the new committee agenda would prioritize the financial growth of the club which will help fund new ventures and improve the conditions for club members. There will also be a priority in trying to establish new sub clubs to aid in the growth of hockey in Guyana.

ate ment other play soil port looked anticipate have spinners Australia, rican.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.

Kashif Muhammad Chateram Ramdihal Cristy Campbell Dellon Davidson Phillip Fernandes Bissoondyal

Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President