Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-02-2023

Men on Mission hands over three more houses in Region Six

By Tamica Garnett

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan

Ali, on Friday, handed over another three houses, built by the Men on Mission (MoM) for vulnerable individuals in Region Six (East

Berbice-Corentyne).

James Haynes, 55, of Little Africa; 62-year-old Budram Madray of No. 64 village and 62-year-old Drowattie Ramcharran of Williamsburg, joined President

Ali in symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremonies, as they each received their respective homes.

Haynes and Madray are both wheelchair-assisted persons, while Ramcharran’s

house had collapsed. The houses were built through a collaboration among MoM, private sector and civil society. The President commended the private sector for its support and work in Region Six.

“In Region Six, the private sector is leading other regions in creating these opportunities,” the President commented.

He added: “I’m very pleased to come and celebrate with this private sector and this family. I want to thank this company for this initiative. We are very, very pleased with the response we’re having.

“We will be able to build a stronger community and a stronger country. When we all share, we become better corporate businesses, better families and better citizens that contribute to the holistic development of our country.”

The house received by Haynes, which cost approximately $5 million, was financed by local businessman, Chris Jagdeo.

Haynes received a fully furnished flat concrete house which includes a wheelchair ramp, which will allow him to move comfortably into and out of his home.

Haynes has been differently abled for the past 15 years after he fell from a height while changing a neighbour’s light bulb.

Due to the fall, Haynes suffered spinal damage resulting in his inability to walk. At that time, Haynes was the sole breadwinner of his family.

He currently lives with his wife, 56-year-old Khemwattie Haynes; daughter,

29-year-old Geeta Haynes, and his four grandchildren ages 10, eight, five, and three years old.

Also present at the handing over ceremony was Regional Chairman for Region Six, David Armogan, and Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill.

It was Minister Edghill who initiated the building of a home for the Haynes family after he discovered the state of their home while assessing roadworks in their community.

Haynes and members of his family thanked everyone who played a role in helping them to receive the furnished house.

“I just want to thank everybody for coming and I want to say thank you to the President and Mr. Edghill for delivering us a home. We were here for a long time and it was so bad and we asked everybody, but nobody was looking at us. So, thank you very much for giving our family a home,” Haynes’ daughter expressed.

Aside from the fully furnished home, Haynes’ grandchildren were also given a laptop computer to help in their education.

At the home of Madray, his wife Parbattie said, “God will bless the president,” as she thanked Dr. Ali for making the house for her possible through the MoM initiative.

Madray’s fully furnished wooden house was constructed in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and local contractors and labourers.

Meanwhile, Ramcharran’s house was rebuilt

by a local contracting company, Associated Contracting, and was furnished by local businesses, Quality Deliverer and Pro Business.

Ramcharran has been residing at the property for over 40 years, and currently lives with her 42-year-old son

In addition to handing over the three homes, on Friday morning, the President also visited a beautification project currently being done by MoM in Skeldon.

“That project is ongoing and we’re going to support that project so that this entire community will also benefit from a green, open space, where the children can go and have recreation in a safe environment, where men can provide guidance on leadership and counselling, with good positive values that enriches us as a society,” the President said.

Launched in November 2022, the MoM initiative aims to uplift young men who are exposed to many societal ills, such as drug abuse, domestic violence, gang violence, and other violent crimes.

The intention is to provide them with guidance and counselling, recreational and fitness activities, and create economic empowerment through temporary employment schemes.

Additionally, MoM has been addressing various needs in society ranging from pushing employment ventures to constructing new houses for people. Through this initiative, the President has pledged to build some 150 houses for vulnerable groups.

MOM: President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Friday, handed over another three houses, built by the Men on Mission (MoM) for vulnerable individuals in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) (Adrian Narine photo)

In addition to handing over the three homes, on Friday morning, the President also visited a beautification project currently being done by MoM in Skeldon (Adrian Narine photo)

Hundreds of issues resolved, advancements underway

–– as President, team wrap up two-day outreach to Region Six

By Tamica Garnett

A TEAM led by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, was able to resolve hundreds of issues and engage over 2,200 persons during a two-day outreach to Region Six.

Over 16 ministries and agencies were represented at the event, where citizens were elated to see that they were able to not only bring up issues they were facing, but also have one-on-one meetings with the President, and ultimately have their concerns resolved by the highest office.

“When our President can come and meet the people, this is something very new. This has nothing to do with politics, this has to do with the care and compassion that he has and we are very grateful for all the help that he has given,” commented farmer, Edwin Abdullah, who had come out to the event to discuss a drainage problem he was having with his fish farm.

Able to get his issue resolved on the spot, Abdullah described the event as bringing a very positive aura to the Berbice area.

“For many people, you could see the cheerfulness, and the happiness on their faces. Many who I spoke with who had issues were surprised to see the quickness with which their issues were dealt with. All in all, when you look around here you could see that this is a festive atmosphere, it is a good time for Guyana,” he related.

For his part, the Head of State expressed how glad he was to be able to be there to assist the people of the

region.

“It was our greatest honour and pride to be with you, serve you, listen to you, interact with you,” Dr. Ali said at a press conference held on Friday afternoon to discuss some of the outcomes of the event.

The President commended the ministries and agencies for their remarkable accomplishment of working almost continuously throughout the 48-hour period.

“I want to compliment the team from the various agencies, and departments, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), and the private sector officials also. They worked with us in ensuring we were as productive as possible over last two days. The work is still going on, it’s not over by any means,” President Ali said.

The outreach, which is the first of a countrywide effort that will touch every region across the country, is geared towards taking the services of the Office of the President and other government ministries

and agencies directly to the people.

Agencies present at the event included the Ministries of Housing and Water, Human Services and Social Security, Agriculture, Education, Local Government and Regional Development, and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Guyana Water Inc., Guyana Registration Office ( GRO), the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the and Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) as well as the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and other regional departments.

GOAL saw more than 160 new applications, and also shared out a number of tablets to students to assist them with their studies. The part-time job creation has also

had a tremendous impact on the region.

At GRO, over 70 applications for birth, death, marriage certificates and late birth registrations were done at the event.

The President sang praises to the Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) in particular, which was very active in getting on the ground to fix issues as they were brought up.

The President was impressed with the remarkable youth participation in the development of the region.

“There is great activism among the young people, a great sense of pride; a sense of things happening and there is an optimism in the region. There is tremendous energy in the region,” the President said.

Aside from meeting with the individual residents, there was a Business Forum, during which the Head of Guyana Office for Invest (GoInvest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, and

National Security Adviser, Captain Gerry Gouveia met with representatives from the region’s private sector.

The forum was attended by over 90 private sector persons, many of whom were young business persons.

“It was an interactive session on how we can help support them, and integrate our work,” the President said.

ISSUES OF CONCERN

However, though a number of positives came out of the outreach there were also some issues of concern which were highlighted throughout the event.

