Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-02-2024

4th FEBRUARY, 2024

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See Inside No.107344

Guyanese have clear view of who stands with, for them

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- Dr Singh says; draws attention to APNU+AFC’s long, well-established track record of obstructing, frustrating, derailing progress

Construction has begun on the remaining section of the Eccles Access Road (Dump Site Road). The road is being converted into a four-lane thoroughfare to connect the Heroes Highway to the East Bank four-lane highway (Public Road)

Major investments SOUTHCOM Air Force Commander to promote dismisses claims proactive policing of US military base in Guyana - President Ali SEE PAGE

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President Ali touts ‘oversight committees’ for community development 13 in WCB

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

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Guyanese have clear view of who stands with, for them

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

- Dr Singh says; draws attention to APNU+AFC’s long, well-established track record of obstructing, frustrating, derailing progress

By Clestine Juan SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, has called out the APNU+AFC over their historical pattern of obstructing and hindering progress within the legislative process of the National Assembly.

Following the passage of the historic $1.146 trillion

structing frustrating and derailing progress,” he said.

Reflecting on past confrontations, Dr. Singh recounted the “shameful episodes of parliamentary lawlessness” exhibited by APNU+AFC members, particularly during the 2021 deliberations on the NRF Act. Opposition tactics included interrupting speeches, chanting derogatory remarks, and even an attempt to phys-

national projects, Dr. Singh argued.

He cited the derailed Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, which, if not obstructed, “would today have been supplying Guyana’s national grid with 156 megawatts of affordable, clean, and renewable energy.”

Dr. Singh also addressed the controversy surrounding the adjustment of debt ceil-

FLASHBACK: Opposition Members of Parliament attempting to seize the Speaker’s Mace

budget, late Friday night, as Minister Singh was about to address the National Assembly, to table the second reading of the Fiscal Enactments Amendment Bill, APNU+AFC members walked out of the session.

“It should come as no surprise that the APNU+AFC, just as we were about to consider this Fiscal Enactments Bill, chose to leave the House in the manner that they did.

Because they have a long and well established and well-documented track record of ob-

ically remove the parliamentary Mace, an act thwarted by swift intervention.

This unprecedented act was foiled by Speaker, Manzoor Nadir’s personal assistant, who held the instrument tightly as he laid on the floor of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The Opposition had moved to the High Court to challenge the NRF Act, but it was eventually thrown out. The Opposition's stance has not only affected legislative processes but also major

ings, clarifying that the move was not indicative of reckless borrowing but a necessary step for prudent financial management.

He contrasted the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration's transparency with the previous coalition government's concealment of debts and a significant signing bonus.

In his address, Dr. Singh painted a stark picture of the parliamentary divide, with the governing PPP/C members present and engaged, while the

opposition benches lay empty.

“The respective presence illustrates those who are standing on the side of the Guyanese people and those who are opposed to the Guyanese people, and will only ever act in a manner inimical to the interests of the Guyanese people,” he remarked, pointing out the absence of APNU+AFC members as evidence of their disinterest in the nation's welfare.

The minister explained the Fiscal Enactments Bill’s objective to optimise the financing mix, ensuring a balance between immediate withdrawals and long-term savings from the NRF. He also pointed to the strategic importance of the bill, which aimed at amending the NRF Act of 2021 to facilitate the country’s oil revenues for the development of public infrastructure and social services. “…The financing that will be mobilised, under the auspices of this bill will deliver accelerated improvement to the lives of the Guyanese.

And as their customary fashion, the APNU+AFC will do everything that they possibly can to frustrate the delivery of these benefits to the Guyanese people,” Dr Singh said.

The bill was passed late Friday night after approval from the parliamentary committee without amendment.

Underscoring the need for a flexible financing strategy in his Budget 2024 presentation, Dr. Singh highlighted the government’s ambitious agenda for development.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh

This includes an expanded Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) and fortified social safety nets, ensuring that the revised NRF rules provide the fiscal flexibility to meet evolving economic challenges and opportunities without impeding developmental projects.

Furthermore, the bill proposes pivotal amendments to key fiscal laws, including the Income Tax Act and the Value-Added Tax Act. These changes, such as raising the income tax threshold and eliminating VAT on essential goods, are intended to alleviate the financial burden on citizens, thereby improving their access to technology, sports, and safety equipment.

Previously, Gail Texeira, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance had criticised the opposition's actions, questioning their commitment to Guyana's democratic process.

Texeira had highlighted in 2022 when the Opposition

walked out of the sitting just as significant reform bills were up for debate, labelling the opposition as increasingly “irrelevant.”

She accused Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton of attempting to manipulate parliamentary proceedings, particularly criticising his motion regarding a “clean voters’ list,” which she viewed as a direct attempt to sidestep constitutional protocols.

The Speaker's dismissal of Norton's motion as non-urgent led to the opposition's abrupt exit, leaving vital discussions on the table.

Minister Texeira had expressed her disappointment, stating: They abdicated their responsibility to participate in lawmaking for the betterment and development of the society.”

She had pointed to a broader concern about the opposition's willingness to engage in constructive legislative work amid Guyana's pressing political and social issues.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

Major investments to promote proactive policing - President Ali - Land regularisation and agricultural intervention underway to help residents of Timehri, Friendship

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali says major investments are being made in proactive policing and intelligence gathering to meet the demands of a modern economy.

According to the Head of State, the government’s vision is to create a fully functional, smart country to match the developments taking place across the nation. Modernising the security sector, he explained, sets the foundation for a safer country and the protection of people and their investments.

During a community meeting with residents of Grove, East Bank Demerara, on Friday afternoon, he noted that enhanced policing will include all facets of crime. He said CCTV cameras are being installed to automatically detect drivers who breach the speed limit on the new highways.

This measure, he said, is aimed to safeguard road users, especially in the re-

President Dr. Irfaan Ali held outreaches at Timehri, Friendship, and Grove, East Bank Demerara on Friday. During the meetings, the President informed the residents about the various measures in the 2024 National Budget (Photos: Office of the President) duction of fatal accidents.

“We understand the importance of safety on the road, and we are not satisfied with the way in which our dear human resource asset, the pride of our country, is being senselessly lost along our roadways,” President Ali stressed.

In addition to security upgrades, the Head of State

announced that investments are also being made in the marine sector of the police force. Through these investments, landing docks will be erected along the coast, giving police additional and swifter options to track and stop criminal activities.

President Ali also informed residents that soon, the police force will be equipped with assets to conduct aerial surveillance, boosting crime-fighting capabilities and aiding in “intelligence gathering and

proactive policing”.

“We are investing heavily in security and advancement of security. A lot of work is being done… this is the type of things we are doing to ensure full development of our country,” he emphasised.

REGULARISATION AND LAND TITLES On Friday, the President also met with residents of Timehri and Friendship squatting areas on the East Bank of Demerara, where he made several on-thespot interventions to bring

relief to pressing concerns of the residents.

At Timehri, he announced that within the coming weeks, residents of Base Road, Timehri, will receive their land titles, securing ownership of lands they have lived on for years. However, President Ali noted that not all residents will be regulated as a result of aviation regulations and their proximity to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

“I am very pleased to tell you that with our aggressive work, within two weeks, I will be back right here to hand out titles for persons within the squatter settlement.”

He added that the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission has worked assiduously to process the applications.

However, he voiced his disappointment with the small number of residents who expressed interest in having their lands regularised. Of 400 households in the community, only 43 made the effort to follow through with the process despite a myriad of complaints.

Regarding the regularisation of residents at Timehri North, he said work is underway to hand over land titles by the end of this year.

Additionally, the Headof-State said at the same time, the Ministry of Housing and Water is developing 800 house lots at Hauraruni, Soesdyke and is looking at alternatives to accommodate households that cannot be regularised in the Timehri area.

INTERVENTIONS The Head of State also announced initiatives that

will bring relief to farmers in the Timehri and Friendship squatting areas. Further to this, he told residents, that technical staff from the respective agencies in the Ministry of Agriculture would visit the community and conduct a comprehensive assessment of issues raised and prepare recommendations on the way forward.

After receiving feedback from the residents, the President also committed to undertake initiatives to repair and construct bridges, establish new roadways, pave streets, and set up recreational and community facilities.

During the meeting at Friendship, President Ali announced that a team would be deployed from the Ministry of Legal Affairs to the community to mediate outstanding land issues. He disclosed that a team will visit the youngsters in the Kaneville/ Samatta Point community to discuss employment and educational/training opportunities.

The vision of his government, he affirmed, is to develop the lives of all Guyanese.

