Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 02-04-2023

President Ali resolves 100-year-old land issue at Leonora –– residents granted land titles

REAIDENTS of Leonora

Pasture in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) can finally breathe a sigh of relief, as President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has resolved a land issue that has affected them for over 100 years.

During the Office of the President-Direct outreach at the Leonora Track and Field Centre on Friday, President Ali presented the land titles to the residents, granting them legal ownership of their lands.

The resolution was made possible by the concerted efforts of the Guyana Lands

and Surveys Commission (GLSC), the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), and the Land Registrar that worked diligently to expedite the process. The GLSC had already completed a plan in 1969, which aided in the process, and the remaining work was completed within 24 hours.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal clarified that the area, which falls under the purview of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), has about 59 occupants. While the first 12 ownership documents were handed over, the remaining

titles are still being processed.

“These are persons who are cleared, and who were available within the last 24 hours. The process will continue; those persons will have to come in to sign their agreement, so that we can be clear that they are the occupants,” Minister Croal further explained.

The minister said the Housing Ministry will also need to continue its occupation survey in the area to verify that the individuals coming forward are the rightful occupants of the land.

Residents expressed their gratitude to President Ali for his swift actions in granting them legal ownership of their lands.

Eighty-one-year-old Shyamsundar Rajkumar said he had been waiting several decades for this moment, and thanked the President and

his team for finally resolving the issue.

“This matter has been going on for years; I applied for quite some time now. And after I heard about this event here, I came and I’m happy to receive my title,” he said.

Premnaught, a single father of one, shared that he has been trying to resolve this matter since 2014, and is relieved that the opportunity has finally come for them to obtain legal ownership of their land.

He expressed his gratitude to the president for doing a commendable job, and ensuring that everything is in order.

“Well, I feel great; very happy, because I live here

alone, and I have one daughter. And if anything would have happened to me, I don’t know who would have gotten it,” he related.

Housing was one of the main issues addressed during the two-day outreach in Region Three, with the housing ministry engaging approximately 3,000 individuals during the activity.

Alongside those who received title, over 300 people with pending applications in the region were also granted house lots. Additionally, other residents were provided with the chance to apply for house lots, turn-key homes and the steel and cement subsidy. (DPI)

to develop Bina Hill Green Development Centre

$20M

RESIDENTS of Region Nine will soon benefit from more training opportunities to equip them to capitalise on the many opportunities in the various sectors.

Some $20 million will be expended to develop the Bina Hill Institute in the (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) region to provide persons with technical and vocational skillsets through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

During a graduation ceremony in the region recently, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing these training programmes.

The Bina Hill Green Development Centre will be outfitted with various amenities to serve the residents.

“I can assure you that not so long before now, you will have a full-fledged IT lab; IT centre at the Bina Hill Institute to serve the people in Region Nine. We will establish a fullfledged welding and fabrication centre; a joinery centre will be established at Bina Hill, a culinary centre that also will be utilised to do agro-processing,” Minister Hamilton

informed.

The ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bina Hill Institute and the North Rupununi Development Association.

The labour minister also disclosed that the Mayor and Town Council has made available a building that will be developed as a training centre to provide BIT programmes in Lethem.

“Already, we have earmarked $1.5 million to make that building somewhat comfortable, by putting in ceiling and air condition,” Minister Hamilton said.

Some 171 residents graduated recently from several technical and vocational training programmes through BIT in the region.

The training programmes include a community development element that enables participants to showcase and apply their community building abilities.

BIT continues to roll out its technical and vocational training courses to ensure every citizen has equitable access to opportunities across the country. (DPI)

President Dr Irfaan Ali and other officials during a press conference at the Leonora Track and Field Centre on Friday (Delano Williams photo)

Internationally-branded plantain chip factory for Region Three

By Tamica Garnett

AN internationally branded plantain chip factory to be located in Parika, East Bank Essequibo, is among a number of massive private business ventures coming to Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), as the region continues to grow into a major economic hub for the country.

Members of the region’s business community recently

proposals continue to come from investors in the region, and the government is working along with the region’s private sector to facilitate growth.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday at the conclusion of the outreach, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali described the region as a “high energy environment”, and highlighted the amount of business proposals seen at the outreach.

persons wanting to own their own homes in this region,” President Ali said.

He added, “In terms of business, there are many proposals that are brought to us from aquaculture, the hydroponics, large scale agriculture, hotels, apartments, real estate on the whole, supermarkets, small manufacturing facility. As a matter of fact, very soon we’ll be opening an internationally branded plantain chip factory

had a chance to discuss their proposals and plans during meetings with a number of government officials at an Office of the President Regional Outreach that concluded on Friday at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora.

Driven by the huge roll out of public and private infrastructure investments in the region, private investment

“[There is] a lot of pleasant excitement about where the region is going and where the country is going. A lot of optimism, a lot of confidence and I would say it’s a high energy environment. What I have seen is the confidence in the development of this region, triggering a lot of investment proposals, a lot of business interests and more

here in this region that will be adding value to plantains that is being produced here.

“So, there are a lot of proposals that came to us that we were able to pass to the Go-Invest investors. The Minister of Finance is following up on a lot of this.”

The President noted that the government is working to keep up with the region’s

growth momentum.

“The whole infrastructure push and transformation is creating new challenges that we are ahead of, that we are building for,” the President remarked.

The government is also placing emphasis on the region’s education system to ensure that the development align with its growth.

“We are trying to create infrastructure in the school system that encourages learning, that promote learning. The student population is growing rapidly in this region, this may be one of the fastest growing school populations in terms of schools in the region and we are expanding those schools, we are extending, we are looking at new ways in fast tracking the building of new schools also,” the President

noted.

With plans in place to establish a gas-to-energy project, works on a US$300 million shore base facility, new private and public hospitals, the creation of a number of housing schemes, and the construction of two four-lane highways in the works, Region Three has long since been identified as a hub for investment opportunities in Guyana.

Moreover, the establishment of the New Harbour Bridge connecting Region Three to Region Four has also been projected to drive investment opportunities in the West Demerara area, since capital and economic actives in Region Four will become more accessible.

“Investors normally follow the money and devel -

opment,” Chief Investment Officer of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, reasoned as he explained the ongoing prosperity in the region.

“The investments are all good indicators of the economic boom in the region as government implements it’s transformative projects.”

Dr. Ramsaroop noted that he has been working ensure that Go-Invest plays its role in promoting the growth in Region Three.

“The Guyana Office for investment has been working with investors in all sectors to promote long term investments in agro processing and especially the hospitality sector to get ready for the agro and manufacturing boom as the Gas-to-Shore comes on line,” Dr. Ramsaroop noted.

‘Big plan’ coming to ensure all Guyanese benefit from oil & gas

– President Ali

By Tamica Garnett

PRESIDENT, Dr.

Irfaan

Ali, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working to ensure maximum local content opportunities in Guyana’s oil and gas sector, noting that every service in the oil and gas industry that can be provided by local citizens will be provided. Speaking at a press conference at the National Track and Field Centre on Friday at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, the Head of State shared that the government is even working to rally financing to

ensure that the private sector is able to capitalise on available and future opportunities.

“We are going to push to ensure that every service we can provide as a people will be provided. I am now working on a plan to go much larger, one in which…every single cent we can mobilise as a country to invest in a business opportunity in the oil and gas sector…to create an infrastructure that all those investors can invest and one in which even ordinary Guyanese will be able to invest so that they too can be part of the growth and development,

not of this sector, but of all the opportunities around the sector. I will launch that very soon,” the Head of State explained.

Dr. Ali made the comments as he responded to questions about the move by US oil giant Exxon Mobil to acquire a fleet of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) duty free.

The President was asked if this was a move to overstep local businesses from providing vehicle services. However, the President explained that the transportation sector is in

actuality experiencing a shortage of providers, and even the government is being affected by a scarcity of vehicles.

The President insisted that local transportation providers are not in fact being disenfranchised.

“I don’t think so at all. We have protection in local content for certain businesses. We have a lot of local persons who have invested in transportation services that are fully utilised. As a matter of fact, now in the government, we have a lot of delegations that are coming, foreign delegations, leaders, visitors, and we were placed in an embarrassing situation where we did not get the type

of vehicle to rent because most of them were occupied in the oil and gas sector,” the President explained.

It was under Dr. Ali’s government that Guyana’s Local Content Act was passed into law, which paved the way to ensure that Guyanese gained equal opportunities and access in the oil and gas industry, and to ensure maximum benefits for Guyanese businesses.

The Act outlines 40 sub-sectors which would legally require oil companies to procure goods and services, as well as, employ specific percentages of Guyanese in their day-to-day operations.

It also sets out what defines a local company.

And the government has maintained that the legislation would not be set in stone, noting that amendments can be made to guarantee increased employment and business opportunities for the people of Guyana as citizens train more and provide more services to the oil and gas sector.

Earlier last month, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall had reiterated the government’s commitment to updating the country’s local content laws to reflect the growing oil and gas industry.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali greets residents during a Presidential Outreach to Region Three (Delano Williams photo)

Hundreds of people showed up during a Presidential Outreach to Region Three to have their issues addressed (Delano Williams photo)

Bartica vendor busted with cannabis, ‘meth’ in haversack

A RESIDENT and vendor of Bartica, Linden Benjamin, 35, was, on Friday, caught with a quantity of cannabis and methamphetamine by ranks conducting searches within the town.

According to a police press release, the ranks were conducting random searches between 20:00 hours and 21:30 hours

around the township of Bartica, whereby several persons were stopped and searched.

“Benjamin and the haversack were searched, and police found 16 transparent zip-loc packs of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis and 25 transparent zip-loc packs of what is suspected to be methamphetamine” the release noted.

He was then arrested and escorted to the Bartica Police Station along with the narcotics.

The cannabis when weighed, amounted to 26 grammes while the methamphetamine amounted to eight grammes.

Benjamin was told of the offence, cautioned and admitted. He is presently in custody pending charge.

The narcotics seized by the police ranks (Guyana Police Force photo)

Teixeira sets the record straight on PAC meetings

QUESTIONING why the Opposition Member of Parliaments (MP) have been pushing to hastily conclude audit reports covering their tenure in office, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira has sought to set the record straight as it relates to the holding of meetings of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

In a statement issued on Saturday, Minister Teixeira pointed out that with the 12th Parliament having already held 51 meetings in 28 months, there has been a marked increase of meetings held across the 32 and 40 months duration of the preceding 10th and 11th Parliament, where a total of 57 and 44 meetings were held, respectively.

Addressing recent comments by Opposition members of the PAC, and editorial commentary on the postponement of a few PAC meetings, Minister Teixeira noted that the current rate of PAC meetings is by no means unusual.

Minister Teixeira labelled as “bizarre” contentions that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is attempting to avoid scrutiny of audited reports covering the current government’s tenure, particularly given that the PAC is still at the 2019 audit report, and has not reached the audits for the PPP/C Government’s term of office from late 2020 to present.

“Why wouldn’t the PPP/C MPs want to examine, inspect and dissect any audited report, but, more

especially, the Auditor General Reports for the years 2017-2020, a time when the APNU+AFC Coalition was in government?