“More than 75 per cent of the persons with issues were women and one of the things that struck me was that a very high percentage, more than 90 per cent of the women are single parents. That is something that needs specific attention. This is something we need to take into the planning framework and work that we are doing,” President Ali said.

The outreach also iden -

tified gaps in the delivery of health services in the region, where the President pledged that there will be improvements.

According to the President, although he heard many stories of improvements in many sectors, there still exists some of challenges which need to be addressed.

The Ministry of Housing had a massive flow of interactions as it regards housing needs as well as issues with the processing of titles and transports for land. Over 200 titles and transports were processed.

Following closely behind housing with a lot of complaints and concerns were the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and Human Services.

The NIS saw almost 200 cases, of which 40 per cent were already resolved during the outreach, while another 20 per cent was in process of being resolved and the remainder are under follow-up action to be resolved.

Kanuku Suites expands with multimillion-dollar Region Nine eco-lodge

By Cassandra Khan

THE government’s push towards the promotion of Guyana’s natural beauty has served as an impetus for the proprietors of Kanuku Suites, who have expanded their operations with a multimillion-dollar eco-lodge at Apoteri, Region Nine.

The new Kanuku Tours Eco Lodge Resort, which was launched on Friday, promises one of the best experiences for both local and international visitors.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, representing President Dr. Irfaan Ali, said that tourism is

one of the growth poles of the economy and a key element of the government’s plans for economic diversification.

Speaker Nadir related on behalf of President Ali that Guyana has a potentially peerless tourism product.

“The range, the mix and the scale of our tourism offerings is unmatched by most of the countries of the Caribbean,” he said.

He noted that one of the most exciting frontiers for eco-tourism development is Region Nine, Guyana’s largest region.

The Speaker said that the area has diverse ecosystems from rivers, savannahs, rainforests, mountain ranges, and

endemic biodiversity.

“In fact, all regions of Guyana have the potential to expand the number of eco-tourism products. And this is what makes Guyana truly unique in the Caribbean,” Nadir said.

He related that Region Nine has already begun to emerge as a major hotspot for sustainable tourism and it has already become a front-runner for community-based tourism, which allows for community participation and the sharing of benefits in tourism.

Nadir said that to develop Guyana’s tourism product, some of the requirements would be investment, com-

petitiveness, strengthening human resource development, and more.

“The development of eco-lodges requires what I would like to refer to as ‘ecological entrepreneurs’, persons and firm who understand the country’s wide array of natural attractions and assets and who have the vision, knowledge and access to capital to convert these into profitable and sustainable tourism products,” he said.

Additionally, he said that the government is moving to establish a hospitality institute and to provide training for thousands of workers in the sector because by improving human resource develop-

ment, they will lift the quality of services.

He said that accommodation infrastructure will also develop Guyana’ s tourism product and this is why the government is moving apace to increase the number of hotel rooms.

“By 2025, we shall have more than eight new internationally branded hotels in Guyana, adding an additional 2,000 rooms to our accommodation stock,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kanuku Suites, Geer Meghan, said that currently they are working on tailoring the tours for locals because they have been doing it for the last eight years and

have hosted National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet and more.

“Now that we have the oil and gas sector here, I think definitely it would be a good fit in a couple months from now, but we are putting it together,” he said.

The CEO said that the building is 80 feet by 30 feet and has eight double suites, double rooms, and huts, where tourists can view jaguars and other endangered species.

“The guides that we have, they are very trained, so there is no danger because of the safety they have been practicing,” he said.

A team led by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali was able to resolve hundreds of issues and engage over 2,200 persons during a two-day outreach to Region Six (Adrian Narine photo)

Perpetrators of violence, theft during Buxton protest must face the law

–– PSC says

ly denounced the violent protests which followed an intelligence-led operation involving the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) in the vicinity of

Buxton, East Coast Demerara, on Wednesday.

“This is not the first time that there has been an outbreak of violence on the East Coast of Demerara involving the robbing and beating of innocent people, aimed at the deliberate destruction of personal, public, and private property and assets, and the disruption of public transportation,” the PSC said.

The commission added: “Once again, there has been a complete breakdown

of law and order which, in the view of the private sector, has been allowed to continue for much too long before being brought under control by law enforcement

and with the police seen to be standing by and doing nothing.”

The Commission said it looks forward to and expects that the perpetrators will be

immediately apprehended and brought to justice. The PSC related it will be requesting a meeting with the Minister of Home Affairs on this matter.

THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has strong-

New land-title holders ‘beam’ with joy

–– following prompt assistance from officials during President’s outreach to Region Six

By Nafeeza Yahya

OVER the two-day Presidential Outreach to Region Six , East Berbice Corentyne, hundreds of residents had the opportunity to voice their concerns over housing-related matters at the Ministry of Housing and Water, Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) booth at State House in New Amsterdam.

However, on Friday , a large number of persons from across Berbice were given their land titles and transport, many of whom have waited for several years.

Among the beneficiaries were seventy-four-year Sanichar Kapil Dev and his wife Parbattie, 71, who waited nearly thirty years to receive their land titles.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Mrs Kapil

Dev said she was happy to receive and felt at peace knowing she had something tangible after many years of waiting.

“If meh die now meh get something to left fuh meh children. Since 1992 meh go with meh four children and squatting and live. God bless me now that meh own a title. I feel so happy God bless the President and all the Ministers and everyone who ah help people to get their stuff”, she said.

Another recipient, Yvonne Mickle , 69, of Mount Sinai, said the first thing she did was take a picture of the title and send it to her family as she was delighted with joy.

Mickle, who once lived in a squatting area, said that now that she had received a title, it was a great feeling of accomplishment.

Hemwattie Gurdial, of Mount Sinai, New Amsterdam, expressed similar sentiments while noting that having a document with power will allow her to access more services easier.

“I feel so happy, I could do anything now even go to the bank and get a loan”.

Nirmala Devi Sanichar, 47, of Johns, Corentyne Berbice, expressed gratitude to the staff at the Ministry of Housing and, at the same time, noted she was proud to be the official owner of her land.

“This is really important for me to get, and I am so happy. I want to thank everyone who help out for me to get this. Since 2013 I have applied for it. I feel so proud. Monday, I gotta come to collect the transport”.

Meanwhile, CHPA Chief Executive Officer, Sherwyn

Greaves, said that the two days of outreach were very successful and informative. He noted that they were able to identify some bottlenecks within the system, and solutions were being put in place to avoid a reoccurrence while ensuring the process is swift and smooth as possible for everyone.

“We also see the need to beef up the employees in the Region. It is certainly inadequate to handle the volume of work that the Region has, and we will be doing more work, as the President alluded to, so we obviously have to place more staff in the Region. We

have to be more proactive, and we in Georgetown have to pay a bit more attention to what is happening outside of Georgetown so persons can be better served,” he explained.

He added that several titles and house lots were distributed for housing schemes and regularised squatting areas. Further, there were fifty on the spot house allocations in Hampshire, Corentyne , and 30 on-the-spot land allocations in the Number 75, 76 areas and, Sheildtown and Experiment in Region Five , to the delight of the recipients.

