Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 02-10-2022

More relief

–– gov’t slashes gas, diesel prices to $215, $225 respectively per litre

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Saturday announced on behalf of the government a reduction of gasoline and diesel prices at the pump to be charged by the Guyana Oil Compa ny Ltd (GUYOIL).

According to a press release from the Ministry of Finance, the gasoline prices at

the pump will be reduced by 20 per cent, moving from $269 per litre to $215 per litre, while diesel prices will be reduced by 15 percent, from $265 per litre to $225 per litre. Those price changes will take effect from today.

During the first half of 2022, global oil prices surged more than 50 per cent, in creasing from US$77 per barrel at the end

December 2021 to US$120 in June of this year; having risen as high as US$137 per barrel primarily as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the impact of the dra matic increases in oil prices was significant and given the interconnected nature of the global economy, translated into higher costs of landing fuel in Guyana.

In order to mitigate the impact of

rising global fuel prices on domestic consumers and the productive sectors to which fuel is a key input, the government lowered the excise tax rate on both gas oline and diesel from 10 per cent to zero per cent in March of this year.

‘Agri’ sector gets $95B boost in two years

–– President Ali says human, physical resources abundant for further advancement in the sector

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), since being elected to office in August 2022, has invested approximately G$95 bil lion into the agriculture sector, and there are plans to significantly increase both public and private investments in the coming

years.

Agriculture has been the backbone of Guyana’s econ omy for many years, and President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that the lucrative sector will remain a mainstay, even with oil, as there are abun dant human and physical resources to drive develop

ment in this area.

“We have the physical and human resources necessary to drive agricultural develop ment, and improve food and nutrition security.

But such an enterprise re quires cooperation, and co operation across all sectors. Let us, therefore, all work

Enhanced police presence guaranteed for Cricket Carnival parade

together for the development of the local agriculture sector which, for generations, was one of the bedrocks of our economy,” President Ali said in his message on October 1, the first day of Agriculture Month 2022.

Enhanced police presence guaranteed for Cricket Carnival parade

CRICKET Carnival pa rade revelers and pa trons could expect to see heavy police presence on Sunday, not only along the parade route, but all across Georgetown, Di visional Commander of Division Four A, Simon McBean, has said.

The curtains comes down on the much cel ebrated “Cricket Carnival” on Sunday, with a massive road parade that is expected to involve five floats, 10 trucks and over 2,300 revel ers, not to mention the mas sive crowd that will come out to line the roadways and view the spectacle.

With such a huge event, McBean said the police will be out in full force, to ensure that the event comes to a safe close with no ma jor incidents.

“My entire division will be involved in the activ ity and that is a strength is about 600 officers, so we

will be providing adequate coverage. Areas will be sectioned, and we will have adequate police presence in each sector. Along Vlissen gen Road, Seawall Road and all other areas that we have parade activities those will be manned by police on foot patrol, while across the wider Georgetown we

will have intensified po lice vehicular patrols,” he related.

McBean noted that he has held several meetings with the Cricket Carnival organising committee, in cluding a walkthrough of the event area last Wednes day. As is customary, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be providing all the security and traffic arrange ment for the parade.

With the massive amount of persons expect ed to be out on the roads, McBean said: “Our biggest risk going into this event, which we are looking at, is crowd management issues, because we have to ensure persons attending the ac tivity are safe. We have be on the lookout for street crimes and that’s a bit chal lenging… also because we are in a well populated area these things are prevalent at activities like this.”

He said, however, “I

just want people to come out and enjoy themselves in a safe environment. Look out for your own secu rity and that will help us provide a safe and secure environment for this float parade.”

Sunday’s parade is scheduled to start at Main and Church Streets, moving east down Church Street, before turning north into Irving Street and ending at the Kitty Seawall Rounda bout, where a concert will be held.

Vending spots have al ready been marked out and allocated all along Vlis sengen Road, which runs parallel to Irving Street. According to McBean, the policing traffic plan for the event will see vehicular access to Vlissengen road being closed off at 06:00 hours to facilitate vendors commencing the setting up of their stalls.

Vlissengen Road will

partially reopen, from Church Street to Thomas Lands, at 19:00 hours. Vlis sengen Road, from Thomas Lands to the Kitty Seawall Roundabout will remain closed for the remainder of the event.

Meanwhile, as part of traffic management along the route, McBean noted that closure of vehicular access to Church Street will commence at 09:00 hours, with incremental opening of adjoining streets after the entire parade complete ly passes the street.

At 15:00 hours in the vicinity of the roundabout, all movement of traffic will be closed off, with no vehicular traffic being allowed west of Kitty Pub lic Road from Alexander Street, and no vehicles be ing allowed east along Car ifesta Avenue from Camp Street.

Like Vlissengen Road, Seawall Road will

be closed off from 06:00 hours, however, that road will remain closed to vehic ular traffic for the entirety of the event.

“Just pedestrian traffic will be allowed through there,” McBean said, add ing: “We will police the area from Church Street to the Seawall throughout the day. Police will be there on patrol for any crowd man agement issues, and to deal with all policing issues in that area.”

He is confident that the police have done enough to deal with any congestion along the way.

“It’s a Sunday so it’s not a day that attracts a huge amount of traf fic. So, traffic will use alternative roads. Sheriff Street, Mandela Avenue, Homestretch Avenue and other areas will be used for persons coming in and out of Georgetown,” McBean said.

Four ‘A’ Regional Commander, Simon McBean

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the Presi dent with responsibil ity for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Sat urday announced on behalf of the govern ment a reduction of gasoline and diesel prices at the pump to be charged by the Guyana Oil Company Ltd (GUYOIL).

According to a press

rel at the end Decem ber 2021 to US$120 in June of this year; having risen as high as US$137 per barrel primarily as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the impact of the dramatic increases in oil prices was sig nificant and given the interconnected nature of the global economy, translated into higher

entation, the govern ment lowered the ex cise tax on both gaso line and diesel from 20 per cent to 10 per cent so as to minimise the impact of rising global oil prices.

Authorities have since been progressive ly lowering the excise tax rate on both gaso line and diesel, from 50 per cent to 35 per

and to improve dispos able income.

Aside from sectorspecific measures, the government, since be ing elected to office in 2020, has introduced several measures to put more disposable in come into the pockets of Guyanese. From the outset, Value Added Tax (VAT) was re moved from water and electricity, a burden some measure placed on the backs of Guya nese by the former coa lition administration.

There has also been the constant increase in old-age pension and public assistance which, as it is, in one year put $2.3 billion and $432 million into the pockets of Guya nese.

Additionally, the PPP/C government re instated the “Because We Care” cash grant and school uniform cash grant which stand at $30,000 per child in both public and private schools.

Guyana for implement ing effective policies to cushion the burden of high global commodity prices.

In a report docu menting the conclu sions of its Article IV Consultation with local authorities, the IMF said: “Staff broadly supported the authori ties’ measures to tem porarily ease the bur den of higher global commodity prices on the most vulnerable groups of society, given the absence of adequate safety nets.”

increase in capital spending to support the transformation of the Guyanese economy is needed, but within a framework that does not generate macroeco nomic imbalances,” the IMF advised.

It was, however, acknowledged that the government has already been taking steps in this direction.

release from the Min istry of Finance, the gasoline prices at the pump will be reduced by 20 per cent, moving from $269 per litre to $215 per litre, while diesel prices will be reduced by 15 percent, from $265 per litre to $225 per litre. Those price changes will take effect from today.

During the first half of 2022, global oil pric es surged more than 50 per cent, increasing from US$77 per bar

costs of landing fuel in Guyana.

In order to mitigate the impact of rising global fuel prices on domestic consumers and the productive sec tors to which fuel is a key input, the gov ernment lowered the excise tax rate on both gasoline and diesel from 10 per cent to zero per cent in March of this year.

It would be recalled that, previously, during the Budget 2022 pres

cent in February 2021, 35 per cent to 20 per cent in October 2021, in keeping with the government’s policy to adjust the taxes on fuel in order to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on the world market.

Since assuming of fice in August 2020, the PPP/C government has implemented a suite of measures to ease cost-of-living pressures induced by a global rise in commodity prices,

Every household in the hinterland will re ceive a $25,000 one-off cash grant; fisherfolk have started receiving a one-off $150,000 grant; farmers will receive $1 billion in fertiliser sup port, and there were and are many other initiatives geared at ad dressing the rising cost of living induced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently commended the Government of

The IMF, while sup porting those measures, advised local authori ties that there needs to be a gradual unwinding of the general subsidies provided through the tax system and moving to full pass-through of international prices to domestic prices, since the shock does not ap pear to be temporary.

This, the internation al financial institution said, should be done simultaneously with measures to further de velop and strengthen a well-targeted social safety net system.

“In addition, a sus tainable and feasible

Fiscal policy in 2022, according to the IMF, has been appropriate ly supporting growth, while considerably re ducing the fiscal defi cit. The government’s milestone $552B 2022

Budget has reduced current expenditures by about one per cent of non-oil GDP com pared to 2021, while capital spending has been ramped up to support the non-oil economy.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

‘Agri’ sector gets $95B boost in two years

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), since being elected to office in August 2022, has invested approximately G$95 billion into the agriculture sector, and there are plans to signifi cantly increase both public and private investments in the coming years.

Agriculture has been the backbone of Guyana’s econo my for many years, and Presi dent Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that the lucrative sector will remain a mainstay, even with oil, as there are abundant hu man and physical resources to drive development in this area.

“We have the physical and human resources necessary to drive agricultural develop ment, and improve food and

nutrition security. But such an enterprise requires coopera tion, and cooperation across all sectors. Let us, therefore, all work together for the develop ment of the local agriculture sector which, for generations, was one of the bedrocks of our economy,” President Ali said in his message on October 1, the first day of Agriculture Month 2022.

Agriculture, the Head of State highlighted, already ac

counts for almost a quarter of the country’s non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and one in every eight members of the country’s employed workforce is to be found in the agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors. This sector is also the principal source of livelihood for thousands of Guyanese households.