“These reports, so far, have been replete with revelations of violations of the Procurement Act and financial procedures,” Minister Teixeira argued.

Moreover, she noted that the 2020 and 2021 Audit Reports were already released to the public.

Minister Teixeira noted that the constitution and laws of Guyana establish the anti-corruption framework and the checks and balances for transparency and accountability with oversight mechanisms of the Auditor General’s Office, the Public Accounts Committee, and other bodies.

She also highlighted that since the PPP/C took office in August 2020, a National Coordinating Committee (NCC) on Anti-Corruption was established and involves a cross-section of government agencies. This committee works on not only ensuring that Guyana is compliant with its reporting obligations, but also on capacity building and maximising the synergies that exist among agencies.

“The NCC meets on a bi-monthly basis, and 16 agencies are currently represented on the Committee. Also, an ‘Anti-Corruption Framework – Fact Sheet and Detailed Framework 2022’ was published in 2022 to support the work being done to strengthen and improve transparency and account -

ability,” Minister Teixeira noted.

However, with the PAC still in the process of dealing with the audit reports that cover the critical periods when the now opposition A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) was still in government, Minister Teixeira noted that current arguments over the hosting of PAC meetings is a smokescreen to distract from the Opposition’s own lack of accountability being unveiled.

“Is it to push their “dirty linen” under the mat, so the public would not know what they did with the taxpayers’ monies during their tenure?

“Is the author of the editorial saying that the period of the APNU+AFC Coa -

lition Government should not be subject to scrutiny by the PAC, the public and the media? One wonders if the author of the editorial wishes the public to ignore the fact that several former ministers are before the court for acts of corruption and violation of the laws of the country? Isn’t that also an aspect of accountability and transparency?” Minister Teixeira questioned.

Further, Minister Teixeira reminded that the 12th Parliament is dealing with a backlog not of its making but due to circumstances beyond its control. As such, the PAC in the 12th Parliament has a heavier agenda than both the 10th and 11th Parliaments.

“It had to finalise the work done in the 11th Parliament with regards to the PAC report on the combined 2015/2016 Annual Audited Reports, which was tabled and adopted in the National Assembly in 2022, as well as, address the Annual Audited Reports of the years 2017, 2018, 2019 which were tabled at

the end of 2020 due to the No Confidence Motion, the 14 months during which Guyana had no lawful government, the 2020 elections and the five month delay before the election results were declared,” Minister Teixeira noted.

The Annual Audited Reports for 2020 and 2021 are also before the PAC.

The PAC has also been dealing with the unavailability of documentation and non-attendance by a number of former Permanent Secretaries and former Regional Executive Officers, who are the accounting officers of the agencies.

“The examination of any audited reports requires not only the presence of accounting officers who held office in 2015-2020, but also their timely provision of documents and answers, so that examination can be thorough in the national interest.

Yet these facts have been ignored by the author of the editorial and other commentators,” Teixeira noted.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira

Proactive Governance

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan

Ali has taken governance to a new and higher level by his proactive leadership style which has seen thousands of issues addressed on the spot.

During his recent presidential outreach at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, Region Three, over 5,000 issues were addressed and almost 2,000 resolved among which were those pertaining to housing, public assistance and National Insurance.

A similar outreach was held a few weeks ago in Region Six during which thousands of issues affecting residents were addressed, some on the spot.

This down-to-earth approach by President Ali has been highly praised by residents from all walks of life. Many of the issues were festering for months, if not years, due to unnecessary bureaucratic delays.

And while there are some opposition elements who are critical of the hands-on approach to problem-solving by President Ali,

the fact of the matter is that the President is the chief accounting officer when it comes to the delivery of public goods and services and as such, has a vested interest in the removal of red-tape and bottlenecks whenever or wherever they manifest themselves.

In any case, the solution to issues raised by members of the public is not done arbitrarily. These are resolved in an inter-agency manner with the full involvement of officials from the relevant sector agencies.

But the approach by the President goes beyond that of problem solving. It is also about touching base with the masses, listening to their concerns and viewpoints on matters affecting them and the communities in which they live. It is also a form of accountability framework in which government officials are made to answer to the people on matters affecting their personal or collective lives.

This is the true essence of ‘grassroots’ democracy where ordinary people not only

have a voice in the management of their affairs but are the rightful beneficiaries of public policies and interventions.

President Ali, during his inaugural speech, promised that he will be a President for all of Guyana. The President has remained faithful to that promise and has visited and interacted with residents from the diverse communities of Guyana, including those that traditionally supported the opposition PNC.

As noted by the President, no region or community is off-limit when it comes to his interface with the Guyanese people and he has displayed a remarkable ability to interface with citizens and come up with practical solutions to issues of concern.

This approach is in sharp contrast to that of the previous PNC administrations when the President and Cabinet ministers were for all practical purposes beyond the reach of ordinary people including their own supporters.

Of significance to note is the fact that President Ali and his team are warmly embraced by citizens all across the country including known PNC strongholds which could be seen as a slap in the face of those who continue to spread the false and misleading narrative of political and racial discrimination in the country.

The evidence is there for all to see that Guyanese are tired and resentful of the politics of race and are much more accommodating to the politics of inclusion along the ‘One Guyana’ lines as envisioned by President Ali.

President Ali must be commended for, as it were, taking the development bull by its horns and leading from the front. His leadership style has now become ingrained in the governance structure of the country; one characterized by high levels of commitment and dedication to the cause of a united, peaceful and prosperous Guyana.

Chris Ram has a chance to prove that he is not a fossil

Dear Editor,

I HAVE been following some interesting exchanges between Joel Bhagwandin, Christopher Ram, and his defender (s).

I have noted a letter by one Rishi Pooran who wrote in high praises for Chris Ram as though Ram is some saintly being.

The author intimated that Chris Ram has superior qualifications and he is the sole INDEPENDENT authority to speak on issues of finance and macroeconomics.

He then went on to highlight that Mr. Bhagwandin, Ram’s contender, is a paid agent on a government board. May I enlighten the author, though, that it is public knowledge that the very board Mr. Bhagwandin sits on, Ram was a nominee for that very post. He was a nominee for

the parliamentary opposition. He was very upset when he did not make it to the shortlist.

There is also a particular news entity that promoted Chris Ram as one the most qualified candidates for some of these posts, truth is, he is not. He is becoming increasingly irrelevant. One wonders, is it because Ram was not the chosen nominee for that board among other posts, he lobbied himself for and didn’t get, that he is now vexatious and now has an anti-government agenda, irrespective of how absurd his arguments may be?

So, Ram may very well be independent, but his modus operandi is certainly questionable and demonstrably suspicious.

Some of these views are supported by some of his former senior employees who reasoned that he is out of touch with contemporary issues in the industry and new

accounting standards that he is clearly clueless but presents himself as though he knows it well. This tells me that as good as he may be in his field, he is also a good bluff master as well.

Editor, Mr. Ram is far from saintly. One just has to speak with his students and employees to learn how miserable, and terrible of a person he is. Ram is known to have a track record of intimidating others in the profession, especially young and upcoming professionals (I am not referring to Mr. Bhagwandin here because clearly, he is an exception, where he is brave and fearless enough to take on the mighty Chris Ram).

Chris Ram also has a track record of publicly assassinating the characters of industry professionals for the last two decades.

Ram is very knowledgeable and writes

very well. But he’s also very opinionated and holds strong positions on many matters. He tends to use his skills to try to prove himself right and to attack any alternative views. This is not a good recipe for objective commentary and analysis.

Also, if he is a public commentator who is viewed as an authoritative voice in a specific field, then he ought to be able to defend his positions and engage Mr. Bhagwandin – who challenged his view with an alternative analysis.

Editor, I close by encouraging Ram to redeem himself by engaging Mr. Bhagwandin in this very critical topical matter of national importance -and prove himself that he is not an old irrelevant fossil.

Editor Navendra Seoraj

A lesson for all

Dear Editor,

I refer to an article caption

“Recovering Painkiller Addict Keith Burrowes Wants

To Prevent Others Going

The Same Route” published in the Stabroek News Weekend Edition on 12/03/2023.

This article was intended to highlight the serious health consequences of using opioids, even if it’s in the form of pain killers. I publicly congratulate the writer of the article who also conducted the interview. The article was written as a caution to others and is a general representation of how I developed an unhealthy reliance on opioid-based pain killers to manage chronic pain and my recovery.

After the above-captioned article was published, several friends and colleagues encouraged me to clarify or expand on a few topics in the article. It is important to note that the article was published before I had the opportunity to review its contents.

The intention of my letter today is to provide clarity and additional details based on the sum of comments; this feedback is captured under the following four sub-headings:

I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL MY DECISIONS

Editor, most of the comments I’ve received sought to suggest that blame was placed on others for the decisions taken by me.

I wish to make it very clear that I was fully aware of my medical situation when I agreed to my work responsibilities, whether it was serving on a board or working in a full-time capacity. Since I was a teenager, I was always passionate about serving my country and did so without fear or favour, despite my medical condition and other challenges. I was never forced by former Presidents HE Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, HE Mr. Donald Ramotar nor the former Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon to accept an assignment.

Yes, Dr. Jagdeo may have persuaded me to continue to serve Guyana, largely because of my admiration for his work and the duty I felt to serve the people of Guyana. I also would like to add that these leaders, other senior officials in the PPP administration and members of the main Opposition were always concerned about my condition and, in many instances, appealed to me to seek further treatment. However, I felt that I could have dealt with my health condition independently. Further, I would like to

clarify the following line reflected in the article: “I was able to keep myself away from those vices because I had a lot of people who supported me and my addiction.” In reality, several persons who knew of the frequent pain I experienced did not agree with my prolonged use of pain killers. I opted to use painkillers without fully understanding the implications of prolonged use of pain killers because I did not want to have another surgery. However, I did reach out to hospitals in Guyana and overseas for advice on alternative approaches to pain management and addiction recovery.

These approaches temporarily relieved my pain. However, oftentimes my pain was unbearable; inevitably my dependency on painkillers was prolonged.

PAYMENT OF BOARD STIPENDS

The issue of board fees was raised in the article (related to my workload serving on several Board of Directors (BoD).

The article correctly stated that I donated stipend I received while serving on GAIBANK’s BoD to a welfare fund to assist staff members. It was further stated that I did not collect stipends while serving on several state boards after Gaibank was merged. Several persons requested that I clarify this issue.

It should be noted that on my request to the management of the institutions in question, my stipends were donated with the specific request that it was used to fund initiatives that directly benefitted the staff of these institutions. For example: (1) In the case of GUYSUCO, my stipend went to the main union (GAWU) to support workers who were injured on the job (while it was not requested, the late Comrade Komal Chan provided me with a periodical update on how these funds were helping individuals in their recovery).

(2) As the chairman of the GNNL- my stipend was used to support staff who were interested in improving their capacity to function on the job by completing short courses, e.g. For example, computer studies.