The CHPA CEO assured residents who could not receive their titles that the team would return on Monday to continue the exercise.

For the two days of outreach, over 2,200 persons were attended to in dealing with issues from various agencies under the government of Guyana, including the National Insurance Scheme, Ministry of Education , Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority and General Registration Office among others.

Chief Executive Officer of C H&PA, Sherwyn Greaves and team listen to concerns from a Berbice resident

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and some of the recipients of land titles/ transports in Region Six on Friday

Building On a Proper Foundation

THE Budget 2023 amounts to $781.9 billion, an increase of 41.4 per cent over Budget 2022.

It is fully financed without new taxes and is based on the National Development Strategy (NDS), which began three decades ago.

The budget includes measures to combat the cost-of-living issue and has substantial allocations for social services, with a 42 per cent increase from the previous year.

The total cost for cost-of-living measures is estimated to be $89 billion, which represents 11.3 per cent of the budget and 43 per cent of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) withdrawal used to finance the budget.

The government is pursuing an expansionary fiscal and monetary policy framework to support the economy’s development trajectory. Capital expenditure has increased by over 400 per cent since 2020, while current expenditure has increased by only 51 per cent since the government assumed office in 2020.

The major challenge faced by the government is absorptive capacity, which acts as an anchor to prevent overheating of the economy.

In keeping with its theme – Improving Lives Today, Building Prosperity for Tomorrow – Budget 2023 strikes a balance between addressing the pressing needs of today and the critical investments needed for tomorrow, ensuring that both are attended to.

Government has delivered: $3 billion worth of special salary adjustments for healthcare workers and uniformed servicemen and servicewomen; $3.3 billion in tax relief to those paying income taxes, and removes 12,000 of them immediately from the tax net; $2.1 billion in additional cash grants to parents of school-aged children; and $4.4 billion in additional old age pension payments to senior citizens, just to name a few of the immediate initiatives.

At the same time, Budget 2023 allocates: $136.1 billion for the upgrade of thousands of roads and bridges countrywide; $43.3 billion to advance construction of the gas-to-energy project which will reduce the cost of electricity by half and bring much-needed relief to the entire citizenry, and creating jobs for Guyanese nationals; $84.9 billion for enhanced healthcare delivery; and, $94.4 billion for the education sector to ensure

that young people are prepared for the future that beckons to them.

This is a budget for all Guyanese and it is a budget for now and for the future. Budget 2023 delivers on its promise, and on the PPP/C government’s unwavering commitment to improve the lives of every single Guyanese family and individual and to improve the opportunities they enjoy for the future. It is also a responsible budget, cast within the context of a macroeconomic framework that recognises the risks faced both from the global economy, as well as from the realities that confront a new and emerging resource-based economy.

Budget 2023 is also partially financed by revenue from Guyana’s carbon credits sale, since Guyana is the first country to receive a payment of $75 million from Hess Corporation under an agreement that could be worth a minimum of $750 million until 2030.

Two more payments of $37.5 million each will bring the total budgetary allocation to $150 million. The payment recognizes the important role of Guyana’s forests in fighting climate change and the government’s efforts in this area. The Natural Resource Fund will provide an

additional $1 billion this year to finance developmental priorities.

This year’s budget balances current needs with investments in the future, with transformational projects planned for agriculture, education, health, and infrastructural sectors. The budget allocates $84.9 billion for the health sector and $94.4 billion for the education sector, including $13.1 billion for a paediatric and maternal hospital and regional hospitals and $12.4 billion for improving education infrastructure.

Energy is a major focus of the budget, including the construction of a natural gas liquids plant and a 300 MW power plant that will reduce emissions by 70 per cent. Other infrastructural projects include upgrades to highways, the East Coast railway embankment and the construction of a bridge across the Hope Canal.

The budget includes measures to increase disposable income; expand the part-time job programme; support the vulnerable, and incentivize home ownership. It reflects the government’s commitment to improving the lives of all Guyanese today, while also creating opportunities for the future.

Melandi Janki’s response leaves more questions than answers

Dear Editor,

READERS would recall that I had questioned Melandi Janki’s modus operandi in challenging ExxonMobil’s operations in Guyana, whereby she is seeking to sue that company together with the Government of Guyana (GoG).

I had pointed out that there is some amount of evidence that suggested she

worked for ExxonMobil sometime during 1999 and 2015, and that it appears her services were not retained.

In another letter, I challenged some of her arguments on financial matters, her position on the feasibility of the gas-to-energy project, for example, exposing the inherent weaknesses and flaws with her contentions on these matters.

I am now writing with reference to her

letter carried in the Stabroek News edition of February 3, 2023, with the caption: “I did not represent Exxon in the 1999 petroleum agreement.”

In her letter, she wrote that she was told that “somebody on Facebook or a chat show says I represented Exxon in the 1999 petroleum agreement.”

That “somebody” happens to be the undersigned, and she is very much aware of

this because I emailed her both of my letters which were carried by two of the local newspapers.

I was also on the Guyanese Critic platform (a widely viewed platform in Guyana) with Freddie Kissoon and Leonard Gildarie, where the question was asked of me about her lawsuit among other things, and

Editor Navendra Seoraj

Melandi Janki’s response leaves ...

I gave my take on the issue, including her questionable agenda.

Though I am inclined to give her the benefit of the doubt, there are myriad inconsistencies in her letter that I am hard pressed to leave unaddressed.

The author, who is often described as an international attorney and transparency advocate, claimed that she did not represent Exxon in the 1999 petroleum agreement.

The undersigned’s contention, however, is not whether she represented Exxon in the 1999 petroleum agreement, per se, but whether she worked for ExxonMobil and earned from ExxonMobil at some point in time, in relation to Exxon’s operations in Guyana.

Given her response, she has explicitly and implicitly confirmed that she has worked for ExxonMobil in Guyana.

To this end, she claimed in her letter that De Caires, Fitzpatrick and Karan were the lawyers for Exxon at the time, and confirmed that she was one of the firm’s consultant lawyers.

She went on further to state that Miles Fitzpatrick “put her name” on the document because nobody else (in his law firm) knew anything about oil. By her own admission as described above, the international attorney confirmed that though in a third-party capacity, she was

contracted by a law firm in Guyana that was hired by Exxon at the time.

According to her, she was hired on the basis that no one else in the law firm had experience in the global oil-and-gas industry.

In the very letter, the transparency advocate goes on to implicate herself further by disclosing her experience working with big oil companies such as BP during those days as a lawyer.

She also disclosed that Exxon had a power of attorney with her in 1999 which authorized her to receive full notices and accept service of process, among other things.

Obviously, these services provided by her to Exxon directly and indirectly through the referenced law firm, were not for free.

In these respects, the attorney and transparency advocate confirmed categorically that she worked for Exxon; this means that she earned from Exxon in the past, and now she is leading a campaign against Exxon’s operations in Guyana.

The obvious question in these circumstances is, why didn’t she drive these campaigns during those years?

