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‘All our programmes have accelerated development’ No.106803

–– President Ali says on second anniversary of the PPP/C government in office 03 –– reaffirms government’s commitment to working in the best interest of every Guyanese $6B being injected 02 05 into local economy PAGE

$80M in development works for Pigeon Island

PAGE

–– with rollout of education cash grant

–– community to be regularised, residents to receive titles by year-end

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali engaging residents of Pigeon Island during a community outreach on Tuesday (Adrian Narine photo)

CANU: 15 ‘Streets’ cleared of over $2.4B in drugs PAGE

Rapid 12 development underway in Region Nine PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

$6B being injected into local economy — with rollout of education cash grant — Education Minister says every school-aged child will benefit

THE Ministry of Education on Tuesday began the distribution of the education cash grant across the country as parents of school-aged children turned up at schools to uplift their vouchers in the sum of $30,000. This initiative will result in the direct injection of $6 billion into the local economy, according to the Ministry of Finance. Education Minister Priya Manickchand officially launched the programme at the Belle West Primary School in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), where she reported that a lot of work was put into ensuring that the exercise was conducted smoothly. She used the opportunity to underscore that the only criteria for parents to receive the grant was for their child’s name to be on the register. “This grant is for every child who is on the register, and who has been attending school,” Minister Manickchand said. T h e “ B e c a u s e We Care” cash grant and uniform voucher are part of welfare measures being implemented by the government to put more disposable income into the pockets of parents, and increase school attendance of learners, particularly those who are at a disadvantage because their parents could not always afford the basic necessities. The government, in its Manifesto, had promised that by 2025, each school-age child will receive $50,000. T h e “ B e c a u s e We Care” project was started in 2014 under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, and saw parents receiving cash grants of $10,000 per child in the public school system. However, when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) assumed office in 2015, they discontinued the ini-

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand as she delivered remarks at the Belle West Primary School on Tuesday (Ministry of Education photo)

tiative, which was not only restored when the PPP/C returned to office in 2020, but was significantly increased. Noting that the restoration of the cash grant

initiative is the fulfillment of a promise that it made, Minister Manickchand said what the government wants to do is ensure that parents are given a helping hand that will go towards

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand handing over the cash grant to a parent on Tuesday (Ministry of Education photo)

the education and success of all Guyanese children. “You will see that nobody is going to ask you how you voted; nobody is going to ask you to take off your mask or take off

your hat so that we can see the colour of your skin or the texture of your hair,” Minister Manickchand said, adding: “Nobody is going to ask you whether you are male or female;

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh handing over a cash grant to a parent at Queen’s College on Tuesday (Ministry of Finance photo)

nobody is going to ask you how you prayed last Sunday or last Friday; nobody is going to ask you which street you come from.” While at Belle West Primary School, the minister took the time to explain the process that is used to come up with the final list of recipients, and that it is being audited by officers attached to the Audit Office of Guyana, so as to ensure that the distribution is done in its intended way. Minister Manickchand also thanked educators who dedicated time during their July-August break to work with their respective schools to ensure that parents received their grants. On Tuesday, the first day of the cash grant distribution, the minister also visited several other schools, including the Endeavour and the Commons Secondary School, Rama Krishna Primary School, Mae’s Schools, J.E. Burnham Primary School and the Turkeyen Nursery School to oversee the exercise. BEST TIME TO BE YOUNG Over at Queens College, Senior Minister in the Office of the President Continued on page 10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

‘All our programmes have accelerated development’

— President Ali says on second anniversary of the PPP/C government in office — reaffirms the government’s commitment to working in the best interest of ‘every Guyanese’

By Tamica Garnett INVESTMENTS in various economic sectors over the past two years have accelerated development across Guyana, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. Those investments and programmes have created tremendous opportunities in areas such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, human development and many other sectors. In a virtual message on the second anniversary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, President Ali went a step further to say that the PPP/C government, through its plethora of initiatives, has already delivered on several of the promises in its manifesto. But even with many accomplishments, the President affirmed that there are many more things to be achieved. He renewed his pledge to dedicate his full energies in service to all Guyanese. “On this second anniversary, I thank you sincerely for your continued support. I renew my pledge and commitment to all Guyanese that I am going to work hard and diligently for the upliftment and forward movement of you and your family,” the President related. He went on to say: “I remain humble by the confidence Guyanese people placed in me to serve you. As your chief servant, I’ve been blessed to lead a government with a team that has dedicated their energies to the upliftment and development of our country. Together we have a lot to do. Together we’ve already accomplished a lot. Together we’ve overcome many challenges.” President Ali was sworn in on the August 2, 2020, exactly five months after

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

the March 2 General and Regional Elections were held in Guyana. The process was delayed as a result of the alleged interference of purported sympathisers and members of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) in the process. Amidst what was occurring at that time, many Guyanese remained relentless in their refusal to be disenfranchised, and continued to call for democracy to prevail. This led to the international community placing pressure on the then APNU+AFC government, which was refusing to relinquish power, notwithstanding the results of the national recount showing that the PPP/C had won the elections by more than 15,000 votes. The President, during his video address on Tuesday, reminded Guyanese that the government was only able to assume office thanks to the vigilance of the people who refused to be “robbed” of their rights to democracy, and fought

hard to ensure that the democratically elected government was placed into office. As he has done over the years, the President expressed his gratitude to those guardians of democracy who relentlessly refused to back down. THE COLLECTIVE WILL “The mere fact that I sit before you today is as a result of the collective will of the people to not allow a few to derail democracy and rob you of your fundamental rights in placing that vote. It is the collective effort of so many Guyanese from so many different walks of life, with the help of the international community,” the President commented. The Head of State also reiterated his gratitude to all those who voted for the PPP/C and allowed for his ascension to the presidential post. “Your vote of confidence in me was not for yourself but for the betterment of Guyana. And your

vote of confidence in me and the PPP/C was a vote to give Guyana the best possible leadership and I am faithful to that confidence,” the President said. Dr. Ali added: “I hope and I pray that I’m not disappointing you nor the government that I lead is disappointing you in using that confidence to serve all of Guyana and in building one Guyana in which prosperity can come to every home. We are working continuously. There are many challenges but there are also tremendous opportunities.” The President noted that the government has been busy delivering on every front and making life easier for Guyanese all across the country through the fulfillment of many of its promises. “Every single area that we promised to work on in our manifesto, we have been delivering. We are surpassing many targets already in the manifesto. Our housing programme, our water development programme, and our job cre-

ation programme have all accelerated development in

this country,” Dr. Ali said. However more than just looking to change the physical outlook of the country, President Ali called for a change of mentality among Guyanese. “We have to change ourselves inside. We can’t only be beautiful as a country outside. We the people, the citizens of the country must also change ourselves inside, so that we can develop the best possible traits [and] the best possible character that can take our country forward and build each other as brothers and sisters,” President Ali said. The Head of State added: “There is still much more to be done and much more will be done… together we are on this journey, a journey that will uplift all of us… a journey that will take us to a prosperous future.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

Airbnb bookings hit record high as travel recovers

(BBC) AIRBNB said travel demand remains strong, despite concerns about economic slowdown and rising prices hitting households. Nearly 104 million nights and experiences were booked on the platform in the April through June period, a record high for the lodging website. Long-term stays continued to be the fastest growing type of travel-- a shift driven by the rise of remote work. But international and

city travel, which had lagged, have also recovered. The company said it was now in the middle of its strongest peak summer travel season yet, and it assured investors that it was well-poised for whatever may hit the economy. In fact, a slowdown may actually help the company, executives said. “Airbnb was founded during the recession,” chief executive Brian Chesky said in a conference call with analysts

30th July 2022 B 11 12 15 18 23 24 21

Travel demand remains strongest in North America, where bookings are up 37 per cent compared to 2019. Growth in Europe while travel has recovered from the pandemic - is lagging that recovery, hurt by factors such as the weaker pound. The company, which announced in May that it was pulling out of China, said demand remained below pre-pandemic levels in the Asia Pacific region, as COVID restrictions keep Chinese tourists at home. Despite the removal of China listings in July,

Airbnb still has more than six million active listings on the platform. Mr Chesky said the company had now achieved “growth and profitability at scale” and said the firm would both continue to invest in the business, and spend $2 billion on buying its own shares, which have fallen this year. Executives said the buyback programme was a sign of their confidence in the company’s future. The company reported a profit of $379 million, compared to a loss of $68 million last year.

to discuss the company’s results. In the event of another slowdown, he said, “we think a lot of people may turn to hosting once again, so this is a big opportunity for us”. Overall, bookings in the April-June period rose 25 per cent from last year

to 103.7 million and up 24 per cent from 2019. Higher prices helped lift the company’s revenue, which surged 58 per cent from last year to $2.1 billion. Nearly half of the company’s reservations are for a week or longer, the company said.