(3) At GOINVEST, a significant portion of the remuneration I received was donated to the annual end-of-year social event and staff development initiatives. These are just a few examples.

of GAIBANK in 1983, there was a Sports Club where all staff members were members of the club; not only managers as was inadvertently stated in the article. I was elected secretary a few months after my employment. It is worthwhile to note that the constitution of this association stated that the president position must be held by a member of the management team. I soon realised that while the president at the time had very good intentions, he did not have the time and drive to radically develop the club and expand its services. I, therefore, organised a referendum to change the constitution and was soon after elected president, a position I held until the bank was merged with GNCB. The article did indicate that our club emerged as the most recognised among the banking sector and in the country.

We were the leading public institution in several sporting activities (example: football and dominoes); we organized (as the writer highlighted) the first Interbank Impromptu

Speaking and Debating Competition, an Interbank Fashion Show and our annual signature event under the patronage of the President of Guyana (held several times under HE President Desmond Hoyte and once under HE President Cheddi Jagan). This was the evening of classical music (Western, Indian and African music) that attracted large sections of the diplomatic community and senior officials from the private and public sectors. This club contributed significantly to the high level of comradery and unity that existed at this institution.

b. Expanding on the Severance Pay Issue (Merger of GAIBANK and GNCB)

Editor, I was elected Staff Director in 1988 to represent the positions of the whole staff (management and non-management) on the Board of Directors. I had no interest in being a silent member and was adamant that the positions taken to the board had wide representation. I, therefore, initiated the formation of a Staff Welfare Association

(made up of a representatives of every department). These representatives would provide me with issues that staff members would like the board to address. I was unanimously re-elected at every subsequent election.

It was a privilege and my responsibility to ensure that staff members got the best severance pay package when the bank was merged in 2005. I would like to clarify that I approached the then Finance Minister Mr. Asgar Ally to provide me with a letter stating that as Minister he supported the board’s decision to approving the severance pay package presented on behalf of the staff. The Minister was removed of this position two days after this letter was granted. Based on information I was privy to, as a member of the board, I would say without fear of contradiction that the letter prevented a situation whereby this agreement would have been rendered null and void thus resulting in the staff being forced to accept a less advantageous

package.

Editor, I wish to thank you for this opportunity to clarify the issues highlighted above, and the reporter for highlighting the very important issue of the dire consequences of opioids. Because of my experience, I plan to continue advocating against the use of these in any form, for short or long-term pain management. I would also like to publicly express gratitude to Drs. Jagdeo and Luncheon, Mr. Ramotar and other senior governmental officials for their compassion, concern, and counsel during a very difficult period of my life. I also thank my wonderful staff (of the various institutions) for their kindness and understanding. Finally, I wish to thank all my friends and all the doctors in the private and public sectors who tried their utmost to help me overcome this medical situation. My public appreciation for your efforts are long overdue.

With kind regards,

Keith Burrowes

Cheddi and Janet Jagan – Real and Reimagined!

Part 1: Dr Jagan

Yesteryear, Today and Tomorrow…

By Earl Bousquet

CHEDDI and Janet Jagan met in the United States and married there in 1943. Janet moved to then British Guiana with him one year later – and after two years, they joined Forbes Burnham and Ashton Chase to form the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), from which bosom both the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) emerged.

With the distinct and distinguished fortune of having known and worked with both Cheddi and Janet at international conferences in the Caribbean and Guyana for three decades, I attended Cheddi’s funeral at Babu Jaan in Berbice in 1997, but was unable to attend Janet’s send-off in 2009.

Both died in March – Cheddi on the 6th and Janet on the 28th -- but though 13 years apart, they left living memories that will last forever, like with all who met either, even if only once.

Reimagining the inseparable couple whose lives and contributions straddled the 20th and 21st Centuries is no easy task, but with memories and forever-living documented testimonies to go by, those who knew them well-enough will have no problems imaging their respective positions through thoughts shaped by one’s memory and (hopefully still fertile) imagination.

Since we spoke for the last time on February 14, 1996, I’ve often asked myself how Dr Cheddi Jagan would’ve acted in different current circumstances – like, how he would’ve handled Guyana’s new oil wealth today, or assessed the political opposition in 2023.

I felt (and still do) that his typical analysis of the recent call-to-arms and mutiny by a member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) would have included all his PPP-Civic administration had done between 1992 and 1996 to offer government support to Walter Rodney’s family; and to pursue repatriation of the alleged killer -- an ex-Guyana Defense Force (GDF) soldier -- from across the border in Cayenne (French Guiana).

Protected even in exile as a wanted suspect in a murder of a prominent Guyana citizen, Sgt. Gregory Smith would die before facing justice -- and (possibly) exposing who might have ordered Rodney’s death.

Dr Jagan would also have traced the WPA’s origins – where it came from and where it went to after Rodney’s death

Chronicles of a Chronic Guyana Chronicler

By Earl Bousquet

– and later, after two more of Walter’s former co-leaders joined the APNU+AFC coalition government in 2015.

He would have spent less time on what was actually said than on what it meant, not only for the PPP-Civic and its supporters, but all Guyanese who may decide to openly support the current administration, for whatever reasons.

Dr Jagan would also have, most likely, tapped on historical examples to show that such behaviour is not secluded to Guyana, but is often resorted to be elements with high levels of desperation driven by their inability to win state power through peaceful means.

He may have likened the externally-generated division between himself and then PPP Chair Forbes Burnham in the early 1960s to that two decades later between Zimbabwe’s post-revolution leaders, Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo, which negatively affected the ZANU-Patriotic Front (PF) government.

He would also have pointed to the appointment by the then President of someone other than the AFC Leader as the coalition’s prime minister on the AFC’s leadership and how they sidelined the Prime Minister in response, eventually leading to the AFC’s divorce from the partnership with the APNU ahead of the upcoming June Local Government Elections.

He held on to principled positions and shared them with fellow PPP leaders, eventually winning-over those with doubt by addressing their concerns until they understood.

For example, not all PPP party members supported its entering into a Patriotic Coalition For Democracy (PCD) in the 1980s that included the WPA -- many because of elements in its leadership who consciously likened the PPP with the PNC (and Jagan with Burnham) and arguing instead for establishment of dictatorship of the working people by other than peaceful electoral alliances.

But as PPP General Secretary -- from its birth to his death – like he’d been able, over decades, convinced the majority that a coalition against dictatorship was better than going it alone just because the PPP could, as the biggest and best-organized of the opposition parties.

Dr Jagan left Planet Earth just as the internet arrived in Guyana and while the major concern was about whether children would now have easy access to pornogra-

phy on the free World Wide Web (www), people and governments elsewhere were preparing to welcome the 21st Century with calls for a ‘new global order’ -- to which the Guyana leader replied in 1996, by proposing a ‘New Global Human Order’.

With Local Government Elections approaching and the PPP-Civic administration at mid-term before the 2025 elections are due, Dr Jagan would undoubtedly have endorsed the way the party he co-founded and nurtured had been able to win four national elections and only lose twice since his departure along the River of No Return.

He would have highlighted the commonalities and distinct specificities between Presidents Jagdeo, Ramotar and Ali.

And he’d also have explained the differences between the PPP’s boycotts in opposition against dictatorship and electoral fraud, vis-à-vis the current boycotts by parties that might realistically choose to opt out of a costly race they have concluded they just can’t win, especially with no Second Prize.

The comrade would most certainly have recommended that Guyanese voters to keep a good thing going opening their eyes and minds and ‘Do the Maths’ independently -- and then conclude on the basis of how much better they feel since the last general elections.

Yes, Dr Jagan would have found convincing ways to urge voters to opt for regime change in regions where they have not been happy with performance of incumbents, no matter which party they represent.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that tapping my creative imagination to answer my same old question in new and changed circumstance is a skewed approach to determine how a dear friend who’s no longer around would think.

But those who knew and worked closely with Dr Jagan will dare to conclude today, 27 years after he took that final flight into the unknown, what his positions might most likely have been on most issues, based on historical or otherwise empirical evidence, including positions adumbrated in an out of office, and collections of his speeches or his books ‘The West On Trial’ and ‘Forbidden Freedom’.

Indeed, Dr Cheddi Jagan epitomized the ultimate leader who led from in front and never compromised just for the sake of convenience.

I can never forget attending a PPP Conference in August 1985 when Forbes Burnham died at 62 after leading Guyana for 21 years as Premier, Prime Minister and its first Executive President.

Word around (at the time) was that Dr Roger Luncheon -- by then already a ranking PPP Central Committee member -- was on hand to offer assistance to the president, but the family opted for “a family doctor” nearer to home.

Flour had been banned for unhealthy reasons and upon the news of Burnham’s death, someone hung a chain of flour products around the neck of the president’s statue in a prominent place in Georgetown.

Many PPP members were not in a mourning mood, but Comrade Cheddi insisted the party had to pay its respects to the death of a former Founding Chairman who had just died as President – and he ordered that the PPP flag above Freedom House be flown at half-mast.

That was the classic Comrade Dr Cheddi Jagan.

But it’s not only me reimagining Dr Jagan today. Hear what his nephew, Dr Clive Jagan had to say recently at this year’s 27th anniversary of his uncle’s death at Babu Jaan last month:

“He (Dr Jagan) struggled all his life to crush these distances and for all human beings to be recognised as equals, and not to be judged by the colour of their skin. Racism for him was repulsive.

“Thanks to Uncle Cheddi’s efforts and the efforts of a large number of others, we [PPP/C] have closed the distances separating one group from another, but there is still more to be done.

“He never wavered from his dedication to the struggle for freedom and the upliftment of all. And in this struggle, he remains committed, and through the peaceful and democratic methods.”

Unwavering in his dedication to the struggle for freedom and upliftment for all – that was classic Comrade Cheddi all his life, which remained the basic same yesteryear, as it would be today and tomorrow, subject only to the changes forced by the forces of change.

Yet, if you thought humility and the power of leadership were only wrappedup in Comrade Cheddi, you’d be very wrong, as his wife, the ex-Janet Rosenburg of Chicago, USA, was no-less unwavering and committed to change for the better than her comradely husband over the 53 years they spent together.

Guyana at the centre of an offshore oil surge and FPSO market boom

THE global offshore oil industry has seen a major resurgence the past few years, as more spending is put towards new offshore oil projects and investment is slated to reach new levels over the next two years.

Offshore drilling is one of the most technically challenging parts of the oil and gas industry, especially in deep waters, but these areas like Guyana and Brazil have been the site of some of the biggest discoveries in the last few decades.

According to Rystad Energy, offshore spending will account for 68 percent of spending on newly sanctioned projects over the next two years, and “will eclipse $100 billion in 2023 and 2024.”

With Guyana as a prime example of the investments being made in offshore oil, the country is also on a rapid growth trajectory and, according to analysts, is one of the countries driving the global market for floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) ships this decade.

FPSOs are some of the largest, most sophisticated vessels in existence and form a key element of oil production in deepwater offshore areas like those in the Stabroek

Block.

The FPSO market is on track to close 50 awards for new ships this decade, with Guyana and Brazil accounting for an outsize share of those awards. Of these awards, 12 units will be for Brazil and six units will be for Guyana.

Earlier this month it was announced that Guyana’s Prosperity FPSO vessel will arrive from Singapore by mid-April this year for the Payara project.

Then, in 2024, ExxonMobil’s fourth FPSO vessel ONE GUYANA will come online and is projected to begin production in late 2025. ExxonMobil has indicated that there could be as many as ten floating production storage and offloading vessels (FPSOs) operating offshore Guyana eventually.