Why now? If, as she claimed, she is championing a good cause for the planet with utmost sincerity, then why a lawsuit with EEPGL, a subsidiary company

of ExxonMobil in Guyana together with the Guyana Government?

This should be a global campaign and she should be fighting her legal battle with the parent company in the United States (US) and in a US court of law, and NOT Guyana.

Having said that, here are some other critical questions that come to mind that the transparency advocate ought to provide the answers to the Guyanese public:

1) It appears that she is suing Exxon and the GoG on behalf of the Guyanese people’s interest by way of protecting the environment. What is she suing Exxon for exactly?

2) Is it a declaration? If so, what are those declarations?

3) Is it for monetary compensation on behalf of the Guyanese people? If so, how much?

4) And if she wins this case, what will she do with the money she is suing for, if that is the case?

5) Will the money be deposited into a special fund?

6) Will it be transferred to the Consolidated Fund?

7) Will it be used in community development projects?

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

First Lady lobbies CNOOC President for more investments in Guyanese

FIRST Lady Arya Ali, earlier this week, met with President of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) International, Tian Lixin, to explore areas for collaboration between the oil company and the Office of the First Lady.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the dedication ceremony for Guyana’s third Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO) – the Prosperity

– which the First Lady was named the godmother of.

Mrs. Ali used the opportunity, during the meeting, to highlight a number of transformational initiatives which she has embarked on since assuming office, including but not limited to the menstrual hygiene initiative – a project which aims to end period poverty in Guyana.

“My work focuses heavily on the welfare of people and finding permanent solutions that improve their

standard of living,” Mrs. Ali told the CNOOC President.

Lixin was also updated on the status of several other projects and programmes including the National Beautification Project and the InclusAbility initiative which seeks to better integrate persons with disabilities into society.

“These social prgrammes are tailored to the needs of pockets of groups which have historically felt excluded or have been overlooked

in the past. Ensuring that their voices are heard and interests are protected is part of our mission of creating a ‘One Guyana’,” the First Lady added. Expressing appreciation for the opportunity to know more about the needs of the people of Guyana, Lixin

shared that CNOOC remains committed to ensuring it plays its part in contributing to the development of Guyana in a responsible way. He said, too, that CNOOC has a budget dedicated to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and this is a demonstration of

the company’s willingness to support efforts to improve the lives of the people of Guyana.

Following the meeting, Mrs. Ali presented Lixin with a copy of the ‘Rupununi: Rediscovering a Lost World’ publication. (Office of the First Lady)

First Lady Arya Ali and her team meeting President of CNOOC International, Tian Lixin, and his team, on the sidelines of the dedication ceremony for Guyana’s third FPSO - the Prosperity

First Lady Arya Ali presenting Lixin with a copy of ‘Rupununi: Rediscovering a Lost World’ after the meeting

Eligible persons urged to apply for ITEC Scholarships in India

THE High Commission of India in Georgetown announced details about the Government of India’s Indian Technical and Economical Cooperation (ITEC) Programme for 2023.

In the last year, over seventy persons were selected for the ITEC programmes, both online and in India, of which 48 were Guyanese, including Officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Coast Guards, officers and staff of the various ministries of the Government of Guyana, and members of the public/private sector

The High Commission of India in Georgetown is urging all eligible applicants to apply online at https://www.itecgoi. in/upcoming_courses and for guidelines visit the following link: https ://itecgoi.in/ terms_and_conditions.

For more information, persons can please contact: edu.georgetown@mea.gov. in or access its website at www.HCIgeorgetown.gov.in or Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/indiaingeorgetown.

ITEC is Government of India’s flagship programme instituted on 15th September, 1964, aimed at sharing India’s development experiences with fellow developing countries based on partnership and cooperation for mutual benefit.

According to the High

Wildlife trader awaits sentencing for trafficking Venezuelan men

Commission, the programme consists of short-term courses at prestigious institutions of India to selected partner countries across the world. The Government of India also covers all expenses related to the training and provide the trainees with a return air ticket, accommodation charges, tuition fee, living expenses, medical expenses, and external and internal tours as per the course curriculum

“To date, nearly 700 Guyanese have been selected for ITEC courses.

The Government of India is very happy to announce all courses for 2023 will be conducted in India.

The courses are being offered in numerous areas of studies from Accounting to Agriculture, Cyber-tech, Management, Technical and many more,” the High Commission of India noted.

MAGISTRATE Faith McGusty, on Friday, found a 65-year-old wildlife trader guilty of trafficking two Venezuelan men in 2018.

Feezal Shaw, who operates South American Unlimited at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, was on trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

On Friday, he was found guilty of the two charges which read that between February 14 and June 14, 2018, at Soesdyke, he engaged in trafficking in persons and recruited, harboured or trans-

ported the two men and did not pay them.

He was remanded to prison until February 24, 2023, when his probation report will be read in court.

According to the facts, on February 14, 2018, the two Venezuelans were invited by Shaw to work in Guyana.

When the men arrived, Shaw told them that they would be building cages for exotic animals.

The victims were paid for the first three days and

were not paid again until June 14, 2018. Shaw took away the men’s passports and threatened to report them if they did not comply with his demands.

In 2018, Shaw was slapped with the two human trafficking charges, but they were dismissed in July 2019, by Magistrate Faith McGusty due to insufficient evidence.

Due to new evidence, the case was subsequently reopened and Shaw was charged again.

Woman charged for grandmother’s murder

TWENTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD Stephanie Gamell, a former teacher of the Pomeroon River and Richmond Housing Scheme was on Friday charged for the mur-

der of her 75-year-old grandmother. Gamell appeared virtually before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

She was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that she between November 26 and 27, 2022, at Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, murdered Agatha Gamell.

She was remanded to prison and will make her second court appearance on February 27, 2023.

During the hearing, the court was told that Gamell is currently receiving psychological treatment and is responding well. Following Agatha’s death, Gamell was hospitalised after it was disclosed that she was suffering

from postpartum depression.

Agatha’s battered body was discovered in her home on November 27, 2022, with her throat slit, her hair cut off, salt on her body and lime plastered on her face. Reports are that Gamell was visiting her grandmother when she went berserk. After allegedly killing the elderly woman, she handed over her one-month old baby to neighbours claiming that the child had died. Relatives said that Gamell started exhibiting strange behaviour after giving birth.

Stephanie Gamell

Agatha Gamell

Construction of $12.4B maternal and pediatric hospital to commence soon

THE government has said that the design and land preparation for the new maternal and pediatric hospital are completed and the construction of the modern state-ofthe-art facility will commence soon.

This was according to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, in his response to Opposition MP, Dr. Karen Cummings in the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly on Thursday.

“The site is now prepared and very shortly we expect that they would be able to start putting down the foundation and start building the hospital,” Dr. Anthony said.

Giving the details, he noted that the 256-bed hospital is slated to be completed in 2025.

