Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-03-2023

Real work, real development underway in Region Six

–– new stadium, four-lane highway, world-class training centre, level five hospital, modernisation of drainage, irrigation system, among major components of ‘grand plan’

–– President Ali says five years of investment by former APNU+AFC gov't not equivalent to one PPP/C project in the region

President Ali to Guyanese:

‘Never forget our struggles to preserve democracy’

TIGI silent on 75 documented ‘corruption scandals’ involving APNU+AFC gov’t

–– being used as pawn to influence international community, Jagdeo says

Local aviation sector reaching new heights

––

11 airlines servicing Guyana’s passenger market, talks ongoing with carriers in Toronto, Europe

(Office of the President photos)

India’s Foreign Minister to visit Guyana to sign MoU for energy partnership

GUYANA will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India to boost cooperation in the energy sector, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo announced on Friday.

The VP was at the

time speaking at a press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where he disclosed that India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will be visiting Guyana to ink the MoU.

He explained that the

MoU is still before India’s cabinet awaiting approval.

Dr Jagdeo recently returned from India, where he led a high-level delegation to advance discussions on bilateral cooperation.

The visit was seen as a continued engagement between the two countries after the official visit of President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in January.

Outside of energy, Dr Jagdeo said that Guyana is considering the purchase of defence capabilities from India to help preserve and protect its oil-and-gas sector, marine borders, and exclusive economic zones.

He referenced a number of defence capabilities which are primarily for peaceful purposes and for exerting more power over maritime boundaries or exclusive economic zones.

The Vice-President said that the energy MoU will enhance bilateral cooperation and will not only cover crude oil, but the whole energy sector from renewable energy to solar energy.

“The MoU will deal with a number of issues.

It will deal with exploring the possibility of trading in crude oil, but we agreed with the minister that this has to be beneficial to both countries and it has to follow market conditions,” Dr Jagdeo told reporters.

However, he pointed out that “there is no agreement to sell any oil to India at this point in time, and any such agreement in the future will have to be competitive and will have to benefit both parties.”

“India has an enormous capacity in many areas, and we hope to benefit from the strengthening of the regulatory regime; their expertise in strengthening the regulatory regime here for the oil-and-gas sector, as well as building capacity in the Ministry of Natural Resources,” he said.

The burgeoning energy sector in Guyana is one of the most critical and promising areas of the country’s economy. With the recent discoveries of several offshore oil reserves, Guyana has become one of the most significant players in the global energy market.

To this end, the Vice-President also announced that the upcom-

Under the terms of the licence, Exxon must relinquish a minimum of 20 per cent of the contract area not retained under an exploration or production licence.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres), with its gross recoverable resource now estimated to be more than 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels, including Liza and other successful exploration wells.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali last year announced that the government hopes to award the contracts by the end of May. Guyana is among 65 countries that will be launching the auction of oil blocks.

ing reclaiming of 20 per cent of the giant Stabroek oil block from the ExxonMobil-led consortium will open more windows for bilateral partnerships.

India, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have already expressed their interest.

“So we have made no definitive decision on the 20 per cent being relinquished, that those would be all available for bilateral engagements or auction, although they are potentially available for the discussions at the bilateral level.

“And that is what we spoke of in India. We have also indicated to several other governments that are interested in participating at a bilateral level with us, because we believe that some bilateral engagements could complement the more commercial-type engagements with the private sector,” he said.

ExxonMobil’s contract allows Guyana to reclaim unexplored portions this year. The Exxon group has missed investment deadlines for portions of the block not under exploration or development.

The 14 blocks being put up for auction range in acreage from 1,000 sq. km to 3,000 sq. km, with 11 in shallow water, and the other three in deep water.

The bidders will be evaluated on their work programmes, financial offers, and local-content commitments.

There won’t be any restrictions on the number of bids a company is allowed to submit, but a successful bidder will be limited to an award of no more than three blocks.

There is a participation fee of US$20,000 for the bidding process for each block.

The winning bidders of the shallow-water exploration blocks must pay a minimum of US$10 million signing bonus, and twice that amount for the deep-water blocks.

Bidders will also be required to provide a development plan for consideration, along with their financial bids.

Under the new fiscal terms and other conditions for future Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), successful companies will be subjected to 50 per cent profit sharing, a royalty rate of 10 per cent, and corporate tax of 10 per cent, among other things.

Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo with Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

Real work, real development underway in Region Six

–– new stadium, four-lane highway, world-class training centre, level five hospital, modernisation of drainage, irrigation system, among major components of ‘grand plan’

–– President Ali says five years of investment by former APNU+AFC gov't not equivalent to one PPP/C project in the region

TRANSFORMATION underway in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is the result of careful planning, a deliberate strategy and a “very focused vision,” President, Dr. Irfaan Ali said on Friday, when he joined scores of residents to turn the sod for yet another milestone, the commencement of works on the catalytic 10,000-capacity Berbice stadium.

The President used the opportunity to reiterate and outline the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s “grand” plans to develop the region through massive investments in various infrastructural and transformational projects.