Despite many legacy producers of oil and gas calling for a transition away from fossil fuels, new oil producing countries like Guyana are pushing back and pressing ahead with development. In Guyana’s case, the government strongly believes that oil represents the best chance to earn the capital needed to grow the economy, improve the standard of living, and build stronger and more resilient

Racism is ‘blighting’ our politics

THE concepts of forming coalitions, shared governance, and building trust are not new to the political and historic scenes in Guyana.

They are part and parcel of the development of the body of politics.

Yet, it seems that they are never really going to change the manner of interactions between political parties and people here because of the multifaceted cultures, races, and ethnicities that exist.

Each exists with a lack of basic trust for the others and a lack of respect for social, emotional and historic underpinnings for the others given their unique ‘Guyanese experience’ from early on through slavery, indentureship, colonialism and independence.

Fast track to 2023, and this suspicion and mistrust still exist and go away temporarily until it is provoked, excited or instigated to come back to the surface of politics.

So, in order for the coalitions, shared governance, and building trust to genuinely work to cement the present, future and aspirations of Guyana, there is a need to fix or solve the ethnic or race problem in Guyana once and for all.

Racism is an ugly thorn that rears its head only at the most critical of times and periods in the country’s history whenever important decisions have to be made about the balance of power, elections, governance and authority.

Minus these, there are very few circumstances where Guyanese experience racism in their daily life as they somehow find ways of living together as one with high levels of religious, ethnic, political and social tolerance.

So, the real political powers, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and the Peo-

ple’s National Congress Reform both have accused the other of being a racist party and practising racism.

While the PNC/R has only accusations made on the basis of ‘how something looks’, and general imagery, the PPP/C is winning the argument against this party because the PNC/R has no evidence but its leaders are felt every day supporting the racists that are seeking to divide the populace almost daily.

The PPP/C made it clear that the current Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, is clandestinely practising racism internally and externally to seek to whip up votes for his bid to win local and general elections. They do not trust him because he does not look at any issue without race or ethnicity coming into sharp focus.

He is threading carefully with his whisper campaign against the PPP/C which is the reason why, according to the PPP/C, he could not offer a strong criticism and rebuke to what was said by the Working People Alliance (WPA) and Tucuma Ogunseye which was allegedly treasonous and excited racism.

Also, the Alliance for Change (AFC) had its own experience with the PNC/R and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and racism that left it battered and worn.

Nobody would seek to trust the PNC as a political entity now. It’s isolated and alone. Knowing this to be true, it was led back to its old way of using the country’s race and ethnicity problems or insecurities to stay relevant and get votes.

The PPP/C is looking at the PNC/R to see if it is prepared to go all the way in pursuit of power. It is ready to use the law and order to

infrastructure.

In May 2022, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali participated in the CARICOM – U.S. forum hosted by Vice President, Kamala Harris for heads of states from 15 Caribbean nations, to discuss the US commitment to advancing co-operation for economic recovery, mitigating the climate crisis, and other areas of concern.

President Ali asserted the view that Guyana retains the sovereign right to develop its natural resources, especially considering the development challenges the country faces and the growing impacts of climate change largely caused by developed countries.

President Ali asked attendees a poignant question: “If you’re locking out new suppliers, it is to whose advantage? We can very well be creating a monopoly for those who are already in the business, who have already extracted this natural resource and developed their own jurisdiction,” he said.

These remarks underscore the position of regional leaders: that developing countries should not be unfairly blocked from development by long-time oil producers in the developed world. Regions that historically

have not had the same opportunities, from Sub-Saharan Africa to the Caribbean, are bucking this pressure and putting themselves at the centre of new investments.

Since first oil in 2015, ExxonMobil Guyana has invested billions into several projects offshore Guyana. The country has since progressed on a path towards growth as a nation and an emerging oil producer—in the region and globally.

Guyanese leaders have recognised that the timeline to reap the full benefits of oil and gas development will not last forever and have made it a priority to proceed with development and use the revenues from its oil production to fund key socio-economic priorities such as schools, roads, bridges, and healthcare.

With offshore oil investments skyrocketing and the global offshore industry FPSOs market booming, Guyana is at the centre of meeting demand, providing supply, and reinvesting back into both oil and non-oil sectors. More oil production should hopefully yield even more investments into the country, and now more than ever Guyana is solidifying its future.

whip the PNC/R, if needs be, to keep it in line with the expectations of a mature political unit.

Each time it acts irresponsibly and engages in temper tantrums or racist rhetoric publicly, the PPP/C is prepared to let the Police, Ethnic Relations Commission and all other willing civil society, diplomatic and nongovernmental organisations sacrifice the PNC/R for the good of the country.

And, the PPP/C General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, has already openly said racists and Guyanese who support them are not welcome in his party as they will find it hard to survive because they will be chased out.

Similarly, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has vowed to trample and conquer the institution of racism, rooting it out wherever it rears its face in his PPP/C Government. Not to steal the thunder of Jagdeo, he made a commitment to move ahead with his policies and plans which would lead to a more unified, together and diverse country in the near future operating as ‘One Guyana’.

That is the only way that the aforementioned concepts can really have a chance at working for Guyana.

The PPP/C has shown that it has political maturity and genius to read the mood of the people now. It is unwilling to relive the 1968 to 1992 experience. It is not prepared to make the same missteps that its leaders made in the 1960s when Forbes Burnham turned down the offer of shared governance and chose his party over the country.

It is not prepared to endure any foolery, ingenuine and deceitfulness in politics. It is finished with placing political plasters on

wounds and sores that cannot heal from the outside. The new PPP/C appears to focus on development, business and philosophy of engineering the growth of ‘One Guyana’.

Constitutional reform is underway but the PNC/R is still practising the politics of the past and fails every time to demonstrate seriousness and steadiness politically and as an integral partner in fighting racism.

It must genuinely commit to democracy and political transparency as a means of getting closer to forming a coalition that works behind the scenes as much as it does for the cameras, shared governance and building trust.

In any event, any form of shared governance at the level of the executive cannot be self-imposed but has to be mandated by the people, possibly through a referendum. In order for ‘One Guyana’ to succeed, PNC/R-engineered racism and division must be sacrificed at election time and generally.

Lastly, Hamilton Green and others like him are considered relics of Guyana’s sordid and troubling past and cannot offer the PPP/C, and PNC/R anything much. Send them packing and focus on building an environment of political trust and confidence which is a necessary prerequisite for shared governance.

When the racial problem is solved and there has to be a commitment by the parties involved to shared values, including adherence to democratic norms and the rule of law, then Guyana will breathe and it will start a new era of development and issue-based politics.

Until then, any talk of shared governance and trust is hollow.

School safety

By Vanessa Cort

ANOTHER mass school shooting in the United States recently and, closer to home, another disgraceful confrontation between a parent, child and teacher, have made the issue of safety in schools one of grave concern.

In a television interview, the teacher, who allegedly armed herself with a cutlass, said she was attacked and referred to attacks on teachers as “the new COVID.”

She echoed the sentiment of many when she called for a better relationship between teachers, parents and students.

And attacks on teachers is not a new occurrence.

Two years ago, President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) Mark Lyte, denounced this behaviour, referring to two recent incidents.

“There is a crisis with security both in an out of school. Parents are now walking off the streets and into the classroom (or) office to physically assault

and wound teachers,” he said.

Clearly this problem still exists and is, in fact, getting worse, as teachers, backed by the GTU, felt compelled to stage a protest demanding “justice” after the latest incident.

The GTU, calling on the Education Ministry to address the matter of violence in schools, has said that “at least 12 teachers have been assaulted so far this year”, according to the Caribbean National Weekly (CNW).

One of the most alarm-

ing attacks took place at Fort Wellington, where a Secondary School teacher was “viciously beaten” by a student and a male relative. This prompted Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, to declare in a Facebook post, “Upon learning of the details I offered my and my Ministry’s full support. There can be no reason offered that would be accepted as to why students or their relatives would beat a teacher…”

Indeed, there can be no excuse for such behavior and I certainly endorse the GTU President’s call for both the Education Ministry and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to step up and “send a clear message to students and guardians that their violent behaviour will not be tolerated” – a message backed up by firm action.

Indeed, it is incumbent on the ministry and school authorities to ensure that school is a safe place for students and teachers alike and measures must be put in place to make this happen.

An Australian government website states, “A safe school is one in which all students feel supported, where anti-social behavior is minimised and staff, students, parents and community agencies work together.”

Study.com takes a

close look at what causes school violence observing that, in order to promote safe schools, educators must first understand the cause. In outlining some of the factors that play a part in violence perpetrated by students the group points to, “…a lack of school disciplinary procedures” and students who have “lower school interest and performance.”

The US Departments of Education and Justice have also identified “imminent warning signs” in students displaying troubled behaviour such as serious physical fighting with peers, serious destruction of property and threats of lethal violence.

The point is well made that schools should declare “zero tolerance” towards acts of violence and should take a proactive approach, involving law enforcement where necessary.

EKU Online, while noting that “A teacher’s main purpose is to teach the nation’s children,” goes on to say, “It can also be argued that parenting,

whether bad parenting or not enough proper parenting, can be partly to blame for many incidents of school violence.”

As the National PTA in the US declares, “All students and educators have a right to attend schools that are safe and conducive to learning and achievement.”

The group advocates several measures for improving the school environment such as school counselling services, the implementation of clear disciplinary policies and in particular the promotion of, “…a positive school climate that encourages nurturing relationships, and mutual trust and respect among students, staff and families.”

And in a message to all schools, the National PTA asserts, “Effective, fair and consistently implemented discipline practices promote student learning, address the cause of students’ misbehavior and improve positive behavior skills and overall student and school success.”

The evolution of patients’ expectations

IN 2023, the presenting patient to a medical institution is not the same persona as it was decades ago and certainly not pre-pandemic. Back then, the majority of patients were fearful, apprehensive, appeased, justifiably uninformed or unopinionated, which made discussions and participation in their treatment outcomes extremely difficult.

Today, we are sitting on the other side of the table taking the perspective of the patient into consideration where the analysis and assessment of the patients’ expectations is an invaluable tool to benchmark performance when providing healthcare service.

In January 2022, a publication in ScienceDirect explored peoples’ expectation of healthcare where it was understood that the background of participants, whether cultural or social, along with their past experiences would influence their perceptions and expectations.

In countries where there are significant political and racial disparities which influence professionalism, such situational parameters, should also be taken into considerations for objective performance assessments of service provided.

Expectations can be categorised into four types:

• Ideal expectations which are the patients’ desires

• Predicted expectations which are more practical or from personal experience

• Unformed expectations are out of choice or inability to articulate

• Normative expectations are what persons think ought to happen

Studies done on patient’s expectations were focused in three areas; health outcome of the patient, the health institution visited for treatment and the attending doctor.

With respect to the health institutions, the long waiting lines has definitely become a deterrent to seeking medical treatment. However, since we were forced to rethink and retool during the Covid-19 pandemic, some institutions introduced more convenient appointments and online pre-registrations which served a multi-purpose of saving time, maintaining confidentiality and reducing chances of errors or duplications.