Although there are chal lenges and impediments to development in agriculture, President Ali said: “My gov ernment is unfazed by the existing food security chal lenges; it is committed to, and confident in, its ability to address the vulnerabilities in the country’s agri-food system,

such as to the adverse impact of climate change, exogenous market shocks, and higher input costs. Government has made interventions to support our farmers and fishers, and moderate food inflation.”

Since August 2020, Guy ana has been revitalising and repositioning its agriculture sector to respond to the global food crisis; to boost agri cultural investment; to build resilience, including through diversification, modernisation and climate smart agriculture; foster greater innovation and competitiveness, and preserve livelihoods now and in the future.

There have been signifi cant investments to enhance agricultural infrastructure such as drainage and irrigation structures and farm-to-market roads; the expansion of nontraditional agriculture, includ ing aquaculture; efforts to have greater export market access for local agricultural production and incentives have been offered to increase the involvement of youth and women in the agriculture sec tor.

The government has also promoted greater use of tech

nology and innovation in the agricultural sector, such as new and higher-yielding, more climate-and-pest-resilient crop varieties, and the introduction of new livestock breeds.

Guyana is leading from the front in the region when it comes to tackling food secu rity, through investments and advancements in agriculture.

At the 32nd Inter-Ses sionol Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), regional leaders acknowledged food security as being a major challenge. Guyana, recognis ing the gravity of the threat facing the region, tabled a strategy entitled: “Advancing the CARICOM Food systems Agenda; Prioritising Regional Food and Nutrition Security”.

The Heads agreed to the establishment of a Special Ministerial Task Force to work along with the regional private sector to develop an action plan to follow-up and moni tor the implementation of the strategy.

The region also adopted a proposal to slash food imports by 25 per cent by 2025, and, following a Regional AgriInvestment Forum in Guyana, four areas were identified for priority action: Food insecu rity, transportation, trade bar riers, and women and youth in agriculture.

The theme of this year’s

Agriculture Month: “Cham pioning food security through innovation, investment and resilience” reflects, in part, the alignment of Guyana’s food security goals with that of the region.

“Our efforts have been directed by our unwavering commitment to secure an ex panded, diversified, modern ised, resilient, and competitive sector in Guyana and CARI COM,” Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said.

The minister said every investment made by the gov ernment for Guyana’s devel opment will also contribute to achieving food security and Vision 25 per cent by 2025.

“Being food secure re quires the adoption of an allencompassing food system approach which will help us to become more productive, inclusive of the poor; envi ronmentally sustainable and resilient, all while being better equipped to deliver healthy and nutritious diets to all Guy anese,” Minister Mustapha said.

The activities planned for Agriculture Month 2022 will build a greater sense of awareness among stakehold ers about the many projects being undertaken within the agricultural sector, and the role that every actor along the food-value chain plays in the development process.

President Ali says human, physical resources abundant for further advancement in the sector - expresses confidence in Guyana’s ability to address vulnerabilities, food security challenges

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Three ex-prisoners benefit from ‘Fresh Start’ initiative

Guyana records highest ever passenger arrivals for September

CRICKET Carnival in Guyana has been a magnet for travellers, and this is evidenced by the highest number of arrivals to the country ever recorded in the month of September.

According to a release from the Cheddi Jagan In ternational Airport (CJIA), the airport experienced an increase of 90 per cent in arrivals for September 2022, when compared to September 2021.

“During the month, the airport processed 31,050 in ternational passengers. This notable increase in passenger arrivals is evident in the in flux of visitors for the Cricket Carnival activities,” the press release stated.

sports entertainment that can beat Cricket Carnival and we have to build it, we have to nurture it and we have to support it,” the Head of State said.

ana’s rich vibrant culture, especially during the Cricket Carnival period.

THREE ex-prison ers, on Friday, benefit ted from the govern ment’s “Fresh Start” pro gramme.

One of the former pris oners, Lawrence Rambar ran, was the recipient of a complete kit of carpentry tools and equipment, while Terrence Barker received a comprehensive welding kit and Michael Powley was the beneficiary of a complete weeding set.

At the presentation cer emony held at the Prison Headquarters boardroom, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot said the Fresh Start programme is dedicated to reducing criminal recidi

vism by helping individuals with felony convictions gain access to resources and to provide the necessary mo tivation for success when reintegrating into the com munity.

The head of prisons also noted that the programme not only addresses the needs of ex-offenders transition ing from incarceration back into society, but it also gives former offenders a chance to chart their own professional paths.

“So, the focus is to help ex-prisoners concentrate on self-sustaining activities with the hope that they will be able to make an income and become marketable,”

Elliot said.

The ex-prisoners were considered for the “Fresh Start Toolkit” based on a number of qualifying cri teria while in prison, which included participation in training programmes, con ducting reviews, family support, and a post-release plan.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, in an interview posted on the News Room’s Facebook page, said that a new prod uct is being developed for Guyana where businesses, bars, restaurants, and more are benefitting tremendously.

“We are hosting it (Crick et Carnival) for three years. We are building a product here for the region to cel ebrate… there is nothing in

Meanwhile, Chief Execu tive Officer (CEO) of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, said: “I believe the enthusiasm behind the cricket carnival activities is responsible for the number of arrivals we are seeing.”

He added: “During this period, our overall objective was to ensure an efficient, hassle-free arrival process. We worked with our stake holders to put systems in place to avoid any delays.”

Ghir said that the airport is pleased to support Presi dent Ali’s vision to celebrate, promote and market Guy

The CEO said: “Our air port is one of the first points of entry into Guyana and therefore, we have an impor tant role to play in creating a lasting first-impression for our visitors.”

As expected by the CJIA, the traffic increased in Sep tember due to Guyana host ing its inaugural Cricket Car nival, where they had already put measures in place to handle the increased traffic.

For the first half of 2022, a total of 145,654 passengers were seen en tering the country through CJIA. Those numbers were predicted to increase in the second half of the year.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, makes the presentation to Lawrence Rambarran. Also in the picture are Terrence Barker and Michael Powley along with other staff members of the Guyana Prison Service

Guyana and the IMF

GUYANA has been given high marks by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its handling of the econo my, especially in the context of the country’s emerging status as an oiland-gas producer.

The IMF is a global multinational financial institution which has, over the decades, provided not only finan cial assistance to member countries but also policy and technical advice. As such, the views and opinions of the IMF cannot be dismissed or brushed aside, since they could influence the decision-making processes of other financial institutions.

This is not to suggest that the views of the IMF are sacrosanct or always correct. There are instances when the policy prescriptions of the IMF had resulted in protest actions in several countries because of its sometimes harsh conditionalities on borrowing countries. In the final analysis, borrow ing from the IMF remains a sovereign decision and cannot be imposed against the will of a sovereign state.

Guyana under the previous PNC regime had borrowed heavily from the IMF to service its unsustainable debt burden and address severe bal ance- of-payments difficulties. Such was the extent of the economic dev

astation under the Burnham regime that Guyana was declared by the IMF as ‘uncreditworty’ and further loans to the country had ceased. It is appo site to recall that under the previous PNC regime, no report by the Auditor General was presented to the National Assembly for 12 consecutive years, an indication of the extent to which em phasis was placed on transparency and accountability by the previous regime. The economy had reached rock-bottom and life for the average Guyanese was a living hell.

That narrative has now changed thanks to prudent economic and fiscal management by successive PPP/C administrations. Indeed, the IMF has now applauded the current adminis tration on its progress in strengthening Guyana’s anti-corruption framework and fiscal transparency. At the recently concluded 2022 Article 1V consulta tions with the Guyana Government, the IMF highlighted several pillars that have been fortified by the PPP/C administration to ensure transparency and the stand against corruption.

Among the several pillars identi fied are the Integrity Commission, the Public Procurement Commission, the National Procurement and Tender Ad ministration Board, the Auditor Gen

eral reports and the implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives. No less significant from a governance and transparency perspec tive are the amendments made by the PPP/C administration to the Natural Resources Fund Act which, according to the IMF, “set clear ceilings on with drawals from the fund for budgetary spending and promote transparency in the management and use of oil re sources.”

It is not a matter of surprise that Guyana has been removed from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the European Commis sion’s Money-laundering blacklists. This fact has not escaped the notice of the IMF which has offered technical support to the Guyana Government as it seeks to further strengthen its macroeco nomic and fiscal management, develop its financial market infrastructure and strengthen its statistical capabilities.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and climate change, the Guy ana economy continues to be robust. The oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow over 100 per cent in 2022 and by 20 per cent on average per year during the 2023 to 2026 peri od. And, according to the IMF, Guy

ana’s commercially recoverable petro leum reserves are expected to reach 11 billion barrels, one of the highest per capita level in the world.

The Guyana Government came in for high praise by the IMF for the massive decline in public debt and favourable debt dynamics and the ad ministration’s commitment to maintain debt sustainability.

Given the significant economic strides made over recent years due in large measure to the impact of oil, the temptation to appreciate the Guyana currency vis a vis the United States dollar could be strong, but this has to be tempered by the net benefits accru ing to the country based on current exchange rates, while allowing for some flexibility to absorb shocks and maintain competitiveness. As observed both by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, such a move to appreciate the Guyana currency could have severe implications for Guyana, especially in terms of our export competitiveness.

There is no question that the economic health of the country is in good hands, thanks to good gover nance coupled with sound economic management principles adopted by the PPP/C administration.

The cunning PNC is not crafty enough

Dear Editor,

WORLD Tourism Day was observed in Guyana as vis itors flocked the country to start the week in Carnival style. Cricket, lovely cricket was in the air as Guyana was grappling with grip ping cricket fever.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors started the week for Guyanese with a three from three wins before losing the following two games to be knocked out from the CPL Guyana is basking in bril liant sunshine from the IMF report applauding the PPP/C

government economic and transparent success.

Guyanese are worried about their relatives as Flor ida and the Caribbean are being bombarded with hur ricanes Hindus in Guyana join the rest of the world in observing the sacred period of Nau Ratri Region Three housing will be boosted with the government build ing some 2,000 houses The government will swiftly ad dress the issue of shortage of judges when Parliament reconvenes The 150th an niversary of the Devonshire Castle killings was observed.