“We had a team from the Georgetown Public Hospital Pediatrics Department who provide a lot of technical inputs into what should go into the pediatric section of the hospital. We also had a lot of consultants from the Obstetrics Department of the Georgetown hospital, participating in the technical design of the obstetrics side of the hospital,” Dr. Anthony stated.

The hospital is being built by VAMED, an Austrian company that has constructed more than a thousand hospitals around the world.

Dr. Anthony said that the Austrian Government and the Government of Guyana signed an agreement in 2018 for the development of a number of health facilities here.

“One of the facilities that were earmarked was the Georgetown Public Hospital. When we came into government, we reviewed the agreement and we decided at the time, we wanted to build a maternal and child health hospital…and we amended that agreement,” Dr. Anthony said.

He related that it is under this agreement that the maternal and child health hospital is being built.

“In terms of the financing, we are using the UK banks to finance this hospital and it is a very, very concessional rate and therefore through this arrangement of this MOU we have been able to do this quite successfully,” he added.

The contract for the hospital was signed in June last year.

The ministry is working on providing all the required training for the staff that will work at the hospital, both specialist doctors and nurses.

“With nurses, we have some specialised training that we are working on. We have some partnerships with universities in Canada to get our nurses specialised in the areas that we would need them to be in the new hospital and we have a partnership, as you know with Brazil where a number of nurses have gone there to get further training and that is going to continue,” the Health Minister said.

Among other specialised services, the hospital will have a Pediatric Cardiac Unit that will conduct surgeries on children.

However, while the hospital is going to be built, this service will soon be started at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

“Hopefully we will be able to operate on the first 20 or so children that have various types of cardiac problems, this year and we are hoping that we can continue that programme so when the hospital opens, it’s a natural flow, where this team that is going to be at the Georgetown hospital now, would go across to the hospital,” Dr. Anthony added. (DPI)

An artist’s impression of the new $12.4B maternal and pediatric hospital

Berbicians give gov’t outreach thumbs up ––

say housing issues, other matters were satisfactorily addressed

SCORES of Region Six

residents who turned up at State House in New Amsterdam, on Thursday, to access the services provided by the Office of the President and several government agencies, have expressed satisfaction with the response to their issues and queries.

Throughout the first day of the two - day exercise , a number of persons flocked the Ministry of Housing and Water-Central Housing and Planning Authority booth for an update on their land applications and to raise other housing related matters.

The residents who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle said that they are now feeling a sense of relief having heard from the housing team and are eagerly awaiting a call to move forward with the process.

Bhojnarine Gossai and his wife Samantha Gossai, of Ferry Street, New Amsterdam, said they are looking for stability for their family as they have moved five times in the last four years and in less than three weeks they will have to find a new place to live.

After learning that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali was holding an outreach, Gossai and his wife decided they were going to use the opportunity to share their plight and inquire about the status of their house lot application.

Following a quick check by the housing officials, the couple who are parents to two children, ages four and six, were told to expect a call on Monday.

They were all smiles as they are on the verge of finally getting their own land on which they will construct their home.

“The persons we staying by want the place by February month end so when I get

through with this house lot it would mean the world to me Me and my family would finally have peace and be stable I can’t wait,” a beaming Gossai said.

Gossai who is a cane harvester at the Blairmont Estate, told this publication that he was happy that an initiative of that nature was being done in the region since it offered persons direct access to relevant personnel who can make on - the - spot decisions.

He added that he made the right choice to attend the outreach.

Meanwhile, Nafeeza Ku-

mar, 43 of Winkle Road, New Amsterdam explained that after meeting with representatives from the Central Housing and Planning Authority, she was delighted to get “positive news”.

Kumar related that she was presently renting and was eager to know the status of her land application which was submitted in 2016.

The woman told this publication that from then to now she had repeatedly called the agency for a status update.

She said that she was told that she needed to wait.

At the outreach, she said

she was told of a proposed piece of land at Number 76 Village , Corriverton She should be receiving a call from the agency next Thursday or Friday.

“I deh back and forth checking and all I was hearing is I had to wait, but today I am extremely glad to know something is happening and I would get through I want to say thanks to the ministry and to the government for reaching to us on the ground, this is commendable and I am glad I come out here today,” she added.

Further, New Amsterdam resident, Simone Clement,

Four families homeless after fire guts Grove house

FOUR families are now homeless after a fire destroyed the house they were occupying at Lot 110 Grove Public Road , East Bank Demerara (EBD).

According to informa -

tion from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), water tenders from the Eccles and Diamond fire stations were dispatched around 14:34hrs on Friday, when the fire service received information about a

fire at Grove

According to reports , when the fire service arrived, officers found a two-storey wooden and concrete building on fire

Firefighters were un -

was among the hundreds of residents who attended the outreach.

“It really is a good thing the president is here to deal with everything, but housing out here is really commendable and helpful You really do get your issues heard and I really hope and pray to get my land soon I appreciate all the help I had today as I look forward to a call soon.”

In addition to land allocations, several other housing related issues were addressed. Chief Executive Officer of CHPA, Sherwyn Greaves, was on the ground listening directly to the concerns of residents.

PROMISES KEPT

President Ali, on Thursday, delivered on two promises. One was to a former sugar worker who was still awaiting his severance pay and the other concerned two farmers who had requested fertiliser and other support.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Paul Tyndell walked away extremely happy after receiving some $ 250,000 as severance payment He lost his job when the former APNU + AFC Government shut down operations at four sugar estates.

The 54-year-old man received his cheque from President Ali minutes after he raised the issue.

“I feel happy to know that we have a president not on promise; he is on time, and he speaks his words and it come to pass I believe that’s what the people need, a man with a vision One who speaks words and it come to pass,” the father of five explained.

He also expressed thanks to the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, noting that he too contributed to

investigating the issue.

The DPI said that the president also came in for high commendation when he provided a sufficient quantity of fertilisers to two farmers in less than 30 minutes The two are cultivating lands at Highbury , along the East Bank of Berbice.

Sean Grant told DPI that he currently has 675 mature trees including mostly lemons and 160 soursop trees under cultivation.

Grant approached Dr Ali requesting fertiliser support and assistance with cleaning of a drain that is in close proximity to his farmland.

“It was handled and resolved efficiently, and definitely to my satisfaction We received five bags and we were promised that within a week we will get a date for the cleaning of the 1,000 rods of drains,” the man told DPI.

He said the importance of President Ali ’ s strategy of meeting the people at the grass root level cannot be overstated.

The president relocated his office to Berbice for the two-day exercise so that he could listen to the concerns of residents, with the aim of finding immediate solutions.

Representatives from a number of government ministries and agencies accompanied him.

“The unique exercise provided an opportunity for leaders to get first-hand feedback from those they serve, allowing them to make informed decisions that address the needs of their constituents.

The president believes that this type of interaction also promotes transparency and accountability, as residents are given the opportunity to hold their leaders accountable for the promises made to them,” DPI said.

able to save the building owned by the late Dacie Metamon , but investigations revealed that the fire was maliciously set. Investigations into the incident are in progress.