Researchers, policy makers and practitioners should be interested in measuring the metric of patients’ expectations since healthcare institutions are interested in providing the highest quality of services to gain patient satisfaction and build trust.

The use of technology since Covid-19

has positively affected our adjustment to the new normal so much so that today patients’ expectations are aligned with the watchwords fast, safe and convenient when seeking any type of treatment or service. This has afforded both the health seeker and the health provider an imposed win-win modus operandi for efficiency and positive outcomes since it is estimated currently that telehealth and virtual care is 38 times more than the pre-pandemic phase.

However, the downside to technological use is the misguidance due to propaganda and fake news or unverifiable information which created a setback in activities such as the vaccination program which caused a further delay in progress and development.

Transparency and information sharing on success rates and risks involved and even full disclosure on inconclusive diagnoses are highly appreciated by patients and their relatives.

Patients do not want to be just a number but should be recognised as a person with a medical history and unique challenges which can only be deciphered from active listening which includes a two-way conversation with probing questions and not a one-way lecture.

Building trust is key for successful treatment outcomes. So, patients’ vulnerability from sensitive and confidential disclosures should be respected. Top-down decision imposed on patients rather than collaboration can cause patient resistance.

Connection with the patient on an emotional and sometimes spiritual level can raise the level of care provided. Patients are sometimes suspicious of ulterior motives from the healthcare provider based on previous experiences and can determine whether you are genuinely helping them or seeking monetary gain.

Respect is earned and sometimes it is the little things that matter to the patients and not the grand appearance of the health institution or the accolades on the signboard of a health institution displaying the list of highly qualified and competent staff.

Effective communication is tailor-made for the individual patient where you need to speak their language, whether creolese or a foreign language, so that explanations are made clear to the person. This may be a challenge for the care provider especially on clinic days when repetition of information is required. Apart from the information, the patient’s disposition must be considered in the process.

Patients’ expectations will vary depending on the patients’ needs. So, for example,

patients who were once mobile but became disabled or immobile later on due to their illness should be given unique consideration such as home-based services on a quarterly basis or setup an outreach clinic specifically for shut-in.

If a survey is conducted locally, you may still find a substantial number of unformed expectations from patients who are unable to make sound decisions for their health and wellbeing due to their limited

guidance to authentic information and their rights to healthcare accessibility.

For further discussion, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets.

If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine. express@gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.

Small business entrepreneurs praise ‘UncappeD Marketplace’

By Cindy Parkinson

THE Guyana National Stadium came alive recently for the much-anticipated two-day event of the ‘UncappeD Marketplace,” which featured 130 local small businesses from across the country.

The event, which was organised by the Guyana Manufacturing Services Association (GMSA), was aimed at providing local Guyanese with an opportunity to showcase their products as well as connecting buyers and sellers with authentic Guyanese products. It also provided them with the much-needed exposure for their products to be seen on the international market.

The Sunday Chronicle spoke with some of the business owners and representatives who were delighted that they were given a platform to promote, showcase, and sell their products in a safe, organised, and secure

environment.

Proprietor of ‘Miracle Oils’, Tatyana Moore Anthony from Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast, produces Moringa and coconut oils.

“The Moringa oil is manufactured right here in Guyana, and it is taken from the farm to a bottle by extracting the oil from the Moringa and or Saijan seeds.”

The business owner explained that the seeds are filled with vitamins A, E, and protein, which are good for the skin as well as the hair. Being from the country area, Tatyana said that one day she was on the farm with her father, who explained to her the importance and benefits of the Moringa tree.

She recalled that her father also told her that the tree is a miracle plant when it is used to its full potential, and thus, she came up with the name for her business.

“I am grateful for the

support that I am getting from the people of my coun-

ty and throughout Guyana. At the UncappeD Marketplace, we were sold out, and we are presently working towards fulfilling the orders that we received from customers that were there but didn’t get to make a purchase.

“With the exposure, we are getting a lot more contact from people who are interested in us producing the oil for them.”

She noted that a compa-

ny in Brazil wants her business to supply them with the oil in large quantities.

“I am thankful to the President and the Government of Guyana and GMSA;

I like President Ali’s initiative for Guyanese. We are also the only producers of Moringa oils in the Caribbean, and I am very proud of that. We are hoping that we will get a plot of land where we can grow and create our own Moringa farm. I am also hoping that, with the success of the UncappeD Marketplace, it can be done at least twice a year so that small businesses like myself will get an opportunity to grow.”

Meanwhile, the founder of ‘Artsy Crafts’, Mrs. Raveena Taraman, said that it was her first year at the exhibition, and she was

Continued on page 17

Tatyana Moore Anthony and her husband, Daniel Anthony, founders of Miracle Oils

Proprietor of Artsy Crafts, Raveena Taraman

Michael Allen with his creative bamboo pieces

Works moving apace on $480M prison headquarters

a more congenial environment for human habitation, the GPS decided to build six structures in the prison compound. Three have been completed, while the remaining three are presently being constructed.

The GPS is not only providing inmates with more sustainable housing, but also

vocational training in order to adequately rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders into society.

According to Elliot, the Holding Bay facility will be transformed into a trade shop.

Prisoners will be exposed to programmes such as auto mechanics, joinery, tailoring, and carpentry.

In terms of security, extra precautions will be taken at these new facilities to prevent incidents such as the 2017 Camp Street Prison fire. These new structures have a fire-suppression system and smoke detectors, among other features.

The Guyana Prison Service’s (GPS) new headquarters at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, is expected to be completed on schedule, as the works have already commenced.

This is according to Director of Prisons (ag), Nicklon Elliot, who noted that works commenced since October 2022.

During an interview with this newspaper, Elliot said that the contract was awarded in September 2022 and the project is estimated to take 20 months to complete. He added that numerous

heads of departments and sub departments, a medical department, conference rooms, a directorate, a command centre, lunch rooms, and more will be included in the new building.

Earlier this year, a total of $5.5 billion was approved for the GPS to improve facilities and training for inmates to ensure their proper reintegration into society as productive people while curbing recidivism.

Some of the capital expenses for the GPS this year include the ongoing upgrades to the Mazaruni, New Am-

sterdam and Lusignan prisons which amount to $2.1 billion and $15 million for the purchase of vehicles. Additionally, $175 million has been set aside for the provision of furniture, tools and equipment.

Recently, some 689 prisoners were relocated from the Holding Bay to three spanking new state-of-the-art correctional facilities at the Lusignan Prison and were expected to benefit from a trade shop which will be established in the area where they were previously housed.

In an effort to provide

Small business entrepreneurs...

From page 12

beyond happy with the response and the interest from people about her products.

According to her, a lot of the candles that are sold in stores are made with products that are chemically based, and it was her dream to invent a candle that had an amazing scent, as well as, being safe and healthy for the home and the family.

“The event and business was really great; the business had a lot of much-needed exposure, and I also gained a lot of new customers in the process. I am definitely looking forward to the next exhibition, and I am thankful for the government and the GMSA team for making that event possible for us.”

Another business owner, Michael Allen, the owner of ‘Creative Collections’, had one of the most unique displays of furniture that was made out of bamboo and other local lumber.

Allen related that he took

a course in bamboo artistry in 2004 in Guyana, and in 2006 he was given the opportunity to go to China by the then President of Guyana, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, to further his craft.

According to him, he always had a love and appreciation for bamboo and bamboo products, and he is asking for the Guyanese people to be more sensitise about the preservation and benefits of bamboo.

Allen also said that he is using his platform as a business and to show Guyanese that we have some of the best lumber and products in the world.

“We have everything that we need here, and we do not need to go for the MBF and the other substandard materials. We have beautiful and sustainable products, and we need to recognise that. The exhibition was a success and people are interested in what they saw.

“I am also encouraging the young people, especially

the ones from Friendship Village, to stop wasting their time and make use of the opportunities that are given to them. Nothing comes for free, but you have an opportunity now to be seen for your talent.”

Meanwhile, the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baskh, told this newspaper that “UncappeD is a phenomenal event for local businesses, especially micro and small businesses.”

He added, “It provides a platform for them to showcase to tourism stakeholders (hoteliers, lodge owners, and other tourism business partners) what is available in Guyana. We want to support our local businesses, local craft, artisans, food, personal care item producers, and so much more. The tourism businesses are encouraged to support and promote local products and services.”

Prisoners in the Holding Bay at the Lusignan Prison are now being housed in three modern buildings, which were recently constructed (Adrian Narine Photo)

$50M Diabetes Centre opened at Lusignan –– will provide specialist care

By Cassandra Khan

IN an effort to tackle the country’s growing chronic diseases issue, the Ministry of Health, on Saturday, opened the first of its kind Diabetes Comprehensive Care Centre at the Lusignan Health Centre, East Coast Demerara.

Over 70 per cent of Guyana’s deaths are attributed to chronic diseases, such as

diabetes and the growing number of complications due to its poor management.

This $50 million centre seeks to provide a holistic approach to the care of diabetes patients, providing all services connected to it. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, speaking at the opening ceremony said that the government has been working on this project for a long time given the fact that

the prevalence of diabetes in Guyana is a relatively high one.

He noted that most people are unaware that they have the disease because they do not do regular checkups, and only seek medical help when symptoms and complications from the disease become apparent.

“It does not have to be that way because what we need to do is to set up in our

primary healthcare system, a better way of diagnosing people early and even getting people into the habit of coming into the health centers for preventative checkups,” the Health Minister said.

Meanwhile, according to Adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, it is estimated that 6,000 people per every 100,000 are affected by diabetes, meaning that more than 50,000 people in Guyana are living with the disease.

But in Guyana’s registry and hospitals, far less than 50,000 people are benefitting from services.

“It means that thousands of people are out there and will only enter the system when damage and disability have already begun. The centre is intended to change this predisposition,” he said.

Director of the National Commission on Disability (NCD), Dr. Lachmie Lall, said that the focus of the centre will be a continuous proactive planned model of care, rather than one that reacts to the acute needs of the individual.

The centre would aim to provide all of the specialist care that is needed to properly manage the diabetic patient and would provide a range of services from foot care management, eye care screening, laboratory testing, heart care management, endocrinology, kidney care, radiology services, dietary counselling, mental health counseling, and physiotherapy therapy and rehabilitative services.

Additionally, the centre will support laboratory testing of all health facilities on the East Coast of Demerara.

“It is our hope that once chronic disease care is initiated at the level of health facilities across the country, and patients are identified and in need of specialty care, they will be referred to this centre,” she said.

Dr. Lall said that the Diabetes Comprehensive Care Centre will also become a hub for continuous training for physicians and healthcare workers across the country.

Family Medicine Specialist, Dr. Indira Bhoj, in giving an overview of diabetes care, said that it is complex for many reasons, as it affects all parts of the human body.

Therefore, the scope of care is one of those conditions that require an informed peer team, an educated client, and the support of the community.

She related that diabetes care revolves around goal setting and achieving targets which require a shift in perspective by patients and practitioners.

“You see, most patients will wait until there’s a symptom before seeking care. The problem with that paradigm is that most complications of diabetes will develop over the course of years in a patient without symptoms,” she explained.