At the time of writing, as the Tallawahs and Royals battle for the CPL supremacy on the ground, hopefully, you’d be sitting with the Warriors and the Kings in the stand Cricket hang over is inevita ble, mentally and physically After the carnival parade and jam session, do take a break to recoup with the week ’ s opinions and comments:

1 ) Minister Susan Ro drigues remarked: “We wel come the new applications as well, because we are continu ously and always in pursuit of our national target of 50,000 lots in the first five years in

office.” The PPP/C govern ment has distributed more house lots in their first two years in office than what the APNU+AFC government did in five years

2) Prime Minister, Brig adier ( ret ’ d ) Mark Philips , observed: “In recent weeks, Guyana has seen a vicious onslaught of claims from cer tain sections that have sought to malign the PPP / C Gov ernment for discriminatory policies against Afro Guya nese.” Meanwhile, the PPP/C government is constructively engaged with Afro Guyanese leaders, groups, and commu

nities who were neglected un der the PNC administration.

3) A young Russian said: “ It is just insane All my friends (are) in danger.” Pu tin’s call goes unheeded as young Russian men are flee ing the country and avoid serving in the army

portunities for all Guyanese.” The PPP/C government will continue to support all logical means to punish those re sponsible for bringing shame and disgrace to the democrat ic process

4

) Prime Minister Mark Philips emphasised : “ We in the government will not be distracted by false nar ratives peddled by certain unsavory characters, which are designed to generate ra cial hostility and undermine our transformational agenda which is creating historic op

5) Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, advised: “We must make provision where those who are in prison must have hope beyond the walls when leaving the prison.”

The PPP/C government wants to give all Guyanese an equal opportunity to prosper, become better and

The cunning PNC is not crafty ...

more productive citizens. The government wants to ensure that even the inmates who deserve to be rehabili tated and to be reintegrated into society could contribute in a meaningful way also.

6) Attorney General Mr. Nandlall explained: “ We are on a tight time-frame. It is our objective to start construction of the pipeline by the end of October.” The PPP/C government will compensate residents who are in the path of the gas pipeline, depending on the location and size of the property and other factors, ranging from $1 to $4 mil lion.

7) President Dr. Irfaan Ali stressed: “This tourna ment has the ability to bring our people in this region together, cementing us, and fusing our culture. Giving us an opportunity to meet each other, to network and these are things you cannot attach a value to.” The CPL is more than an event and must be seen as a platform for the Caribbean region to market itself globally.

8) Dr. Ramsammy com mented: “The most import ant aspect of health is us, and how we live; our life style is critical and not just to prevent the NCD’s but other infectious diseases.” Health literacy contributes heavily to health disparities and can cause implications.

9) Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, sur mised: “We don’t discrim inate against any commu nity: every programme that has been rolled out, has been for the benefit of all Guyanese across the 10 administrative regions.” Statistics are there to prove that there is no discrimina tion in the programmes and projects implemented by the government related to hous ing, infrastructure, scholar ships and agriculture.

10) As Roger Federer bows out of professional tennis, a tearful Nadal relat ed: “Very proud to be part of his career in some way, but even happier to finish our career as friends, after everything we shared on court like rivals.” A great lesson for humanity, espe cially politicians.

11) Attorney General

Anil Nandlall blasted Ga nesh Mahipaul, saying: “So, at this preparatory level, it is almost impossible for Ma hipaul to come up with this figure. This is yet another manifestation of the PNC menu of lies and APNU menu of lies being churned out.” At the appropriate time, the entire nation will become aware.

12) Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha com mented: “When you look at the farm gate price, it is almost 300 per cent less, the middlemen are driving up the price.” The government is looking at a plan whereby GMC can be involved in the distribution system in order to regulate prices.

13) Minister within the Office of the Prime Min ister, Kwame McCoy, in formed the conference in Bucharest, Romania: “The Government of Guyana is seeking to provide Internet connectivity across 100 per cent of the country by 2025.” The PPP/C Gov

ernment has launched a campaign to provide free Internet in public spaces with a focus of under-served communities (300 sites set up to date benefitting over 250,000 residents).

14) US National Secu rity Adviser, Jake Sullivan, warned: “If Russia crosses this line, there will be cat astrophic consequences for Russia.” The US is poised to respond decisively and responsibly, amplifying the rest of the world’s senti ments.

15) Minister Susan Ro drigues said: “It is our plan to extend the Pouderoyen water-treatment plant to supply La Grange.” Al ways improving the health, welfare and lives of Guy anese, the PPP/C Govern ment will provide five new water-treatment plants by 2025 to boost development in the region.

16) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed Dr. Ashni Singh and Guyana in his Can

ada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce message say ing: “With such a strong history and such a solid foundation, the possibilities for the future are endless. I am looking forward to supporting the Chamber of Commerce as they explore these opportunities.” Cana da remains one of the stron gest supporters in defence of democracy for Guyana, having supported the PPP/C party’s legitimate election in 2020, and chastising and denouncing the PNC for their alleged attempts to interfere with the general and regional 2020 election.

17) It is the PPP/C Gov ernment which is ensuring that the words of Nelson Mandela are kept alive: “It is not beyond our power to create a world in which all children have access to a good education.” The PPP/C Government had to manoeuvre the compli cations of COVID-19 in order to manipulate the implications of online and

in-school learning to pro duce great NGSA results for another year. The CSEC and CAPE results are also a reflection of the Ministry of Education’s contribution towards good education by the PPP/C government.

18) Public Service Min ister Sonia Parag reflected: “ Education will get you everywhere….,” while ad dressing NGSA performers from Mocha Arcadia and Barnwell North. The PPP/C Government is breaking glass ceilings with their “Because We Care” proj ect by giving $30,000 to each student, providing over 7,000 GOAL scholarships and laptops to teachers in all the regions.

19) Minister Parag had good advice and a word of consolation for the students, teachers and parents, not ing: “Where you’re going and your motivation to get there will get you there irrespective of any obstacle or any challenge…..” It was the PNC Government

which discontinued the “Be cause We Care” programme during their 2015-2020 gov ernance, thereby denying students the cash grants and placing more financial burdens on the parents to provide for their children.

Luckily, the PPP/C party reversed their decision and brought immediate relief with a plan to increase the benefits up to $50,000 per child by the year 2025.

20) Attorney Gener al Anil Nandlall stated: “This request was favour ably considered, and the council made a decision to write the Government of Guyana shortly, in forming of this decision and setting out the criteria and other requirements which the government will have to satisfy.” Former Attorney General Basil Williams had written to the CLE in Bridgetown but they had rejected the PNC’s proposal and now

Answering an important question:

Is it chicken curry or curry chicken?

Dear Editor,

Whenever CPL cricket is in the air, invariably a not-so-important top ic becomes in vogue: Is it chicken curry or curry chicken? I am aware that the discussion on this issue is to add embellishment to the commen tary rather than for any educative purpose.

Even radio broadcasters in Guyana and the region, from time to time, would chit-chat on same.

Anyhow, the reality is that in their present forms, only one is correct and that is chicken curry. It can also be used in the reverse form; however, it would have to be stated as curried chicken. On a somewhat related issue, you won’t go into a restaurant and

order a serving of fry rice; it would have to be fried rice.

So, it is not such a facile matter after all; it has to do with the knowl edge of grammar. Even one of our honorable government ministers was asked by a commentator, at the Providence Stadium, if she would be eating chicken curry or curry chicken; she gave a ‘cute’ answer, albeit not

addressing the grammar issue. So, you can certainly eat chicken curry or curried chicken, but definitely not curry chicken.

I hope that the above would clear any doubts regarding the ‘chicken curry’issue.

Yours truly, Mohamed Earl Yamin

The cunning PNC is not crafty ...

accepted the PPP/C‘s proposal.

21) To coincide with the observance of World Tourism Day and its theme “Rethinking Tourism,” President Ali had remarked: “Our objective here is to build a tourism product with activities all around Guyana, using cricket carnival, our culture, and our geographical space as advantages and making best uses of the advantages and the competitive advantage each region has.”

The PPP/C Government plans to globalise Guyana’s tourism through the medium of cricket, football, squash, regatta, power boat, horse and car racing and a high-end luxury eco-resort.

22) US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch declared: “The United States is proud to be Guyana’s largest bilateral trading partner.” The PPP/C Government has revolutionised Guyana’s economy since coming into gov ernment. Guyana-US trade has surpassed US$1.4 billion in the first half of the year. Due to the PNC’s skullduggery during the attempted rigging of the general election in 2020, the US Government had moved to sanction many of the PNC’s members and their families.

23) Minister McCoy said: “The irrefut able evidence playing out before our eyes daily, in facts and figures, that the PPP/C administration is serious about transforming Guyana into a prosperous nation for all.”

Despite the PNC’s resentment, Norton’s

unpatriotic detraction and his enablers of stokers fanning the “racial flame,” the PPP/C Government is busy fusing a “One Guyana” in every nook and cranny of this country by building bridges, literally and metaphorically.

24) Housing Minister, Collin Croal, declared: “We will not be recognising any new ones {squatting areas}, but we recognise what we met and we will work with other areas.” The days of squatting are over in Guyana and no longer can anyone “behave as if we have a God-given right to assume what we don’t have.”

25) President Ali told Chilean Ambas sador, Juan Vasquez: “Chile has been a reliable partner in Guyana’s quest for peace and progress. I offer to you the gratitude of the Guyanese people and indicate our read iness to further cement the ties that unite our two countries. We must explore ways to bring our people closer together.” Chile beats the PNC to the punch. Chile is getting closer to Guyana and Guyanese while the PNC keeps distancing itself from forming an alliance.

26) Yolanda Warde from GECOM stat ed: “However, notwithstanding this action having been taken, GECOM could not have taken any further action in this matter, since to do so would have been in contravention of Article 163 of the Constitution.” The PNC wants to steer the PPP/C into a trap,

but, by not being crafty enough, the party has failed miserably, only to dig a hole for themselves.

27) Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond observed: “… there is an unsung story and untold script features thousands of Guyanese who have been able to derive benefits from the stag ing of this tournament (CPL).” The PPP/C Government is on the prowl for social and economic development, engaging the in clusiveness of tourism as it relates to many suppliers and supporters at the lower level gaining beneficial traction and not only the corporate companies.