“These outreaches and these meetings across the country are aimed at understanding from all of you directly how you see things. What are some of the things that challenge you in the communities, what are some of your priorities, and how we can better enable you to be structurally integrated into the many programmes that the Government is offering.” (Office of the President press release)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

UG conducting research on effective reduction of road accidents, domestic violence

STATISTICS released by the Home Affairs Ministry recently revealed a sharp surge in fatal accidents in 2023, with a 76.8% increase in fatalities over the previous year.

And the main cause, according to the Guyana Police Force, is speeding.

Furthermore, statistics from Guyana’s First National Survey on Gender-Based Violence which was released in 2019, revealed that one in two women in the country has

experienced or will experience intimate-partner violence (IPV) at some point in their lives.

In response, the University of Guyana (UG) is working with partners to conduct research with the goal of lowering the incidence of both domestic violence and traffic accidents.

Dr. Emmanuel Cummings, UG's Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Engagement, recently disclosed this information during a programme

hosted by GlobeSpan.

He stated that the institution strives to have research that is "in sync" with both national development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN).

Through a grant, he said that UG is addressing injury and trauma issues in partnership with the Health Ministry, the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), and Columbia University in New York.

But why this area?

“It speaks about domestic violence; it speaks about road accidents; it speaks about violence; and those are topical issues and this is an important area of research,” Dr. Cummings explained.

A unique post-graduate Certificate in Trauma and Grief Resilience was introduced by UG last year for professionals working in schools, communities, and interpersonal settings.

The programme equips profes-

The accident which occurred on January 8, 2024 in the vicinity of the Ruimveldt Police Station in Georgetown, claimed the lives of four persons, including a husband and wife

sionals to support individuals coping with trauma and grief.

"We feel as a university, part of our remit is to do the kinds of research, having the kinds of intervention to address issues that are of national concern," Dr. Cummings said, emphasising that UG takes its job seriously.

We read news about violent crimes, accidents, substance abuse, and the aftermath of all of that every day, he continued, adding that these are important areas for research.

He stated that the university's Faculty of Technology is currently conducting research to lower vehicle accidents so that the institution can collaborate with the national development project regarding road engineering. Within the institution, research is being done in many fields by other faculties, schools, and colleges, Dr. Cummings added.

Moreover, he pointed out that this will encourage multidisciplinary research.

Among the steps the university is taking in order to address domestic violence, according to Dr. Cummings, are raising awareness of this social ill and its legal ramifications.

In response to the high incidences of traffic accidents, some of which have resulted in deaths, the Government of Guyana has made sweeping changes to the country’s driving laws, which have now imposed much harsher penalties

UG’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Engagement, Emmanuel Cummings for traffic offences.

For instance, the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act was amended to introduce the offences of motor manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm, while driving a motor vehicle under the influence.

Persons convicted of the former offence face imprisonment for not less than 10 years.

Tougher penalties, including a fine of $200,000 and a jail sentence of 24 months, have been introduced for those caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

The Act also provides for a 12-month suspension of offenders’ driver’s licences.

Meanwhile, work is currently ongoing to modernise the Domestic Violence Act and once this is done, there will be tougher penalties for perpetrators of this crime.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

Prioritising People THE House of Assembly has approved the 2024 budgetary estimates after much debate and thorough scrutiny at the Committee of Supply. A historic $1.146 trillion was approved which, according to Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh will allow for accelerated people-centred development.

In a number of significant ways, this budget can be seen as a strategic advance over previous budgets by removing some of the bottlenecks which stood in the way of accelerated growth and development. Take for

example the Fiscal Amendment Bill which has as its main objective the amending of the NRF Act of 2021 to facilitate the country's oil revenues for the development of public infrastructure and social services. The idea behind the fiscal amendment bill, according to Dr. Singh, is to optimise the financing mix to ensure a better balance between immediate withdrawals and longer-term savings from the Natural Resources Fund.

One would have thought that a piece of amended legislation aimed at promoting the national good would

have gained the unanimous support of the House. That unfortunately was not the case as the main political opposition saw it fit to walk out of the House just prior to the consideration of the Fiscal Enactments Bill. This inability or refusal to see the bigger picture has now become characteristic of the political opposition which seemingly is running out of ideas on the way forward for the country and its people.

It has resorted to 'opposing' in an attempt to frustrate the national developmental efforts of the PPP/C administration and to appear 'rele-

vant' to some from among its political base.

This bill allows for the mobilisation of financial resources to accelerate the modernisation process currently underway, which will bring benefits to all Guyanese by way of the delivery of enhanced social services.

The fact is that given the current state of the country's finances, it is just not practical or prudent to have our oil revenues sitting 'idly' in the NRF especially at a time when the country's modernization process requires significant inflows of finance capital. The cost

of borrowing money is not insignificant and it therefore makes sense to utilise our own resources to the fullest extent possible to avoid unnecessary debt and interest repayments later down the road.

Of course, we do not want to go back to the days when the debt burden was a millstone around the necks of the Guyanese people, eating up nearly all of our revenues as was the case under the previous PNC administration. The difference between those days and today was that under the previous administration

there was little to show for the borrowed money, unlike today when developments, in particular infrastructural works are now a dominant feature in the physical and social landscape of the country.

Guyana is on a development trajectory that will lift, as it were, all boats.

This economic dynamism must not be allowed to go off-track by those who are seemingly lacking in perspective or vision as unfortunately appear to be the case with the political opposition.

President Ali is ‘world-class material’

Dear Editor, RUGBY, like wrestling, is a game for the “fit and prapa.” At the end of the game, one may be mentally and physically exhausted. Parliament is the place of sophistication where you trade blows with words which hurt, and, exchange greetings with smiles which kill. It is not a sport nor a ground for the meek and feeble nor for those with thin skin!

Be prepared to indulge in the sporty game of “tit for tat!” If you don’t like it, then, leave it. All’s fair in love and war?

“You can’t keep a good man down,” is a song from the 80’s. Speak the truth and the truth will forever set you free. It is the connivers who stumble when calamity strikes. The truth can never tell lies but lies can sometimes tell the truth. President Ali and the PPP/C Party were voted into governance in 2020 and in the Regional Election in 2023, it was the PNC who

again failed to triumph! The school children present in Parliament certainly walked away with a lot of lessons learnt which are not taught in school!

As the estimates for allocations of the first of more trillion-dollar budgets to follow by the PPP/C Government wined down after being examined in Parliament for approval, it is obvious that the questions, queries and qualms pursued by the Opposition, do reflect that they will be enduring this exercise for many years to come in the future, in this quivering position. Unsupportive of this budget means denying the financial gains catered and provided for by the PPP/C Government, especially for those who qualify in these brackets.

Meanwhile, His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, untouched by the low blows being delivered to him in his absence in Parliament by the nervous Opposition,

continues to “break new ground allover” as he perseveres with his people’s outreach program in various villages. He intends to carry on his campaign to “win the hearts of the people through hard work and through results…” A victory at Victoria validates the value of PPP/C venture over the vanity of PNC’s ventilated vendetta!

Undaunted by the threat of a teachers’ strike being urged by the GTU, President Ali visited the Victoria village on the East Coast of Demerara, assumingly a PNC strong hold constituency. He made great inroads with the villagers as they flocked to welcome him and air their concerns. His resolutions were greeted with much appreciation and jubilation.

All reached out to him, shaking his hands, embracing him and exchanging pleasantries while congratulating him on the government’s performance. Another slap in the face for the

Opposition? The present is the new phase and replacing the fading past!

President Ali is hugging the centre stage once again as Guyana makes its grand appearance on the international arena. All eyes will be focused on President Ali as he will preside over the United Nations Security Council for the month of February. The envious ones will become pale with the color green. Time for the Party to change color? You can try but you cannot pull a good man down! Venezuela will certainly not “try a thing,” with Guyana.

President Ali, a visionary leader with a proven track record for not being prejudiced in any shape or form and acknowledged by the international community, while walking away with the coveted 2024 Global Africa Leadership Award, simply added salt to the wounded PNC. Those preaching racism received a shock and a setback in their campaign to tarnish the unblemished

figure of Guyana’s President. If your own “kit and kin” do not support your unjust cause, then you’re fighting a losing battle!

As leader of Guyana and at the same time CARICOM, Dr. Irfaan Ali is forging a closer and productive relationship between Africa and the Caribbean region. This will again highlight the performance of a President who does not preach or practice “apartheid,” as poorly claimed by those detractors who have their backs against the wall and feverishly grasping at a straw in the stormy ocean. President Ali is “world class material” and all those who refuse to see the daylight are simply digging their own graves and taking down those who are ill advised and deliberately misled!

It’s time for the peeved agitators to stop playing the game of dirty politics while satisfying their own agenda. They need to support the good tidings in a

trillion-dollar budget which means well for the progress and prosperity of a nation on a road to becoming a developing and modern economy. Getting the color right and playing the game correct is not calling a heart a spade!