Dr. Bhoj said that instead of care teams waiting for patients to report symptoms, they, unfortunately, end up only diagnosing complications from the disease and not preventing them.

Further, the specialist said that primary care practices have not evolved correspondingly or accordingly, so, the opening of the centre will be a significant initiative to support primary care.

“I believe I speak not only for myself but also for the other doctors placed at this facility; we have a passion for diabetes and we are driven to support primary care. Once again, goal setting is one of the main principles of diabetes care. Goals for blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight, medication adherence, exercise, and nutrition,” she related.

She said that an urgent shift is required in the way primary care delivers diabe-

tes care.

“We have the opportunity here to provide preventative foot care to high-risk patients, fostering good foot care practices and offering procedures such as pressure offloading and nail care, thereby preventing the ulcers as well as their recurrence,” she said.

Likewise, disability due to blindness is highly preventable as well, Dr. Bhoj explained.

“Retinal laser treatments are very effective in the early stages of diabetic eye disease. That is in the stages when patients may not even detect a change in their vision,” she said.

Bhoj added: “Cardiovascular risk assessment tools are readily available to anyone with an Internet connection and is a required standard of care for all patients with diabetes from the moment of diagnosis to reduce the risks of strokes and heart attacks.”

Further, she said that the responsibility is on the primary care team to identify each patient’s risk and develop risk reduction plans.

“We start off today at this centre collaborating with the Georgetown Public Hospital to be able to offer the range of services to support primary care in improving the usual standard of care. Our specialists at this point will be visiting from the Georgetown hospital.”

She said that educating the patients will be a main activity for their team, given the context of limited health literacy, counselling, coaching, and making good use of the medicines and resources already in the system.

“We have a good opportunity to start off on the right foot by capturing the newly diagnosed patients with diabetes and preparing them for living a healthy life with diabetes.”

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony unveils the sign to the building (Delano Williams photo)

Kitty market vendors ‘frustrated’ with City Hall

people pass through but it’s not the same.”

These days, however, the standard of the market has declined, and with no representation being made for upgrades; vendors have given up hope for any restoration of the area.

Miss Pam noted that the price to occupy the existing stalls is exorbitant and most vendors cannot afford it.

The price to rent a stall,

she said, varies from $25,000 to $40,000; she prefers to pay a smaller fee for her stand.

Currently, many stalls in the market are unoccupied and a section that was once vibrant remains dilapidated.

Meanwhile, another vendor who also prefers to remain anonymous, said that the stalls are also in dire need of repairs. With several holes in the ceiling, those who occupy some stalls have

little to no shelter from the rain. “We can’t do better, we had to take it and then the amount of rent that we have to pay. Plus, it done deteriorate already, it leaking when rain fall and the water running down.”

When contacted for a response, Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, said that the city council does not have the sufficient funds to complete the market.

VENDORS who ply their trade at Kitty Market have expressed frustration with the current state of the market and the long wait for the construction of a new facility.

The Guyana Chronicle, on Friday, visited the municipal market where vendors were at their wits end.

The lack of representation, high rental prices and vagrant disturbances were among the issues voiced.

One vendor, who spoke under the condition of anonymity,

said over the years the market has been deteriorating and business has been on the decline.

“I’ve been running around, going to councilors. I used to go to the statutory meeting that City Hall has. I tried talking to councillors and still we are here and nothing happened.”

Meanwhile, an increasing number of vagrants in the area has added to the issue of lack of security not only for the vendors but also shoppers.

“The cussing and drinking

the rum, if a customer wants to come and buy something they cussing them. I go to the Chief Constable [and] he says he ain’t get enough staff.”

Miss Pam (only name given), who has been plying her trade for several decades, recalled a time when the Kitty Market was once a hub.

“People used to come from Soesdyke, Mahaica, Canal, people used to come from all over and get wholesale and retail. The market is not like before, some

GDF engineers construct new bridge at Sisters Village

RESIDENTS of Sisters village, East Bank Berbice now have easier access to their farmlands, following the construction of a timber bridge by members of the 4 Engineers Battalion.

According to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the new 16x40 feet structure replaces an older one which had proven inconvenient for the passage of tractors entering the rice, cash crop and cattle rearing areas.

The ranks, led by Staff Sergeant Kwamina Whyte, began working on the project in January 2023, and are currently adding the final touches before officially handing over the bridge for full use

by residents.

Staff Officer One- Plans and Supervision, Lieutenant Colonel Kennard Liverpool visited the ranks recently to conduct an assessment of the project’s progress.

Samuel Seelall, a resident of the village who was on hand during that assessment, expressed his satisfaction that a new bridge has been built. Seelall, a plantain farmer, explained that the old bridge was unusable, particularly during the rainy season due to its height which cause tractors and other vehicles to slide.

“This one has good height and so the tractors will be able to go over better.

It will be easier to get to my farm,” he said.

This bridge project falls under the Government’s Community-Based Initiative being executed by the Government Project Engineer’s Office, spearheaded by Brigadier (Ret’d) Gary Beaton.

The initiative, currently in its third year, forms part of President Irfaan Ali’s vision of a more community-oriented military.

The highly qualified and skilled ranks working on the project have completed several other projects under the initiative, in various parts of the country.

The dilapidated section of the Kitty Market (Adrian Narine photo)

A damaged ceiling in one of the stalls at the Kitty Market (Adrian Narine photo)

One of the many farmers using the new bridge to cross livestock

RACING TIPS

Sinclair’s magic gives Guyana 13th Regional title and Johnson his sixth in sensational 17-run win over Leewards

By Sean Devers

THE 2023 West Indies Championship climaxed in a festive and celebratory atmosphere yesterday at the Providence Stadium with Guyana Harpy Eagles clawing their way back from the jaws of defeat to snatch an incredible 17-run victory over the Leewards Hurricanes, who lost their last nine wickets for 29 runs to give Guyana their 13th l title and Leon Johnson his sixth as captain.

Guyana’s stunning win was orchestrated by career best figures of 6-33 from off-spinner, Kevin Sinclair, while left-arm spinners Veerasammy Permaul (3-43) and Antony Adams (1-3) supported.

Kieran Powell hit seven boundaries in his 105-ball 61, while his overnight partner, Keacy Carty (21) was the other batter to get into the teens as the Hurricanes dramatically collapsed to a shocking defeat after being in the ascendency for all of the match until yesterday’s horrendous batting display.

Scores: Guyana 122 & 267, Leewards 247 & 125.

The final day began with the Islanders needing 62 to win with Powell well set on 47. The 33-year-old from Nevis soon reached his 42nd

fifty and at 96-1 the Islanders seemed to be coasting to victory.

But the Guyana’s spin trio were not going to make the small run chase an easy task in good conditions on a track with no devils in it as the last nine Hurricanes batters were blown away in a colossal collapse to give the Guyanese a memorable win at 10:50 hrs.

It all began when Guyana’s bowling hero yesterday, the 23-year-old Sinclair, trapped overnight batter Carty lbw for 21 at 96-2 before trapping Devon Thomas lbw without addition to the score while Permaul bowled Hamilton (0) to leave the score on 108-4.

Berbican Sinclair had Karima Gore (1) lbw at 1095 and when Permaul got rid of Powell at 115-6, the Leewards’ panic button was activated to the unadulterated joy of the less than 50 raucous fans in the Green stand, but their noise level sounded as if there was a capacity crowd present.

Permaul bowled Jerimiah Louis (1) while Antony Adams dismissed Kofi James (6) at 121-8 before Sinclair had Colin Archibald for a duck at 125-9.

The Tassa drummers and Congo drummers merged to exemplify the sound of ‘One Guyana’ and despite the crowd being small, the

Scoreboard

atmosphere was absolutely fantastic.

When Sinclair had Javier Spencer lbw for a duck, the final nail was firmly in the coffin as Sinclair completed his trade-mark double back flick before pandemonium broke out as Guyana team’s backroom staff and a group of , led by Norman the ‘Juice Man’ rushed on to the field to congratulate their conquering heroes.

Johnson, the region’s most successful captain with six titles, five of them in consecutive tournaments from 2015, went around the boundary in his farewell match, to thank his fans for the support during his twenty years playing at this level.

Johnson was presented

with a plaque by the President of the GCB and Director of CWI, Bissoondyal Singh, while former Guyana player and owner of Jacobs Jewelleries, Steven Jacobs, presented Johnson and Permaul, the regions’ leading firstclass wicket-taker, with gold pendants for their achievements.

An emotional Johnson, who was afforded a bat arch to walk through, thanked his team for the farewell win and another title while promising that despite him being now retired from First-Class cricket, he wants to remain in the sport to help the young players in their developmental process.

GOA supports Athletics Guyana for 50th CARIFTA Games

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Godfrey Munroe, observed that the Athletics Association of Guyana has, over the years, been slowly but constantly improving on their performance at the Carifta Games.

As such, when it was reported at the recently held Council Meeting on Thursday last by the President of Athletics Association of Guyana, Aubrey Hutson, that the 50th edition of the CARIFTA Games will be held in Nassau, Bahamas this Easter weekend, the newly elected Executive Committee members immediately supported the AAG with a financial contribution for the team of approximately 20 athletes and five (5) officials to the event.

Best wishes were extended to the team departing.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday April 02, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Mitchell Marsh-616 runs (Kings XI Punjab)

(2) Brendon Mc Cullum-158* (KKR vs RCB)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who took most wickets in IPL 2008?

(2) What were the best bowling figures in a single game in IPL 2008?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Wood five-for, Mayers 73 spearhead Super Giants' win

KYLE Mayers and Mark Wood got their Indian Premier League (IPLl) campaigns off to brilliant starts as Lucknow Super Giants beat Delhi Capitals by 50 runs.

The Super Giants boasted the best performers with both bat and ball, as Mayers' 73 from 38 deliveries and Wood's 5-14 led them to a comfortable win on Saturday.

Lucknow's hopes were hit when key man and captain KL Rahul dismissed for 19 in the fourth over, and his replacement Mayers was hugely fortunate not to be sent packing on 14 when he was dropped by Khaleel Ahmed.

Mayers took advantage of that reprieve, plundering 59 more runs before finally succumbing to a peach of a delivery from Axar Patel that clipped the top of off stump.

Though that wicket slowed Lucknow's progress, they smashed 62 off the final four overs.

Delhi's chase got off to a fantastic start, racing to 33 for no loss off the first three overs, but a magnificent spell from Wood saw him dismiss Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh and Sarfaraz Khan to halt the Capitals' momentum.

Avesh Khan landed the hammer blow when he removed David Warner (56) with the Capital's captain caught by Krishnappa Gowtham.

Warner's men would tack on just 30 more runs, falling

50 short of the winning total as Wood sealed his five-for with the penultimate ball of the innings.

Mayers punishes Khaleel drop

The game could have been very different had Khaleel held on after Mayers tried to slog a slower ball from Chetan Sakariya.

Instead, the ball agonisingly hit the turf and Mayers went on to register two fours and seven maximums on his IPL debut, reach -

Arshdeep and Rajapaksa see Kings past KKR

ing his half-century after just 28 balls to truly exploit Khaleel's mistake.