28) Senior Minister Ashni Singh remind ed the nation about the PPP/C government’s non-complacency, “….we in the PPP/C are under no illusion that our work is done…we are constantly examining the anti-corruption framework to identify areas for strengthening and areas for elaboration by way of subsidi ary legislation and regulation.”

Guyanese Amel Griffith is all smiles as she is crowned the first ever Miss Cricket Carnival Queen. Sweepers and cleaners are smiling with full-time contracts with gratuity to clean schools. Residents in Re gion Three are smiling with the distribution of 1,200 house lots. The staff at Bank of Baroda are smiling with their 24.6 per cent pay hike. In Region Five, 805 fisherfolk are smiling with their $150,000 one- off

cash grant, and in Region Four, some 1,000 fisherfolk are smiling with their cut. First Lady Arya Ali is smiling with Assuria for their 50 boxes of sanitary pads ($175,000) donation towards her nationwide Menstrual Hygiene Initiative.

The residents of St, Ignatius Village are smiling with a $5 million cheque present ed by the Prime Minister on behalf of the government for the construction of a benab. Guyana-Suriname travellers are smiling as the MV Canawaima resumes its ferry ser vice. Region Five residents are smiling with their $64 million road upgrade in Burma. A 70-year old Guyanese, Captain Stanley Jhagroo is smiling with his Wright Broth ers Master Pilot Award. Shannia Hoyte is smiling with her Claudette Caesar Founda tion University Scholarship. Dr. and Mrs. Al Mohannadi are smiling, being the first tourists from Qatar to visit Guyana.

Over 100 workers are smiling after be ing employed on the Linden-Mabura Hill road project. Residents from Black Bush Polder are smiling with the recommission ing of a refurbished and digitalised Mibicuri Court.

As you end to begin another week, do use your smile to change the world. Don’t let the world change your smile.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

Commentary on Girmitiyas: The making of their memory-keepers from the Indian Indentured Diaspora

A FEW months before Professor Brij Lal passed away late last year, his edited book, Girmitiyas: The making of their memory-keepers from the Indian Indentured Diaspora, was released to the public.

The idea of the book emerged from the thought that historians generally write about what they have re searched and that it was time for scholars of Girmiyitas to write about themselves.

In the words of Lal: “The book is not about the making of history and historiography, but rather about the making of the historian, of the influences that have shaped their approach to scholarship, the broader intel lectual impulses – social history, gender studies, oral narratives, creative non-fiction which underpin it – of the faces of people behind the professional mask [p.6].”

The contributing authors, as listed in the table of contents, are as follows: Brinsley Samaroo (Trinidad), Lomarsh Roopnarine (Guyana/U.S.), Ruben Gowrich arn (Suriname/Holland), Brij Lal (Fiji/Australia), Celine Ramsamy-Giancone (Reunion), Uma Dhupelia-Mes thrie (South Africa), Goolam Vahed (South Africa), Kalapana Hiralal (South Africa), Rajend Mesthrie (South Africa), Clem Seecharan ( Guyana/UK) and Ashwin Desai (South Africa). Lal tried to have authors from Suriname, the French Caribbean and Mauritius to contribute to the book but with little luck.

The above authors provided a fascinating narrative of their personal and academic lives “with refreshing candour… of their journeys and transformations, their doubts and disappointments and contestations and con troversies their works have generated [p.6],” Samaroo wrote on becoming a historian while Roopnarine shared his improbable journey from Berbice and beyond.

Gowricharn documented how he overcame the odds to become an established scholar. Lal assessed his academic journey from Fiji to India and eventually to Australia. Ramsamy-Giancone showed how her family’s history remained foreign in her native land. Dhupelia-Mesthrie provided an interesting story of how she became an accidental historian. Vahed wrote about writing history at a time of change in South Africa.

Hiralal delved into an introspective unveiling, re vealing a bitter-sweet journey of self-discovery. Mes thrie demonstrated how he emerged from the sinews of indenture to become an academic. Seecharan wrote about his passion for cricket on the plantation zones of

Port Mourant. Desai titled his chapter as tales of a devil child.

Despite the fact that the authors are from different regions of the world and shared some differences in their writings, many common themes emerged from the book. First, they are all off-spring of indentured servants who were brought to replace slavery in the British Empire in the 19th century. Second, they show how their upbring ing was shaped by the impact of indenture. Third, after spending most of their early years of life in their specific indentured zones, they migrated to overseas destinations, namely, to core countries, studying at major universities.

Four, they have never forgotten where they came from. Five, they are the first-and second- generation of Girmitiyas’ writers starting from the 1970s and beyond. Six, they have spent substantial time overseas, and some never returned to live in their former homeland.

With regard to contributions, many can be gleaned. Like their indentured ancestors who crossed the kala pani to work in distant sugar colonies and eventually left a rich legacy waiting to be told more fully, the authors have produced some marvellous essays not found in the writings of indentured servitude.

The essays are original. It is fitting that these authors through their personal lives told us about the overarching conditions and suffering of subalternity, as well as their determination to march out of it, complementing the notion that Indians are known for sacrifice and thrifty habits.

Lal posits: “The stories they [authors] tell go close to the hearts of how we understand ourselves and our place in the larger scheme of things. We live within our histories as concerned citizens, not outside or above it as disinterested observers. We are what we are (p.4).”

So magnificently put, and what is also moving is that these authors, the descendants of the indentured, have had a hand in writing their people’s history rather than have it told by others, “a pawn [of] other peoples’ games” and a curse of history. One message of this book is that the study of Girmitiya is no longer an appendage to world history and literature.

It is gradually moving from the margin to the mainstream and the contributors must be commend ed for helping us in this leaping journey (lomarsh. roopnarine@jsums.edu).

Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency builds capacity

GUYANA’S rapidly developing offshore oil and gas sector presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure wealth for a country that has historically suffered from low growth and underinvestment.

This new wealth also presents a challenge to managing the natural wealth of Guyana – the land, air and sea that underpins our green identity. Tasked with maintaining Guy ana’s global leadership on sustainability and environmental protection is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA has broad responsibility under the Envi ronmental Protection Act to oversee the environmental activities of all persons – including companies involved in the extraction of Guyana’s natural resources in the mining sector, forestry and oil and gas development. Before any project that might impact the environment can proceed, the EPA determines the necessity of an environmental impact assessment or EIA to ensure the effects can be mitigated and managed in a way that limits impacts that are unavoidable.

Guyana’s ability to both accelerate the pace of oil and gas development – crucial in a globally competitive market for exploration dollars – and preserve the environment, is contingent upon the EPA’s ability to expand and add new capabilities. The safety and success of development so far is a credit to the EPA’s own rapid growth over the past several years.

The EPA has steadily boosted its capacity to regulate

the oil and gas industry and adhere to international stan dards. At the start of the year, Guyana approved its largest budget in history, G$552.9 billion, which included oil revenues for the first time. The 2022 budget for the EPA included some G$100 million in allocation for capital ex penditure, with G$74.1 million of that money to be spent on digital environmental monitoring, and reporting and veri fication of the framework for offshore, petroleum, mining, and forestry activities.

This allocation is pivotal to providing remote monitor ing sensors, instruments, and dashboards as well as scien tific and laboratory equipment that will be useful in oil and the non-oil industries.

The EPA has faced some challenges owing to a steep learning curve which isn’t remarkable, considering that Guyana did not have an oil and gas sector until recently. Notably, the EPA has come under criticism for failing to act quickly after the Liza Destiny, the very first floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel operating in the Stabroek Block, faced repeated issues with the flash gas compressor that led to excess flaring.

Since that time, however, the agency has tightened the language in subsequent environmental permit to explicitly prohibit routine flaring and venting outside of startup and maintenance periods and continued to invest in the person nel and expertise necessary to provide world class oversight of the operations offshore.

The EPA is undergoing important investments in re cruiting talent, most notably an increase in the oil and gas unit from just six persons in 2021 to more than double that number presently. This will further allow the agency to con duct remote monitoring onshore and to deploy staff aboard the FPSOs for independent monitoring and verification.

Beginning in May 2021, the EPA modified the Envi ronmental Permit for the Liza Phase One Development Project to include a penalty of US$30 per tonne of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) flared in excess of the timelines permitted in the permit. The permit was further modified in January 2022 to increase the fee to US$50 per tonne of CO2e. Fees are just one of many tools the EPA has at its disposal to ensure that operators are held to account.

The recently renewed Environmental Permit for the Liza Phase One Project issued in June 2022 also reflected many changes now required by the EPA since the previous permit issued first in 2017. This update incorporated many lessons and best practices learned and follows the new and improved standards set out by the Yellowtail Environmental Permit.

Importantly, the permit strengthens Guyana’s ability to quickly respond to any incident offshore by requiring well capping equipment, crucial to stopping unabated oil flow, to be present and available in country.

“

So, the permit will see a focus on preventing pollution, preventing any accident, preventing any oil spill. This will be done in a comprehensive way even as we ensure there is a safety case” Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kemraj Parsram said.

Included in the renewed permit are additional require ments for ExxonMobil Guyana’s offshore production. The renewed Liza Phase One Project permit includes the increased fees for excess flaring to US$50 per tonne of CO2e and included requirements for financial assurance, monitoring of the effects of effluent discharges and a griev ance mechanism by which citizens are able to seek redress. The standards set under the new permit will ensure that all environmental and social safeguards are taken for the protection of human health and the environment.

The permit process reflects the EPA’s newfound knowl edge and strength. This enables it to engage oil companies as a partner and peer in collaborative discussions that can find win-win solutions to protect both the environment and Guyana’s financial future.

Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency has risen to the occasion to safeguard the natural environment and preserve the collective inheritance of all Guyanese.

The EPA has taken the lessons learned from local and international offshore operations, and feedback from stake holders throughout the country.

While oil and gas and other extractive industries are not without risk and more remains to be done, a robust and competent EPA is a key safeguard to protect the natural environment.

Cricket, Tourism and One Guyana

RECENTLY, thousands of Guyanese con verged at the Guyana National Stadium for the semi-finals and finals of the Hero Cricket Premiere League (CPL).