Guyanese are quickly and surely waking up to the smell of pure, strong, grounded coffee grown right here through the thrust of the agriculture agenda of the PPP/C Government. They refused to be fooled by those who are clamoring for the unachieved. They realize that what is possible is done by the careful PPP/C Government and what is impossible is undertaken by the careless PNC Party.

That is the difference between the PPP/C planners who propose and the PNC plotters who dispose. Guyanese will have an easy choice at the 2025 General Election.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

Shamar Joseph, the supermarket and patriotism

IN the bars, restaurants, nightclubs, the workplace, the living room, there is one dimension of the Shamar Joseph phenomenon being discussed – will he persist with test cricket or become intertwined with the lucrative T20 global leagues?

If Joseph should ask me about his choice of cricket format, I would suggest that he plays the format of cricket that will provide for his future.

At 24, Joseph should think of how much more years he has. Let us say he has 20. At 34, that is a young age. Will he have money to last him and his family for another 40 years?

If he relies solely on money from CWI contracts, the answer is no. T20 leagues will bring an income that will be extraordinary when compared to CWI contracts.

There is always a difficult pathway one walks when one embraces patriotism and nationalism and the reality that one has to find resources for oneself and family. I offer Joseph my life experience and hopes he can learn a

lesson or two from it. It feels ethereal to be a Don Quixote. But when you meet that woman you love and you marry her and children come, then, the reality begins to take shape that brings forward immense reflections.

I loved to fight for a better life for Homo sapiens and it felt good until I met Janet Kissoon and fathered Kavita, Farah Kissoon.

You are no longer the Don Quixote you wanted to be because there is a little kid that has to be fed and has to be given the things in life that are beyond necessities and you, as a father, have to provide those things.

I ran around this country like a Don Quixote confronting every conceivable wrong I encountered and many times I couldn’t get to the places I wanted to go to fight because on the journey the car broke down. And Don Quixote was missing in action. Then one day, I looked over my shoulder and saw that the car could no longer carry me and I could no longer buy a replacement for it. Reality then became constant

partner.

In my long praxis, one incident I will always remember because it showed sharply the almost impossible quest to harmonise patriotism and reality. I was part of a protest movement, the kind Walter Rodney organised in Jamaica and the kind Bob Marley sang about in his mega hit, “No Woman, No Cry.” So one night, I was the first to arrive, and my 15-year-old RAV 4 was smoking from the hood.

Christopher Ram was the second person to appear and he said to me, “Freddie, you need a new car.” That was in 2012. I changed the RAV in 2018 after 22 years of service for a car that cost $1.8 million. I read in the papers recently that Mr. Ram has turned the sod for his new business office that would be built at a cost of 700 million Guyanese dollars. Good, for Mr. Ram! I wish him well. I spent 26 years serving the University of Guyana, and I can tell Shamar Joseph, I have nothing to show for it. It was a choice of patriotism versus reality, I chose patriotism.

It is the economy, stupid!

Dear Editor I WRITE with reference to Stabroek News’ editorial of 2/3/2024, under the title “It’s not the economy stupid.”

One of the saddest things in Guyana is that the free press does not take the opportunity to make use of the most fundamental right in a free society, that is, to provide balanced and informed commentary. The Stabroek News editorial in question is a stark reminder than even that which is good for the people gets massively distorted simply to serve the pleasure of the opposition APNU-AFC. In this case the editorial complains that lower taxes are harmful because it gives too much independence to the government.

For the editorial taxes are heading in the wrong (lower) direction.

I do not want you to take

my word for it, so allow me the extended quotation below.

“At the heart of this direction of travel is the increasing financial autonomy of the government. Revenues from personal taxes in 2023 make up less than 8% of this year’s total budget.

They do not need our money anymore so they don’t need to listen to us.” In any other country in the world, a major newspaper would not only applaud lower taxes but would make it a headline story. Not here.

Instead, we get the following – “That is why not one minister cares to point out that the self-employed paid 10% less taxes in 2023 than in 2020 despite that year being peak Covid and the subsequent years experiencing a booming economy.” This should be deemed a signature accomplishment,

and if SN were a fair and balanced newspaper it would have acknowledged such.

But no. What we get instead is this “[i]t is this autonomy which is loosening the democratic pillars of accountability and transparency while consultations on our collective future become unnecessary without the need for a mandate.” I don’t think I have ever read such unadulterated balderdash anywhere before.

The truth is that it took democracy to lower taxes, in fact to reverse the 200 taxes and fees that were undemocratically imposed by the last APNU-AFC administration.

Stabroek News do not get it. It IS the economy, stupid.

Sincerely, Dr. Randy Persaud

The rest is now history.

Joseph has already signed up for the Pakistan T20 league and in the coming months he will meet cricket stars from around the globe and they will offer him advice that comes from the heart, no doubt. I am offering Joseph advice that comes from the heart too.

The advice will be banal because humans have heard it so many times in their lives but it is a sermon that others preach to us because they care. The song is always that you must plan for your future.

Joseph will know that as his children grow, and as he and his family get older, there are things that must be possessed. Those things you do not get freely from the supermarket. You do not get them feely from the airline companies. You do not get them after the warmest handshakes that you will always receive.

There will always be a clash between patriotism and reality and Joseph will see that unfolding before his very eyes as

the months and years go on. The fact that he has accepted a T20 contract in Pakistan is indication that he is planning his future already. Love of country is a beautiful thing because it is the place that gave you birth. But being born comes with obligations, one of which, as the philosophers say, is to pursue happiness in life. I firmly believe happiness will remain elusive if you live in perpetual want.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

New ‘Operation Truth’ launched ‘From Cuba to the World’

HAVANA, February 1, 2024: -- Prensa Latina (PL), the Cuban news agency, has launched a new mission for an international commitment by journalists and media houses to reporting and transmitting truth to global audiences.

PL President, Luis Enrique Gonzales and his colleagues are brimming with hopes for a full and fresh start in 2024, after hosting delegations from news agencies and other international media houses in over 30 nations from January 22 to 24, to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of Operation Truth, a special information mission launched

by Commander Fidel Castro in January 1959.

The 1959 mission was to take the truth of the revolution to the world, through the mouth of its leader and to the international press, about the factors behind the triumph of the headline-making revolution that had triumphed just days earlier on January 1.

Launched within days of the arrival of the nineday caravan that brought Fidel and other top rebel leaders from Santiago to Havana City, the unprecedented event gathered over 400 journalists from international media and news agencies.

Covering the revolution from afar, most international correspondents had understandable mis-readings the revolution’s leaders felt needed clarification, cor-

rection and certification.

The first internationally-televised speech by Dr Castro after the victory of the popular July 26 Movement’s (M-26) combatants over the US-backed army of dictator Fulgencio Batista, held at Havana’s Riviera Hotel, allowed the international press their first direct and open Question and Answer exchange with the revolution’s leader.

Castro explained the significance of the cross-country revolutionary cavalcade from Santiago, where, six years earlier on July 26, 1953, a heroic but failed attack on the army’s Moncada Barracks led to arrest, torture and deaths in detention, trial, imprisonment and later exile of him and others to Mexico.

In his lengthy and detailed self-defence trial speech -- entitled ‘History Will Absolve Me’ – Dr Castro – also a lawyer -had earlier outlined why the attack by less-armed combatants on the nation’s second-largest fortified army barracks.

Before the revolution’s January 1, 1959 triumph, the rebel leader had also earlier explained, through an interview in the Sierra Maestra mountains with New York Times correspondent Herbert Matthews, how and why the exiled fighters left Mexico for Cuba on the ‘Granma’ yacht in December 1956, to start the tough guerrilla battles that led to the triumphant cavalcade.

The charismatic leader’s direct broadcast to the then global public square urged the gathered international correspondents to take the truths they saw in Cuba and heard from affected citizens, to their readers, viewers and listeners.

That was Cuba’s first effort to shape world public opinion about the revolution through truthful reporting.

The event revealed, with evidence, the costly human, material, economic and social consequences of the long reign of terror under Batista, including the largely-hidden but veryhigh numbers of innocent lives snuffed-out by the dictatorship’s army, for either opposing the regime or supporting the revolutionaries.

PL was born out of that mission and immediately tasked to constantly supply the international press with, and also spread, the truths everywhere possible about both the dictatorship’s actions and the resulting reactions.

Sixty-five years later, PL invited international, regional and national media houses, especially from developing nations, for the retrospective and forward glances at the historicity of that event.

Under the theme ‘New Operation Truth – From Cuba to the World’, dozens of delegations representing national, regional and international media houses in 30 nations and states, ex-

amined the success of the January 1959 event, within the context of today’s global media realities.

Rewinding and fast-forwarding over two days, they looked back, ahead and forward, against the background of the many contemporary challenges in gathering and dissemination of news in the age of Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality.