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$80M in development works for Pigeon Island 5

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

— community to be regularised, residents to receive titles by year end and for them to be part of the developmental process. In addressing requests for work to be carried out on the community’s road, President Ali said that within 72 hours, designs will be ready for the concrete resurfacing of it. “The government, the engineers and the community will work together,” President Ali said. The Attorney-General and Minister Dharamlall are slated to return to the community to meet with residents to identify those

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other senior government officials engaging residents of Pigeon Island on Tuesday

RESIDENTS of Pigeon Island, on the East Coast Demerara, could expect their land titles within a few months, as the Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), is finalising plans to have the area regularised. The community is also in line for major developments over the next few months, as the government has allocated $80 million for infrastructural works. Outlining those plans for development was President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who led a team of Cabinet officials to the community to engage residents on the government’s agenda, and provide solutions to problems facing persons within the area. Specifically, the President was joined by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, S.C.; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar; and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall. During the outreach, President Ali said: “I want to say to you today that we are setting aside $80 million for infrastructure development and upliftment of Pigeon Island. As I speak to you, the advertisements are out

in the newspaper for the construction of new roads in the new area that is being regularised.” He said, too, that com-

munity members with the requisite technical skills will be involved in the works, so as to allow them to assume some level of responsibility,

eligible to participate in the project, and how they will benefit. In addition, with consensus among residents, the community’s playfield will also be developed to allow for recreational activities. “We want to get all of these projects in Pigeon Island completed before the end of the year,” Dr. Ali said, adding that the government has one narrative and one agenda: To unite the citizens under the “One Guyana” banner, and bring prosperity to all. This transformative

plan, he said, is well underway. “Today, Pigeon Island is a community surrounded by the fastest development growth our country has ever seen.” Dr. Ali said. INCREASING THE NET VALUE He reminded the gathering that when the government invests in communities, the net value of the area increases. “That is an important point, because every time we Continued on page 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Infantile Behaviour

SHAKING hands is an old tradition; it is believed to have started since pre-historic times as a demonstration of peaceful intent. It is a symbolic gesture of good faith and respect, especially on the part of the initiator of that handshake. Why then would any rational person refuse to shake hands with someone who extended a hand to him or her? The matter becomes all the more difficult to comprehend when that person is someone of prominence and occupies the highest political office in the land; that of the Executive Presidency of Guyana. Regardless of what one may think or feel of the President of Guyana, any refusal to shake the hand of someone of the stature of an Executive President can be regarded, at best, as infantile, disrespectful and in bad taste. This is not the first time Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton has refused to shake hands with President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. On the first occasion, at an event held by the British High Commission, Mr. Norton claimed that President Ali ‘bullied’ him into a handshake, which he considered ‘offensive’.

More recently, at an Emancipation Day activity in New Amsterdam, the Opposition Leader again refused to shake hands with President Ali. President Ali, for his part, had displayed statesmanship and magnanimity, and made it clear that he would continue to extend a hand of friendship to every Guyanese. According to the President, “I will continue to put my hands out in friendship to every single Guyanese, whether they want to shake my hands or not. I will leave the door open to everyone who wants to join in this mission of bringing us together; the door is wide open. But I will not stand by the door and wait for those who do not want to come.” This is, indeed, noble thinking on the part of President Ali, and it speaks volumes about his personality, character and leadership style, which is warm and people-oriented. Since becoming President two years ago, Dr. Ali has demonstrated a remarkable ability to, as it were, ‘ground’ with the people, both in good times and in bad times. He has displayed an extraordinary disposition to connect with people from all across the political, ethnic and religious

spectrum. His approach to governance has been well received by Guyanese at home and abroad, many of whom are high in praise for his hard work, and unflinching loyalty and commitment to the cause of Guyana and the region. But not the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton. Or, at least, so it seems from his attitude towards the President and the PPP/C administration. His behaviour is all the more unbecoming in light of the solemnity of the occasion on which he chose to do so, namely, the anniversary of the emancipation from slavery. One would have thought that he would have used the occasion to demonstrate some amount of political brinkmanship, and an ability to rise above the fray, but that, apparently, was expecting too much from him. Truth be told, it is Mr. Norton and the APNU+AFC that are in the wrong after having failed to recognise the legitimacy of the PPP/C which won the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections in verifiable free and fair elections. Mr. Norton continues to spread a false narrative of his party being ‘cheated’ out of office, and of the PPP/C being an ‘installed’ re-

gime. An apology from the APNU+AFC is certainly in order, but Mr. Norton seems to be embarking on a ‘wrong and strong’ attitude, with a view to bullying his way to power. Such an approach to politics has no place in a modern, democratic and law-governed society. So far, Mr. Norton has displayed that he lacks an understanding of the dynamics of competitive politics. His leadership style is viewed by a significant number of Guyanese as crude and abrasive, which does not augur well for a politically stable and cohesive society. President Ali, on the other hand, is coming across as someone who is open to dialogue and fresh thinking on the way forward. His ‘One Guyana’ vision is picking up momentum, as new and exciting opportunities beckon. It is not too late for the political opposition to change course and embrace a new and enlightened approach to politics and governance in Guyana. This year’s Emancipation celebrations could be that catalyst for change, provided that the main opposition party displays the political will to do so.

The challenges and opportunities of climate action

Dear Editor,

FOR effective climate action, the world faces enormous challenges, but also has concomitant opportunities. It is estimated that meeting global clean energy goals will require $1 trillion in new investments per year by 2030 and a cumulative investment of about $30 trillion by 2050. These investments are required for rapid, immediate and sustained change in energy systems. The current solutions for creating a sustainable energy system are renewables and storage solutions, in which solar is likely to account for 60 per cent of the mix. Moving towards clean energy is also, fortunately, the path of opportunity. From 1850 to about now, manmade actions injected 2.48 trillion tonnes of greenhouse gasses into the planet’s atmosphere. About 42 billion tonnes every year continue to be added. If the world is to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, we cannot exceed 314 billion tonnes of GHG emissions. At

the current rate of energy usage mix, we would blow through in less than eight years. A two-degrees scenario gives us a 25-year window. This is the challenge. Given the low baseline of today and the ambitious targets for the future, the world holds humongous market potential for clean energy solutions, especially in solar energy. Today, installed solar capacity stands at around 800 GW. International Solar Alliance (ISA) along with Bloomberg have estimated that even if the capacity were quadrupled to 3.2 TW cumulatively by 2030, it would not be a fast enough growth to put the world on a path to net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Already, solar power has reached cost parity in many parts of the world and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) is working towards making solar power a political priority for nations and leaders across the world. Since its establishment in 2015, ISA is scaling up efforts to implement its existing pipeline for solar projects, share knowledge, and build capacity across the solar value chain. These

efforts are especially focused in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) so that they can act as a trigger for technology advancement and policy change, and also help in the creation of financial and human capacity. Latin America & Carribean (LAC) has one of the most dynamic renewable energy markets with more than a quarter of its primary energy coming from renewables, twice the global average. The total installed solar capacity in the region is about 20 GW, and it is expected that 16.5 GW of PV capacity will be added across LAC in 2022. Countries in the region are working to create more enabling policy and regulatory environments, which has resulted in cutting-edge concentrated-solar generation. For example, Chile is poised to replace fossil power with solar-thermal, which has positioned it as an energy exporter. Guyana receives some of the best solar insolation, with an average of 12 hours of daylight, all year round. Its plans and investments in solar-powered street-lights,

solar farms and agricultural equipments will be transformative. Despite COVID-19, and the consequent supply chain challenges, the solar sector saw nearly 191 GW of new capacity additions, driven to a large extent by policies, laws, and regulations that encourage investments in the sector. Yet, there hasn’t been a uniform deployment of solar technologies across the world. Countries and regions with high technical potential for the adoption of renewable energy have not led in the race of renewable adoption. In many parts of the world, solar energy projects have been inhibited by lack of affordable financing options, which is locking out market potential. There is an urgent need to de-risk these markets for solar energy deployment so that financing costs could be lowered, and investments could flow in. In all of ISA’s activities, risk reduction is the unifying theme: whether it is for See page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Congressman Jeffries missed a good opportunity to raise his concerns with President Ali

Dear Editor,

ALL is not well in Guyana. All is not well in the United States. All is not well in our world! But we all must use every opportunity to seek to correct the deficiencies which exist and that contribute to all not being well across the globe. So it is against this background that I write to express my disappointment with US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries for not just refusing to meet with Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, but moreso, for not having, as reported in the media, the common courtesy to acknowledge receipt of a request from the Guyana Embassy in Washington, DC to meet with the Guyanese leader. The basic conduct of diplomatic relations requires certain courtesies which one expects of elected officials. Not at least acknowledging receipt of a request from a visiting headof-state, in my view, is not representative of the shared values of the American and Guyanese people. Many of Congressman Jeffries’ constituents have been keeping him abreast of their perceptions of what is happening in Guyana. He has every right to listen to his constituents since it is they that elect him and keep him in Congress. But like any good politician, especially when it

comes to issues beyond his constituency, he must seek to hear the other side of the story in an effort to determine whether all the information received is factual and evidenced-based, or whether constituents are merely seeking to advance politically partisan “causes” back in their countries of origin. As indicated at the top of my letter, all is not well globally including in Guyana. But efforts to improve the state of countries and our one world demand of elected officials the responsibility to engage in meaningful dialogue, to fairly assess information and to act according to their evaluations of the scenarios presented to them. Fair and lasting solutions to national and global problems require no less. Last October, the Guyanese-American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) hosted a delegation from Guyana headed by Prime Minister Mark Philips for two ‘Doing Business with Guyana’ meetings in Florida and New York. Certain ‘elements’ in the Guyanese diaspora tried hard but failed miserably to derail the Chamber’s initiative. The New York event was held at a Seventh Day Adventist Church facility in Brooklyn at which I was informed, prior to the event, is the occasional place of worship of Congressman Jeffries and some of his Guyanese diaspora constit-

uents. No effort was spared by some in the Guyanese diaspora to have the pastor revoke the rental of the facility for the event. The pastor stood his ground, even making a public statement justifying why he had no problem making the facility available for the event. On the night of the event there was a small but noisy protest outside the venue. Among the protestors were some who had been invited to the meeting, some of whom even took the opportunity to come into the meeting, walk across the back of the room to greet the prime minister and later ask questions and make comments. Later still, some of the other protestors joined the meeting to exchange pleasantries and join in the hospitality. Among those was an African-American young man who appeared to be a close operative of the Congressman. We spent quite a while talking about Guyana and the Congressman’s apparent perceptions of Guyana. I think we both ended the conversation convinced of the need for dialogue between the Congressman and the Guyana Government among other stakeholders. I looked forward to this dialogue. When I read in the news that Vice-President Jagdeo had tested positive for COVID the day before engagements on the Hill, I was disappointed that he

was not going to be part of the engagements with congressional leaders. But I was soon comforted by my memory of a favourite hymn of my mother which includes a line that says, “God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform.” I am pleased that the VP has since tested negative. I firmly believe that Congressman Jeffries missed a good opportunity to raise the “concerns’ of his constituents with the Guyana Government, thereby denying himself the first-hand knowledge on which to decide whether he should up the ante on these concerns or seek to reason with his ‘concerned’ constituents that things are not as bad in Guyana as they make it out to be. He should have met with President Ali, but as Clyde Walcott used to say in his cricket commentary, “That was not to be.” However, a simple acknowledgement of receipt of the request from the embassy would have been the courteous thing to do. As a dual Guyanese- American citizen, I expect our leaders to operate on the basis of the shared values which have characterised our relations over the years. Yours sincerely, Wesley Kirton