“In three short years, we have embarked on this journey. This journey to rebuild, to rebuild stronger. We have made it our mission to work in every single community, to ensure that every single Guyanese are part of the prosperity of our country. And what is the grand mission and grand plan that we’ve announced for this region. Development has no face, my friends, in the journey of modernisation in this region,” President Ali related.

Although certain that the government’s agenda, track-record and critical investments are enough to silence any detractor, the Head of State was keen on dismantling the untruths of naysayers who constantly seek to sow seeds of discord by distorting the facts and ignoring the progress.

“I see “One Guyana”

under the banner of development. One people understanding the truth that there are the talkers and there are the doers, that there are those who destroy and there are those who build. I am proud to be part of a team, to be part of a party that builds and do not destroy, that bringing people together and do not separate people that uplift people and do not destroy the lives of people. That is what we celebrate.

“My friends, this is not Tic Tok or Tik Tak. This is not a TV show. This is not the talk show. This is not hot balloon, verbiage. This is real work and real development… we must not allow the naysayers ever again… they did once [but] never again to spoil the path of development and progress for you and your families.”

Confident in the government’s successes and efforts to unite Guyanese, President Ali said boldly: “They [naysayers] are once again trying to regroup. But this time they are up against a large army of people who are feeling the development, who understand the development, and people who have lived through the hardship of five difficult years. We are not saying everything is perfect, but what we are saying is that we are working to make things better for you every single day.”

Region Six especially was not only neglected from 2015-2020, but, according to the President, it was “pulverised” and the people were “pauperised.”

In painting a grim picture of what transpired in Region Six under the former APNU+AFC government, the Head of State related: “Thousands of you lost jobs. The private sector was dead. The region suffered immensely. That is the situation we came and we saw. A sugar industry that was abandoned. Punts that transported people to work and came to production left to rotten, that is what we found.”

Today, the government has not only managed to reverse those effects almost completely, but it has also made significant strides in making new investments to ensure that the region and its people benefit from and be part of Guyana’s rapid development.

Aside from the massive

stadium being constructed, President Ali referenced plans for a level five hospital, a new four-lane highway, call centres, water-treatment plans, the first local worldclass technical training centre, the expansion and construction of farm-to-market access roads, modernisation of the drainage and irrigation systems, and other transformative projects that would have far-reaching benefits.

Also on the table for discussion is the plan for a high-span bridge across the Berbice River that would contribute to the continuous flow of traffic and economic activities.

REAL PLANS

“These are the real plans for the transformation of this region, plans

that include the expansion of educational services that would see every single child having full access to secondary education, that will see every single child that want to pursue a university education, having access to that education; one that will see every single pensioner having better pension, better access to care facility, having a better environment in which they can retire in dignity; one that will see every single child having everything they need to access education; one that will see every single family having access and benefitting from our housing programme.

This is the future we are building,” Dr. Ali said.

To further emphasise the government’s achievements in the region, the President reasoned that five years of investments by APNU+AFC is not equivalent to one project done by the PPP/C government.

In just three years, in 2020 and 2021 alone, the incumbent PPP/C delivered $1 billion to Region Six in COVID-19 grants, which benefit 30,000 households.

Further, the President said in 2021, $250,000, a one-off cash payment, was given to those sugar workers who the coalition sent home. To add to this, 4,000 persons are now employed on the part-time job programme.

“And a $150,000 one-off cash grant was given to our fisherfolk… our fisherfolk in this region. That is how we have delivered. We’ve invested more than $1.4 billion in agricultural development, benefitting more than 9,000 persons directly. I won’t go through the list of all the projects we did. We have delivered benefits in the housing sector to more than 7,000 people in this region in just three years.

“In five years, they cannot point to a single scheme they develop. In tourism and industry, we are investing in call centres where we spent money on completing the Belvedere Industrial Estate. We have brought direct benefits to more than 500 small businesses in this region through the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and

Commerce,” Dr. Ali related.

He went on to say that the government has set aside $3 billion to benefit 9,000 pensioners in this region, while $40 million dollars was delivered to the pensioners in water subsidy in Region six.

“We’ve expended hundreds of millions of dollars under the public assistance programme, benefitting more than 5,000 persons in this region. We have delivered a $100,000 one-off cash grant to the children, special needs children in this region benefitting more than 500 children in this region. We have delivered training that benefitted almost 400 single women in this region.

“We are investing heavily in education, in health, I don’t need to tell you the story, but we have moved the availability from less than 30 per cent availability of medication in the health care system from when we came in office to almost 80 per cent now… as I speak to you today and we are not satisfied, we will only be satisfied when we can deliver 100 per cent access to your medication and medical supply here in this region,” the Head of State said.

He outlined a plethora of other initiatives before affirming to residents: “This is how we have worked for you; this is how we have delivered to you and I assure you of more hard work, I assure you of renewed commitment in delivering more and more to you in this region and every single region of our country.”