C u b a ’s P r e s i d e n t , Miguel Diaz Canel, PL President Gonzales and President of the Pan-Arab TV channel Al Mayadeen Ghassan Ben Jeddou, offered welcome and contextual remarks ahead of a documentary film on the 1959 operation.

Lebanon’s Information Minister Ziad Makary, former Belize Foreign Affairs Minister, Godfrey Smith, CEO of Russia’s Sputnik, Dmitry Ushakov and Media Coordinator of Nicaragua’s Communication and Citizenship Council, Daniel Edmundo Ortega Murillo, also delivered messages and remarks.

Three panel discussions placed the original Operation Truth mission in

the context of 21st Century challenges to reporting truth and truthfully on world events that matter to the population of Planet Earth.

The first was on ‘The News in Times of Internet, Social Media and Fake News – A Multidimensional Approach’ and presenters included Casa de Las Americas President, (and former Cuba Culture Minister) Abel Prieto, who spoke on ‘Facing Fake News – A Look from Culture’.

Belize’s former Foreign Minister, Godfrey Smith, spoke on ‘Cultural Colonialism’, while veteran American journalist, David Montgomery, (formerly of the Washington Post) also offered his perspectives.

The second panel was on ‘News Agencies in the Era of Hypermedia: From Wire News to Multimedia News’ and presenters included the PL President, Liberation News Editor, Walter Smoralek and Director of the International Cooperation Department of TV BRICS, Daria Ivankova.

The third panel on ‘New World Information Order – Pending Chal-

lenges in the 21st Century’ heard presentations

by Director of Portugal’s Avante newspaper, Manuel Rodrigues, Latin American Advisor to Al Mayadeen Wafica Ibrahim and President & CEO of the USbased Hispanic-American Press Congress, Dr Amin Cruz.

The event ended with general acceptance of a new permanent global truth mission for journalists and media agencies everywhere, especially against the background of the killing of over 117 journalists in 100 days for bringing the truth to the world about Israel’s war on Gaza.

The PL President and invited guests left the event agreeing to the need for a new global truth mission, in 2024 and beyond.

Delegates attended from: Algeria, Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, Lebanon, Mexico, Panama, Palestine, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Saint Lucia, Spain, Saharawi Republic, Tunisia, UK, USA and Venezuela.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

The positive impact of the oil and gas industry on education in Guyana

IN 2015, when the announcement of the first discovery of oil offshore Guyana was made, the air was abuzz with excitement over what this could mean for the country. However, with that excitement came concerns over how Guyanese would contribute to the development of the industry, given the deficit of a skilled technical workforce equipped with the knowledge and experience the sector required. Education and capacity building became immediate focal points.

Today, almost nine years since that first discovery and over four years since first oil, significant progress has been made in the education arena, benefitting not just the oil industry but supporting sectors.

In fact, the emergence of the oil and gas industry has not only benefited the country through an increase in the technically skilled workforce, but it has also contributed to the country’s education sector in a very broad way. In the recent budget, the Education sector saw an allocation of GY$135.2 billion dollars to further support the vision of world-class education and capacity building. It must be noted that this is the largest sum the education sector has ever received. As expressed in prior weeks, the allocation of sums for Guyana’s development has undergone tre-

mendous increases as a result of the economic growth experienced with the support of the oil and gas industry. This has since translated to grants for students, new school infrastructure across the country and investment into classroom improvements—and these are just the impacts on the education sector as a collective.

Due to this extensive need for additional labour and human capacity development, Guyanese have now started to benefit from diverse opportunities to cushion the demand this positive impact has brought about. Educational institutions like the University of Guyana and technical institutes have collaborated with oil and gas companies to provide advanced training and development.

The University of Guyana recently marked a milestone as 31 of its faculty members graduated with their doctorates from the Arizona State University. This academic feat was made possible through the support of the ExxonMobil Foundation, under the university’s Advanced Scholars Programme.

Additionally, the university recently added two Petroleum Engineering Courses – an Associate Degree in Science and a Master’s Degree in Science. Millions of dollars have been invested in the university to support curriculum development, construct

facilities, and to provide technical support that will aid in the nation’s continuous development to cushion the needs of the oil sector, not just

by ExxonMobil Guyana and its co-venturers through the Greater Guyana Initiative, but also the company’s prime contractors.

Safety in the workplace is of top priority of the petroleum industry.

It is with this in mind that students of technical institutions across the country now benefit from the Basic Industrial Safety Training (BIST) programme.

This training provides the fundamentals of safety and enhances safety culture. These technical institutes have also profited from skills enhancement, updated curriculum, upgraded facilities, and the provision of modern equipment specifically for Electrical Installation and Welding and Fabrication programmes. The first phase of the country’s first Technical Training College is set to be opened soon, in Port Mourant, Berbice; an initiative that is intended to provide hands-on training for Guyanese youths who are interested in working in the oil and gas industry.

In further cushioning and meeting the demands of the oil sector, students are also provided with financial support, scholarships, and internship oppor-

tunities for practical experience and exposure through initiatives that have been led by industry players. For example, SBM Offshore Guyana provides several opportunities for young Guyanese to develop the skills needed for the sector. This has been done through scholarships and capacity-building programmes such as the scholarship programme for Indigenous Women

in STEM, the Trainee Technician Programme as well and the Graduate Engineering Programme.

CNOOC, Schlumberger and Halliburton have all introduced internships or scholarships, and institutions such as MatPal Marine Institute continue to address the skills gap that exists in the country.

C e r t a i n l y, G u y ana has made positive strides in addressing

the concerns that the country had in the days of the nation being a frontier oil basin— and not only has the number of discoveries increased and the opportunities grown, but there has also been a significant uptake in education and training which will not just benefit Guyanese today, but in the years to come.

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McDonald’s ‘politricks’ convenient in pre-election year

OPPOSITION politicians will scheme and spread negative narratives about the government of the day.

They will be on all kinds of political shenanigans aimed at drawing first blood and wounding their political rivals (not literally), as the countdown to the elections draws nearer.

In any modern democracy, these politicians will go after the facts and bring the truth, which in most cases is hidden away from the public by the government. These opposition politicians, in most cases, have integrity, credibility, and the usual moral stock that could match any government minister, legislator and politician.

They win the people by telling the truth and opposing with reason. Most times, the

world over, they gain political authority and power by presenting an alternative, rational, realistic, and workable plan to the people, forcing them to make an informed choice.

In Guyana, there is a different breed of opposition politicians.

These politicians, at the start of the pre-election year, are known to intensify their campaigns aimed at political power and authority. They will blatantly lie, scheme, and manufacture scandals. They will not present the facts and truthful information but, are known, to peddle ‘little white lies’ or paint a grim picture of life in Guyana.

Their political shenanigans will become more frequent and they will have several whisper campaigns

aimed at carrying the opposition’s racist messages that they will not say aloud.

What is almost certain is that the usual diatribe of racism rhetoric and undertones will be heightened, because this breed of opposition politicians have proven that they are very desperate for power and control.

It is no secret that the PNC-APNU+AFC politicians are already working up their bases to strike at the heart of the PPP/C administration and the party.

We are only in February, and already we have one of their politicians, Coretta McDonald planning to have a country-wide teachers strike tomorrow. McDonald, who is one of the great pretenders and lacks credibility, is no doubt using the Guyana

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

Teachers Union and toying with some of their feelings of discontent about wage negotiations and other matters.

McDonald is out and about spreading lies and halftruths to whip up the public’s sympathy, but it is having a hard time because at every turn, the PPP/C administration is exposing her and “skinning up” her plan. This is certainly not about the teachers nor is it about the GTU. It is about creating a political environment of tension and hostility in the country where there will be the PPP government facing off with a largely African and APNU-sympathiser trade union.

The political optics are what McDonald and others from the opposition will try to get the public to see. They will try to milk it for political value. It is part and parcel of the PNC/APNU+AFC slow march to power next year, but their campaigns will reach a dead-end because of the PPP/ C’s communication machinery which keeps emphasising real facts, empirical data and truthful information.

Also, the GTU and all teachers are earning way more than they did in 2019 in terms of salaries, and are getting more headway with their non-salary benefits compared with the previous administration.

But McDonald’s political wickedness, deceitfulness and treacherousness are all part of the opposition’s nature in Guyana. Maybe there is something in the water that makes these opposition politicians lie. The issue with the teachers is a manufactured

controversy being played up to create the condition for a great political victory for APNU+AFC at the polls.

This planned strike by the GTU must not be successful.

McDonald is playing politics with the teachers. She is using them and playing with the children’s education. Teachers, who are content at the moment, will not support it even though they believe they deserve more.

Following the GTU will be the Guyana Trades Union Congress led by Lincoln Lewis and the Guyana Public Service Union Patrick Yarde.