The challenges and opportunities of climate.. From page 6

reduction of risk to investors or reduction in policy risk due to new policies, or to users due to vulnerabilities of international fuel prices and to climate impacts. The focus is to have innovative financial and risk mitigation instruments to cover residual risks perceived by investors and enable a pipeline of bankable projects. With the changing geopolitical scenario affecting the climate conversation, the impact on solar capacity addition needs to be safeguarded. In addition to the existing challenges of inadequate grid capacity, lack of creditworthy power off-takers, time-consuming permits and approvals, and difficulty in accessing low-cost funds, the new vulnerabilities may exacerbate the climate change challenges. Concerted and renewed efforts will be needed along with investments in the deployment of

solar power projects to achieve energy security and decarbonisation. To get back to where we started – the challenge and the opportunity: global GDP from $84.7 trillion in 2020 has to grow to a forecasted $205 trillion in 2050, while rapidly cutting the consumption of fossil fuel to 1970 levels, when the global GDP was $18 trillion. Investors from over 450 firms globally committed to deploying $130 trillion to build the economy of tomorrow, over 500 entities have signed the Carbon Neutral Now pledge. The regional committee of the Latin American and Caribbean countries of the International Solar Alliance has the opportunity to step up efforts to ensure the people have access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The region, including Andean peaks, mighty river basins and low-lying islands, has been experiencing extreme hydro-meteorological. The intensity of

hurricanes have increased, plus drought and unusual fire season have led to agricultural losses and displacement. Half of the region is covered by forests, which represents about 57 per cent of the world’s remaining primary forests. It stores an estimated 104 gigatons of carbon. Fires and deforestation are now threatening one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, with far-reaching and long-lasting repercussions. The United Nations General Assembly recently declared that everyone on the planet has a right to a healthy environment. Solar enhances the human right to a clean environment, apart from enabling electricity access, reducing fuel imports, and producing no CO2 emissions. As we face the climate crises, the pathway should be clear: a global investment of dramatic scale to fuel a solar revolution, thereby offering the world its single best chance at building

a new, secure, affordable, and clean energy future. Governments will need to prioritise solar and invest in new projects, as it checks off all the boxes that nations consider in energy and sustainability planning: cost, ability to scale, net socioeconomic and sustainability impact, and resilience against future events. Solar provides the action to the framework of the triple bottom line, the triple helix for change, which is People, Planet and Profit. It presents a generational opportunity to help build a greener and more just economy, one where we develop whole new industries in the pursuit of giving the next generation a planet worth calling home. Yours sinceresly, Dr Ajay Mathur Director-General, International Solar Alliance

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

$80M in development works...

From page 5

invest in these communities, we invest in your net worth; we invest in your family’s net value,” President Ali said, adding that oftentimes, this aspect of investments in development is overlooked. Dr. Ali went on to say: “Today, has been the hallmark of this government. We are here to listen to you. We are here to listen to your ideas; to listen to some of your issues, but also to some of your thoughts on how we have been progressing, and what you would like to see continue. “So, members of this community, we are with you; you are with us… Let us join hands together to continue on this path to development, and advance the best possible life for the people of this community and all across Guyana.” Addressing the government’s specific plans for regularising the area, Minister Rodrigues said that there have been several attempts to achieve this, dating as far back as 2014 when Dr. Ali was the Minister of Housing. However, notwithstanding the challenges of the past, the government is forging ahead, and is currently in the process of having the lands transferred from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues

(NICIL) to the CH&PA, which will then be able to issue individual titles to the residents. According to Minister Rodrigues, the CH&PA is expected receive the block transport from NICIL within two weeks’ time. “Sleep a little better tonight, knowing that in a few months, you will be able to receive your titles. We will deal with all of those applications expeditiously,” Minister Rodrigues told the residents of Pigeon Island. The CH&PA officials have already been carrying out works in the areas, and have numbered the structures. There are currently 52 structures there, Minister Rodrigues said. Minister Nandlall, how-

ever, advised that the regularisation of the area will require the co-operation of the residents, particularly as it concerns the need for some of them to move fences and clear areas that cannot be occupied. “It’s a work in progress; the regularisation of the squatter settlement. We’ve been in this community several times, and one of the main obstacles is our failure to get your cooperation. When the regularisation begins, the challenges again will have to be confronted,” Minister Nandlall said, adding: “Fences will have to be moved, adjustments will have to be made, pathways blocked have to be cleared. Government reserves with

Residents of Pigeon Island engaging officials and staff of the CH&PA on Tuesday

encumbrances have to be removed.” Several residents shared how ecstatic they are for the impending developments. Tina (only name given), who has lived in the community since 2005, said that she was excited for the development that is bound for her community. The woman who is self-employed, said: “I feel so great to know that my community will be developed; I feel great about it to know that we will finally get our land, and get out documents.” Dave Ramsaroop, a father of one, said that he is looking forward to the regularisation process to begin. TIMELY INTERVENTION Ramsaroop recalled that he had applied for a land allocation in 2002, but was unsuccessful. The man noted that he has been living in Pigeon Island for almost 22 years.

“Since 2002 I applied for land, and I never got through, and I got through here today. It’s been 22 years; it feels great,” he said, adding that the community is in great need of development, and as such he welcomes the investments that are billed for the area. “We need them, because when rain fall, we get a lot of floods, so we need all the development. I have one son, and I feel good, because he will see all the development in Pigeon Island,” Ramsaroop said. Another resident, Vishal Raj, also said that the community is dire need of infrastructural development, as well as a local body to manage its affairs. Raj said he is optimistic that with the interest shown by the government in listening to the grassroots people, residents will see the materialisation of better facilities and infrastructure for their community. “Having the President

here and members of the Cabinet is excellent; we really need a change in the community. As residents of Pigeon Island, we are a self-support people, and with this government, we expect better facilities, better roads, better everything,” Raj said. Another resident, Sabrina (only name given) also expressed her excitement at finally being able to own the title to her home in the near future. The single mother of seven said that she had moved to Pigeon Island a few decades ago after she was unable to acquire a land for herself and family. The woman who is currently unemployed said that she tries her best to provide for herself and family. The woman said the mere thought that she will finally be able to call the plot of land she currently resides on is one of the best feelings she has ever experienced.

A resident of Pigeon Island shares her views with President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other ministers during an engagement on Tuesday (Adrian Narine photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

‘Stop overloading your trucks’

— GGDMA urges truck operators and trucking services

THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has called on truck operators and trucking services to stop overloading their vehicles. The GGDMA, in a release on Tuesday, said that gold and diamond mining continues to be one of the main economic drivers of development in Guyana, and safe, reliable and efficient passenger and cargo services are critical to the success of mining operations. “When the roads become deplorable, there is more down time, and hence increase the operation cost to miners and other hinterland road users, who now have to pay double to have their fuel and other supplies delivered to their camps. Additionally, many of our miners’ trucks and other equipment are being severely damaged due to these deplorable roads. This, once again, puts additional financial pressure on

the miner as unnecessary maintenance cost,” the release said, noting that the situation becomes worse during the rainy season. The GGDMA is also calling on the government to enforce the established Road Users Agreement which stipulates and monitors the weight restrictions for trucks/ vehicles transporting fuel and other supplies at key points such as Linden and Bartica. The GGDMA is of the view that because of vthe excessive weight of their vehicles, some trucking services are damaging the roads in the interior that have to be used by miners. “We also call on the government to enforce the Road Users Agreement, which is fully supported by the GGDMA to encourage a culture of responsible use of interior roads,” the organisation said in its release.

$6B being injected into... 10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

From page 2

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai as she handed over the first cash grant to a parent in Region Eight. (DPI photo)

with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh said that young persons in the country have vast opportunities as the country is currently ongoing remarkable transformation. Dr. Singh stressed that the government is committed to ensuring the creation of necessary conditions for the future of Guyana and Guyanese to have access

to quality education. He said that the disbursement of the cash grant will assist in ensuring that the critical needs of learners are met, especially where the purchase of school supplies and uniforms is concerned. Last year, the government disbursed some $3.3 billion in cash grants to public school learners

across the country. It was later extended to private schools, and at the time, the parents of each child received $19,000. Minister Singh told QC students: “You are the future of Guyana; your successes will determine the success of our country. You are literally the Guyana of tomorrow; I encourage you to do all

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy handing over the cash grant to a parent in Kuru Kururu on Tuesday. (DPI photo)

you possibly can to ensure that future is as bright as it could possibly be. We, your government, will play our part to all we can to ensure the realisation of this bright future. This cash grant represents one part of our commitment to ensuring you realise that vast potential.” He added that the government intends to keep its commitment to moving the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant to $50,000 by the end of its current term in office.

Meanwhile, several ministers fanned out across the country as the distribution officially began on Tuesday. For Kuru Kururu Schools, some $52.8 million was distributed to learners attending the nursery, primary, and primary top institutions. Present at that exercise was the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Kwame McCoy, who said that the government will continue to work hard for

the development of the country and for children’s education. In Region Eight (Potaro- Siparuni), some $135 million was distributed as Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai oversaw the distribution at Mahdia. Over $313 million is expected to be disbursed in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and will see over 10,000 students benefitting from the initiative.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

$600M sand/loam mining pit for Region Three

TRADE Winds Inc., on Monday, announced that it is expected to launch a $600 million sand/loam mining project in Region Three which is likely to come into operation by 2023. The company made the announcement in a press release. It said the investment was another development success for Guyana which was coordinated by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The release also noted that following an application process that

spanned several years, Trade Winds Inc., headed by Charles Nedd, successfully obtained a licence from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to operate a sand pit to conduct mining operations in Region Three. Nedd, a United States-based Guyanese, has returned to Guyana with intentions to invest some $600 million to operationalise a modern sand and loam mining operation in the vicinity of Hubudebu River and Labba Creek in the region.