Bhojnarine Gossai Paul Tyndell (DPI photo) Sean Grant (DPI photo)

A quantity of fertilisers were handed over to two farmers in keeping with a commitment made by President Ali (DPI photo)

Four families are now homeless after a fire destroyed the house they were occupying at Lot 110 Grove Public Road

Engaging citizens, enhancing

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali took the Office of the President to Berbice to engage with residents and find solutions to their problems, as part of an effort that will extend to regions across the country in the coming months.

The President also participated in the handing-over ceremonies for three houses built by members of Men on Mission for vulnerable persons in Berbice. (Adrian Narine, Office of the President and Ministry of Housing photos)

FAO Director-General to visit Caribbean

–– To focus on risk, disease prevention technical and political agenda.

THE Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, will visit Bridgetown, Barbados, on Monday, for both a

The Director-General’s trip will kick off with a visit to the Bridgetown Fisheries

Complex, where he will find out more about the implementation of an FAO-supported fish silage project, a process that transforms fish waste into

a liquid mixture of hydrolyzed proteins, lipids, minerals, and other nutrients that both terrestrial and aquatic animals can digest. It can also serve as an

excellent fertiliser.

In this context, the Director-General will meet with The Honorable Adrian Forde, Barbados’ Minister of The Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, and leaders of local fishermen’s associations.

QU will then travel to the United Nations office in Barbados, where he will participate in the launch of the Early Warnings for All Initiative (EW4ALL) for the Caribbean, whose primary focus is to mobilize the Prime Ministers of the Caribbean to support and facilitate national and regional governance mechanisms to reduce the risks of climate catastrophes.

The event will be attended by the Prime Minister of Barbados, The Honorable Mia Amor Mottley, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, The Honorable Philip J. Pierre, along with Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), among other authorities.

The Director-General’s first day in the Caribbean will conclude with a working meeting with the Prime Minister of Barbados, The Honorable Mia Amor Mottley, at the presidential office.

On Tuesday, July 7, the Director-General will participate in the sixth meeting of the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance ( AMR), an initiative promoted by FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

This group was established to collaborate globally with governments, agencies, civil society, and the private sector through the “One Health” approach to provide advice on implementing policy measures to mitigate drug-resistant infections through responsible and sustainable access to and use of antimicrobials.

Antimicrobial drugs are essential for treating diseases, and their use is crucial to human, animal, and plant health. However, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are of significant concern regarding to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms. Because of AMR, drug-resistant infections represent an increasing burden to human and animal health and the environment.

FAO Director General QU Dongyu

Horner – sport should never be used as political tool

(BBC) - RED Bull team principal, Christian Horner says sport “should never be used as a political tool” but it has to find a “sensible balance” regarding freedom of speech.

Formula 1 ’ s governing body the FIA added a new rule this year that states drivers need written permission to express political or religious views Horner said sport ’ s first objective should be to “entertain”.

The 49 - year - old added : “ You have that element of escapism within it.”

The Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (Bird) accused the FIA of “ suppressing drivers’ freedom of speech ” with the changes to the sporting code and questioned its commitment to human rights.

Speaking at Red Bull ’ s ‘season launch’ in New York to reveal the car ’ s updated livery and the new partnership with Ford, Horner stressed his team had always been open to drivers voicing their opinions

“We certainly at Red Bull have never constrained our drivers of their freedom of speech, or the ability to speak

their minds because they do have a voice,” he said

“ I think it ’ s a matter of finding a balance In the world that we live in today, everybody has a voice and that shouldn’t be suppressed

“ But of course , it does have to be done responsibly

So, we don’t want a load of robots that are without an opinion going racing

“Like with all things, it just has to be a sensible balance.”

In recent seasons , Mercedes ’ Lewis Hamilton and former Ferrari and Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel have used their platform in F1 to raise issues such as Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ + rights.

Red Bull ’ s Sergio Perez says the drivers “do not feel comfortable” with the restrictions the FIA has imposed The Mexican said : “ We want to be ourselves and we

Jordan, Harding bring Pride back into contest

CMC – Fast bowlers Akeem Jordan and Keon Harding hauled Barbados Pride back into their first round contest against Guyana Harpy Eagles, to set up an interesting final day at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

Trailing by 151 after they were dismissed for 220 in their first innings on Friday’s third day, Pride then rocked Harpy Eagles courtesy of Jordan (3-18) and Harding (3-27), sending the innings crashing to 91 for eight at the close – a lead of 242 runs.

Lively seamer Jair McAllister got the initial breakthrough in the second over when he got Tevin Imlach to top-edge a pull before he had scored, for Jordan to snare the catch running around from leg gully. And with just a single run added at four for two in the seventh over, Jordan hit Kemol Savory in front, also without scoring, as Harpy Eagles tottered.

First innings century-maker Matthew Nandu (16) and captain Leon Johnson (12) tried to repair the damage in a 38-run, third wicket stand but once Harding got the left-handed Johnson to sky a short one to mid-wicket, Harpy Eagles lost six wickets for 48 runs.

Earlier, Pride lost seven wickets for 115 runs in a disappointing batting effort, after resuming the morning on 105 for three. Test batsman Shamarh Brooks struck 61, all-rounder Shamar Springer got 35 not out while nightwatchman Harding chipped in with 24.

Brooks, who faced 141 deliveries and counted five fours, stretched his overnight fourth wicket stand with Harding to 57 before the stand was broken, Harding bowled

missing a heave at West Indies left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul who finished with four for 53.

Brooks was eventually sixth out in the fourth over after lunch, gently driving Permaul to cover and it was left to Springer, who struck four fours off 69 balls, to rally the tail in a 30-run eighth wicket partnership with Chaim Holder (13).

At Coolidge Cricket Ground, West Indies player Rahkeem Cornwall produced a strong all-round performance to keep Leeward Islands Hurricanes with their noses in front against Jamaica Scorpions.

Cornwall claimed five for 54 as Scorpions, resuming on 186 for six in reply to Hurricanes’ 260, were dismissed for 234 in their first innings.

Abhijai Mansingh, unbeaten overnight on 34, made 56 off 176 deliveries with seven fours.

Armed with a lead of only 26 runs, Hurricanes needed Cornwall’s unbeaten 56 from 73 balls to end on 198 for seven – an overall lead of 224 runs heading into Saturday’s final day.

Montcin Hodge (31) and left-hander Kieran Powell (28) posted 55 for the first wicket before off-spinner Jamie Merchant (2-27) removed both.

West Indies batsman Keacy Carty (26) and Kofi James added 28 for the third but a slide saw three wickets go down for 25 runs, to give Scorpions the upper hand.

However, Cornwall put on 35 for the sixth wicket with Terrance Ward (4) and further 32 in an unbroken eighth wicket stand with Hayden Walsh (13 not out), to bolster Hurricanes late in the day.

want to be able to express ourselves in any way that we want

“ We all have differing views and differing beliefs in religious ways I get the political side but we all should be free to express ourselves the way we want

“I believe in this sport it is important to express yourself There are some younger drivers that I think they will struggle to know what you can say or what you cannot say

“That to me, is not correct But we will discuss that.”