They too will engage their members in some sort of strike action, but the aim will be to bring the government to a halt. The public must not buy into the narrative they will no doubt put out. They will say cost of living and all manner of things but it is all part of a political plot.

PNC/R Leader and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton must be watched closely because he does not seem to like a fair challenge. He will only stay at arm’s length while McDonald and the other trade unionists/politicians, who could be referred to as the ‘farm,’ execute the pressure. He has already hinted at the cost-of-living rally, “… they must remember, merely having guns does not guarantee you victory. He who can handle the gun is in a better position” and “…let the PPP start feeling,” Looking ahead and expecting anything from this new breed of opposition politicians, Norton, if given the chance or an opportune moment, could mobilise his con-

stituency or PNC base to start “the struggle” as he refers to it. By struggle, presumably, Norton means pickets, protests and violence because he is from the ‘slow fire, mo’fire’ era.

Realistically, knowing the mindset of the PPP/C, they will use every legal avenue to maintain law and order, if this is indeed the plot. Norton knows fully well that they are not working in isolation but in partnership with every trade union and entity that wants to see the back of the PPP/C. But this type of political miscalculation, the PPP/C is hoping to avoid because they would be required to act swiftly and condignly.

Finally, any sensible Guyanese over the coming months would know the opposition is setting the stage for a political showdown with the PPP/C at elections next year. McDonald must end her senseless game of playing ‘farm’ politics and tricking the public into thinking she cares about teachers or their well-being.

She does not and if she did, she would not seek to give up trying to get an audience with the relevant authority. The President is always available to the GTU and McDonald knows this, but she does not want to admit this government has been fair and good to the teachers. There is no reason to strike except for political reasons.

McDonald hopes the ‘farm’ will follow but even the ‘farm’ cannot hold back the development gripping our country and taking Guyana by storm. Stop playing politics and passing it off as trade unionism. Stop!

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

Ambassador Van-West Charles presents credentials to Venezuela

D R . R I C H A R D Va n West-Charles, on Friday, presented his Letters of Credence to Venezuela’s Minister for People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, Yvan Gil, as he officially takes up his ambassador post at the Spanish-speaking country.

Minister Gil and Ambassador Van West-Charles engaged in “cordial discussions,” Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated in a press release on Saturday. “ A m b a s s a d o r Va n West-Charles affirmed the imperative of peace and

cooperation as guiding principles for the relations between Guyana and Venezuela.

“In this regard, he committed to working during his tenure to pursue Guyana’s interests in exploring the potential for collaboration in areas that would provide an opportunity for

Food For the Poor (FFTP) - Guyana Incorporated in partnership with Food For The Poor -Canada has launched the a literacy project under the theme, ‘Empowering Women and Girls through Literacy and Numeracy’ in Baramita, Region One. The project was launched at the Baramita Primary School and is set to be completed in August 2024.

According to Food For the Poor- Guyana website, the project aims to benefit 30 women and girls from the community of Baramita, who have never attended school and or lack basic foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

At the launching of this initiative, each participant was given a package

which consisted of one bag, books, and writing tools.

FFTP -Guyana’s Social Worker / Program Coordinator Stacy Parris said the day marks a significant moment in the Baramita community.

“In the heart of our rural landscape, education becomes a beacon of hope, and this initiative seeks to illuminate the path toward knowledge and self-sufficiency. Access to education is not just a right but a catalyst for positive change.

By focusing on literacy, we aim to break down barriers that have hindered the potential of our women and girls for far too long.”

The Program Coordinator reminded them that an educated woman not only transforms her own life but is the fuel for the transformation of her community.

The program, according to Parris, is about more than just alphabets and numbers; it is about fostering confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging for the women.

She further related that it will open doors to opportunities that were once distant dreams, and explained that with every word learned, the participants will be scripting a narrative of empowerment, resilience, and progress.

She encouraged the entire Baramita community to actively support and participate in the literacy endeavour. Thanking them for their commitment to the power of literacy, she further urged them to let the program be the cornerstone for a brighter and more inclusive Baramita.

A tutor of the program,

the neighbouring countries to develop a programme of cooperation for the mutual benefit of both peoples,” the release further noted.

A m b a s s a d o r Va n West-Charles will present his credentials to His Excellency Nicolas Maduro at a later date.

Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles (r) presents his letters of credence to Venezuela’s Minister for People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, Yvan Gil

FFTP Guyana, Canada launch literacy project for women in Baramita

A section of the gathering in Baramita Region 1

Bissoonnauth Bacchus commended FFTP Guyana on the work being done in the community. He relayed that the organisation has on several occasions made significant investments in that community, such as donating hampers, grills, partnering with Stem Guyana to enhance learning at the school, donating tables and computers among others.

Bacchus told the beneficiaries about the uniqueness of the program and how beneficial it will be.

Moreover, in the first 12 weeks of the project, participants will be able to learn how to write the letters of the alphabet, understand the phonetics of each letter, write their names and the names of parents, children or spouse, birthdays and dates, fill out a birth certificate form and count to 100.

In the remaining weeks, they will learn how to write numbers to 100, basic math addition and subtraction, complete simple money transactions, read public

signs and simple sentences, and learn the calendar and how it works.

Food for the Poor -Guyana Inc. is the largest charitable non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Guyana. The work of FFTP Guyana is limited to charitable purposes within the 10 administrative Regions in

Guyana.

The organisation has grown tremendously over the past 32 years and has become the largest charitable organisation in Guyana.

The organisation operates under the theme, “Transforming Communities, Renewing Hope, and Saving Lives.”

A Baramita resident receiving her package

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SOUTHCOM Air Force Commander dismisses claims of US military base in Guyana UNITED States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Air Force Commander, Major General Evan Pettus, recently addressed “rumours” being peddled by Venezuela about the establishment of a U.S. military base in Guyana, describing them as baseless.

The Major General was at the time responding to questions from the media during a joint interview with Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, at Base Camp Ayanganna, on Friday where he clarified the situation.

“It’s an interesting rumour. It is not one that I’m aware of that has any foundation,” he said, as he underscored the humanitarian and disaster response focus of their collaborations, which are longstanding and unrelated to the geopolitical dynamics with neighbouring Venezuela.

Major General Pettus detailed the long-standing partnership between the United States and Guyana, noting his recent visit as a pivotal moment for their collaboration, particularly focusing on the completion of an air domain awareness assessment.

“This is an ongoing relationship and I think that, specifically tying any of these things to current events in Venezuela, would be overstating the importance of relationships that we've had since 1966 with the independence of Guyana,” he said.

Both officials pointed out that the collaboration between Guyana and the

United States transcends bilateral interests, contributing to broader regional security.

“Ultimately, regional security, national security for the Guyanese people is good for the region, and it's good for the United States. It's a mutually beneficial partnership,” Major General Pettus said as he highlighted the mutual benefits of this partnership.

This sentiment was echoed by Brigadier Khan, who outlined the importance of collective security efforts and the role of international partnerships in ensuring regional stability.

Khan stressed that Guyana's military engagements aim to ensure both national and regional stability, countering the notion that these activities could be perceived

by Venezuela as aggressive.

“I'll tell you in my three decades of service to the, to the nation, to the Guyana Defence Force, we have had so many engagements with the US and other partner nations who share the same values and mutual interest or collective security and stability of this region. So, I don't want to say that it's only now coming noticeable, but we are always working together,” the Chief of Staff said.

The engagement with the United States, he said, is part of a broader strategy that includes cooperation with other nations and regional organizations, reinforcing the security architecture of the Caribbean.

Looking forward, both nations anticipate further

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan and US Air Force Major General Evan Pettus engagements to continue building Guyana’s defence capabilities, including discussions on cybersecurity, humanitarian assistance, and the acquisition of defence assets.

During his three-day visit to Guyana, Major General Pettus met with senior leaders in the Government of Guyana, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and US Embassy to discuss the US defence partnership with Guyana.

Guyanese government officials had affirmed that it has “no plan to take offensive action against Venezuela.”

This was following from Venezuela over news that the British offshore patrol vessel, HMS Trent, had docked in Guyana’s waters.

Last month, President

Dr Irfaan Ali had explained that the primary objective is to bolster Guyana’s security apparatus in a defensive capacity, clarifying that there are no intentions to launch attacks on any nation, including Venezuela.

Despite the tensions, a recent declaration agreed upon by Guyana and Venezuela in St Vincent and the Grenadines, facilitated by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has calmed the situation, with both countries committing to peaceful dialogue.

Following a historic meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in St Vincent and the Grenadines on December 14, 2023, both leaders agreed "not to threaten or use force against

one another," reinforcing their commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The two nations will also co-operate to avoid incidents on the ground conducive to tension between them.