The company is expected to begin feasibility studies to determine the most efficient and sustainable operational processes. “Our intention is to be in full operations by 2023, and to be able to meet the increasing demand for sand and loam, especially for customers in the fast-developing Region Three infrastructure,” the release quoted Nedd as saying. He added that they hope to eventually hire just around 30 Guyanese to fully staff the operation.

The $600 million sand/loam mining project in Region Three is likely to come into operation by 2023

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

THE economic status of thousands of residents in Region Nine is being improved daily, as the

Regional Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine, Bryan Allicock. “The kind of development that is taking place through-out the region is quite vast and we ought to thank the government for what they are doing and the initiatives that [are] being put forward within the region,” he said. The chairman noted that several streets within the township are expected to be completed by the end of this year. He further related, “we are interlinking the other communities within the region, very long distances, over 100 miles in some areas so we are working towards that so that we have the connectivity to each community.”

Rapid development underway in Region Nine — Regional Chairman says regional administration continues to roll out major initiatives in various communities and villages

across the region. Since being elected to office on August 2, 2020, the PPP/C-led government

Regional Chairman of the RDC of Region Nine, Bryan Allicock

has invested significantly in infrastructural, health, education, and housing developments to improve the lives of residents in Region Nine. This was according to

Also, a number of schools have been constructed, refurbished, and furnished within the region. Allicock explained that investment in the schools will reduce overcrowding thus creating a more conducive better-learning environment. Meanwhile, health huts have also been refurbished as well as new ones are being constructed to ensure medical services are available readily to persons living in far-flung communities. Further, the chairman said that an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has also been constructed in the compound of the Lethem Regional Hospital as part of the PPP/C government’s commitment to improve and modernise facilities across Continued on page 15

The Tiger Pond-Pai Pang Primary Annex that was commissioned last year

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

GPHC commissions $60M 40-chamber mortuary, refurbished autopsy area

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), on Tuesday, commissioned its newly constructed 40-chamber walkin mortuary refrigerator and refurbished autopsy room. According to a press release from the hospital, this development is part of the facility’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of healthcare being offered to patients and their relatives. The project, which costs approximately $60 million, was awarded to C&L Construction Inc. through a public tender process. Through the project, the hospital’s dilapidated mortuary was transformed into a state-of-the-art facility which boasts all the requisite items and features. The new space features a walk-in mortuary refrigerator with 40 chambers, and revamped autopsy area with two fixed tables and five mobile trolleys, and an expanded reception and waiting area.

Sections of the newly constructed 40-chamber walk-in mortuary and refurbished autopsy room at GPHC

The renovated area affords a more conducive and organised space for storage and for the hospital’s pathology personnel to undertake post-mortem examinations. Chief Executive Officer (ag.), Robbie Rambarran, said that the refurbishing of the mortuary and autopsy area is a significant development for GPHC, as the hospital works to improve the standard of care at all levels,

including end of life. The new space provides a refined viewing area with quiet ante-rooms where relatives could first see their deceased loved ones. “This is an often overlooked, but important consideration for grieving families, and we hope that the new mortuary provides some added comfort for bereaved persons,” Rambarran said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

IMF cautions regional economies of looming challenges

(Barbados Today) THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean have cont i n u e d t h e i r s t ro n g post-pandemic rebound, but “the winds are shifting” as global financial

conditions tighten, commodity prices reverse the upward trend and inflationary pressures persist. The Washington-based financial institution, last Wednesday, said that the reopening of contact-intensive sectors, especially

hospitality and travel, the unwinding of pandemic “pent-up” demand and still favourable external financial conditions, supported a solid expansion in the first half of the year, allowing services to “catch up” with manufacturing and employment

to reach pre-pandemic levels. The bank said yearon-year growth reached 2.8 per cent in the first quarter, compared to an average of 1.7 per cent in the years preceding the pandemic, and that high-frequency indica-

tors point to continued momentum in the second quarter. On the back of this “solid” first half of the year and despite an expected slowdown in the second half, the IMF forecasts the region to grow by 3.0 per cent this year, an upgrade from the April forecast of 2.5 per cent. But it said the region faces “significant challenges”, including tightening global financial conditions, lower global growth, persistent inflation, and increasing social tensions amid growing food and energy insecurity. “These factors contribute to our downgrade in growth to 2.0 per cent in 2023, 0.5 percentage point lower than anticipated in April,” the IMF said. The institution also said the strength of the post-pandemic recoveries has varied across the region. According to the IMF, the global rebound of commodity prices from the pandemic lows, further boosted by the war in Ukraine, has generally supported the recovery of commodity exporters (some South American economies), while constraining those that depend more on commodity imports (Central America and tourism-dependent Caribbean economies). “The upward trend of commodity prices seems to be reversing, as the global financial condi-

tions tighten,” the bank said. It said among the largest economies, Chile and Colombia have seen a particularly “dynamic rebound”, propelled by strong growth in services, in part due to the fiscal stimulus in late 2021. Mexico’s economic output, the fund said, is yet to regain its pre-pandemic level as services and construction continue lagging. The IMF said Caribbean economies are also behind in their recovery, as tourism is yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, despite the recent rebound. Meanwhile, it said Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic have already surpassed their pre-pandemic output levels, driven by the rapid recovery in the United States, “through strong exports and remittances inflows, as well as supportive policies”. The IMF said that inflation, on the other hand, has accelerated throughout the region, amid rebounding domestic demand, lingering supply chain disruptions and rising commodity prices. It said central banks have “appropriately tightened monetary policy to contain second-round effects and anchor longer-term inflation expectations. “But inflation could prove persistent in the wake of compounding shocks and broadening price pressures,” the IMF warned.

Over $2.4 billion in drugs seized within first half of 2022 – CANU

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

WITH 20 convictions and over 56 cases made in the first half of 2022, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) removed over GUY$2.4 billion in illicit drugs from the drug market as traffickers use new technologies to commit traditional crimes. According to CANU’s first and second quarter reports for 2022, the Joint Service operations and the government’s continued support, coupled with the maintenance of good relationships in communities and the media have increased the agency’s success. “CANU has placed great emphasis on strengthening

levels,” the agency noted in its report. In the first quarterly report covering January to March 31, 2022, CANU reported that cannabis seizures represented the highest and dominant drug seizures by the unit for the period. “Though for the period of January to March, the Unit has made significant seizures, it is important to note that our

CANU Head, James Singh

and enhancing the professionalism of its ranks, as evidenced by the number of successful operations conducted by the Unit at both the Intelligence and Operational

Rapid development underway... From page 12

Guyana. The region will commence furnishing and installing the necessary equipment as well as staffing the facility. “We are looking at more expansion of the health facilities, we’re looking at North to have it move from

over 500 house lots in the Region. He said that infrastructure works such as the building of roads, drains and installation of electricity poles, among other amenities, have already commenced. The PPP/C government

Nurses receiving training in Region Nine

a health centre to a cottage hospital because that area is the first major health facility that gonna be there in events of accidents,” Allicock said. Additionally, rehabilitative works are being undertaken at the maternity and surgical theatre at the Aishalton District Hospital. Other areas of development include the construction of sports facilities and expansion of the housing programme. Allicock said the government has allocated more funds to continue and expand the housing project. While the intention is to distribute 2,000 house lots, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has already allotted

has not only focused on infrastructural developments, but also on improving the skills and knowledge of residents in the region. Allicock further said, “we’ve trained 66 health workers for this year and we’re training assistant nurses and we’re bringing aboard all assistant pharmacists.” Also, through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) a number of citizens have already been trained in various skills-set to improve their lives as well as stimulate economic growth. Further, this year, 155 residents of the region are slated to be trained through BIT’s 2022 training programmes. (DPI)

success is not based on the amount of drugs seized, but, rather, the amount of criminal activities relating to the drug phenomenon that we have disrupted,” the first quarterly report underscored. From January to March 2022, the Unit removed approximately one billion, nine hundred and forty-three million, five hundred and eighty-three thousand, three

hundred and ninety dollars’ (GUY $1,943,583,390) worth of illicit drugs from reaching the market. Meanwhile, from April to June 2022, CANU removed approximately two hundred and six million dollars (GUY$206,000,000) worth of illicit drugs from the drug market, with marijuana seizures accounting for the largest estimated sum.

In an earlier interview, CANU’s Head, James Singh, noted that the public had renewed confidence in the anti-narcotics agency. He noted that CANU had been working assiduously to reduce drug trafficking and had prevented the movement of cocaine and marijuana to Barbados, Suriname and the United States.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

Tough choices for drought-affected families in rural Somalia

(FAO) ON the outskirts of Beletweyne town in southern Somalia, Maryam Muse Duale breaks up small sticks in her hands, stoking a fire in the dirt to keep her young children warm at night. Maryam has made a flimsy shelter of sticks and cloth; it doesn’t keep the cold night air out. Her children sit on a mat, waiting for food from humanitarian agencies. When it comes, she shares among the children first. Parents eat whatever is left. Like many other rural Somalis, Maryam is facing a new reality; it is a far cry from her life as an agro-pastoralist just a few months before. The drought in Somalia, which began in late 2020, has only been spreading and deepening. Not so long ago, Maryam’s family used to raise goats, collect firewood and do some rain-fed farming to support themselves. But after three failed rainy seasons, the land has dried up, her goats are dead, and her family has been left destitute. “Before the drought, we had a cart and a donkey, and we used to harvest wood. We had no camels, but we did have goats. Now that is all gone,” she said. With no options left, her family made the tough choice to leave their home and head to the town of Beletweyne in search of help. Maryam added: “We came to the town here in search of life.” Her family has also had to separate as a survival mechanism. The women have taken the children to town for help, while the men search for odd jobs and stay in their village to protect what’s left of their belongings. They don’t know when they will be reunited. In the Internally Dis-

Cash+ project. Ali has so far received direct cash assistance, as well as seeds and tools for planting before the next rainy season. While only a small amount, this has enabled Ali to pay off debts and keep his family together, and the seeds will help his family bounce back faster after the drought.