FIGHT FOR DEVELOPMENT

Cognisant that investing in the advancement is not enough given the proliferation of naysayers, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo told residents of Region Six: “…if we want our country to change, we have to fight for development.

You have to persevere regardless of these criticisms, because you have a group of people who are negative about everything else.”

The Vice-President affirmed that the government

Transformation underway in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is the result of careful planning, a deliberate strategy and a “very focused vision,” President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has said (Office of the President photo)

‘Never forget our struggles to preserve democracy’

- President Ali reminds Guyanese

THE struggles to have the electorate’s voice heard and respected after March 2, 2020, must never be forgotten, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.

The people, in 2020, went to the polls and peacefully gave a mandate to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to govern.

Guyanese, after casting their votes, had to endure a five-month wait for the results of the General and Region-

al Elections as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.

During this time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as electors observed what was described as attempts by the then APNU+AFC administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation, with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by a wide section of society.

It was only after the legal challenges and

international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened and the

figures showed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) received 233,336 votes,

while the APNU+AFC Coalition got 217,920 votes.

“We must never forget the struggles we went through to preserve our democracy,”

President Ali said in a post on his official Facebook page.

The President said the government is focused on uniting the country and building “One Guyana” for all.

“We are developing our country for all Guyanese - it does not matter your background... it matters your commitment to the upliftment of our country and our people,” Dr. Ali said.

The Head of State added: “…let us not

forget the past and the deeds of the defenders of Democracy. But let us commit ourselves to building our democracy for the benefit of all.”

Dr. Ali’s leadership has since led to the restoration of the country’s international image and the return of confidence in Guyana, a country now classified as a major investment and tourism destination with one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Despite the progress made, Guyanese have been urged to always be vigilant and alert so as to ensure that the memories of the past do not become a reality of the future.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

TIGI silent on 75 documented ‘corruption scandals’ involving APNU+AFC gov’t

- being used as pawn to influence international community, Jagdeo says

By Clestine Juan

TRANSPARENCY International Guyana (TIGI) came under fire from Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo for its silence on dozens of documented corruption scandals involving the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

While speaking to reporters on Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Jagdeo called out the TIGI for turning a blind eye to the alleged corruption committed by the coalition while in government.

He said that this was evident during the 2020 elections fiasco when the coalition attempted to rig the elections. He added that the party is now “playing the victim.”

“They will get a supporting group of NGOs to criticise the government in writing reports and hope that somehow the international community, as erroneous as those reports are, they would influence opinion-making and policy in those countries in relation to Guyana,” Dr Jagdeo said.

The report in question is the 2019 report published by TIGI covering the period that the APNU+AFC held office.

“They come in new formulations, they’re sometimes new configurations, but they’re still there. The same old players of the past and they’re at it again. But it’s not going to work now because we’re going to be more aggressive on calling people out and we’re going to make sure that the international community sees these bodies for what they are and these individuals.

“Until now, we’ve had silence from the TIGI that submitted a report in 2019, which said that the APNU stopped a parking metre scandal when we know that it was the PNC [People’s National Congress] in control of the City Hall that was the centre of this scandal and that [Ronald] Bulkan,

as the Minister [of Communities] gave approval for its introduction, and that it was only because of the battle of civil society that it was stopped,” Dr Jagdeo said.

Citizens of Guyana are now left with a series of rusting parking meters spread across the downtown area.

The remnants of terrible decision-making at the local government level by the APNU-dominated council still threatens to leave Guyana with a large legal bill, since the contract for the parking meters was abruptly brought to an end under the APNU+AFC government, sparking a legal battle with the company contracted to deliver the meters.

In commenting on this, Jadgeo said: “But the TIGI submitted a report to Transparency International saying that the APNU had stopped that. We know that the 2016 contract…APNU hid that contract…Then the

TIGI wrote the international community and in their report said that APNU had released this contract,” he added.

The Vice-President further explained that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), civil society, the media and other political parties had to “fight” for the release of the contract.

He shared his belief that the TIGI has been led to believe the narrative about corruption under the PPP/C.

He pointed out that his party has compiled a list of about 75 “corruption scandals” documented under the APNU-led government, where ministers and senior officials were implicated, but yet TIGI is mum.

“They were silent on a long list of corruption scandals…. 75 scandals from their first week [in government] to the last days that they were in office, he said.

Another case involved millions of taxpayers’ mon-

ey being paid to a private company for the construction of D’Urban Park.

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, in his latest report on how efficiently taxpayers’ money is being utilised, was tasked with a special audit on the construction of that facility.

A private company named Homestretch Development Inc. (HDI) was created to execute the project which included the construction of several wooden stands. As of December 31, 2017, Sharma said sums totalling $1.150 billion were expended.

According to the Auditor General, payment vouchers to support expenditure incurred by the ministry totalling $70.610 million were not produced for audit examination. As such, the completeness, accuracy, and validity of this amount could not be determined.

“They started a week

after they got into office collecting money illegally, telling us they didn’t need public money to build the stadium. We ended up footing a bill of over $1 billion. $600 million unaccounted for in the Auditor General’s report,” he said.