Red Bull ‘ want to keep winning’ - Verstappen

Red Bull swept to a first

constructors ’ championship since 2013 last season thanks to 17 victories across the 22race calendar - 15 of those courtesy of Max Verstappen, who secured back - to - back drivers’ titles

Horner revealed the new RB19 car has “ subtle aerodynamic changes ” and said he hopes it can replicate the success of last year’s model

Verstappen added that Red Bull cannot ease off in their pursuit of more silverware

“I never really think about being the favourite because you have to keep on winning and improving,” said the Dutchman . “ If you are not ,

[ your rivals ] will catch up and overtake you It’s about finding performance and we, of course , want to keep on winning.”

Verstappen set a new record in 2022 for most wins in a single F1 season, surpassing the record of 13 held by Vettel and seven-time world champion, Michael Schumacher

He said that repeating the success Red Bull achieved in the previous campaign would not be “straightforward” but they were “optimistic” about their chances.

The 25-year-old added: “I do think we have a great opportunity.”

The Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 is unveiled during the Oracle Red Bull Racing Season Launch 2023 at Classic Car Club Manhattan on February 03 , 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Oracle Red Bull Racing)

Zimbabwe series represents redemption - Brathwaite

CMC – CAPTAIN Kraigg

Brathwaite believes the twoTest tour of Zimbabwe beginning on Saturday presents West Indies with the opportunity to redeem themselves, in the aftermath of the chastening series in Australia last month.

The Caribbean lost both Tests Down Under by heavy margins in a lopsided tour but now come up against minnows Zimbabwe, to whom they have never lost a Test in 10 previous meetings.

“We’re aiming for an allround team performance,” Brathwaite told an online media conference Friday.

“I think in Australia we obviously didn’t bat well. We got above 250 a few times which was good [but] we didn’t bowl well. We didn’t bowl out Australia at all.

“I think coming here we’re looking for an all-round per-

formance, one that the bowlers come together to get 20 wickets and then the batsmen putting a lot of runs on the board, especially in the first innings, making it a big total

“So I would say on this tour that all -round performance is what really we’re looking for, gearing towards South Africa [next month].”

He added: “Preparation has gone really well. I really like how the guys applied themselves in the practice game we had so that was really good. The guys are looking forward to the first Test. We’re in a very good space.”

West Indies last faced Zimbabwe here six years ago when they captured the twomatch series 1-0. They won the opening Test by 117 runs and drew the second, in which the hosts posted in excess of 300 in each innings.

Zimbabwe will miss sever-

al of their experienced players for the series with captain Sean Williams out injured and fast bowlers Tendai Chatara Blessing Muzarabani, and all-rounders Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl missing for various reasons.

Seven uncapped players have been subsequently named in the squad.

Brathwaite said West Indies felt under no pressure, however, and would be focussed on simply executing their game plan.

“We’re not under any pressure. I think all the guys are really looking forward to playing here,” he said.

“We had a few practice sessions at the ground. So I don’t think there’s any pressure. I think the guys are going to go out there and enjoy it and make West Indians proud.”

The pitch at Queens Sports Club is expected to play a key

role in the contest. And while traditionally known for its spin friendliness, Brathwaite believes pace could also come into play on the surface.

West Indies have welcomed back veteran speedster Shannon Gabriel after an injury layoff but also have at their disposal, left-spinners Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie, as specialist slow bowlers.

“ I think both [pace and spin] will get some assistance,” Brathwaite pointed out.

“Last time we came I thought the pacers did a good job. It didn’t bounce extremely high but I still think there’s stuff in it for the pacers once

they obviously put in the effort.

“And for the spinners, they got a bit of purchase on the last tour and it looks like there will get a little purchase [again]. So I think for both it will have something in it but whatever you put in I think you will get out.”

The match bowls off at 10 am (4 am Eastern Caribbean time).

SQUADS:

ZIMBABWE – Craig Ervine (captain), Gary Ballance, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Tanaka Chivanga, Bradley Evans, Joylord Gumbie, In -

nocent Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakadza, Kudzai Maunze, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano, Tafadzwa Tsiga

WEST INDIES – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul , Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Devon Thomas, Jomel Warrican CMC ed/23

Browne excluded from Exeter City’s clash over ‘disciplinary matter’

CMC – FORMER Jamaica

youth international Jevani Brown, the club’s top scorer, will not play in Exeter City’s English League One home clash with Charlton Athletic on Saturday owing to a “club disciplinary matter”.

The 28-year-old has netted 14 goals this season, provided a further nine assists and has the second-highest level of goal contributions in League One, the third tier of English football.

Brown had been the subject of a bid from rivals Portsmouth on the final day of the January transfer window which had been turned down by Exeter, a Devon club nicknamed the Grecians.

Exeter said Brown did not train with the team on Friday.

On Thursday, Exeter

manager, Gary Caldwell said both Brown and teammate Josh Key – for whom the club had also received a transfer bid – were “fully committed and ready to give everything for the club until the end of the season.”

Caldwell had added.

“We value Jevani very high-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 GARNETT STREET, CAMPBELLVILLE, GEORGETOWN (TEL: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 486 runs (vs IND, 1958-59)

(2) Vs ENG, Leeds, 1969

Today’s Quiz:

(1) When did Joe Solomon make his Test debut?

(2) Who was the WI captain at the time?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ly. He is a player that has the second highest goal contributions in the league this season and has really thrived at this level and shows his quality every week – as he did last week at MK Dons [where Brown scored both goals in a 2-0 win].

Brown, who joined Exeter from League Two club Colchester United in June 2021, made five appearances for Jamaica Under-17s in 2011 and was set to make his senior debut for the Reggae Boyz last year after being called up to represent Jamaica at a four-team tournament in Austria, but surprised his club by returning to Exeter without playing

According to Exeter’s assistant manager, Wayne Carlisle, the Austria itinerary “wasn’t going to match up with what he [Brown] needed and give him game time so they came to an agreement with the [Jamaican] federation to come back”, adding: “He is enjoying his time at Exeter and when it didn’t join up with what he wanted, he put in the request to come back.”

Exeter, currently lying 10th in the table after winning promotion from League Two last season, declined to comment further on the nature of the disciplinary matter involving Brown when approached by media.

Former Jamaica youth international Jevani Brown

BCQS Masters Squash C/ships

Fernandes beat Pollard in Men’s 30-44 division

By Sean Devers

THE second night of the BCQS Masters Squash Championships continued Thursday with an entertaining contest between Guyana’s most accomplished female Squash player, Nicolette Fernanades and former National Champion, Regan Pollard.

Pollard, who represented Guyana at two Commonwealth Games, pulled on all his experience but just could not conquer the explosive court speed and superior fittness level of Fernandes.

Fernandes executed several crisp back hand drives and well placed drop shots, some of which the former two-time Caribbean under-19 champion, did not even attempt to go for and as the match progressed he seemed exhausted.