Lightning quick pace from Wood halts Capitals' chase

A sublime couple of overs from Wood completely altered the momentum in Delhi's chase and put his team back in the ascendancy.

Wood's first game for Lucknow saw him earn player of the match honours.(Sportsmax).

USA Tri-State U-19 team demolish Everest in tour opener

THE touring USA Tri State U-19 team began their seven-match tour of Guyana, demolishing Everest by 274 runs at the Everest ground, Camp Road, on Friday.

Led by centuries from Siddarth Kappo and Prannav Chattipalayam and 60 from Utkarsh Srivastava, the Americans began their matches, which are being hosted by the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) and includes a Day/Night game under lights at DCC.

In the 40-over affair on Friday, Kappo made a commanding 110 from 98 balls with seven fours and four sixes and shared in a double-century opening partnership with Chattipalayam whose even ton lasted 74 balls and was decorated with 13 fours and two sixes as the Tri State unit amassed 357 without loss in 40 overs.

Srivastastava contributed 60 with four fours and four sixes from just 34 balls before the first three batters all retired.

Adhitya Venkatesh scored a cameo 35 not out with three sixes and a

six while Aditya Gupta hit a six and a four in his unbeaten 17 Everest, in reply, were bundled out for 83 in 29.4 overs with only Sachin Premchand who hit five fours and a six in a 44-ball

36, offering any resistance.

The USA bowlers were led by Tanmay Joshi (3-15), Siddant Rai (223), Surya Thurnmella (2-1) and Abhiram Yeruva (2-1). (Sean Devers)

PUNJAB Kings held on to beat Kolkata Knight

Riders by seven runs via the DLS method in the Indian Premier League after Andre Russell almost led an improbable comeback.

After being put in to bat by KKR in the second match of the new campaign, hosts Punjab racked up 191-5, as an 86-run second-wicket partnership between Bhanuka Rajapaksa (50) and captain Shikhar Dhawan (40) set them up.

Rajapaksa reached his half century from just 30 balls, with Jitesh Sharma (21 off 11) and Sam Curran (26 off 17) helping to keep up the momentum after the Sri Lanka batter's dismissal.

Wickets fell regularly for KKR in their reply, with Arshdeep Singh (3-19) removing Mandeep Singh and Anukul Roy in his first over, before later returning to claim the key scalp of Venkatesh Iyer (34).

The chase looked doomed at 80-5, but a typically big-hitting display from Russell (35 from 19) got them back in with a chance before Curran removed the danger man with a short ball that was skied to Sikandar Raza.

After Sunil Narine smashed a six, KKR were still in with an outside chance at 146-7 needing 46 runs from the last 24 balls, but rain was in the air at that point and the umpires called the players off with Punjab narrowly ahead via DLS and no resumption of play proved possible.

Kings hope to end play-off drought

With Curran, the England all-rounder who this season became the most expensive player in the IPL's 16-year history, in their ranks and Arshdeep looking impressive, Punjab look primed for a strong campaign.

Kagiso Rabada and Liam Livingstone are among the stars still to come into the team, with the Kings desperate to end an eight-year run without reaching the play-offs.

So far, so good after they beat KKR for only the third time from their last nine IPL attempts despite the best efforts of Russell.

Narine negated

Narine has a superb IPL track record, having taken 152 wickets for KKR. He recorded a dot ball rate of 42.3 per cent last season, the best of any spinner in the IPL (min. 25 overs).

But the Kings played him well. Rajapaksa made his team's intentions clear by hitting 14 runs – including a six – from Narine's opening over and the spinner went on to leak 36 runs without claiming a wicket from his first three.

Narine did respond with the late wicket of Raza (16) but the batting team would have gladly settled for his final figures of 1-40 had they been offered. (Sportsmax).

Kyle Mayers brought up a 28-ball half-century•BCCI Mark Wood picked up the first five-for of IPL 2023 • BCCI

Arshdeep Singh bagged (3-19)

Guyana to open Regional U-15 Cricket campaign against Trinidad and Tobago

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the match schedule for the West Indies Rising Stars Under 15s Championship which will be played in Antigua from Tuesday 4 April to Wednesday 12 April.

Guyana will face Trinidad and Tobago in their opening match.

The tournament will feature the six regional teams who will each play five rounds of 50-over matches at three venues: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Coolidge Cricket Ground, as well as the Liberta Sports Club.

The opening round will see home team Leeward Islands taking on the Windward Islands at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium; Trinidad & Tobago will meet Guyana at Coolidge Cricket Ground and Jamaica face defending champions Barbados at Liberta. All matches start at 9:30 am local time (8:30 am Jamaica).

Jimmy Adams, CWI’s Director of Cricket spoke of the importance of age group tournaments across the region and how essential it is to develop the young talent in the West Indies.

“I want to congratulate

the players who have earned selection to play in the upcoming West Indies Rising Stars Under 15s Championship and who will have the honor of representing their regional teams. This is a step in their development, and we want to wish them the very best,” Adams said.

“Last year we saw the restart of this tournament, after a break due to COVID 19, and we were able to see a number of excellent performances, and we anticipate more of the same this year. This is a critical step in pathway from the grassroot stage and we want to continue to

ensure we provide those opportunities for the players to grow and flourish.”

The Rising Stars Under 15s Championship will signal the first age-group tournament for junior male cricketers this year. Later in the summer,

CWI will stage the West Indies Rising Stars Under 17s Championship in Trinidad which will feature 50 over matches and the West Indies Rising Stars Under 19s Championship in St Vincent which will be three-day matches and 50 over matches. (CWI)

Guyana Under-15 squad: Dave Mohabir (Captain), Romario Ramdeholl (Vice Captain), Navin Boodwah, Adrian Hetmyer, Arun Gainda, Dhanesh Persaud, Zandon Rose, Razaam Koobir, Sohil Mohamed (wicket Keeper), Jonathan Mentore, Shane Prince, Arif Khan, Emmannuel Lewis, and Trilok Nanan

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE

Venues

SVRS – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

CCG – Coolidge Cricket

Ground

LSC – Liberta Sports

Red Force finish disappointing season with win over Scorpions

Club

All matches start at 9:30 am local time (8:30 am Jamaica).

Tuesday 4 April

Leeward Islands v Windward Islands at SVRS

Trinidad & Tobago v Guyana at CCG

Jamaica v Barbados at LSC

Thursday 6 April

Leeward Islands v Barbados at CCG

Guyana v Jamaica at SVRS

Trinidad & Tobago v Windward Islands at LSC

Saturday 8 April

Windward Islands v Guyana at CCG

Trinidad & Tobago v Barbados at SVRS

Leeward Islands v Jamaica at LSC

Monday 10 April

Jamaica v Trinidad & Tobago at CCG

Windward Islands v Barbados at SVRS

Leeward Islands v Guyana at LSC

Wednesday 12 April

Leeward Islands v Trinidad & Tobago at CCG

Jamaica v Windward Islands at SVRS

Barbados v Guyana at LSC.

Drakes loses lawsuit against CWI, ordered to pay costs

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Former Barbados and West Indies all-rounder Vasbert Drakes has had his claim for breach of contract for services – which he contended was unlawfully terminated by Cricket West Indies – dismissed in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court on Thursday last , and ordered to pay costs.

High Court judge Jan Drysdale said in her judgement that Drakes did not satisfy the court that his contract of engagement was unlawfully terminated much earlier than he had expected.

“The Claimant (Drakes) has failed to demonstrate a policy, promise, or practice, which in any event would lead to the conclusion that the contract had been varied to extend its end date,” Judge Drysdale wrote in her opinion.

Drakes, 52, now the Bar-

bados Pride head coach, sued CWI after he was relieved of the position of assistant coach of the West Indies men’s team, following the dismissal of then interim head coach Richard Pybus four years ago.

He sought damages for

breach of contract, claiming that the contract “partly in writing, partly oral, partly by the conduct of the parties” was to extend his engagement until August 2019, but CWI unlawfully terminated the contract on April 10 the same year.

CWI argued, however, the contract expired by effuxion (expiration) of time on March 11.

Judge Drysdale said analysis of the law in the claim rested upon whether the oral representations, or course of conduct, or both, of CWI gave rise to an implied contract between the two parties.

She added to satisfy the court, Drakes had to demonstrate that Pybus had the requisite authority to offer him the position, or to set any terms of engagement, or both.

“An examination of the statement of claim does not

yield any pleading that Mr Pybus had the requisite authority to act for and or bind the defendant (CWI),” the judge’s opinion stated.

Judge Drysdale said the parties signed a contract that reflected the end date, and CWI was not obligated to inform Drakes of it, and there was no stipulation of an automatic renewal if they failed to do so.

She also said other evidence presented by Drakes in his claim and testimony did not meet “the requisite burden to establish an implied contract”.

Only Drakes presented evidence in support of his claim, and CWI relied on three witnesses – CEO Johnny Grave, Senior Manager of Cricket Operations Roland Holder, and West Indies men’s team operations manager Rawl Lewis.

In testimony, Drakes said he received a contract for

TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago Red Force clinched their only victory of the West Indies Championship when they whipped bottom-of-thetable Jamaica Scorpions by nine wickets inside three days here Friday.

Playing at the Brian Lara Stadium in their final match of an otherwise disappointing season, Red Force bowled out Scorpions for 275 in their second innings before easily overhauling the 99 runs required for victory.

Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel struck the vital blows.

Opener Vikash Mohan, in his third first class match after making his debut earlier in the campaign, steered the hosts over the line with an unbeaten 44.

He put on 74 for the first wicket with Kamil Pooran who made 39, ensuring Red Force encountered no hiccups en route to the uncomplicated target.

The 28-year-old right-hander was positive in his approach to the chase, lashing five fours and a couple of sixes in a 66-ball knock.

Once Pooran departed after facing 70 balls and striking half-dozen fours, captain Darren Bravo arrived to belt two fours and a six in an unbeaten 14, to bring a swift end to the contest.

Earlier, Scorpions managed to add only 76 to their overnight 199 for five before being bowled out in their second innings on the stroke of lunch.

Aldaine Thomas, on seven at the start and Abhijai Mansingh, on 10, stretched their overnight sixth wicket stand to 61, threatening to frustrate the hosts bid for a quick victory.

Thomas played freely, hitting 39 from 58 deliveries with half-dozen fours and a six while Mansingh struck 32 from 54 balls with four fours.

Test speedster Shannon Gabriel (2-52) got the breakthrough when he bowled both batsmen in successive overs as Scorpions lost their last five wickets for only 23 runs.

Leg-spinner Imran Khan added a further three wickets to his tally to finish with four for 47.

employment from CWI, but it stipulated a shorter term than he had agreed with Pybus when he was asked to form part of the support staff for the home series against England in 2019.

He said he signed the agreement, but he treated it as only a partial expression of his entire contractual arrangement with CWI.

Drakes further said no one told him his engagement had ended after the England tour, and he continued to function “as if his engagement was continuing”.

He added he conducted research on opponents for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 England & Wales under direction from Pybus, completed rehabilitative work with a senior member of the squad, and was preparing to travel to Antigua for a training camp ahead of the tour of Ireland and the World Cup.