FAO works with families in Somalia’s drought-affected areas to provide cash transfers and other livelihood assets, giving them the option to stay (FAO photo)

placed People (IDP) camp where Maryam and her children have found temporary shelter, everything must be provided for them – food, water, medicine. Living amongst strangers and away from the protection of their relatives, displaced women and children are also at a higher risk of gender-based violence and physical harm, not to mention disease outbreak. The decision to flee from home comes with a heavy economic and psycho-social toll. “There is a big difference between our past and our present because in our past, we were living in our homes, and if we needed anything, we had a place to go,” Maryam said. She is now entirely dependent on the goodwill of others for her survival and that of her family’s.

Like Maryam, over 900,000 people have already been displaced by the drought, and this number was predicted to rise exponentially at the end of June 2022, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). With other agencies providing support to those in IDP camps, FAO is in the drought-affected areas, providing cash transfers, livelihood assets and other support to people in their villages, giving them the option to stay and helping to decrease the massive displacement and pressure on already crowded IDP camps. With funding from United States Agency for International Development (USAID), FAO’s Cash+ project provides families with emergency cash transfers and

livelihood assistance. Seeds, tools and veterinary care for animals help families to continue their work, while emergency cash assistance helps them cover other basic needs such as food, water and medicine, reducing the need to move away for services and support. “I’M A FARMER, AND I WILL STILL WORK HERE” Meanwhile, local pastoralist Ali Mohamed Wasuge has decided to stay in his village of Sariirale in central Somalia near the border of Ethiopia, though he says he has never seen the land this dry before. The earth, the trees, the bushes - all different variations of brown. “The fields are dry and without water everything we planted last season has been wiped out by the drought.

Our livestock are starving,” he said. With nothing to eat, Ali’s weakened animals cannot fight off simple colds and infections and are now dying en-masse. He is watching his livelihood disappear before his eyes. Despite the challenges, Ali has chosen to stay in his home with his family. “I have seven children and live here with my wife. I’m a farmer, and I will still work here,” he said. He knows the risks involved in abandoning their farm and livelihoods, but leaving is something he thinks about every day. FAO is working to give people options. As of March 2022, Ali’s family, along with 1,874 other families in the district, had received cash transfers and livelihood assistance through FAO’s

KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER “What we are seeing are rural households facing destitution,” said FAO Representative, Etienne Peterschmitt. “They have exhausted their coping mechanisms and are moving to urban areas in search of assistance. This is what FAO is seeking to prevent,” he said. FAO’s drought response plan calls for US$131.4 million to reach 882,000 people in 55 districts. Cash transfers and livelihood assistance help protect rural livelihoods and prevent a larger humanitarian crisis. Investments in livelihoods is much more efficient in the long run. For every US$1 spent on supporting livelihoods for rural families through FAO’s programmes, US$10 can be saved in food related assistance for a displaced family in an urban centre. And while it costs US$40 to buy a new goat, saving a rural family’s goat from drought-related diseases costs as little as forty cents. W h i l e t h e d ro u g h t conditions continue to get worse, FAO is working hard to scale up its assistance to rural communities and also help farmers implement practices to be more resilient to droughts, extreme weather and climate change-related impacts in the future.

Multilateral lenders, private sector ratify partnership GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

— with IICA on food security, sustainability, ‘green’ infrastructure, trade and integration

MULTILATERAL lending, cooperation and private-sector organisations called for deeper joint work with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) with a view to transform the agrifood systems, improving conditions of productivity, sustainability and inclusion in the agricultural sector of the Americas and the world. The call — conveyed in a joint commitment made at the first-ever Africa-Americas Ministerial Summit — included the announcement of work in areas such as regenerative agriculture, food security, digital education and connectivity, training, “green” financing and establishing new platforms for sharing knowledge, experiences and ties involving governments and national science, technology and innovation systems. “If we want to change the reality of 20 million young people who neither work nor study, who live in poverty, the millions who live with food insecurity, we must do so together, not just with ministries, but with multilateral spaces, with the private sector. We’re here to ratify a strategic alliance with IICA and we support all efforts because this is a process and it must be continuous,” expressed Christian Asinelli, Vice-President of CAF-Development Bank of Latin America. In the framework of the first-ever Africa-Americas Ministerial Summit on Agriculture, the senior financial executive shared the “Strategic Alliances” panel with representatives from Bayer, Microsoft, Rabobank, Syngenta and the United States Department of Agriculture, all of which supported the three-day summit at IICA’s headquarters in Costa Rica. “We believe that Latin America and the Caribbean should be protagonists. We want to be the bank for the reactivation of our countries, to be the region’s ‘green’ bank to accompany the countries in their com-

Roberto Vega, Director of the Syngenta Value Chain; Jesús Quintana, Director-General of CIAT; Christian Asinelli, Vice-President of the Development Bank of Latin America-CAF; Beatriz Arrieta, Regional Food Value Chain Manager of Bayer; Jorge Werthein, Special Advisor to the Director-General of IICA; and Keithlin Caroo, IICA Special Ambassador for the Africa-Americas Summit (IICA photo)

mitments to turn around and start caring for our common homeland. Our commitment is for 40 per cent of our operations in the coming years to be approved with components relating to sustainability. We must make this commitment with our partners, and our partnership with IICA is key in this regard. We want to work so that our region is relevant in the future, because global problems such as climate change, food insecurity and others cannot be solved without this region,” added Asinelli. Jorge Werthein, Special Adviser to IICA’s Director-General, moderated the roundtable in which Beatriz Arrieta, Regional Manager, Food Value Chain at Bayer, summarised the joint work conducted by the company and IICA on topics of soil health, training, plant health and regenerative agriculture, among other key issues. COLLABORATION “We established sustainability objectives that we are able to achieve through our cooperation with IICA. Being part of the

partnership with Africa is important for Bayer to make progress in its objectives. We are challenged with feeding the world, which is only possible through collaboration such as this one with IICA, in which we bring new technologies and innovation to farmers. This is our focus and we invest large amounts of resources in giving farmers what they need”, explained Arrieta. “We work to make IICA projects a reality in the countries and we’re convinced that we can transform agriculture through cooperation. We’re ready to implement new projects in Africa and we need partnerships like those established at this summit to make progress in our vision to feed the world with healthy, nutritious, quality foods,” she added. Luciano Braverman, Senior Director of Education for Microsoft Latin America, highlighted the joint work of the global tech giant and IICA gear toward promoting digital connectivity in rural areas and developing digital skills among the rural population. Recently, in collabo-

ration with Microsoft and with the support of the World Bank, IICA launched the Agroedutec programme with the Office of the Chief of Cabinet of Ministers of Argentina and the ministries of Education and Agriculture, which would train 5,000 students in 100 agrotechnical schools across Argentina in digital technologies and their application in agriculture. The programme was conceived by Microsoft and IICA and considers agrotechnical schools to be strategic pieces in the productive development of rural areas and in creating a sense of belonging in young people to the countryside. “We ratify the commitment and partnership between Microsoft and IICA, which has been very fruitful. Food security is a hot topic and its connection to the digitisation of agriculture makes it an important issue in these discussions. A connected population has more possibilities to generate income and be more productive,” said Braverman.

DIGITAL COMPETENCIES “Acquiring digital competencies is key to changing the quality of rural life. This is part of our mission. In terms of digital agriculture, here at Microsoft we are facing the challenges of the agriculture of the future. We are facing challenges that require collaboration between the public and private sectors, which is decisive in improving production and income,” he added. In turn, Roberto Vega, Global Head Value Chain at Syngenta, stated that “finding joint solutions is fundamental and critical for the situations we are facing, and this summit plays an important role in that”. He added: “We are speaking with over 40 countries about soil conservation, biodiversity, reducing agriculture’s impact on climate change and empowering small-scale producers. These initiatives are very much aligned with our company’s strategies. The poverty we see today is amoral—as citizens of the world we cannot allow it. With our current knowledge

and tools, we can overcome it if, as stakeholders, we commit to really working together.” Jesús Quintana, Director General of CIAT (International Center for Tropical Agriculture) and Managing Director of the Alliance of Bioversity International, underscored the value of the Africa-Americas joint work. “I haven’t seen this before. It’s not normal for the organisations of two continents to meet with such a willingness to make proposals, with partners who bring ideas, resources and initiatives. It’s historical and the topics are also historical; we’ve spoken about almost everything from climate change to trade; it’s a fruitful dialogue that can take us far. IICA has been fundamental, with almost 80 years at the head.” Bernard Jacobus Martti, a member of the Board of Directors of Rabobank, stated that: “this Summit has given us an excellent opportunity to help accelerate opportunities for transformation, to recognise the need to integrate the true cost of food and programmes to increase the flow of fertilisers to producers. The role of science in providing solutions, in overcoming insufferable afflictions like poverty and hunger, and in doing so inclusively and resiliently, is fundamental.” Mohammed Silim Nahdy, Executive Director of the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), expressed that “the importance of this meeting is to catalyse society in both continents. The challenges we face are very similar and we can find solutions together. The alliances can be strategic, operative or activity-based. They are all important and we encourage their endorsement. IICA can work with representatives of the African Union to mobilise these partnerships”. (IICA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

Badminton siblings begin... (From page 35)

good. I'm looking forward to playing my singles and mixed-doubles and hopefully we should be able to win," Priyanna said. Her brother Narayan, said the family misses the senior Ramdhani, but added, "We have our mom (Emily) here. She's good. She has been helping all the time throughout our lives. So yes, it will be different with a different voice backing us now. He taught us (well); we know what we have to do on the court. He just wants us to play hard and try to win as much as we can." While Narayan competed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, his sister, Priyanna, is making her debut. At the games in Australia, Narayan was knocked out in the Round-of-32 of

the men’s singles, losing to Canada's Jason Ho-Shue. The two are the highest-ranked players in Guyana and in the English-speaking Caribbean and stated that they're embracing the expectations of doing well at the games in Birmingham. According to Narayan, "(For) My entire life everyone expected me to do well (in badminton), so I just try my hardest and play my best." Priyanna's mindset heading into her first outing at the Commonwealth Games is one that's similar to her brother's, as she pointed out "there are a lot of high-ranking athletes here, but I'll just try my best, starting from the round-of-64 and it should be good."