But Pollard made Fernandes, who won a Pam Am Gold medal last year in Guatemala, work hard for her points.

The pair engaged in some fairly lengthy rallies which Fernandes usually ended with deft short drops with Pollard at the back of the

Fernandez makes Chelsea debut but fails to impact outcome

tion commenced with play in the 56-64 division with Trinidadian John Holly defeating Sanjay Amin from Barbados 11-8, 11-5,11-2; Ron Edwards got the better of John Astleford 11-6, 1012, 12-10, 6-11, 11-7; Mark Sealy beat fellow Barbadian Peter Harris 11,5, 11-1, 11-1 and Joseph Mekdeci beat Lloyd Fung-a-Fat 11-4, 1210, 11-8.

In the 45-54 division T&T’s Peter Pirtheesingh beat Guyana’s Khalil Ali 116, 11-3, 6-11, 11-6.

court.

Fernandes is no stranger to playing in the Men’s category; in 2010 she won both the Men and Women’s titles and also played among the Guys in 2017 National Open Championships.

The Caribbean Squash Queen displayed excellent Court awareness and retrieval skills and won the first two

games 11-2 and 11-5.

Pollard came out in the third with renewed energy and took the early lead with some quality Squash as he threated to take match in a fourth game.

But Fernandes, aided by some lose work by Pollard, won the game and match 3-0 with a hard fought 11-9 win in game three.

Thursday Evening’s ac-

In the other Men’s 3044 matches, Jason van Dirk disposed of fellow Guyanese Reagan Rodrigues 11-5, 114, 11-4; Bajan Shawn Simpson beat Jonathan Antczak 11-7, 11-1, 11-2; Alex Arjoon beat Javid Rahaman 11-3, 11-4, 11-3 and Daniel Ince defeated Nicholas Narain 11-3, 11-7, 11-1.

In the Women’s over-35s Lydia Fraser beat Vincentian Hazel-Anne Sandy 11-6, 11-3, 11-2, while Guyana’s Kathy Ten Pow beat Canadian Anna Perreira 11-0, 11-0, 11-1.

The tournament was scheduled to continue last night and climax with the finals today.

Russell fireworks fail to spur Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

nine games.

West Indies all-rounder Russell made a fist of it, however, lashing 42 from 22 balls with five fours and two sixes but lacked support. Opener Joe Clarke was the only other batsman to pass 20 with 22 from 17 deliveries.

The West Indies trio of Brandon King (19), captain Sunil Narine (11) and Akeal Hosein (0) all failed, with veteran former West Indies medium pacer Dwayne Bravo slicing through the innings with three for 37 from four overs.

paced their innings well from the outset. Waseem, who struck one four and half-dozen sixes, put on 35 for the first wicket with Fletcher before adding a further 87 for the second wicket with Tucker.

(BBC) - BRITISH record signing Enzo Fernandez made his Chelsea debut but could not help his new side claim only their second win of 2023 as they were held by Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

Argentina midfielder Fernandez completed a £107m move to the Blues from Benfica three days ago and Graham Potter opted to hand him an immediate start.

He made a solid impression and almost enjoyed a dream debut when his curled effort flew just wide of the post in the second half.

Kai Havertz also went close before the break when his lobbed effort from Hakim Ziyech’s superb pass clipped the woodwork before the ball was cleared off the line, while debutant David Datro Fofana had a shot cleared off the line late on after showing great control to wrong-foot the goalkeeper.

But overall Chelsea did not do enough to earn the win as they again struggled to create real goal scoring chances, finishing the game with just three shots on target.

Fulham fully deserved the point after a superb defensive display and move up to sixth in the table, three places and two points above Chelsea

New faces, same issues for Chelsea

Chelsea owner, Todd Boehly spent big during January, with the £288m outlay eclipsing the £270m spent in the summer, to ensure Potter has the players to push for a top-four finish in the second half of the season.

The biggest of the purchases was Fernandez. The World Cup winner has enjoyed a meteoric rise since moving to Benfica from River Plate for £8.8m last summer and has been bought by Chelsea to strengthen their midfield.

He provided a hint of what is to come from him against Fulham, topping the stats for most touches (59) and most tackles (five) than any other player in the first half, and came as close as anyone to breaking the deadlock with his shot from outside the box in the second half.

CMC – ANDRE Russell’s fireworks made little difference as winless Abu Dhabi Knight Riders stretched their losing streak to eight games with an 18-run defeat to Kieron Pollard’s MI Emirates here Friday.

Handed 181 as a target at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Knight Riders collapsed for 162 at the start of the final over, to remain rooted at the bottom of the standings in the International League T20 with a single point from

For Emirates, the victory was their fifth and left them on 11 points in third place – only three points off leaders Desert Vipers.

Sent in, they mustered 180 for four from their 20 overs, with opener Muhammad Waseem top-scoring with 60 from 43 deliveries and Pollard smashing 17-ball 43.

Lorcan Tucker, with 33, and West Indies opener Andre Fletcher, 22, played supporting roles as Emirates

When Waseem and Tucker fell to successive deliveries in successive overs with no addition to the score at 122 for three at the start of the 16th over, Pollard arrived to rally the innings, belting four fours and three sixes to dominate a 56-run, fourth wicket partnership with fellow Trinidadian and former West Indies white-ball captain, Nicholas Pooran (10 not-out).

In reply, Knight Riders were in early trouble at 53 for three in the seventh over before Russell entered to inspire a 27-run, fourth wicket stand with Clarke and a 34-run partnership with Connor Esterhuizen (17).

But once Russell flayed a Zahoor Khan (2-33) full toss to Waseem at deep mid-wicket, all Knight Riders’ hopes disappeared with him.

Fellow January arrivals Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke and Fofana also featured in the game and while they had varying degrees of impact, Chelsea’s long-running issue in front of goal was once again laid bare.

It took the hosts well over an hour to manage a shot on target, with the Blues - who started the game without a traditional striker - falling well short in the final third.

Fofana suggested he could improve that during his short time on the pitch, superbly rounding the goalkeeper late on before his goal-bound effort was cleared by Tim Ream, but they have now scored just two goals in their last six matches - a statistic that needs to improve quickly if they are to move higher up the table.

An impressive away display

Fulham have been exceptional since the World Cup, winning more games than any other side in the Premier League, and this performance highlighted why they are a serious threat for a finish in the European places.

Marco Silva’s side were disciplined in their shape, frustrating the hosts as they struggled to find a way through the defence, and also carried a threat in attack themselves.

A bit more conviction from Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid with their shots in the second half and they may have come away with the win, but this was a very solid three points that keeps the Blues below them in the table.

Daniel Ince defeated Nicholas Narain on Thursday night’s Men’s 30-44 division (Sean Devers photo)

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell

Enzo Fernandez had more touches of the ball in the first half than any other player

Regan Pollard lost to Nicolette Fernanades in a competitive match (Sean Devers photo)