“…from the beginning to the ending of their tenure, I can fill in the scandals every week that they had. But the TIGI was silent on that, totally silent. That’s why I said it’s [APNU+AFC] the most venal, corrupt govern-

ment that we’ve ever had in our history,” the VP said.

TIGI according to its website was formed “out of the concern for the level of corruption that was perceived to have existed in the Guyanese society.”

It was incorporated in November 2010 as a non-profit organisation devoted to the promotion of good governance, transparency and greater accountability, and assisting in the fight against corruption.

Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo (Adrian Narine photo)

Downward Spiral

THE People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R)], under the guise of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), continues to insult its support base by propagating a poverty mindset and promoting bullyism as a form of reasoning.

This was witnessed recently with the Region Four Chairman’s action during the Regional Republic Anniversary flagraising ceremony and his attempts to propagate the PNC’s bullying tactics by trying to dictate what he wants and who must speak,

aiming to gain low political points.

With every act of the opposition PNC/R, it is clear that instigating and politicizing issues to the disadvantage of its supporters is the hallmark of the party.

This was also seen within the Mocha-Arcadia community when the government moved to make way for an East Bank road link and offered squatters alternative land and housing. And while most persons took up the government’s offer, several persons whom the PNC/R

programmed suffered when they demanded as much as $100 million to $150 million a person to remove from the unregularised area.

History has revealed that the PNCR party has operated with impunity for decades and occupies valuable state properties across the country, for which they do not have ownership records.

The PNC/R was “squatting” in a building owned by the state and earmarked to be used as a health centre for Lethem and the wider Region Nine (Upper

Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The illegal occupation of the building halted the facility’s construction and the regional authorities intervened, prompting the opposition party to shed crocodile tears and raise a hue and cry, even though none of its claims are legitimate.

Doing things wrong seems to be at the heart of the party’s agenda, since all and sundry know the opposition party to be the most incompetent, racially driven, and corrupt in and out of office in Guyana’s history.

In January, even the former treasurer of the PNCR complained to colleagues on the Central Executive Committee about the alleged lack of accountability and racial discrimination. He subsequently resigned.

Further, in January, the Florida Chapter of the PNC/R called for the resignation of its leader, Aubrey Norton. In many ways, this is not surprising. Since taking office last December, Mr Norton has yet to show an iota of leadership. Instead, he has navigated himself and the PNC/R through missteps, blunders,

and downright political tomfoolery.

The Florida PNC/R group claims that Mr Norton has “severally [sic] tarnished” the party; further, there has been a “downward spiral” under his leadership.

In conclusion, the PNC/R has historically contributed to political violence and intimidation in the country while destroying strong institutions, democracy and the rule of law, and ignoring essential components that would promote a stable and prosperous society.

MP Ferguson is still wrong on the basic facts

Dear Editor,

I WRITE with reference to a letter to the editor by Eric Moseley (KN March 2, 2023) intended to defend the fantastic, if not outrageous, claims and propositions made by the Hon Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson (SN, 26/2/2023). I am happy to enjoin this debate even though there is not much substance to respond to in Mr. Moseley’s missive.

First, Ms. Ferguson’s defender states that Burnham deserves praise because he took us to independence. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, Burnham helped to delay Guyana’s independence for several years because he was busy helping to overthrow the sitting PPP democratically elected government.

Evidence of this claim could be found in a July 12, 1962 letter by Secretary of

State Dean Rusk to President Kennedy which stated the following – “I recommend that you approve specifically the following: - “That it is an objective of U.S. policy to bring about the replacement of the government of Cheddi Jagan by one friendly to the West…” (FRUS, 1961-1962). We know who that friendly one was; L.F.S. Burnham, of course.

Moseley claims that Burnham helped to bring about good relations among different political and ethnic groups in Guyana. Wrong again. British and American intelligence internal documents clearly state that Mr. Burnham was a divisive figure driven by ethnic nationalism.

Moreover, Burnham and his Cabinet Minister, Hamilton Green, (now a so-called elder) were feared throughout the country. When Burnham needed further assistance

with his slow but steady violence against the people, he brought in the dangerous American fugitive David Hill, aka Rabbi Washington.

The Rabbi was a gangster with full state support including in the areas of state intelligence, weapons, transportation, and targets. Ask the WPA, NACCIE, GUARD, etc…, if you think these are lies.

Ask the nurses who went on strike and were harangued by the Rabbi. Ask the families of Walter Rodney, Father Darke, Cletus Henriques, and Vincent Teekah. And don’t forget the families of Maikhram Sawh and Sampersaud Taranauth and Sister Rowtie. Ask Indra Chandrapal, Clement Rohee and Gail Teixeira. The children of Ali Baksh can also testify. By all means, do not forget to ask Mr. Hamilton Green himself.

Moseley is right that the oil crisis of the 1970s posed

massive challenges to Guyana. That is a fact, and no one should doubt that. But he, like the Hon. MP Annette Ferguson, forgot that 1974 and 1975 were actually among the best years for Burnham.