Notably, the crowd of cricket fans were from all walks of life, social classes, polit ical persuasions, gender and sexual orien tations. They were united in support of the Guyana Amazon Warriors who delivered a nail-biting performance and good cricket to secure their place in the playoffs/semi-finals.

Also, Guyanese packed the stadium again on Wednesday, but their hopes and dreams were shattered as the overs came to an end and the Jamaica Tallawahs came out on top, securing a place in the finals.

Despite, the agonising defeat that left Guyanese talking and making plans for the tournament next year, their love for cricket drew them to the finals on Friday evening.

Additionally, all throughout the CPL journey, Guyanese also showed their support for the Cricket Carnival Initiative which was introduced by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who conceptualised the idea of packaging the sport with carnival events to create a new tourism product which would ultimately showcase the natural beauty and features of Guyana.

These Cricket Carnival events have been well-attended with the hotels and occupancy rates sky-rocketing to 93 per cent and above.

Also, the Guyana Tourism Association will have to check and compile the tourists and visitors arrivals into the country for the Cricket Carnival during the months before and immediately after the big partying event.

So far, all statistics available are pointing to favourable results as it regards arrivals.

They have proven local small scale busi nesses like the bed and breakfast initiatives are very lucrative and viable to pursue in Guyana’s fast-growing economy.

Firstly, the Guyana Amazon Warriors must be given a good report card. They played fairly well even though they did not make it to the finals.

The team needs to do some very intense introspection as to why they played the way they did in Wednesday’s match. How could they have played the tournament differently? Who needs to go? Where are the players lacking?

Some were of the opinion that Guyana should have chosen to bat first instead of fielding. Others opined that the problem was in the selection of active players for the deciding game.

Whatever, the solution is, Guyana needs a win, badly.

In the end, Guyanese are going to sup port the team win or lose, but more so should they win the next tournament.

Secondly, the Government of Guyana and the President specifically should be commended for the interest they showed in the Hero CPL tournament from the begin ning and cricket as a sport in general.

It is the coordinating hand of the Cul ture, Youth and Sports Ministry under the leadership of Charles Ramson Jr that made the Cricket Carnival a successful calendar of events, not to take away from President Ali’s general leadership.

Thirdly, Guyana benefitted from the games and cricket in more ways than one.

In one way, the cricket and carnival events served as a much needed distraction from the politics that more often than not divides Guyanese. It was a safe place where the discussion focused on the talented men and a game rooted in luck and chance.

It was nice seeing Guyanese embracing one another in unity and togetherness.

Another way, it reminded everyone that sports truly has the potential of bringing Guyanese and Caribbean people together. It was like a melting pot of cultures and diversity looking at how Guyanese poured their support out and wore the team of their choice on their chests and sleeves.

Finally, there is hope for the President’s mantra of ‘One Guyana’. If Guyanese could celebrate cricket as one people, so too could

they work together in the political arena and in other segments of society to secure the best victory of all, a united nation.

Then, the idea of two Guyanas would cease to exist in the minds of individuals and the thinking of ‘One Guyana’ would be the dominant thought behind the behavioural patterns of all Guyanese.

The words discrimination and race would not be given any life to open the wounds of hate, scorn, and divisiveness that haunt all Guyanese to this day regardless of the progress and development that are taking place.

The opposition lost out again to use this very significant moment to show that they can put their divisive politics on the backburner and publicly endorse and support One Guyana, tourism and cricket.

ON Saturday October 1, 2022, the United Nations (UN) focused on se niors, those 65 years and over, cel ebrating International Day for the Elderly under the theme: “Resilience of older persons in a changing world”

so they can grow old with dignity.

The genesis dated back to 1948 when the UN promoted “the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons” and then later, in 1982, adopted the World

Assembly on Aging. By 1990 UN pro claimed the October 1 as International Day for older persons which was first commemorated in 1991.

The world is getting pronouncedly older with 900 million people current ly over age 60. It is predicted that by 2050 there will be two billion seniors, equivalent to 22 per cent of the world’s population, an unprecedented time when the elderly population will exceed the children’s population Universally, life expectancy has increased over the past decades from 48 years in 1950 to 68 years in 2010 due to the improvements in public health, access to clean water and safer foods and social development

On average, men are expected to live 70 years and women 75 years; the latter group seemed to go an extra five years maybe because they are more respon sive to healthcare advisories Guyana is ranked at 137 worldwide where life expectancy for both genders is 70 years,

but in Hong Kong and Japan they enjoy the maximum life expectancy of 85 years; being ranked as the fourth and nineteenth most developed countries respectively

Senior care on International Day for the Elderly

Depending on the health status, phys ical activity levels and mental vitality of seniors a productive lifestyle is possible However, for the majority, the common medical issues experienced are malnutri tion, falls, vision loss, hearing problems, depression and immobility

During this phase of life many chronic illnesses may be diagnosed and medi cation adherence could also be an issue since the senior may be in a denial phase, confused about instructions or may dis continue treatment after experiencing unpleasant side effects.

Writing down questions, listing med ications, seeking clarifications during follow ups and reporting sessions with your pharmacists and doctors are crucial

Senior care on International Day...

to treatment success and enhancing quality of life for the elderly.

There are also social and economic challenges since many persons may not have a retirement plan or disposable funds and hence income is limited to pension(s). It was estimated by WHO that two out of three elderly will require care and support at some point either in activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). ADL are basic self-care ac tivities such as self-feeding, getting in and out of bed, chairs and toilet, bathing, dressing, personal and toilet hygiene, which may not be possible for the highly disabled seniors who may have had a stroke or became immobile due to severe arthritis or have mental impairments due to dementia.

Note that there are a lot of disability aids available to assist with these simple tasks such as shower chairs, raised toilet seats, commodes, grab bars, walkers, canes, wheel chairs and rubberized floor mats that can provide some level of independence and comfort to seniors whilst preventing accidents due to falls and, in worse case scenarios, fractures, which increases with age.

IADL are routine chores such as meal preparation, cleaning and sanitisa

tion, shopping and paying bills, taking or administering prescribed medications and continually checking up on the phone; some of the vital tasks in senior care.

WHO launched in March 2022 a framework to support countries to achieve integrated continuum of long term care for the elderly, a major deficit in middle and low income countries, which was so profoundly demonstrat ed during the Covid-19 pandemic. They were the highest risk group who suffered the most. The less fortunate seniors who had no one to directly care for them were placed in senior homes and later succumbed.

Home care is the best mode of living from options such as independent living communities, assisted living communi ties, nursing homes or living with a rel ative. However because of financial, so cial and physical considerations and the existing support framework, sharing the responsibilities possibly with siblings and or professional caregiver(s) maybe the next best option for all parties.

It is challenging to be a caregiver for the elderly especially if you are required simultaneously to be a provider. The high demands of your energies must be equitably shared within the limited

time available to ensure that all needs are sufficiently met. Caregivers are required to have adjusted lifestyle to accommodate the elderly.

Nutritional requirements for the elderly are similar to those of younger adults and should include lean pro tein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, rice, legumes and soya bean products. Adequate hydration is key to prevent ing constipation and supplements are recommended to enhance immunity. Sugar, salt, saturated fats in meat and dairy products and alcohol should be restricted. A cut in calories consumed is recommended since your metabolism and output due to less physical activities have decreased.

A glimpse into what those seniors in Hong Kong and Japan are doing differ ently and their cultural and social infra structure may hint what contributes to their high life expectancy rates. In Japan dietary habits, access to clean water, universal health, hygiene consciousness and active lifestyle are the order of the day. In Hong Kong there are reduced death due to fewer road accidents since car ownership is low and there is an effective public transportation system. Smoking and alcohol consumption are also low and so illnesses from such

page 12

indulgences are not significant. The retirement homes culture is not encour aged and family members care for their elderly within their own homes.

Additionally a new international analysis in 35 OECD countries by Inter national Longevity Centre in UK found that life expectancy and productivity have a positive relationship so it is good to encourage continuous participation in the area of the senior’s expertise.

In conclusion the twilight phase of life can be enjoyable and the happiest years once you have been able to plan ahead and receive the all vital contin uous support from government, faith based organisations and family. Impart ing wisdom, experience and guidance through story-telling and maintaining your social circle whilst still enjoying pleasurable extracurricular activities are priceless moments to cherish!

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 infor mation on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@ gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.

Moraikobai: Discover the only indigenous village in Region Five

MORAIKOBAI, the only indigenous Arawak village found in Region Five, is, according to the locals, na ture’s true paradise. Nestled comfortably along the Mahaicony River, this village will welcome you with a calming sense of be longing.

More importantly, Mo raikobai is an officially rec ognised tourism-focused vil lage, constantly benefitting from support provided by the Guyana Tourism Authority to ensure that experiences are nothing short of extraor dinary.

So, from a serene boat ride as you make your way to the village to an evening of cultural presentations, let’s take you through what it’s like to experience tran quility.

THE JOURNEY

One of the most appeal

ing aspects of Moraikobai is that it can be as simple as a day trip out of Georgetown or, for the more adven turous types, an overnight experience may suffice.

The trip begins very early with a cool three to five-hour boat ride on the Mahaicony River, which provides an immediate in troduction to some of Guy ana’s wildlife, including our national bird, the Hoatzin,

and even excited howler monkeys.

THE VILLAGE TOUR: CASSAVA BREAD, TACOMA WORM AND MUKRU

Upon arrival, you will be greeted with light re freshments and a cultural performance prior to a full tour of the village.

Laid out around a central square, exploring properties

which include a hospital, three churches and schools, this village is easy to navi gate. Of course, you can ex pect to be treated to historical recollections during this tour.

The one-day tour contin ues with a cassava-processing demonstration. Under a tradi tional indigenous “work-ben ab,” you will get to witness and participate in each stage of the cassava processing -- scraping, grating, matapee

ing, sifting and of course the highlight -- baking cassava bread. How about having a sample of tuma-pot with freshly baked cassava bread?

For the traveller with an adventurous appetite, you can

give a helping hand to extract the Tacoma worm from the trunks of the Ité palm tree and sample one or two-- raw or roasted, your choice! Many prefer roasted because the sweet coconut flavour is ab solutely delicious!