Robinson recalled for first two Tests... (From page 34) lum, following an 18-month period where they won only once in 17 matches. They are now looking to win five Tests in succession for the first time since 2018. South Africa arrive as the leaders of the World Test Championship table and have lost only one of their past six series. However, they have lost their last three series against England, a run that dates back to 2012. Meanwhile, the dates for England's seven-match T20 series in Pakistan - their first tour of the country in 17 years - have been confirmed. The first match, on September 20 in Karachi, is just

over a week after the final Test against South Africa ends. It is followed by three further matches in Karachi on September 22, 23 and 25 then three more games in Lahore on September 28 and 30, and October 2. The dates for a three-Test series at the end of the year are yet to be announced. England squad for first two Tests v South Africa: Ben Stokes (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root. (BBC Sport) 11:40 hrs You Are My World

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

Djokovic likely to miss U.S. Open over COVID-19 vaccine status (REUTERS) - There is a petition circulating to allow Novak Djokovic to play at the U.S. Open but the Serbian appears likely to miss the entire North American hardcourt swing barring a sudden change in COVID-19 protocols in the United States and Canada. Djokovic has refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine yet the 21-time Grand Slam winner remains on the entry lists for the ATP 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati that serve as tune-ups for the August 29 - Sept. 11 U.S. Open in New York. In the case of the U.S. Open, which does not have a vaccine mandate, organisers previously said that per the Grand Slam Rule Book, all eligible players are entered into the main draw based on their ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the event. U.S. Open organisers also said that while they do not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, they will respect the U.S. government's position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-U.S. citizens. Former world number one Djokovic, whose website shows no upcoming events, said last week he was preparing for the U.S. Open as if he will be allowed to compete in

Former World number one Novak Djokovic

the year's final Grand Slam despite not being vaccinated. Djokovic's camp and organisers of the three North American hardcourt events did not immediately respond when asked by Reuters yesterday for comment. The hashtag #LetNovakPlay was circulating on social media as a slew of Djokovic supporters voiced their support for a player who moved to within one of Spaniard Rafael Nadal's record of 22 Grand Slam titles after his Wimbledon triumph last month. "Tennis is not interesting or authentic when the best are not allowed to compete," one Twitter user wrote while another felt winning a tournament where Djokovic is not able to play is less impressive: "There will be an * after every tournament winners name where Novak

isn't allowed to play!" Another post with the same hashtag brought up U.S. President Joe Biden, who is fully vaccinated and twice boosted but tested positive on Saturday just three days after having emerged from isolation after testing positive for the first time on July 21. "Quadruple-vaxxed Biden tested positive for COVID-19 again. But unvaccinated COVID-recovered Djokovic can't play in U.S. Open. He is apparently too big a risk to the U.S. healthcare system," the tweet read. An online petition that launched a month ago calling for the United States Tennis Association to work with the U.S. government to allow Djokovic to compete in the U.S. Open was edging closer to its target of 50 000 signatures yesterday. The focus on Djokovic's status ahead of a Grand Slam is far from new as he was unable to defend his Australian Open crown this year after being deported from the country over his vaccination status in January. Djokovic has previously said he was prepared to miss Grand Slam tournaments rather than take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Commonwealth Games

England, New Zealand reach cricket semi-finals with wins ENGLAND reached the Commonwealth Games semi-finals after they beat South Africa by 26 runs and Sri Lanka lost to New Zealand at Edgbaston. The hosts' Alice Capsey, 17, made 50 off 37 balls, Katherine Brunt an unbeaten 38 and Amy Jones 36 not out in a total of 167-5. South Africa laboured to 141-4 despite Laura Wolvaardt's unbeaten 41. New Zealand's 45-run

win over Sri Lanka later yesterday ensured both they and England qualified with a game to spare. The Black Caps made 147-7 in their 20 overs, while Sri Lanka struggled to 102-8 in reply with Hayley Jensen taking 3-5. England, who sit second in Group B behind New Zealand on net run rate, will advance as group winners if they defeat the Black Caps when they meet tomorrow.

England captain Heather Knight has yet to play in the Games because of a hip injury and is awaiting the results of a scan which may determine whether she can participate in the finals stages. Stand-in skipper Nat Sciver said: "She's not in a good place. She's better than she has been in the last few days, but still in a bit of pain with her hip." (BBC Sport)

India, Pakistan to clash in August 28 Asia Cup humdinger NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will clash in an Asia Cup, Sunday blockbuster in Dubai on August 28, the organisers said yesterday. Bilateral cricket remains suspended between the bitter neighbours who play each other only in multi-team tournaments. A day after Sri Lanka take on Afghanistan in the opener, India and Pakistan will lock horns in the tournament's most anticipated match. The nine-team Twenty20 tournament was shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last month due to the political and economic crisis in Sri Lan-

Pakistan beat India by 10 wickets in a T20 World Cup match in Dubai last year

ka, who retain the hosts' honour. Pakistan beat India by 10 wickets in a T20 World Cup match in Dubai last year in their previous encounter. Dubai hosts 10 matches,

including the September 11 final, while three will be played in Sharjah, ACC president Jay Shah, who is also the secretary of the Indian cricket board, said on Twitter.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

Archibald in Long Jump, 100m semis; Abrams advances in Women's 100m ... Prince, Chance, Abrams, Bright in action today

By Rawle Toney in Birmingham, England EMANUEL Archibald

advanced in the Men's 100m and Long Jump semi-finals, while Jasmine Abrams made it

to the women's 100m semi-finals, when Guyana's track and field athletes competed on

Day One of the event at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. With Track and Field being the hottest ticket

at the games, the almost capacity-filled Alexander Stadium watched Archibald top Group B of the Men's Long Jump with a distance of 7.83 metres. It was also the 6th-best distance on the day. Archibald then headed over to the Men's 100m, where in Heat 10, he cruised to a second-place finish, running 10.28 seconds. It was just enough to see him through to today's semi-finals. "The goal was easy; qualify for the Long Jump and then get a big qualification for the 100m," Archibald said on the sidelines following his race. For Archibald, who posted a personal best (PB) of 10.18s and, being the National record-holder in the Long Jump (8.12m), the 22nd Commonwealth Games will be used as redemption for his failure to reach the 100m semis at the Tokyo Games, the World Championships recently, and 2018 Gold Coast Games where he was knocked out in the semi-finals. "For the season, I've been preparing for the 100m and the Long Jump, so it wasn't really hard. I just came out with the mindset I've been running this season and doing the things I've been doing all year," Archibald said. Jasmine Abrams, National record-holder in the women's 100m, finished third in Heat 4 with a time of 11.41s. The Olympian will also compete tomorrow in the semis. After running 11.07s just before the World Championships, Jasmine, whose sister Aliyah will also compete at the Commonwealth Games (400m), didn't fare well in Eugene, Oregon. Competing at her first Commonwealth Games, Jasmine said, "It feels amazing! I went into it wanting to go to the semi-finals, so being able to accomplish that at

one of the many games that I've been to is very honourable and I'm very grateful." The other athletes, Noelex Holder, Akeem Stewart and Joanna Archer did not advance to the next round of competition. Holder's 10.50s in Heat 4 saw him finish fourth. Stewart's time of 10.46s was also good for fourth and Archer was 8th in Heat 1 of the Women's 800m, crossing the line in two minutes, 7.24s. For Holder, 22, being at the games provides an opportunity for him to learn more about the 100m, while competing with some of the fastest athletes in the distance. Holder's Heat was won by Kenya and African Champion Ferdinand Omanyala (10.07s). The Kenyan sprinter also has the 9th-fastest time in the history of the 100m, when he posted 9.77s last year. "I went into the race without any fear. I was just focused on my lane and got down to the line. I saw it was a fast time. But I'm grateful for this opportunity. It's my fastest time competing out of Guyana, so I'll go back, work hard and I know in time to come, I will be ready to compete with the big boys," Holder said. On Day Two of Track and Field at the Commonwealth Games, Aliyah Abrams will make her debut at the former British Empire Games in the women's 400m, Quamel Prince, another debutant, will compete in the Men's 800m, and Chantoba Bright in the Women's Triple Jump. Bright is also competing at her first Commonwealth Games. Arinze Chance, 400m National Indoor record-holder, will have his first taste of competition at the Commonwealth Games today in the Men's 400m.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

Karachi, Lahore to host T20Is as England return to Pakistan after 17 years … England to play three Tests after T20 World Cup; New Zealand, West Indies scheduled to tour too

ENGLAND’S first tour of Pakistan in 17 years will begin on September 20, as the men's team play seven T20Is in Karachi (the first four) and Lahore (the last three). The last game is on October 2 before England travel to Australia for the men's T20 World Cup. They are scheduled to return to Pakistan for a series of three Tests in December - their first Tests in Pakistan since the 2005-06 tour. In what Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called Pakistan's "bumper international season", they will also host New Zealand in two spells, first for two Tests and three ODIs in December-January, and then for five ODIs and five T20Is in April next year. West Indies will also tour Pakistan for three T20Is in late January. In a statement, PCB said that the itineraries for England's Test series as well as the matches against New Zealand and West Indies would be released in due course. The series will be the second of seven T20Is or more, with the encounters between the Malawi and