Here is the evidence –GDP grew by 7.7 per cent in 1974 and by 8.4 per cent in 1975! What is remarkable is that the economic performance occurred immediately after the most massively rigged elections that took place on July 16, 1973. This demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt that no one was sabotaging the economy, a claim often made by PNC supporters.

MP Ferguson’s point on education was not missed by Moseley. PNC folks love to talk about how great education was during the Burnham years. I agree that great gains were made. I know from experience, and I did attend

one of Mr. Burnham’s proud accomplishments of Co-operative Socialism, namely, Leonora Primary School.

I was in the first Common Entrance class of that school in 1970. But Moseley like Ferguson either willfully forgets or simply does not care that Burnham politicised the teaching profession by placing party comrades as agents of the state constitutionally enabled by the doctrine of paramountcy of the party.

They also ignore the most well-established fact of higher education, namely, you had to be a party comrade to either get a job at UG or to be spared the dreaded National Service. I have never heard a single individual, other than a high PNC Comrade, praise National Service.

Finally, Editor, in her original piece where Ms. Ferguson told us that Burnham’s was sent by God to Guyana,

she also intimated that we are still reaping the blessings of the Cde. Leader’s brilliant contribution.

I respectfully challenge the Honorable Member of Parliament to square that with the attempt to openly rig the 2020 National and Regional Elections, or on a lesser charge, to reconcile Mr. Burnham’s legacy with stealing the Speaker’s Mace in Parliament. If I am not mistaken, Ms. Ferguson has intimate knowledge of those occurrences.

MP Ferguson and Eric Moseley’s basic case on behalf of LFS Burnham is that he was no ‘autocrat.’ True, but he was an authoritarian. To find out the difference I recommend Nic Cheesman and Brian Klass, How to Rig an Election (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2019).

Yours sincerely, Dr. Randolph Persaud

The Trevelyan family fund for Grenada

A new thrust in the tricontinental quest for reparations and repair for slavery and native genocide

IT was simply advertised as a “Reparations Forum’, but the February 27 launch of the Trevelyan Family Reparations Fund in, and for, Grenada also turned out to be much more: a new thrust in the tricontinental quest for reparations for slavery and native genocide in Africa, Europe and the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region.

The proposal drew more criticism than support before the launch, with claims that the US $100,000 was “too little”, compared to today’s equivalent of three million British Pounds the family was paid in com-

pensation after Abolition (1834) for their five estates and hundreds of enslaved Africans in Grenada.

But after the launch, the story changed to one of better understanding, more appreciation and support for the unique private initiative by a US-based and globallyrecognised TV news presenter and members of her family.

The event at the Grenada Trade Center Annex was a full-house affair with a headtable featuring Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI) and Chair of the CARICOM

Reparations Commission (CRC), Sir Hilary Beckles, Chair of the Grenada National Reparations Committee (GNRC), Arley Gill and Laura Trevelyan (representing her family).

The majority of the island’s Cabinet Ministers were also present, as well as teachers and secondary school students, Rastafarians and supporters of CARICOM’s Reparations quest – and a small group of individual placardbearing ‘protesters’ who eventually joined and participated.

The ceremony, chaired by GNRC Deputy Chair, Nicole Phillip Dowe, was well-prepared and

executed, starting with drumming by the Tumda Drummers and prayers by a representative of the local branch of the Twelve Tribes of Israel Rastafari Order.

A journalist and news correspondent for over three decades and based in New York as a veteran BBC World News presenter, Laura Trevelyan told the fund’s full story –and with six other family members, read and signed a formal apology earlier signed by 104 family members.

She confirmed that the initial contribution was entirely from her retirement pension – and not an overall or final family contribution; and she plans to make five annual personal contributions, while other family members will also make deposits from the UK.

The family had now been contacted by several Jamaica-based families that also prospered from slavery, who were attracted by her formula.

Sir Hilary, a renowned Caribbean scholar, histo-

rian and an authority on the CARICOM’s quest for reparations, put the event in proper historical context, spelling-out, with facts and figures, the deadly effects of Chattel Slavery, which the United Nations (UN) has designated ‘The Worst Crime Against Humanity’ in humankind’s history.

The author of ‘Britain’s Black Debt’ and ‘How Europe Underdeveloped the Caribbean’ noted that while three million enslaved Afri -

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The Trevelyan family fund for...

cans were shipped to the Caribbean as cargo and insured property through the so-called Middle Passage (from Africa to the Caribbean and The Americas), at Emancipation in 1834 there were only 600,000 left.

Similarly, after Columbus opened the way for European conquest, the genocidal pursuit of the region’s First People also saw their numbers decline from millions to just a couple thousand, in very few years.

Chairman Gill called on other British and European families that benefitted from slavery to follow the Trevelyan example; and on CARICOM

governments (including Grenada) to do more to support the National Reparations Committees, most of which have been operating (from birth in 2013) without government funding support.

The GNRC chair also called for more teaching of true Caribbean history at the region’s schools, where it’s increasingly becoming an endangered subject.