After a traditional lunch in the village’s benab, you will be able to relax with opportunities for swimming, canoeing or simply basking in a hammock.

If you opt for the over night tour, you can expect a walk to the Mora Bridge for an interpretation of the Mora story and learn how the vil lage got its name, as well as the history and use of the Ité palm tree.

You will also be able to experience a craft-mak ing demonstration using mukru (a dried straw-like material). If you’re curious

Moraikobai: Discover the only...

enough, you can try your hand at making your own souvenir.

At night, a cultural pre sentation will be the high light of your stay before you retire to a night in the newly commissioned eco-lodgeUbudi.

There will be creative performances in the form of folktales and local songs performed by the villagers and there will be an openmic segment for you to show off your skills.

THE NEXT DAY

The next day, you can indulge in an early-morn ing nature trail hike, fol lowed by a hearty break fast.

You will learn how to canoe like a pro under the guidance of a skilled guide from the village. As you depart the village, you will be treated to one last activ ity. You will learn how to fish, clean and prepare your meal in authentic bush-cook ing style in an area located just along the banks of the Mahaicony River. Be enter tained by the howler mon

keys echoing in the distance or shorebirds nearby, while you await your meal.

As with all the vil lage-owned and operated eco-lodges in Guyana, all

the residents speak English, so you can gain deeper in sights into the local culture and way of life without the need for a translator. But if you wish, you may even get

a chance to learn a phrase or two in Arawak from a village elder.

For more information on how you can schedule your experiential travel experi ence within an Indigenous

village, do reach out to the Guyana Tourism Authority at 592-219-0093-6 or send an email to info@guyana tourism.com.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 2, 2022 15 From page 14 592-688-4155 or follow us on social media - @Discov er Guyana on Facebook and Instagram as well as the @Guyana Tourism Au thority on Facebook. (Guy ana Tourism Authority)

You can also engage with us via WhatsApp at

Police Force launches youth ‘agri’ project

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF), as part of its social crime preven tion initiative, collabo rated with other stake holders to launch a youth agriculture initiative on Saturday.

According to a press release, children from vari ous youth groups within Regional Division Four A, participated in the inaugu

of various crops, weather conditions for planting, and types of manure.

The children were also afforded the opportunity of planting bora, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and eshallots.

Plans are in place to continue working with the participating groups which include the Ruimveldt Dynamic Leaders Youth

ral farming exercise at the Ruimveldt Police Station compound.

In brief remarks, Sgt 20404 Griffith, who head ed the exercise, thanked the children and their li aisons for partaking in the activity.

He said that the exer cise is important since it exposes children to the in tricacies of life and norms and values; this could en hance their social skills and behaviour.

As part of the exer cise, agronomist and Sen ior Training Manager at the National Agricultural Research and Extension institute (NAREI), War ren Barlow, conducted a brief lecture on agricul ture, addressing key top ics like the different soil types, spacing for planting

Group, the Albouystown Faith-Based Youth Group, the Agricola Rising Stars Youth Group, the North Ruimveldt Goals Achiever Youth Group and the East La Penitence Youth Group.

Present at the exer cise were Michelle Lam Dudik, Programme As sistant for International Narcotics and Law En forcement (INL) at the US Embassy; Pastor Jean Roberts, Rural Sergeant and Deputy Chairperson of the Ruimveldt Police Station Management Committee; Nankumar Rampersaud, business man and treasurer of the Ruimveldt Police Station Management Commit tee; Peter Assing, businessman and stakehold er, along with other key stakeholders.

Children from various youth groups within Regional Division Four A, participated in the inaugural farming exercise at the Ruimveldt Police Station compound

Housing drive catalyses further development in Region Three

THE Region Three Private Sec tor Inc. (R3PSInc) has praised the government’s efforts to pro vide affordable housing within the region, with 2000 families to benefit this year and some $4 billion allocated to develop a further 1,000 serviced housing lots by 2023.

In an interview with this pub lication, Head of R3PSInc, Halim Khan, said a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with com

2,800 house lots to residents in Region Three.

for Guyana and Region Three in keeping with his commitment to push enhancement in the country.

- regional private sector ogranisation says

R3PSInc Head, Halim Khan

panies will see the construction of 2,000 homes within the region, adding to the 500 low-income houses to be constructed.

He explained an MOU was signed between the Ministry of Housing and Republic Bank Lim ited (RBL) in July, 2022 for fi nancing the two-bedroom units, which will cost $5.5 million each at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

Khan said this would provide jobs for labourers, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters while stimulating regional trade, busi ness and suppliers within the sector.

However, he noted that sand/ loam mining pits in Region Three must be competitive with their prices since the region is facing high prices to secure such supplies for construction.

The R3PSInc Head explained that Region Three had the coun try’s second highest demand for housing, with a backlog of ap proximately 14,000 applications in the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CHPA) database.

Further, he explained that approximately $3.4 billion in in frastructural works are underway in five new housing developments in the region in Edinburgh, MetenMeer-Zorg, Stewartville, Cornelia Ida and Anna Catherina.

He added these works include installing water and electricity supply networks and constructing access roads, drainage networks, bridges and culverts.

Khan also noted that other infrastructure projects include the $11 billion Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway, which will create avenues for housing and commercial development.

He said this would be en hanced by the new Demerara River Crossing and the establish ment of the Wales Development Authority, which is expected to bolster the manufacturing and services sectors within the region.

Over the past two years, he said the government allocated

Khan lauded President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision

Guyana remains committed to peaceful resolution of border controversy with Venezuela

THE Ministry of For eign Affairs and Inter national Cooperation has reiterated Guyana’s firm commitment to the peaceful resolution of the border controversy with Venezuela.

Guyana’s position was reaffirmed by the ministry as a direct response to a communique issued by Venezuela on September 30.

The Government of Guyana, according to the

Foreign Affairs and In ternational Cooperation Ministry, stands by the statement made by Presi dent, Dr Irfaan Ali before the United Nations Gen eral Assembly (UNGA) on September 21, 2022.

In his address to the UNGA, President Ali said: “In the matter of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity – challenged and threat ened by Venezuela as it is, we remain – to quote the Secretary-General at the opening of the General Debate yesterday – “com mitted to make the most of every diplomatic tool for the pacific settlement of disputes, as set out in

the Charter of the United Nations.”

In this case, “judicial settlement” as determined by the Secretary-General himself.

The world’s nations, the ministry said, could be assured that Guyana shall remain true to those peaceful processes and deny every effort to depart from them. The Interna tional Court of Justice has already affirmed its

jurisdiction in the matter.

In March 2018, Guy ana filed its application in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking an affirmation of the valid ity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the interna tional boundary that it established. The ICJ ruled, on December 18, 2020, that it has jurisdiction to hear the border contro versy case.

Guyana is seeking to obtain a final and bind ing judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the lo cation of the land bound ary between then British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid and that the Essequibo region belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation has reiterated Guyana’s firm commitment to the peaceful resolution of the border controversy with Venezuela

Man dies in accident along Harlem Public Road

A 43-year-old man, Umesh Ramkishun, died on Friday even ing after being struck down by a car on the Harlem Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

According to infor mation from the Guy ana Police Force (GPF), Ramkishun, who re sided on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), was crossing the road from south to north in

the company of another person, when he was hit by motorcar PZZ 9115 driven by a 47-year-old resident of Anna Cath erina, WCD).

The Guyana Chroni cle understands that the driver of car was reportedly transport ing his son to the West Demerara Regional Hospital for urgent medical care.

As a result of the collision, Ramkishun

fell onto the bonnet and windscreen of the motorcar and received injuries to his head and body.

The man was picked up by the police and escorted to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor who later pro nounced him dead on arrival.

The driver was ar rested and a breathalyz

er test was conducted on him but no trace of alcohol was found in the breath content.

The victim’s body is at the Ezekiel Mortuary, awaiting a postmortem examination.

The driver of the vehi cle remains in custody and is assisting with the investigation.

Tackling food loss and waste:

A triple win opportunity

- FAO, UNEP issue call for action on International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

TACKLING the scourge of food loss and waste repre sents a triple win opportu nity - for the climate, for food security, as well as for the sustainability of our ag rifood systems - and cannot be put on the backburner at a time of rising global hun

ger and surging food prices.

The third International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste was marked on Thursday, by a call to ac tion at a global virtual event in Rome organised by the Food and Agriculture Organi sation of the United Nations

(FAO) and the UN Environ ment Programme (UNEP).

The gathering took place at a critical juncture: The pro longed COVID-19 pandemic, the growing impact of the climate crisis, and the war in Ukraine, have all contributed to a deterioration in global

food security and nutrition.

According to FAO’s latest report on The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI), the number of people affected by hunger rose to as much as 828 mil lion in 2021, an increase of about 46 million since 2020 and 150 million since 2019. In all, an estimated 3.1 billion people do not have access to a

“We need collective ac tion to scale up efforts to reduce food loss and waste while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” FAO Direc tor General QU Dongyu said, adding: “Let us continue to work together in an efficient, effective and coherent man ner to raise awareness for and to stop food loss and waste. For healthy people and a

income countries,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director.

She added: “Halving food waste and cutting food loss is an important part of efforts to address the urgent climate and food crises.”

Food is never waste. By applying circular practices, for instance, lost and wasted food can be converted to

healthy diet.

Meanwhile, according to FAO’s State of Food and Agriculture (2019) report, around 14 per cent of the world’s food (valued at $400 billion per year) continues to be lost after it is harvested and before it reaches the shops; while UNEP’s Food Waste Index Report shows that a further 17 per cent of our food ends up being wast ed in retail and by consumers, particularly in households. According to FAO estimates, the food that is lost and wast ed could feed 1.26 billion hungry people every year.

Food loss and waste (FLW) also account for 8-10 per cent of global green house gas emissions (GHGs), contributing to an unstable climate and extreme weath er events such as droughts and flooding. These changes negatively impact crop yields, potentially reduce the nutri tional quality of crops and cause supply chain disrup tions.