In the event of such an incident, the two states will immediately communicate with one another, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Community of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC), and the President of Brazil to contain, reverse and prevent its recurrence.

The genesis of the controversy dates back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the land boundary between then British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.

Despite historical arbitration, tensions persisted, leading Guyana to approach the ICJ in 2018, seeking affirmation of the award’s legitimacy.

The ICJ’s recent provisional measures are binding on the parties involved. Under the UN Charter, all states are solemnly bound to comply with the court’s orders, which can be enforced by the UN Security Council.

The substantive case, which highlights the historical context and the 1899 Arbitral Award, remains before the World Court.

Guyana enjoys the full, principled and unequivocal support of CARICOM, the Commonwealth and other partners from around the world.

Singh named Director of CANU; Samuels to serve as deputy

JAMES Singh is now the Director of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) while the unit's Deputy-Head, Rayon Samuels has assumed the role of Deputy Director.

The Ministry of Home Affairs recently authorised the designation changes.

Singh previously served as the Head of CANU. Singh has a Diploma in Public Safety and Security Management from the University of Guyana, an International Diploma in Business Management – Cambridge International College and a Diploma in Electronics Engineering

from the De Vry Institute of Technology, Toronto, Canada.

Meanwhile, Samuel is the holder of a Degree in Computer Science from the University of Guyana (UG) and a Master’s Degree in Project Management from the Edinburgh Napier University, according to his LinkedIn profile.

CANU, as mandated by the Government of Guyana, combats the narcotic drug trade by detecting and seizing narcotic drugs, detaining narcotic drug traffickers, and seizing narcotic drug trafficking proceeds by maintaining an effective presence

Director of CANU, James Singh

CANU’s Deputy-Director, Rayon Samuels

at all ports of exit and entry.

This mandate necessitates meticulous planning, painstaking intelligence gathering, and the efficient execution of daily operations by all departments within the unit.

The headquarters of CANU is situated in the capital city but it has a presence at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA); the Eugene F. Correira International Airport; the Brazil/Guyana border in Lethem; Moleson Creek, Corentyne, Berbice and in Pomeroon-Supenaam.

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President Ali touts ‘oversight committees’ for community development in WCB

IN a move to address community concerns in Bush Lot and neighbouring areas in West Coast Berbice, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has touted the formation of oversight committees, that will work in tandem with Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to address a range of local issues.

The Head of State was at the time responding to the residents' grievances, on Tuesday, where he highlighted the importance of local involvement in decision-making, marking a significant step towards community-driven governance.

The President's visit was a response to various challenges faced by the community, including insufficient land for livestock, wandering animals causing damage to crop, poor road

conditions, and inadequate street lighting.

Acknowledging these issues, President Ali proposed a structured and participatory approach to problem-solving.

“So, we will set up a committee. Every village within the NDC will select a representative to sit down on a committee.

“Let us say on all the social services that we're looking at. I want an Oversight Committee, and, on the oversight, the committee will have representatives from every single community within NDC,” President Ali stated, highlighting the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process.

This proposal was met with loud cheers from the residents, indicating their approval and readiness to

participate.

The President pointed out that the oversight committees would play a crucial role in the regional structure, ensuring that the voices and concerns of each community are heard and addressed.

Addressing the specific issue of land for livestock, a significant concern for local farmers, President Ali announced, “Right now, we are developing 5000 acres of land that we're going to put all the livestock on, all the cows and all of these things. So, in two months, 1000 acres will be available, and all these farmers will utilise that 1000 acres.”

This move, he explained, is expected to alleviate the problem of insufficient land for livestock and reduce the incidents of animals wandering into residential areas.

President Dr Irfaan Ali during the outreach He further urged regional officials and community members to actively engage in forming the Oversight Committee, particularly for managing the new land allocated for livestock.

“I want y'all to sit down with all the livestock people to form an oversight committee that will look at this 1000 acres so that we address this 1000 acres and the livestock farmers.

That will take care of the livestock issue,” President Ali added.

The oversight committees, as envisioned by the President, will not only address the issue of land for livestock but will also focus on improving social services in the community.

In return, these committees are expected to bring a more organised and systematic approach to addressing the various challenges faced by the residents, including the improvement of roads and the installation of street lights.

This approach aligns

‘Yankee’ jailed for four years, fined $112M over ganja bust

A MAN who was “busted” with about 273 pounds of marijuana during an operation conducted last year January by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), has been jailed for four years.

Sean Thomas, called Yankee, 45, of William Street, Kitty, Georgetown, had the custodial penalty imposed on him on Friday by Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

At the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts, Magistrate Scarce tried Thomas on two counts of the offence of

possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking.

The magistrate found him guilty on both counts when the matter concluded on Friday.

Consequently, he was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts and fined him $112,052,700— three times the street value of the illegal substance.

The two jail terms will, however, run concurrently.

On January, 11, 2023, CANU officers conducted an operation within the vicinity of Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, where they

intercepted a motor vehicle with the driver alone inside.

A subsequent search of the motor vehicle revealed several parcels of suspected cannabis.

Further investigations led to the driver being escorted to premises located in the Eccles Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), where a search of the premises was conducted.

The search was done in the presence of the driver and the owner of the vehicle and resulted in the discovery of several parcels of cannabis, some of which were concealed in barrels.

with the People’s Progressive Party Civic-led government move towards more community-driven governance, where solutions are not just top-down but involve active participation and representation from the communities themselves.

Residents applauded to this initiative, which is seen as a step forward in empowering their communities to have a direct say in the development and enhancement of their living conditions.

As a result of the discovery, Thomas and a 41-year-old woman of Eccles were arrested and escorted to CANU headquarters along with 123.85 kilogrammes of marijuana.

At his initial court hearing, Thomas had pleaded not guilty to the allegations and was thereafter refused bail and remanded to prison. The timing of his conviction coincides with significant advancement announced by CANU in its campaign to impede the trafficking of illicit drugs.

The marijuana that was seized by CANU

Jailed: Sean Thomas

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

Lamaha Park house destroyed by fire Nextech Inc. launches new IT The aftermath of the fire

A FIRE of unknown origin, on Friday night, destroyed a businessman’s house at Lamaha Park, Georgetown and also damaged a neighbouring property.

The two-storey wooden and concrete structure was owned by Andrew McBean. The Guyana Fire Service, in a press release, said that, upon receiving the distress call, three ap-

pliances and a team of 15 firefighters were deployed to the location.

“Firefighters utilised a strategic firefighting approach to quell the flames, deploying one jet from the prison bowser tank supply in conjunction with water tender 85.

“This was facilitated as a relay system using light pump #182, working from a hydrant and open source,” the fire

service said.

While they managed to put out the fire, the structure was severely damaged. Due to the radiated heat, a neighbouring house also sustained minor damage.

Among the items d e s t ro y e d f o r t h e house are its ceiling and one CCTV camera. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the blaze.

Infrastructure Department - to meet growing demands

CEO of Nextech Rehman Majeed in front of an array of networking cabinets at the store NEXTECH Inc., a renowned technology provider, has unveiled its latest venture - the IT Infrastructure Department, poised to revolutionise networking solutions in Guyana.

With an array of offerings ranging from networking cabinets to fiber solutions, this initiative underscores Nextech's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the local market.

Rehman Majeed, CEO of Nextech, underscored the necessity for superior networking solutions amidst Guyana's burgeoning construction sector.

“The unprecedented construction boom has necessitated comprehensive networking infrastructure,” stated Majeed. “Nextech aims to fill this void by delivering top-notch solutions tailored to our customers'

requirements.”

Partnering with leading international manufacturers such as Bellcom, Intellinet, Ruijie, and more, Nextech ensures access to a diverse portfolio of premium products.

Notably, the department will facilitate product demonstrations, enabling end-users to evaluate offerings firsthand. Additionally, Nextech will introduce a line of cutting-edge fiber solutions to cater to emerging demands in the market.

Strategically situated at 233 Camp Street, opposite the GRA, Nextech's retail space epitomises modernity and convenience. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities and ample parking, customers can explore a curated selection of technology solutions in a secure environment.

Majeed, leveraging his

extensive experience spanning over three decades in the technology domain, affirmed Nextech's commitment to excellence.

“Our partnerships with renowned IT providers ensure access to unparalleled quality and reliability,” he emphasised. “Moreover, as authorised resellers for leading brands such as HP, APC, and Lenovo, customers can expect superior after-sales support.”

Catering to both residential and commercial clientele, Nextech offers a comprehensive suite of products and services tailored to diverse needs.

With a steadfast focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Nextech's IT Infrastructure Department is poised to redefine networking solutions in Guyana and beyond.