Prime Minister Mitchell delivered a quiet but clear indication of his government’s support for the CARICOM reparations quest.

The speakers appealed for the region’s First People and past and present leaders of Carib-

bean People of African descent to be recognised for their historical roles as early freedom fighters and champions for Abolition and Emancipation; and for Reparations not to be treated as a “side show”, but one that has full support from every CARICOM government.

An appeal was also made to rename Grenada’s streets, schools and other public places after local and regional heroes.

There was a call for a ‘national consultation on Republicanism’, to which the Prime Minister (during the later Q&A period) responded that his government would be willing to take that road, but only when the

majority of islanders were ready to support such an initiative through a referendum vote, as required by the constitution.

The Prime Minister assured, however, that “We shall move forward on our feet and not on our hands.”

The event’s cultural input featured an interesting and serious drumand-poetry rendition by Nigel De Gale, a school principal, offering an uncomfortable but realistic poetic version of his vision of what life would have been like for Europeans under Slavery in the Caribbean, with Africans as the enslavers.

Also on display was an exhibition entitled ‘Say

My Name’, prepared and presented by the Grenada National Museum and explained by curator Angus Martin (also a member of the GNRC), featuring cards (distributed to the audience) with the names of all the enslaved Africans on the Trevelyan plantations, where in Africa each was born -- and how they got their ‘slave names’.

Meanwhile, the Trevelyan initiative and the also-private ‘Repair’ initiative by Digicel Chair, Denis O’Brian, have brought new perspectives to the tricontinental movement for reparations through repentance and repair, apology and atonement, that can also be eas-

ily adopted and adapted in Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe.

CARICOM’s 2013 initiative has had strong and visible ripple effects worldwide.

It can therefore be logically expected that the CRC, alongside other reparations entities across the three continents will examine the prospects of encouraging establishment of private and coordinated reparations funds, after prior consultation with intended beneficiaries, by British and American families, churches, universities, businesses and other entities in the same boat, on both sides of the Atlantic.

$1.8M collected at First Son’s lemonade stand handed over to GSPCA

GUYANA’S First Son, Zayd Ali, hosted a lemonade sale at State House, Main Street, on Friday in an effort to raise funds for the Guyana Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA)’s animal clinic and shelter.

As persons flocked the lemonade stand to support the cause, First Lady Arya Ali greeted them with a smile and provided infor-

mation about the variety of lemonade flavours and snacks that were available. Zayd, on the other hand, interacted with children of all ages and their parents.

During her brief remarks, the First Lady highlighted several reasons why the fundraiser meant a lot to Zayd and the rest of the First Family.

“It’s just him giving back to our little friends on

four feet,” she said, before highlighting how fond Zayd was of animals.

Labelling him as an “animal ambassador,” she affirmed that more events of a similar nature will be held.

She hinted that the proceeds from an upcoming event will be going towards the spay and neuter campaign.

Meanwhile, President of the GSPCA, Oliver Insanal-

ly, extended his gratitude to the First Family for the donation.

Insanally stated that GSPCA welcomes donations as they help to sustain

its operations and cater to the animals’ needs.

The First Son managed to raise a whopping $1,850,000 towards the cause.

The animal clinic and shelter offers vaccination, deworming, spay and neutering along with other veterinary services, at a reasonable price.

First Lady Arya Ali and First Son Zayd Ali hands over a cheque to the President of the GSPCA, Oliver Insanally. An additional $500, 000 was later handed over

First Lady Arya Ali and First Son,Zayd Ali, interacting with supporters at the lemonade sale (Delano Williams photos)

Real work, real development

From page 3

is working for all of Guyana, noting: “So, this is what the PPP is about.

If you look at our manifesto and this stadium was not in the manifesto, multipurpose centre was in the manifesto. So, we are completing all that we have said we will do in our manifesto. Fifty thousand jobs, you heard about it; we are probably already close to that and there is much, much more to go. Fifty thousand house lots; you’ve seen the housing development here, so everything, on the scholarship programme for this region, look at how many people, about 11,000 already have received scholarships from the government.

“That’s what we are about, development… So that is what we are about, so we will never, you will never find the PPP succumbing to the naysayers. So, I’m urging you to make sure that you’re part of development too, you’re part of what is happening in the national level, don’t let these naysayers [discourage you].”

Jagdeo was adamant that the naysayers are people who have lived their lives and don’t want to see this country move forward.

“They don’t want to see the country move forward… you analyse for yourselves. You’ll be part of the development thinking and the projects that are going to implement that vision. The People’s Progressive Party will always be there to ensure that our country moves,” Vice-President Jagdeo said.

PNC invited to apply for land to build Lethem office

NOTING that the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) was served three notices since 2021 to vacate the state-owned building they were occupying in Lethem, Region Nine, Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said that if an application is made, land will be given to the party for the building of an office.

This was revealed by Jagdeo on Friday during a press conference where he noted that central government had no role to play in the party’s removal from the building

which they were illegally occupying.