Mozambique men's teams in 2019 the only previous instance of such a long bilateral series. Next year, Pakistan are also scheduled to host the Asia Cup for the first time since 2008. Pakistan were originally due to host the T20 Asia Cup this year, but swapped with Sri Lanka the 2022 Asia Cup starts at the end of August and has moved to the UAE. But the 50-over version is due to now take place in Pakistan next year - most likely in the run-up to the 50-over World Cup, which takes place in India in October-November. This year's Asia Cup moved to the UAE (though SLC remains the host), following concerns about the SLC's ability to host a multi-nation tournament of this stature in the midst of the country's economic and political crisis. As reported by ESPNcricinfo in early July, Karachi's National Stadium will host T20Is against England on September 20, 22, 23 and 25, before the action shifts to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium for the matches on September 28 and 30, and

Pakistan will play seven T20Is at home against England in the lead-up to the men's T20 World Cup later in the year (AFP/Getty Images)

October 2. All the matches are floodlit affairs, starting at 19:30hrs (Pakistan time) "We are absolutely delighted to confirm hosting England for seven T20Is in Karachi and Lahore as a curtain-raiser to a busy, entertaining and exciting season of home internationals," Zakir Khan, PCB director of international cricket, said in a statement. "England are one of the top-ranked T20I teams and playing the shortest format in the lead-up to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in

Pakistan, they will not only help the team management to finalise preparations, but will also set the tone for December's three-Test series." A three-member ECB security-assessment team visited Pakistan to take stock of the arrangements in late July. The team went back satisfied enough to green-light England's first tour of Pakistan in 17 years. "We demonstrated our event planning and operational skills in the highly-successful series against

Australia in March-April and I am confident we will be able to replicate these when England visit us for the first time since 2005," Zakir said. "We have been able to confirm schedule of the T20Is following a successful tour by the England and Wales Cricket Board recce team, which was pleased and satisfied with all our arrangements England have not toured Pakistan since 2005, and two of home Pakistan's home series against them, in

2012 and 2016, were played in the UAE. England also chose to withdraw their men's and women's teams' tours to Pakistan last year citing "bubble fatigue" and increasing concerns about travelling to the region". This came soon after New Zealand had withdrawn their men's team, citing similar concerns. "We are looking forward to returning to Pakistan and playing these seven T20Is as the team builds up to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," Rob Key, the ECB's managing director of men's cricket, said. "We have been liaising closely with the PCB over arrangements for this visit and the Tests later in the year, and will continue to work closely with the PCB, British High Commission and other relevant authorities as we continue to prepare for these tours. "We would like to thank PCB and the city authorities for all their ongoing assistance with planning for the tours, including hosting the recent pre-tour planning visit by ECB representatives and the PCA CEO. (Cricinfo)

Burl, bowlers seal Zimbabwe's first T20I series win over Bangladesh RYAN Burl came closest to hitting six sixes in an over, but his 34-run assault on Nasum Ahmed was the inflexion point in Zimbabwe's stunning come-from-behind win over Bangladesh. The hosts, who were reduced to 67-6 after batting first, were propped up by the southpaw's 28-ball 54 to a total of 156 which proved to be beyond Bangladesh's reach. The 10-run victory marked Zimbabwe's first T20I series win over Bangladesh. Zimbabwe's fortunes swung wildly from one end to the other after Craig Ervine elected to bat. Regis Chakabva hit the first ball of the game from Mustafizur Rahman for four in an ominous portent of things to

come for the visitors. True to the spirit of that first ball, the first three overs saw Chakbava and Ervine hit 29. Brief scores: Zimbabwe 156/8 in 20 overs (Ryan Burl 54, Luke Jongwe 35; Mahedi Hasan 2-28, Hasan Mahmud 2-28) beat Bangladesh 146/8 in 20 overs (Afif Hossain 39*; Victor Nyauchi 3-29) by 10 runs. Chakabva fell to the first ball from left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, the extra bounce offsetting his attempt to hit over extra cover. The other spinner, Mahedi Hasan, then prized out Wesley Madhevere and Sikandar Raza off successive deliveries and Zimbabwe were 45-3 in the power-play. That soon became 56-5 then 67-6 at the end of the 13th over with the hosts

Ryan Burl hit 34 off the 15th over (Getty)

staring down the barrel. It was then that Burl and Jongwe joined forces. It was the latter that set the

counter-punch in motion by hitting a pair of boundaries off Hasan Mahmud in the 14th over.

Nothing though could have foretold the Burl assault in the following over. Nasum, who had struck with his first ball, returned and saw this first delivery launched over long on and outside the ground. The next ball, dragged down, was swivel-pulled into the grass banks beyond deep mid-wicket. Deliveries three and four disappeared over mid-wicket for sixes too, forcing Mosaddek and Mahmudullah to form a three-man conference with Nasum. The spinner bowled full and wide outside off-stump, the first beat wide long-off but bounced just in front of the ropes, the next cleared it to make it a 34-run over. Burl got to his half-century off 24 balls while Jon-

gwe hit 35 off 20 as the five overs between 14 and 18 produced 79 runs. Bangladesh never got into gear in their chase of 156 once Victor Nyauchi dismissed openers Litton Das and Parvez Emon in his first two overs. The visitors got to an identical 45-3 at the end of the power-play and were stymied thereafter by the spin pair of Ervine and Raza. There was a brief fightback from Mahmudullah, who made a run-a-ball 27 and a more sprightly knock from Afif Hossain, who made an unbeaten 39*. But there were not enough contributions from the rest, and none substantial enough to match what Burl and Jongwe managed for the hosts. (Cricbuzz)

Woods rejected $700-800 million LIV offer, says Norman (REUTERS) - Tiger Woods turned down a sum in the region of $700-800 million to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series, the breakaway circuit's CEO Greg Norman told Fox News. Norman said the offer was made before the Australian was named chief of the controversial series, which is bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. "That number was out there before I became CEO. So that number has been out there, yes," two-time major winner Norman said in an interview that aired on Monday night. "Look, Tiger is a needle mover, right? So, of course you're got to look at the best of the best. They had originally approached Tiger before I became CEO. That number is somewhere in that ($700-800 million) neighbourhood." LIV Golf has signed sev-

Former World number one Tiger Woods

eral marquee players for the series, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, but 15-time major champion Woods has stayed committed to the PGA Tour. Former world number one Woods said before last month's British Open that he disagreed with the decision

by players to join the LIV Series and compared the circuit, which features huge guaranteed contracts and a 54-hole format, to the senior Champions Tour. "I think that what they've done is: they've turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position," he said.

Parchment leads four Caribbean athletes into sprint hurdles final at Commonwealth Games OLYMPIC Champion Hansle Parchment safely advanced to the final of the Men’s 110m hurdles at the Commonwealth games in Birmingham yesterday. Parchment, who made it to the final of the event at the World Championships in Eugene before being unable to run after picking up a hamstring injury in the warm-up,

Olympic champion Hansie Parchment

ran a composed race to win Heat One in 13.33 ahead of

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday August 3, 2022) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) India won by 68 runs (2) Dinesh Karthik (IND) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the second T20 Int’l match of the current WI/IND series? (2) Who was declared Man of the Match? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

teammate Orlando Bennett (13.40). Barbadian World Championship finalist, Shane Brathwaite, will also be in the final after finishing fourth in 13.42 and advancing as fastest loser. The fastest qualifier for the final came from Heat Two as Jamaican World Championship semi-finalist, Rasheed Broadbell, stormed to a season’s best 13.16 to win. World Championship finalist Jaheel Hyde of Jamaica advanced to the final of the Men’s 400m hurdles alongside Kyron McMaster of the British Virgin Islands. The pair finished first and second in Heat Two in 49.60 and 49.78, respectively. (Sportsmax)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

Euro 22 winners England to face World Cup holders USA at Wembley EUROPEAN champions England are set to face World Cup holders USA at Wembley on October 7. The first meeting between the teams at Wembley is subject to Sarina Wiegman's side securing World Cup qualification in September's final two group games. The Lionesses need a point in Austria on Saturday September 3 or victory at home to Luxembourg three days later. "It would be the perfect game to meet another strong team after so many tough games in the Euros," said Wiegman. "It is good, we enjoy the moment. We are in after this wonderful summer, but we know we still have work to do to take the next step forward." England, who beat Germany 2-1 in the final in front of an all-time Euros record crowd of 87 192 at Wembley on Sunday, have already sold more than 20 000 tickets for their final World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg. "As a team, we take

Chloe Kelly scored the winner for England in the Euros final against Germany at Wembley

nothing for granted with our goal of reaching the World Cup and whoever we play at home in October it will be special to have another Wembley fixture," added Wiegman. "After the positive experiences we have had this summer, it will be great to welcome as many fans as possible, so that we can say thanks again for their incredible support." England are currently five points clear of Austria

in their World Cup qualifying group, with the finals taking place in Australia and New Zealand next summer. The Wembley fixture will also mark 50 years since England women's first official international match. In November 1972, they beat Scotland 3-2 at Greenock and the FA is inviting every living Lioness to the fixture as well as celebrating the pioneers of women's football. (BBC Sport)

Robinson recalled for first two Tests against South Africa PACE bowler Ollie Robinson has been recalled to the England squad for the first two Tests against South Africa. The 28-year-old has not played a Test since the final match of the Ashes series in January. Robinson comes in for fellow seamer Jamie Overton, who has been ruled out with hand and foot injuries, sustained playing for Surrey. The first Test in the threematch series begins at Lord's on Wednesday, August 17. The only other change from the squad that pulled off a remarkable win against India at Edgbaston in July is the omission of wicketkeeper Sam Billings, with Ben Foakes fit to return behind the stumps. Sussex's Robinson enjoyed a fine debut year in Test cricket, taking 39 wickets in nine matches at an average of 21.28. But, during his last match for England, the fifth Test against Australia in Hobart, Robinson was told to "improve" his fitness by bowling coach Jon Lewis. He subsequently missed all three Tests in the 1-0 series defeat by West Indies in March