Drakes was represented by Ann Henry KC, Ralph Thorne KC, and Mandi Thomas, while Kendrickson Kentish appeared for CWI.

CWI Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams

Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel struck the vital blows

Former Barbados and West Indies all-rounder Vasbert Drakes

Dember bowls Volcanoes to victory over Barbados Pride

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – A career-best spell from Kenneth Dember propelled Windward Islands Volcanoes to a convincing 121-run win against deposed champions Barbados Pride in the West Indies Championship on Saturday, and the runners-up spot in the tournament.

The Vincentian off-spinner grabbed five for 26 from 13 overs, and left-arm spinner Larry Edwards took three for 38 from 17 overs, and Pride were bowled out for 114 in their second a little before lunch on the final day of their fifth-round match at Queen’s Park Oval.

Pride resumed on 28 for three in their pursuit of 236 for victory and got a few starts from their batsmen, but none of them ever got going in a serious manner, and they crumbled to a rare defeat at the hands of the Volcanoes.

Pride lost their last seven

wickets for 62 with rookie Jonathan Drakes getting the top score of 35, but no one else reaching 20.

Dember brought the match to a close when he bowled all-rounder Roshon Primus for 15 in, perhaps, the final over before the interval to hand Volcanoes only their third win against Pride in the Professional Cricket League [PCL] era (2014-15 onwards).

The result meant Volcanoes collected 16.2 points and finished the season with an aggregate of 74.2 for their highest finish in the tournament in the PCL era.

The two spinners combined for the first wicket of the day when Edward got nightwatchman Chaim Holder caught in the covers for nine in the fifth over, playing an ill-advised lofted drive.

Drakes anchored a period of resistance with fellow rookie and West Indies Under-19 graduate Kevin

Wickham and their captain Shane Dowrich, but all three fell before Pride could cross the 100 mark.

Dember trapped Wickham and Dowrich lbw for 11 and 17 respectively, and Edward got Drakes stumped

Pride

Briton John cops 2nd third-place finish, as Hennis wins again

ANOTHER brilliant and disciplined riding by 'We Stand United' Cycle Club’s Briton John saw him taking the final podium spot in the second stage of the Jamaica Cycling Classic Montego Bay Race, a three-day race, yesterday.

Having to bridge a gap of over two minutes, John, once again, made his presence felt amongst more seasoned campaigners and teams who have the added backing of their clubmates. But despite that, John is holding his own and is keeping the Golden Arrowhead aloft, entering the third and final stage, today. His clubmate, Horace Burrowes, is also competing in the race.

He is on a total of 24 points, collecting another

12 for yesterday’s achievement. Anguilla’s Hasani Hennis entered yesterday’s second stage as the man to beat and did it again, riding for Team AVR.

His teammate, Barbadian Edwin Sutherland, led the race for quite some time before being hauled by Briton John, and subsequently, five other riders including last year’s inaugural champion, Andy Scarano of 706P, who pipped John on the line for the second place.

Hennis is leading overall with 46 points, John has 24, while Sutherland, who took the King of the Mountain prize yesterday, and his clubmate, Akil Campbell are on 17, apiece. Today’s final stage will be interesting as Hennis seeks to take the

overall title but would be challenged by the young Guyanese.

John’s trip to Jamaica is sponsored in part

by Alabama Trading, Bentley’s Bike Shop, Beacon Café, and Professional Key Shop.

POINTS STANDINGS REGIONAL-POINTS Standings after the fifth round of matches

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, ( CMC) – Following are the points standings in the West Indies Championship after the fifth and final round of matches on Saturday.

(1) Guyana Harpy Eagles 84 points – Champions

(2) Windward Islands Volcanoes 74.2

(3) Barbados Pride 55.6

(4) Trinidad & Tobago Red Force 49.4

(5) Leeward Islands Hurricanes 46.2

(6) Jamaica Scorpions 25.6

by imported Barbadian wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott, and there was token resistance from the remaining batsmen.

earned only 5.6 points from the match and ended the season third on 55.6.

The Windward Islands Volcanoes beat the Barbados Pride by 121 runs at the Queen's Park Oval

Briton John being rewarded for his second-stage 3rd place finish

Milo Schools Football tournament…

Bartica, 8th of May Secondary, Mackenzie register big wins

— Sponsors GINMIN, GENEQUIP hand over kits

SATURDAY’s round three matches of the MILO schools football tournament saw goal-scoring feasts at two venues.

There were big score lines for 8th of May Secondary, Mackenzie High and Bartica as the tournament got into full swing as games took place at both the Ministry of Education and NIS grounds.

Meanwhile, tournament sponsors GINMIN and GENEQUIP, on Saturday, handed over several kits to teams participating in the tournament.

According to the Petra Organisiation’s co-director, Troy Mendonca, the gesture comes at a great time for the sport locally.

The tournament continues today at both the NIS and Ministry of Education grounds.

East Ruimveldt Secondary won

4- 1 vs Bush Lot Secondary

Daniel Sutton (5th min)

Onesi Dunn (20th)

Joshua Leitch (60)

Tremel Jack (62)

Bush Lot Secondary

Quancey Fraser (64th)

8th of May Secondary won 6-0 vs West Demerara Secondary Goal Scorers

DeAngelo Davidson 5, 18

Sachel Marks 11, 14, 26, 38

North Ruimveldt Secondary 0 vs Mackenzie High 6

Goal Scorers

McKenzie High

Azenio Benjamin (16th)

Jevon Dennis (21st, 26th)

Dexter Milo (24th, 50th)

Troy Sulker (54th)

Vergenoegen Secondary 3 vs Queen's College 0

Goal Scorers

Vergenoegen Secondary

Shaphan How're (21st)

Kevon Williams (34th, 69th)

Bartica Secondary 13 vs Marian Academy 1

Goal Scorers

Bartica Secondary

Ezekiel Baldes (8th, 38th, 40th)

Victor Jones (10Th)

Reizer Reid 12th)

Ashton Dutchin (15th, 67 Cyle Timmerman (19th, 45th, 47th)

Shawn Bobb (24th)

Shondy Beaton (57th, 62th)

Marian Academy

Goal Scorers

Nicholas Jones (64th)

Wismar Christiansburg Multilateral 2 vs Vryman's Erven Secondary 0

Goal Scorers

Wismar Christiansburg Multilateral

Jamil James (22nd)

Devon Gilbert (51st)

Carmel Secondary 1 vs Chase's Academy 1

Goal Scorers

Carmel Secondary Shem James (4th)

Chase's Academy

Justin Alcinder (39th)

GBA Under-16 Championship on tonight at Gymnasium

THE Trinidad and Tobago two-member contingent of Prince Charles and Shania Nunez will add international flavour to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA)'s under-16 Championship, which is penciled to commence this evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The competition is sponsored by Sthimkhal Inc. and according to GBA head, Steve Ninvalle, this is the first of many engagements his association will be having with the company.

Charles, who is under the tutelage of Jason Aqui, was initially slated to battle rising star, Jeremiah Duncan; the best boxer at the previous iteration of the Caribbean School Boys and Junior Championships that was hosted on local soil.

However, Charles will now battle replacement, Tiquan Sampson, from the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym.

Meanwhile, Nunez will enter the squared circle against Taffina Barker.

Ninvalle said, "Our youth developmental programme resumes

with this historic initiative, which highlights our continued emphasis on creating a transitionary pathway amongst the respective age groups. International exposure is vital, and the under-16 age group remains the most pivotal step in the transition between junior and senior ranks.

“This programme, which is firmly grounded in youth development, was primarily created to advance the sport, and concretise on the building blocks from the infancy stage. This initiative of creating avenues for international exposure for our emerging talents will be an ensuing facet of [the] tournament."

Meanwhile, Terrence Poole, Technical Director of the GBA, said, "Being the first junior tournament of the year, we expect people to come out and give their support to the boxers. The exposure for the boxers in the international fights will serve them well in the future, and we aim to continue to add international flavour to each of the U-16 events."

Staged twice on a monthly basis, the U16 championships is

Over 2000 applicants for Easter Swim Programme

been in existence for in excess of a decade, it has never achieved this magnitude of support, and fellowship.

inherently linked to the Caribbean School Boys and Juniors Competition, as it serves as the association’s primary preparatory mechanism.

Approximately 16 editions were conducted in the previous year by the GBA, winner of the 2022 Sports Association of-theYear award. That record is slated to be shattered in the current calendar year, as another episode of the competition is penciled to be staged on April 29th at the same facility and will feature international participation.

The resumption of the monthly programme also orients with the GBA's ongoing weekly training regimen for U-16 and Senior pugilists at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown.

The abovementioned stratagem, which is administered by the technical expertise of National coach Lennox Daniels, Technical Director Poole, and Cuban coach Francisco Roldan, serves as a high-performance system to better equip boxers for international engagements.

FOLLOWING an overwhelming response from in excess of 2000 applicants, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, will officially launch its annual Easter Vacation Swimming Programme tomorrow at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, with a grand opening ceremony from 10:00hrs.

The programme, which has developed into a national platform, and is specifically geared toward children aged 6-18, will be conducted simultaneously at four facilities following its approved commencement.

They are the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, the Colgrain Swimming Pool, Georgetown, the Watooka Swimming Pool, Linden and the Albion Estate Pool, East Berbice. Experienced national coach, Paul Mahaica, will serve as the programme coordinator and lead trainer.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, disclosed that although the programme has

The previous edition solicited approximately 600 applicants, with the current iteration having an increase of 233%.

Ninvalle explained, "The response has been overwhelming to the point that there was consideration closing registration. This year, we would have commenced online registration which made it easier as persons could have filled out forms from a smart phone."

According to the Director of Sport, the immense support for this edition was achieved by the added effort in notifying the public of the initiative and the strong foundation set last year, noting, "More persons are aware of the programme and witnessed the results from the previous edition. Additional work was conducted to sensitize the populace to the programme via social media."

The Ministry also halted payment for registration last year.

Despite the enormous numbers that are scheduled to participate, Ninvalle affirmed that the programme possesses the requisite personnel and complement of coaches to efficiently administer the sessions, declaring that safety will be the guiding principle throughout its duration.

"Safety has always been and will continue to be the watchword during the entirety of the programme. The objective is to create a conducive environment for learning that is safe and secure in all aspects", he explained while adding that major consideration is being given to moving the programme to other regions.

Mr. Muneshwar Ganga (centre) of General Equipment Ltd.(Genequip) presents his company’s kits

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle

Sinclair’s magic gives Guyana 13th Regional title and Johnson his sixth in sensational 17-run win over Leewards

See page 23

See page 23

We are the champions! GHE members celebrate being crowned champions of the West Indies championship after beating Leewards Islands Hurricaanes at the Providence Stadium. (Sean Devers photo)

Leon Johnson walks through a bat arch as he leaves the field for the final time as Guyana’s captain (Sean Severs photo)

GOA President Godfrey Munroe (centre) hands over sponsorship cheque to Aubrey Hutson, flanked by Executive Members of the Guyana Olympic Association. From left: Michael Singh, Philip Fernandes, Emily Ramdhani, Aubrey Hutson, Godfrey Munroe, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, Cristy Campbell and Steve Ninvalle