He noted that in the 2020 Auditor General’s report, mention was made of persons illegally occupying government property. He mentioned that at the level of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), regional officials were grilled about not taking action on the findings outlined in the Auditor General’s reports.

As it relates to the specific building in Region Nine, the Vice-President

Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo shows members of the media the document which lists the building as one that belongs to the state (Adrian Narine photo) See page 11

PNC invited to apply for land to build...

been occupying valuable state properties across the country for years.

He said that government is open to giving the party land in Lethem if they are desirous of building an office.

“Now APNU, if they want, they can easily apply for a piece of land and we may be willing to give them the land in Lethem if they want to build an office

said that the Regional Executive Officer had written three letters to the party requesting that it vacate the building.

He said that the party should not pretend that this was a spur-of-the-moment issue or that they never knew attempts were made to have them removed from the state’s property.

“We have three letters here written. The first was written to Amna Ally in 2021

and then two letters were written to Geeta Chandan about the same building. Since 2021 [there were] three notices from the REO, pursuant to the Auditor General’s Report,” Dr Jagdeo said.

During the press conference, he presented documented evidence of the inventory of the region which lists the building as one that belongs to the region.

To provide clarity, he said: “So let me make it

clear at the beginning, there was no direction on the part of the People’s Progressive Party to have APNU evicted from the building that they were illegally occupying. There was no direction from central government to have this done.”

Against this backdrop, he indicated that the government has seen this impunity from the PNC time and time again as they have

…properly on land they own,” he said.

On Thursday, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharmlall had said that numerous efforts were made and despite notices being sent to PNC officials in Region Nine to vacate the property, they had refused to do so.

According to him, the health facility which will

be housed in the building will serve the people of Lethem and Region Nine. He had emphasised that the illegal occupation of the building has stalled the construction of the health centre.

In a previous report, it was stated that materials removed from the building have been secured and are being stored by the regional authorities.

The building which the PNC has been illegally occupying

Survival rate increases for haemodialysis patients receiving $600,000 support – Dr. Anthony

THE PPP/C government’s move to support hemodialysis patients with financial assistance for treatment has been a success to date, with most beneficiaries already showing significant improvements.

In April last year, the administration rolled out its dialysis treatment initiative, where some 79

the programme’s roll out, and, “We [Ministry of Health] expect more persons would come in over the next couple of months.”

Apart from financial assistance, the government in collaboration with its partners have expanded dialysis centres to several regions, which will allow patients to receive treat -

Patients began receiving their $600,000 cheques from government in February 2023

hemodialysis patients received cheques valued at $600,000 to help subsidise their treatment costs.

More than 330 patients benefitted from the initiative last year. Similarly, the first payout for 2023 began in February and saw some 84 persons receiving the $600,000 cheque, amounting to some $50 million.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Friday reported that, “The doctors, the clinicians, have reported that they’re seeing better outcomes for these patients. Survivability has gone up, people are going to live longer because now they’re being dialysed on a regular basis,” he highlighted.

He said that an increase in patients has been observed since

ment in their hometowns.

A dialysis centre is now available at the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two, New Amsterdam Hospital in Region Six and the Linden Hospital Complex in Region 10.

“The extension of this network has allowed patients easier access to dialysis and this is something that we’ll continue to work with various partners to make sure that people have ready access to dialysis if they need,” Minister Anthony explained.

Persons who are diagnosed with end stage renal failure can contact the Ministry’s Medical Treatment Department on 225-0113 for more information on how they can receive the financial assistance. (DPI)

Local aviation sector reaching new heights

- 11 airlines servicing Guyana passenger market, talks ongoing with carriers in Toronto, Europe

By Cindy Parkinson

GUYANA’S aviation sector continues to soar as the country boasts 11 passenger airlines and as more carriers engage authorities to enter the local market.

In an invited comment, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill said that British Airways will soon commence its services here and that carriers from Toronto and Europe are examining the possibilities of having direct flights to Guyana.

In February, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) had reported that there have been significant increases in air travel to Guyana over the past two years.

Increases in air travel to Guyana reflect the transformational work being undertaken by the government under the visionary leadership of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. The influx of visitors and investors coming to Guyana is attributed to the massive growth in the housing, tourism, transportation and agricultural sectors.

Minister Edghill said that Guyana is on its way to achieving one million arrivals by 2025, as predicted by President Ali.

According to an airport document, Guyana recorded a 32 per cent increase in passenger arrivals for January 2023 compared to the previous year.

It was also stated that during the month of January, the airport processed 25,005 arriving

passengers compared to 18,874 in 2022.

Based on the airport’s records, the country’s main port of entry continues to experience significant increases in passenger arrivals since the Cricket Carnival in September 2022.

Earlier this year, President Ali via a Facebook livestream, said that the number of people handled at three of Guyana’s major ports of entry - the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri, Ogle’s Eugene F. Correia Airport and Moleson Creek in Corentyne - saw a significant increase in travel with a total of 717,822 passengers in 2022, an increase of 82.6 per cent over 2021.