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Bumrah six-for, Jaiswal 209 put India on top

BEN Stokes' expression said it all. For the second time in as many first-innings counterattacks, all he could do was shrug his shoulders and marvel at the genius of the man who'd just had his measure, as Jasprit Bumrah cut short another spirited display from England's captain, to cap a performance that transcended the conditions that he'd been granted.

In the midst of India's surprise loss in Hyder-

abad, Bumrah's six wickets across two innings had been a warning as to where the true threat in India's attack would lie. So it proved at Visakhapatnam on what had been touted as a spinners' paradise, as Bumrah piled that same haul into one sensational display, springing the trap on England's batters with the insuperable figures of 6 for 45 in 15.5 overs.

All six of those came in the space of 71 deliveries across his final three

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micro-spells - a howling, hustling display of express-paced reverse swing in which the cream of England's batting were simply bereft of answers. Joe Root's audible groan as he snicked an outswinger to first slip, having aligned himself to Bumrah's initial shape into his pads, confirmed the extent to which even England's kingpin had been outplayed, but it was Bumrah's subsequent extraction of England's first-Test hero Ollie Pope -

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blasted from the crease by an unplayable inswinging yorker - which proved that, just occasionally, the danger is too acute even for this team to keep running towards it.

It was a one-man show to match that which Yashasvi Jaiswal had completed for India in the morning session, as he converted his overnight 179 to an epic 209 from 290 balls, in an innings in which no other batter passed 34. Though Bumrah was backed up in timeless flat-deck fashion by the wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav - whose sharp-turning wiles claimed three of the other four wickets to fall - the extent to which he up-ended this contest is perhaps best expressed by the serenity of England's progress outside of his killer burst.

W h i l e Z a k C r a wley was in command of England's tempo, in a long-levered knock of 76 from 78 balls that included a 16-run dispatching of Bumrah's fourth and final new-ball over, England seemed on course to make India pay for

another first innings in which they'd failed to bat their opponents out of contention. With James Anderson rolling back the years once more to finish a majestic performance with 3 for 47 in 25 overs, it seemed a total of 396 was very much game on.

In hindsight, of course, the sight of one masterful swing bowler transcending the conditions should have been taken as proof that another would surely follow suit.

Nevertheless, England gave it a good go for as long as they realistically could. On a surface offering increasingly steepling bounce, England were obliged to tweak their game-plans, with the reverse-sweep that was such a feature at Hyderabad now fraught with danger and rarely unfurled.

And in Crawley's case, that meant using his 6'5" reach to smother any danger at source, with full-faced drives to the straighter deliveries and pounding slogsweeps when the bowlers strayed outside off.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday February 04, 2024) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shamar Joseph-7/68 (Brisbane) (2) Josh Hazlewood-5/35 (Adelaide) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI had the best match figures in the recent Test series versus Australia?

(2) Which AUST bowler claimed the best match figures?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue ……………………………………………………

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

Hope wants West Indies ‘up for fight’ in second ODI

Matthew Forde celebrates dismissing Travis Head•Feb 02, 2024•Getty Images CMC – CAPTAIN Shai Hope wants West Indies to be “up for the fight” when they face Australia in the all-important second daynight One-Day International here Sunday (Saturday, 11:30 pm Eastern Caribbean time).

West Indies enter the contest after suffering a heavy eight-wicket defeat in the opening ODI in Melbourne on Friday, when their batting failed to fire and their bowling proved ineffective on a good batting deck.

They slumped to 59 for four before recovering to be all out for 231 in the penultimate over, and then watched as the Aussies made light work of the target, winning with over 11 overs to spare.

“Starting a tour like that, you would’ve wanted to take the first win,” Hope told reporters.

“Unfortunately, we’ve got to go back to the drawing board now. We’ve still got two more games to go so we’ve got some room to improve.

“We probably need to show a bit more intent and just be up for the fight.

“We’re playing in their backyards. They’re not just going to roll over and allow us to score freely and win games so we need to find a way to put them under pressure and then score some big

totals.”

Keacy Carty, who topscored with a polished 88 and veteran Roston Chase, who made a breezy 59, were the highlights of an otherwise ordinary West Indies batting effort.

With West Indies staring at a rout, the pair engineered a 110-run, fifth wicket stand to pull their side out of trouble.

But they also fell within 28 deliveries of each other, triggering a lower order collapse as the Caribbean side lost their last five wickets for just 38 runs.

Hope said it was important West Indies won the key moments of the game and not let advantages slip.

“You have to look at the positives from each game, whether in the field and in the batting and we must take some stuff out of there but that partnership gave us a chance at least,” he pointed out.

“Roston got out at a crucial stage when we were building, pretty much putting ourselves in a position to have a demanding total.

“And Keacy again, that unfortunate run out. [We’re] just not grasping the crucial stages of the game and then allowing Australia to pretty much dictate how things [go afterwards].”

West Indies had mixed

fortunes in ODIs last year, winning ten of 18 matches, including a year-ending series victory over England.

They launched the series with a record run chase in Antigua when they overhauled 326 to win by four wickets.

Hope said his side’s modest total in Melbourne had been inadequate, and stressed that totals over 300 needed to become the benchmark. “[It was] definitely not [a good enough total]. But even if we score ten or 15, anytime you cross the line as a fielding group, you’ve got to believe that you can win the game,” Hope said.

“I think it was a way below par score. I think we need to be looking at in excess of 300, probably 320 to give ourselves a chance.

“It was a very good pitch, you see how the ball came on to the bat. It was very good for batting. We didn’t have enough runs on the board [but] next game [is an] opportunity to come better.”

He added: “We just need to make sure we can improve from there. [We have to] learn quickly because we’re not at home, we’re not used to these conditions – most of the guys – so the faster we adjust, the faster we can come better for the next game.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

Jockey Appadu eyeing pole position at Jumbo Jet’s Mashramani race

CHAMPION Jockey for the New Year’s Day race Jockey Ronaldo Appadu is aiming to extend his form at the upcoming Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee Mashramani horse race meet.

This event is set for Sunday February 25 at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice, a venue that is familiar to Jockey Appadu. The last outing for

Appadu at Rising Sun, he recorded two wins and four second spot.

According to Appadu, he is aiming to have a fruitful 2024. Appadu also spoke about the preparations for the Mashramni race meet.

“This year started very well with me. I would like to go through better than last year. Last year was not too bad. I had couple wins last year. This year I would

like to do better this year.”

“The horses are 50 per cent as it relates to preparation. We have been working them every morning to get them to 100 per cent. We have good weather. Sometimes we have a bit of a rain, but the rain does good for the track, to get the horses on the good cushion on the track. The weather has been good to us,” Appadu said.

The energised jockey,

Appadu also noted that the turns at Rising Sun is sharper than others, and he is cautious of that.

“Rising Sun is a smaller track than Port Mourant.

When you are out there you have to be in a good position when going around the turn. The first turn is a very sharp turn,” Appadu explained.

Jockey Appadu also extended gratitude to the fans

who continue to show support to him.

Eight races are carded for the Mashramni horse meet, and close to G$10 million will be up for grabs.

The feature event will be open to all imported and locally bred horses, running at a distance of 1,600m.

The top horse of the feature event will bag G$2 million.

Additionally, the provisional programme in-

cludes the West Indian-bred four-year-old and West Indian-bred three-year-old horses running at 1,600m, and the three-year-old Guyana-bred non-winners of two races running at 1,400m.

All the top horses and jockeys are expected to ignite the Rising Sun Turf Club at the Mashramani event.

(DCB) SVC Precision Services Centre T20 Inter-Association Final

Barnwell, Perez help panthers maul Jaguars

By Sean Devers A LARGE and vocal crowd watched as Chris Barnwell and Raymond Perez lead a massacre at DCC on Saturday as the Georgetown Panthers beat West Demerara Jaguars by 84 runs in the final of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) SVC Precision Services Centre T20 Inter-Association Cricket Tournament.

Barnwell hit a brutal, unbeaten 155 from 65 balls with 11 fours and 13 sixes and shared in a 233-run second-wicket stand with national first-class selectee Perez, whose supporting undefeated 76 from 46 balls was decorated with four fours and five sixes.

Georgetown galloped to 240-1 in 20 overs.

Despite an unbeaten 47 from 39 balls with two fours and five sixes from Mahendra Dhanpaul and 39 from opener Ushadeva Balgobin which lasted 25 balls and included five fours and a six, West Demerara were restricted to 156-9 when their 20 overs expired.

Off-spinner Dwayne Dick who dismissed Navindra Persaud (18) and Malcolm Hubbard (0) with consecutive deliveries, took 2-20, while left-arm spinner Devon Lord who was also on a hat-trick when he removed Kishaun Tracy (15) and Nkosi Major (0) had 2-31.

Christopher Barnwell goes on the attack They were supported by national selectee Steven Sankar who captured 2-23.