Ollie Robinson has taken 39 wickets in nine Tests for England

with a back problem and various fitness issues blighted his start to the home summer. Robinson had an injection in his back in June and returned to action after more than two months out last week, taking nine wickets for Sussex in their defeat by Nottinghamshire. He is set to continue his comeback for England Lions against South Africa in a fourday match at Canterbury next

week, after which his fitness will be assessed ahead of the first Test. In Robinson's absence, Matthew Potts impressed in England's 3-0 series defeat of New Zealand and the win against India that followed. Those four wins have marked a spectacular turnaround in England's form under new captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCul(Turn to page 30)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday August 3, 2022

Allicock, Amsterdam in Boxing quarter-finals today … Fung-A-Fat to play in Plate Finals By Rawle Toney in Birmingham, England IT will be a busy day for Guyana at the 2022 Commonwealth Games when action continues across Birmingham, England. BOXING Keevin Allicock (Featherweight) and Desmond Amsterdam (Middleweight) are set for a quarter-final battle in their respective divisions and a win for either boxer will see Guyana breaking their 32-year jinx at the Commonwealth Games. After picking up a unanimous-decision victory over Sri Lanka's Jeewantha Nisshanka in the Round-of-16, Allicock will face Canadian Keoma-Ali Al-Ahmadieh today. Meanwhile, Standing in Amsterdam’s way to the podium, is Australia's Callum Peters. Amsterdam, a Sergeant in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), earned a split-decision victory over New Zealand's Richardson Emile in the Round-of-16. The last time Guyana

won a medal in Boxing at the Commonwealth Games was at the 1990 Games in Auckland, New Zealand, when Wesley Christmas took bronze in the Bantamweight category. SQUASH Over at the University of Birmingham, Mary FungA-Fat will take on Sunayna Sara Kuruvilla of India in the final of the Women's Plate competition. Fung-A-Fat had faced Pakistan's Amna Fayyaz in yesterday's semis, and earned a 3-2 win. The Guyanese had lost the first game 6-11 but rebounded to win the other two matches 11-5, 11-8. Fayyaz bounced back to level things up when she took the next match 10-12. However, Fung-A-Fat closed out the tense battle, 11-9. Also today, Round-of-32 action in the Mixed-Doubles will begin. The Khalil siblings, Jason-Ray and Ashley, will showcase skills on Court 1 in the first match of the competition, when they take on Wales' Petre Creed and

Mary Fung-A-Fat and Pakistan's Amna Fayyaz following their semi-finals Plate match-up

Emily Whitlock. Fung-A-Fat and Shomari Wiltshire will also partner to take on the Malaysian pair of Ainaa Amani and Addeen Idrakie. TABLE TENNIS The Women's and Men's Singles will com-

mence today and the country's best 'paddlers' will look to make amends for their Team results. First up, Olympian Chelsea Edghill will have a go against Tammi Agari of Papua New Guinea and Fiji's Titana Touea. Priscilla Greaves is the

Keevin Allicock will fight in the quarter-finals of the Men’s Featherweight

Desmond Amsterdam set for battle in the Men’s Middleweight quarter-finals

next Guyanese in line and she's expected to get past Seychelles’ Christy Bristol. Natallie Cummings will have a rematch with Kalam Musfiquh after their meeting in the women's Team competition, as well as a match with Millicent Ankude of Ghana. Shemar Britton will start the men's competition for Guyana, coming up against Ireland's Owen Cathcart and later on, Ramhimlian Bawm of

Bangladesh. Debutant at the Commonwealth Games, Jonathan Van Lange opponents are Zack Wilson (Ireland) and Australia's Finn Luu. Christopher Franklin is down to show-up against Pakistan's Fahad Khawaja and Mohutasin Ahmed Ridoy of Bangladesh. Apart from Boxing, Guyana participants have not won a Table Tennis or Squash medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Teams to fly to Guyana for US Badminton siblings begin Last ditch attempt to save Commonwealth medal hunt today games visas today …Florida … Priyanna makes singles debut; pair to compete in mixed doubles THERE are just three days left for the first of the two Florida T20 Internationals between West Indies and India and there is no indication that the teams are in a position to travel to the United States. As has been reported by Cricbuzz over the last two days, some members of both sides, including players, have not been granted US visas so far. However, the Cricket West Indies (CWI), the hosts of the matches, has not given up hope and the latest from the Caribbean is that both sides will be flown to Georgetown in Guyana today, when appointments for them have been booked at the American Embassy there. This is the last-ditch attempt to save the Florida games.

The rest, a CWI official said, is out of their control. "The US VISA entry appointments are booked for Wednesday (today) in Guyana. All the relevant applications, etc have been done. Beyond that, we have no control. But we are optimistic," CWI president Ricky Skerritt told Cricbuzz yesterday. The two matches in Miami, Florida, are on Saturday and Sunday (August 6 and 7) and the teams hope to reach there by Thursday. The flight time between Georgetown, Guyana, and Miami is about five hours. Meanwhile, a source from Miami told this website that the plans to host the last two games in Florida are still in place but the CWI is simultaneously making alternative arrangements. The

CWI chief refused to discuss his board's second option but the source said the most likely venue will be Trinidad. "Let's keep things at that for now," Skerritt said when pushed to divulge alternative options. Commercial stakeholders of the series have also been told the same - that there is no need to discuss alternatives at this stage as visas are expected to be approved. "The CWI will not fly the Indian team to Guyana unless it is not confident of getting the clearance," the source, fully conversant with the developments, said. The series is level at 1-1 with the third T20I underway at Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts, at the time of going to print. (Cricbuzz)

By Rawle Toney in Birmingham, England BADMINTON siblings, Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani, will begin their quest for glory at the Commonwealth Games today. After their mixed-doubles competition, Priyanna will have a go at her first Commonwealth Games in the women’s Round-of-64. Narayan received a 'bye' and moved into the round-of-32 tomorrow. However, this time around, a familiar voice will not be coming from their corner. The siblings lost their father, Gokarn Ramdhani, last October, when the renowned badminton coach and executive suffered a heart attack in Canada, where he had taken up the head coach role at Olds College. They've played every major tournament with their

Narayan and Priyanna sharing a light moment with their mother/coach Emily at the Commonwealth Games (Rawle Toney/GOA photo)

father on the sidelines, until now. "It's definitely different with him not being here, but I just have to have a

strong mind-set; at least a positive one. I have to try my best to win at least a few matches and hopefully I'll be (Turn to page 30)

Emanuel Archibald was happy to reach the men's long jump and 100m semi-finals at the Commonwealth Games

Jasmine Abrams is all smiles after qualifying for the women's 100m semi-finals (Photos compliments: Rawle Toney)

Archibald in Long Jump, 100m semis; Abrams advances in Women's 100m

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... Prince, Chance, Abrams, Bright in action today

Windies behind in T20I series again after Warner Park defeat Suryakumar Yadav hit 76 off 44 balls, often playing outrageous shots (AFP/Getty Images)

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – West Indies failed to repeat their exploits of 24 hours earlier and slumped to a seven-wicket loss to India in the third Twenty20 International at Warner Park. Energised by their series-levelling win on Monday, the Caribbean side were brought back down to earth, as they mustered only 164 for five off their 20 overs here yesterday, and then watched as Suryakumar Yadav punched 76 from 44 deliveries to give the visitors a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Captain Rohit Sharma succumbed to injury in the second over but his opening

partner Suryakumar steered the run chase brilliantly, lashing eight fours and four sixes before Rishabh Pant arrived late to stroke an unbeaten 33 off 26 balls, putting India over the line with an over to spare. “I felt like we had to get early wickets and we didn’t get early wickets. I felt like we should have dragged it back early in the power-play but unfortunately we couldn’t get that wicket,” said West Indies skipper Nicholas Pooran. “At the halfway stage of the game we felt like we had enough. India bowled well … they used the pitch really good. “The wicket was a bit on the slower side and we felt it would be difficult to keep scoring on it. Again, if we had gotten early wickets it would have been a different game.” Left-hander Kyle Mayers top-scored with 73 off 50 deliveries after West Indies were sent in, putting on 57 for the first wick-

et with Brandon King (20) and a further 50 for the second wicket with Pooran who made 22. Mayers reached his second T20I Left-hander Kyle Mayers hits through the off-side during his top score of 73 half-century in the 13th over by pulling yesterday. (Photo courtesy CWI Media) off-spinner Ravi Ashwin over mid-wicket for six, before perishing in the 17th over, with Shreyas Iyer (24) before putting on a top-edging a heave at seamer Bhuvneshwar further 30 for the second wicket with Pant Kumar for wicketkeeper Pant to complete who counted three fours and six. an easy catch. “How we bowled in the middle overs Rovman Powell (23) and Shimron Het- was very, very crucial because they were myer (22) then provided the finishing touch- just about to get that big partnership with a es in a 34-run, fourth-wicket stand. few of their experienced players batting in The sight of the dangerous Rohit hob- the middle,” Rohit said. bling off early in the run chase for 11 imme“And then how we chased the runs, I diately after smashing a six and a four off thought it was quite clinical. When you’re fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, would have been watching it from the outside you felt there a welcome sight for the home side. weren’t too many risks that we were taking.” However, Suryakumar put the game The final two matches of the series will beyond West Indies in a dashing innings as be staged at the Central Broward Park he extended India’s first-wicket stand to 105 Stadium in Florida next weekend.

Teams to fly to Guyana for US visas today … Last ditch attempt to save Florida games

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2022