Prioritising the reduc tion of food loss and waste is, therefore, critical for the transition to sustainable agrifood systems that improve the efficient use of natural resources, lessen their impact on the planet and ensure food security and nutrition.

healthy planet.”

CALL TO ACTION

The event in Rome also saw messages from Pope Francis and UN Deputy Sec retary-General Amina J. Mo hammed, as well as a keynote speech from Danish Agricul ture Minister, Rasmus Prehn.

Experts from around the world then took part in a panel discussion titled Gen erating Climate Benefits for People and the Planet through Food Loss and Waste Reduc tion.

The event made a clear call to action for public and private entities from across the agrifood system to act now to measure and reduce FLW and shift consumer be haviour to urgently cut food waste.

This requires the develop ment and implementation of national strategies, policies and partnerships designed to accelerate action to reduce food loss and waste. Stake holders at all levels also have a key role to play. These in clude the farming community, actors along the food supply chain, research and academia, as well as “each one of us as a consumer,” Qu said.

“We each waste on aver age 74 kilograms of food every year, in middle-income countries as well as in high-

compost, or used to pro duce biogas, thereby avoiding harmful methane emissions.

NEW PLEDGE

The 2030 Agenda for Sus tainable Development calls for the halving of per-capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and the reduction of food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses (SDG target 12.3). Achieving this target would have signifi cant implications for the fight against climate change.

Ahead of the upcom ing 2022 United Nations Climate Change Confer ence (COP27), members of the Food is Never Waste Coalition, formed to push for ward the agenda of the Food Systems Summit 2021, de veloped a Global Food Loss and Waste Pledge calling on governments, businesses and institutions to make voluntary commitments to reduce FLW in order to accelerate progress towards meeting the SDG target.

“With only eight years left to reach the SDG 12.3 target of halving food waste by 2030 and reducing food losses by at least 25 per cent, the pace of actions must in crease,” said UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed. (FAO)

The food that we lose and waste could feed 1.26 billion hungry people every year

14 persons graduate from GDF agriculture assistant course

SOME 14 ranks from vari ous units across the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have successfully graduated from the Grade Three Agriculture Assistant Course 2022-01.

According to GDF, the course, which commenced on June 22, 2022, and lasted for 12 weeks, was admin istered by the Guyana De fence Force Agri Corps and is aimed at enabling students

of the course with the cor rect principles of caring and management of livestock and crops.

In brief remarks, Logis tics Manager, Civil Defence Commission, Major Michael Andrews, urged the students to employ their knowledge gained on the course to ef fect positive changes, new principles and practices to combat challenges posed by

climate change in the agricul ture sector.

Major Andrews further implored that they should en gage in meaningful research to yield impressive results.

Private Phillip Jones copped the prizes for Best Graduating Student and Best Agriculture Knowl edge, while Private Uriah King received the prize for Runner-Up Student.

(Seated) Senior GDF officers with the graduates of the Grade Three Agriculture Assistant Course (GDF photo)

Maradona

DOHA (AFP) – The shirt that Diego Maradona wore when he scored his infa mous 'Hand of God' goal against England in 1986 will go on display in Qatar during the World Cup just five months after it set a re cord price at auction, a top official said yesterday.The shirt, which sold for $9.3 million to a secret buyer, has been loaned to Qatar's 3-2-1 sports museum and will go on display from today until April 1.

Qatar has not named the shirt's new owner, who paid a-then record price for any sports memorabilia object, but negotiations are under stood to have started just weeks after the May 4 auc tion.

Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, head of Qatar Museums and a member of the Gulf state's ruling family, said she was "excited" to have secured the shirt for a special World Cup exhibition.

"The jersey has been through quite a journey," she added in a statement to AFP.

"Starting with the mo ment when England mid fielder Steve Hodge swapped

jerseys with Maradona af ter the match, in what now seems an inspired move."

Maradona scored both goals in the World Cup quar ter-final 2-1 victory over En gland in Mexico City's Aztec Stadium in 1986.

PELE'S RIGHT FOOT

The game has become one of the most talked about in football history and em bellished the legendary status of Maradona, who died from a heart attack in November 2020 at the age of 60.

Wearing the number 10 shirt, Maradona punched the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton for the first goal, saying later it had been "a little with the head of Ma radona, a little with the hand of God."

Soon after, Maradona sped past five English de fenders and Shilton to slot home a strike that was voted ‘Goal of the Century’ in a 2002 FIFA poll.

Hodge swapped shirts with Maradona and had loaned the shirt to a Man chester museum for 20 years before putting it up for sale where the anonymous buyer beat six other bidders includ

Cup

shirt to go on display during

ing the Argentina Football Association. The final price was more than twice the value predicted by Sotheby's.

But a jersey worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan was sold for $10.1 million on September 16, taking over as the record for the most expensive sports memorabilia and most expen sive game-worn shirt.

The Maradona shirt will go on display at the ‘World of Football’ exhibition with a ball used in the first World Cup finals in 1930, the first written account of the rules of football, one of only two bronze busts ever made of the iconic Brazilian Pele's right foot and other jerseys worn by football greats

"Many of the items dis played at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Muse um are like this: symbols of human passion that have long, moving narratives be hind them," said Sheikha Mayassa.

"These objects have now taken on a life of their own as part of the world's culture - inspiring emotion, evoking memories, and sparking dialogue.

Pavlik 10:12 hrs Nuts Well 10:45 hrs Mortlach 11:20 hrs Exit To Where 11:55 hrs Coup De Gold

Uttoxeter

08:43 hrs Colonel Harry 09:18 hrs Aucunrisque 09:53 hrs Good Impres sion 10:28 hrs Henri Le Bon 11:03 hrs Easkey Lad 11;38 hrs South Terrace 12:13 hrs Jamacho

South Africa Racing Tips

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08:30 hrs Trafalgar Square 09:10 hrs Winter Flight 09:45 hrs Puff Of Smoke 10:20 hrs Gin And Tonic

French Racing Tips

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08:15 hrs Tigrais 08:50 hrs Blue Rose Cen 09:25 hrs Lady Princess 10:05 hrs Alpinista 10:50 hrs Nashwa 11:25 hrs The Platinum

Queen 12:00 hrs Tenebrism 12:30 hrs Indyco

American Racing Tips

Belmont

Race 1 Good Sam

Race 2 Scramble

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Race 1 Tuff Rags

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Race 4 Meyer

Arsenal stay top with derby win as Tottenham self-destruct

LONDON: (Reuters) - Ar senal meted out their usu al punishment to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium with goals by Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka sealing a 3-1 win to keep them top of the Premier League yesterday.

Harry Kane's leveller for Tottenham saw him set yet more scoring records, but his side self-destructed after halftime as their 12-year wait for a league win in the fixture continued.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have now won seven of their opening eight games and lead the standings by four points with second-placed Manchester City facing Man United today.

An absorbing derby with top-spot up for grabs was evenly poised after Partey's sublime 20th minute opener

was cancelled out by Kane's penalty just past the halfhour mark - making him the first player to score 100 away goals in the Premier League.

But Arsenal were gifted back the lead in the 49th min

ute when a dreadful mix-up between Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris and defender Cristian Romero allowed Jesus the easiest of tap-ins.

Royal was then red-card ed for the visitors in the 62nd

minute for a needless kick out at Gabriel Martinelli deep in Arsenal's half, and five minutes later Xhaka swept in Arsenal's third to leave Tottenham reeling.

There was a celebratory

Guinea stripped of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosting rights

been moved to early 2024 af ter concerns over the weather at that time of the year in the region.

The expansion of the Cup of Nations finals to 24 teams in 2019 meant Guinea’s sparse infrastruc ture was always going to be stretched, and the decision is no surprise.

mood around the stadium after that as Arsenal moved to 21 points.

Previously unbeaten Tot tenham could have gone top with a win but have now managed only one victory in their last 30 league visits to Arsenal. They are third with 17 points.

Tottenham will complain about the harsh decision to send off Royal, but they can have no complaints about the result as they again un derperformed away at their

fierce rivals.

They have lost five of their last six league match es away to Arsenal despite finishing above them for the past six seasons.

"From the first second I think we were the better team," Xhaka said. "Af ter we conceded we were struggling a little bit, but in the second half we were much better, and I am so happy to score my first derby goal and help the team to win."

England’s Joe Root keen to see ‘Bazball’ succeed abroad

said.

"You feel like you can win games from anywhere when you're playing like this. I think that's the most exciting thing and makes us such a dangerous team to play against.

"It would be really excit ing to try and do it in differ

(REUTERS) - Guinea have been stripped of the right to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals, and the bidding for the tournament is set to be reopened on Sat urday, the Confederation of African football (CAF) announced early yesterday.

It follows a meeting on Friday in Conakry between Guinea’s interim president, Colonel Mamady Doum bouya, and the president of African football’s governing body, Patrice Motsepe, to discuss the withdrawal after the west African country, among the poorest of the continent, said it was not

ready to host the 24-nation tournament.

“I visited Guinea out of respect to the people of Guinea to discuss CAF’s willingness to advise and work together with the foot ball stakeholders to construct and build football infrastruc ture and facilities in this country, in the light of the decision by CAF not to pro ceed with the AFCON 2025 in Guinea,” Motsepe said in a statement.

The CAF executive com mittee met Algiers yesterday and to take a decision to reopen the bidding process for the 2025 tournament, the

CAF statement said.

In 2014, Guinea original ly was awarded the hosting rights to the 2023 finals, along with Cameroon (2019) and Ivory Coast (2021).

But Cameroon was stripped of the right to host the 2019 tournament, as it was not ready, with Egypt filling in. Cameroon was then awarded the 2021 tour nament, which eventual ly took place earlier this year after a one-year post ponement because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ivory Coast was due to host the next tournament in mid-2023, but that has

The country suffered a coup one year ago when Special Forces Commander Doumbouya ousted President Alpha Conde. A year earlier, Conde had changed the con stitution to circumvent limits that would have prevented him from standing for a third term, triggering widespread rioting.

Doumbouya became in terim president and promised a transition to democratic elections within three years.

The 15-member Eco nomic Community of West African States rejected the timeline and imposed sanc tions on junta members and their relatives, including freezing their bank accounts.