Georgetown, elected to bat on a flat track, small ground and lightning-fast outfield and former Guyana first-class batter Shemroy Barrington drove left-arm spinner Navendra Persaud sweetly past cover for four before he was LBW for five to Aryan Persaud at 7-1.

This started the Barnwell/ Perez show in scorching heat.

The experienced Barnwell deposited Navendra Persaud for a couple of crunching boundaries before lofting Persaud for a four and six.

Perez, the leading run-scorer in the four-team

tournament, was not to be left out of the run feast and ‘walked’ into pacer Narendra Persaud, pulling him savagely for four.

The six power-play overs produced 41 runs while the 50 was posted in seven overs.

Boundaries rained on sunny at the Queenstown venue as both batters flayed the hapless attack to all parts of the ground to the delight of a festive crowd which included Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson and his daughter.

The 100 came up in the 12th over as the pair were given many ‘gifts’ which they happily dispatched with disdain; Barnwell reached his 50

Raymond Perez will hope his form continues from 21 balls with three fours and three sixes, while Perez, who will hope to continue his fine form if he makes his debut in St Kitts, reached his 50 from 35 balls with three fours and a similar number of sixes.

The atmosphere was ‘CPL-like’ with the infinity music system from the East Coast providing pulsating music in between overs.

150 was posted in the 16th over as Barnwell got to his century off just 50 balls with eight fours and seven mighty sixes as runs continued to flow.

Off-spinner Richi Looknauth, who has replaced Aksaya Persaud in the Guyana

team which leaves for St Kitts today, surprisingly opted not to bowl.

He instead used the ‘match ups’ of the right handers as an excuse as Barnwell flicked pacer Persaud for six and guided him to the third man boundary in an over that cost 13.

Barnwell, who got to his 150 from 62 balls with 10 fours and 13 sixes, deposited Navindra Persaud onto the roof of Roger Harper’s house over on Lance Gibbs Street to bring up the 200 in an over which cost 30 and included five sixes as the carnage continued.

Georgetown collected $200,000 and the winner’s

trophy while West Demerara took home $100,000 and a trophy for being runners-up.

Each member of the two teams and match officials received medals.

There was live commentary on YouTube by FL Sports In the third-place playoff, Vishwanath Ramlakhan hit an unbeaten 60 to take East Coast to 143-7 in a losing cause against East Bank who responded with 148-4.

East Bank took home $50,000 while East Coast had to settle for fourth place and got $25,000. Renaldo Ali Mohammed was named MVP of the tournament and pocked $25,000.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

East Coast Mash Cup Knockout Football Competition…

Buxton Stars, Mahaica Determinators register wins BUXTON Stars and Mahaica Determinators were winners on Friday’s opening night of the East Coast Mash Cup Knockout Football Competition.

The Buxton side beat Poudroyen FC on penalties after goalless draw at the Golden Grove ground.

T h e E D FA L e a g u e Champions – Buxton Stars held their nerve to win 5-4 in a tense and tight penalty shootout.

In the feature game, GFF Elite team Ann’s Grove United were stunned by a fit and running Mahaica Determinators team.

Mahaica scored two quick goals in the first half, but Ann’s Grove United fought hard and level the score to 2-2 in the second half.

After 90 minutes of football penalties were required to determine a winner; thus Mahaica Determinators pre-

vailed 5-6 in sudden death.

The competition continues this evening at same venue with a triple header from 17:00 hours.

In the first game, a youthful and new look Victoria Kings will take on longtime rivals BV/Triumph United while at 7pm Elite team Buxton United will tackle Airy Hall FC out of Mahaicony.

The feature game will see Haslington FC colliding

with Paradise FC of East Coast Demerara.

This is the second year of the competition for the East Demerara Football Association and the Mash Cup Association which is a group of businessmen from the East Coast Community.

The tournament also got the blessings of the local governing football body, Guyana Football Federation.

The venue for the games

are Golden Grove Ground, ECD and #5 Village, West Coast Berbice.

The competition is made up of 16 teams drawn from the East Coast Demerara, West Coast Demerara, West Coast Berbice and Georgetown.

The participating teams are: Fruta Conquerors, Victoria Kings FC, Buxton United, Buxton Stars, Haslington FC, Cougars FC, Paradise FC (WCB), Ann’s

Grove United, Monnederlust FC, BV/Triumph United, Airy Hall FC, Paradise FC (ECD), Poudroyen FC, Mahaica Determinators, Mahaicony Lions and Hopetown FC. The winner of the competition will pocket $500,000 plus a trophy, 2nd place - $250,000 and a trophy, 3rd place 150,000 plus a trophy and 4th place $100,000 and a trophy.

NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League

Santos and Fruta Conquerors to clash in the final

CITY sides Santos Football Club and Fruta Conquerors FC will clash in the final of the NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green Under-11 League following respective semi-final victories over East Bank opponents on Saturday at the Agricola Playfield.

Both Friendship All-Stars and Swan Football Club put up sterling resistance but were unable to deny the Georgetown teams from advancing to the final on a date to be decided by the organisers.

Santos was pushed to the end by the Linden Soesdyke-based Swan FC in what was an exciting clash from start to finish in the second semi which had to be decided

via kicks from the penalty mark following their 2-2 regulation time draw.

Swan it was which took the lead through a Kevon Charles goal but the lads from Santos kept the focus and were able to draw level through a Daniel Chesney goal, they then took the lead when Devon Wright rocked the nets.

It seemed, however, as the game approached fulltime that Santos would have eased to the win in regulation time but a well-timed pass to Elon James in the 29th saw him heading the ball over the Santos goalkeeper and into an open goal even as the Santos player tried their

Action in the first semi-final between Fruta Conquerors and Friendship All-Stars utmost to cover for the missing goalie.

However, Swan was no match for Santos from the

penalty mark and lost 0-2, which created a safe passage to the final for Santos in the championship game against Conquerors which had earlier eased to a 2-0 win over Friendship All-Stars.

The Friendship enjoyed some good moments in the game but was not able to find any goals. Conquerors’ goals came from Gilbert Frank and the consistent Dane Vancooten. Swan and Friendship collide in the third-place match.

The league commenced on November 15, 2023, and it is now down to the final where players and teams are eager to cash in on the prizes on offer. The winner

will be rewarded with a trophy and 12 replicas, the same will be for the first runner-up. The second and third runner-up will each receive 12 medals.

Individual prizes of a plaque each will go to the Most Valuable Player (Plaque), Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goal Scorer, Most Promising Player, and Most Disciplined Player. The Best Coach will also receive a Plaque.

Each team, before the kick-off of the League was presented with branded playing shirts and two footballs each. The respective Coaches received polo shirts.

Fireside hands over Championship Trophy for Mash Street Football Showdown FIRESIDE Grill and Chill under its Fireside Suites brand yesterday handed over the Championship Trophy for the upcoming and much-anticipated Mashramani Street Football Championship slated for Sunday February 18th at the National Park.

Ashanti Robinson presented the trophy on behalf of the Garnett Street outlet. Brand Ambassador for the event, Terryann Caesar thanked Fireside for their continued support, indicating that the business have been a supporter of the event from its inception and that's always a good sign of growth.

"We want to thank Fireside for

their contributions to this event and it's always good to have reputable brands like Fireside associated with your events because it's an indicator that they see value in what you are doing" Caesar said, adding that it's a worthwhile investment our youth.

The event this year was crunched into what the sports management organisation, which is the body behind the organising and promotion of the event, calls "one big night".

The event will feature 16 of the best teams facing off in an ultimate showdown and right to be called "the best of the best".

Caesar said that a prize is guaranteed once they get to the Final Four

and getting their only require teams to win two games. She indicated that a total of $1 million will be split among the top four teams of the competition, which makes it a historic giveaway in one night.

The Mashramani Football Championship is one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events on the Calendar for the format of the sport. It was last held in 2022 and easily became one of the biggest street football events the country has ever seen. The showdown promises to be no different on Sunday February 18th at the National Park.

Ashanti Robinson (left) presents the Championshion Trophy to Brand Ambassador for the Mash Street Football Championship, Terryann Caesar yesterday at the Garnett Street outlet

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 4, 2024

(DCB) SVC Precision Services Centre T20 Inter-Association Final

Barnwell, Perez help panthers maul Jaguars

SEE PAGE

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The Georgetown Panthers beat West Demerara Jaguars by 84 runs in a massacrelike final at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground

Hope wants West Indies ‘up for fight’ in second ODI

Jockey Ronaldo Appadu (right) recorded two wins and four second spots on New Year’s Day

SEE PAGE

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SEE PAGE

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Matthew Forde celebrates dismissing Travis Head•Feb 02, 2024•Getty Images

Jockey Appadu eyeing pole position at Jumbo Jet’s Mashramani race

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| SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2024