In July, the regional bloc gave Guinea until Oc tober 22 to establish a "rea sonable" timetable or face additional sanctions.

Casting aside caution and taking the game to the bowlers in an approach that has been dubbed ‘Bazball’, England have chased down intimidating targets with fearless batting to win six of their last seven Tests, all on home soil.

They next visit Pakistan for a three-Test series in December followed by two Tests in New Zealand in February and Root told Sky Sports he hoped England would go from strength to strength with their attacking brand of cricket.

"The challenge for us now is to keep going for it, keep trying to explore new areas in the format and see how far we can take it," he

ent conditions and see where we go this winter, where we go abroad onto different surfaces in different parts of the world."

Root was replaced by Stokes as Test captain but he still wants to help mentor the younger players in the side.

"I'm really excited just to get my teeth into trying to score as many runs as I can for Ben and the team and see where we can get to as a side," he added.

"As an experienced player in the team I've still got a role in leading in a different capacity, helping with some of the younger batters and younger guys and hopefully that will benefit us as well."

LONDON: (Reuters)England's aggressive ap proach to Test cricket un der skipper Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum has paid rich dividends at home and batter Joe Root is keen to see how it fares abroad in different conditions.

Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus (centre) celebrates with Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli scoring their second goal (Reuters photo)

Senegal players celebrate after winning the Africa Cup of Nations Final against Egypt, at the Olembe Stadium, Yaounde, Cameroon on February 6, 2022 (REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany)

England head coach Brendon McCullum (left) and Joe Root (Getty Images)

Ambrose: Smith, Shepherd must work on death bowling

JAMAICA Tallawahs bowling coach Curtly Am brose believes Guyana Amazon Warriors pacer Odean Smith and Roma rio Shepherd have much work to do to improve their death bowling.

He was speaking on Wednesday evening after the Tallawahs posted a mam moth 226 for five to beat Guyana by 37 runs in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) qualifier two at Guyana National Stadi um, Providence.

Smith and Shepherd hae morrhaged 66 runs against Tallawahs in the last three overs of their innings. Smith, who bowled overs 18 and 20, conceded 43 runs.

Although elated that his batters were able to capital ise on some loose bowling, Ambrose, a West Indies leg end and one of the greatest

Guyana Amazon Warriors all-rounder Odean Smith

bowlers ever, said the two players must improve to

to

help the regional side.

"We know that they ha ven't been bowling well towards the back end of the innings. It's not once or twice, it's been happening for a little while. We knew that once we have wickets in hand for those last five, six, seven overs, we can get a big total.

"Quite frankly, for Ode an Smith and Romario Shep herd – West Indian players – they need to do some work so they can be better in the back end. But for us, we're happy to be in the final."

Ambrose also had some criticism for his bowlers as Keemo Paul (56 off 37), Smith (24 off 14) and Gu dakesh Motie (22 from 13) kept the crowd interested as the run rate sky-rocketed. Guyana eventually closed on 189 for eight.

"The bowling was real

ly good. I thought maybe the last couple of overs we eased up a bit and gave them a few runs because the game was already won, which I'm not happy about. I've always told my bowlers: whenever yuh have ah team to kill off, yuh kill them off. Don't give them no chance to come back."

Ambrose praised the batters for setting up the game perfect to bring home victory.

"It's not just the bowlers. I thought it was a great team effort. Brilliant knock by Shamarh Brooks, and (he was) well supported by Imad Wasim."

Speaking after the de feat, new Guyana Amazon Warriors manager Roma rio Samaroo defended his bowlers.

"We know Romario Shepherd and Odean Smith

in

qualifiers

T&T Under-17 men foot ballers, who will have Shawn Cooper as coach, have been drawn in a very difficult Group F in which they will face the USA and Canada as well as Caribbean neighbours Barbados in the 2023 CONCACAF U-17 Men’s Championship (CU17C).

The World Cup quali fying competition will take place February 11-26, 2023, in Guatemala, and will in clude the participation of 20 CONCACAF Member Associations with Mexico, Panama, Guatemala and Curacao being drawn in Group E; Group G compris ing Costa Rica, Jamaica, Cuba, and Guadeloupe; and Group H made up of Hon duras, Haiti, El Salvador, and Suriname following the draw which was done on Thursday in Miami, Florida.

After group stage play, the top three nations in each group will advance to

the knockout stage, joining the four 2022 CONCACAF Under-17 Men’s Qualifi ers (CU17Q) group win ners - Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico.

The four-round knock out stage (round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final) will be played in a single match elimination format and the four semi finalists will qualify for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Peru 2023.

Matches will be divid ed across two venues, the Estadio Nacional Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guate mala City and the Estadio Pensativo in Antigua.

In the previous edi tion of the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship, played in Bradenton, FL, in 2019, Mexico won their eighth title at this age level, with a 2-1 extra time win over the United States in the final. (TT Guardian)

have the ability to bowl in the death, they've done it in the past, it just didn't click this time. Most teams strug gle in the death – it's not just us," he said.

Challenged by Newsday about Smith and Shepherd's death-bowling ability, Sa maroo added, "Would you support that with stats? We back our players 100 per cent – whether it's 22 from the last over, 36 from the last over or six from the last over."

On September 8, 2022, at the Darren Sammy Stadi um in St Lucia, Guyana had victory in hand against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, who needed 22 for victory in the final over. The ball was tossed to Shepherd who was hit for three sixes in five balls – including a no-ball.

“Patriots captain Dwayne Bravo, in his post-

match interview, said he did not see the final over as he was being treated by the massage therapist, but he was shocked by the victory.

Earlier this month West Indies chief selector dis cussed Shepherd's omission from the West Indies T20 World Cup squad saying, "His bowling has gone off a little bit."

On Sunday in qualifier one against Barbados Roy als, Smith was taken for 22 in the 19th over as Barbados posted a winning 195 for five. Smith's bowling has also been plagued by wides and no-balls, a death sen tence in the late overs.

“He bowled three noballs and three wides on Wednesday. to finish one for 64 in four overs – the third most expensive bowl ing performance in CPL history.”

Australia stretch their lead at the top of ICC Women’s team rankings

AUSTRALIA continue their domination in both ODIs and T20Is at the top of the MRF Tyres ICC Women's team rankings after the annual update.

The gap between the top two sides in the MRF Tyres ICC Women's T20I Team Rankings continues to increase as Australia's lead over second-placed England has risen from 14 to 18 points.

The new rankings reflect all series completed since October 2019, with those completed prior to October 2021 weighted at 50 per cent and subsequent series weighted at 100 per cent.

In the matches played in the last one year, Australia are undefeated in 14 match es, with 10 wins against their name and four ending without a result. En route, they have swept aside In dia, England, Pakistan and Ireland in a tri-series and ended on a high by bagging gold in the cricket event of the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.

Australia have 299 rat ing points to their name

Australia have 299 rating points to their name while England are at 281

while England are at 281. While the top four remain the same, South Africa have leapfrogged West Indies to the fifth spot with 246 rating points.

Jersey has witnessed a meteoric rise in women's cricket lately and it reflects in the rankings as well, as they jump from 28th to 22nd with a 14-point increase. Namibia have moved into the top 20 with a four-place climb from 21st to 17th.

Eight teams – China, Fiji, Japan, Mali, Myanmar, Samoa, South Korea and

Vanuatu – lose their rating since they have not played a game since October 2019.

Four more teams – Indone sia, Mexico, Norway and PNG – failed to meet the re quirement of having played minimum six matches. As a result, the number of ranked teams falls from 60 to 48.

The theme in the annual ODI rankings update was the same with Australia extend ing their domination. Their lead at the top increases from 48 to 51 points, the biggest lead any internation al men’s or women’s side

has ever had in any form of the game.

In ODIs too, Australia have enjoyed an unbeaten record in the last 12 months. Their 100% win record in 12 games in that period includes a dominating ICC Women's Cricket World Cup win.

The gap between the top two might be massive but the fight for the second and third spot is heating up with only three points separating South Africa in second place from En gland, who are in third.

How Jamaica Tallawahs beat the odds to clinch first CPL title in six years

Windies Women on losing end of another close finish

NORTH SOUND, Anti gua (CMC) – West Indies Women were involved in yet another tight finish but this time came out on the losing end, in a six-wicket defeat to New Zealand Women which levelled the five-match series here yesterday.

Defending a paltry 108 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, the hosts came within a whisker of victory before New Zea land Women stole the game off the penultimate ball of the contest.

With seven runs re quired from the final over sent down by seamer Cher ry-Ann Fraser, the visitors scampered singles from the first two deliveries before number six, Lauren Down, (nine not out) gathered twos from the third and fourth balls to level the

scores.

The 27-year-old then pinched a single to ease tensions.

New Zealand’s victo ry was set up by veteran Suzie Bates who punched 54 from 61 deliveries with half-dozen fours.

The 35-year-old dom inated an opening part nership of 37 with captain

Sophie Devine (8) before adding a further 52 for the second wicket with Amelia Kerr who made 21.

Bates and Kerr were two of three wickets to fall for two runs in seven balls as West Indies Women turned a straightforward chase into a dramatic fin ish.

Earlier, left-hander

Kyshona Knight top-scored with 42 from 48 balls and Chinelle Henry chipped in with 24 from 22 deliveries, but West Indies Women could muster only 107 for five from their 20 overs.

Sent in, the home side lost captain Hayley Mat thews for eight with the score on 11 in the fourth over but Knight propped up the innings, posting 27 for the second wicket with Aaliyah Alleyne (13) and 31 for the fourth wicket with Henry.

Knight counted five fours while Henry lashed two fours and a six before both perished in the final over with the charge on.

Seamer Hayley Jensen captured three for 24 while off-spinner Eden Carson picked up two for 12.

The third T20 Inter national is set for today.

Rovman Powell, Brandon King and Chris Green get the party started • (CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Suzie Bates top-scored for New Zealand with 54 (Getty Images)

Art handlers pose with the shirt worn by Argentinian soccer player Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup, ahead of it being auctioned by Sotheby’s, in London, Britain, April 20, 2022.

REUTERS/Toby Melville