President Ali also mentioned that Guyana has gained recognition as a result of the government’s investments in the tourism sector which has catapulted the country into a position to showcase its ecotourism destinations, as well as an eventsbased destination.

Currently, the capacity of the CJIA is being expanded by the government in preparation for future development.

Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo had said too that a new computerised passport system will be implemented as part of the government’s plans to modernise and bolster security procedures at airports.

There was also a significant increase in arrivals during the 53rd Republic anniversary celebrations in February.

48 houses being built in Lethem

By Cindy Parkinson

SOME 48 houses are under construction in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) as part of the Ministry of Housing and Water’s drive to ensure that adequate housing is available to Guyanese across the country.

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during an outreach to the region, had affirmed that adequate and affordable housing solutions would soon be accessible to residents.

In keeping with this commitment, Minister Croal said some 600 residents will benefit from the housing initia-

tive in Lethem. According to Minister Croal, the cost of each house is $3 million, but President Ali and his government

have extended a grant of $1 million towards the project. The remain-

prequalified. As part of the spinoff benefits of the

ment for the people of the region, Minister Croal said they are utilising materials from within the region, that is, they are buying the clay blocks and timbers for the structures from communities such as St. Ignatius, Shulinab, Kwatamang, Shea and Surama.

He also said that such an initiative is meant to make housing more available and affordable for all Guyanese. Minister Croal is also encouraging more people from the communities in Lethem to supply the blocks that are needed so that they can advance the programme.

ing $2 million will be given through the banks to the people who are

Lethem Housing Programme and in an effort to create employ-

He said as more resources become available, the ministry will continue to do much more to enhance the

lives of every citizen.

Minister Croal also said that doing what they do for the people motivates him and his government, knowing that they are working for a President who has the people’s interests at heart.

“We are part of a government that wants to see upliftment and betterment for our people and that is what motivates us every day to get the work done,” the minister said.

The houses are being built at the New Culvert City Housing Scheme and the Tabatinga Housing Scheme. Each unit is estimated at 550 square feet and will comprise two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a restroom.

One of the houses being built in Lethem. (Ministry of Housing and Water photo)

$16M WIIN funding benefits over 200 women-owned start-ups

OVER 200 women-owned start-ups that took the bold step to go into business received $16 million in funding from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) through the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute’s, Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) business incubator.

Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said.

She noted that when WIIN was conceptualised, it needed to be accessible and inclusive, which meant there were little to no requirements to enter the programme, and she was passionate about that because “no woman should feel this programme is so far away

training and WIIN in business programme through social media, will be venturing into mushroom production.

“My vision is to provide various strains of mushroom to supply several industries including the oil sector and based out of my hometown in Linden. This initiative, through the Ministry of Human Services and Social

follow-ups and support.

Additionally, businesses can access the free

marketing and advertising platform through the WIIN app. WIIN has

trained over 6000 persons, with a further 6000 expected to be trained in 2023.

According to the MHSSS, in a press statement, the initiative, reflecting a partnership between the Ministry and the World Food Programme, identified participants who first completed a WIIN training course before utilising the WIIN in the business workshop.

Following this, the beneficiary completed and submitted their business plan, which included a complete cash flow projection and details on how they would develop their business through the business incubator’s services.

Over 700 persons were contacted and guided on completing the qualifying criteria from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10.

A total of 216 cash grants were distributed totalling $16.2 million. Of this number, 157 new businesses were registered, with 39 renewing their registration and 20 having valid registrations.

“The entire concept was focused on making women win, win for themselves, win for their families, and win for their future. I want to create a level playing field for you so you can utilise the skills here to capitalise on all opportunities,” Minister of Human Services and Social

from her that she can’t get into it.”

Minister Persaud added: “I want to congratulate all of you for taking the opportunity and entering the programme, you need to take what you learnt from this programme and invest in yourselves, and we decided to take this cash grant and tailor it towards a business that you want to start and walking you through the process.”

She stated that, in 2022, they were able to put $120 million towards WIIN, and this year it has increased.

Joy-Ann Mecedo, a mother of five whose husband suffers from glaucoma in both eyes, said it was very tough for her to support her family; but with the funding and the Ministry’s step-bystep assistance, she was getting closer to starting her own business.

“My husband is 66 years old, and he has glaucoma in both of his eyes and can’t go into the back dam and work, so it is really hard. We used to work but the market closed off about 10 years back…I’m starting a new business so this money will help me get off my feet so I can be a proud businesswoman,” Macedo said.

Meanwhile, 23-yearold Latesha Cadogan, who was introduced to the WIIN

Security’s empowerment cash grant, I will be able to get the start-up I need,” Cadogan said.

She added: “When I did the WIIN in business programme, I was able to put all my thoughts down on paper, and they showed me what I needed to do with my business plan. During the course, I got to know in-depth what is required for the long term.”

Region Two’s, Lavern Corbin, embarking on a food venture, expressed gratitude to Minister Persaud and her team at the Ministry for affording her the opportunity to succeed in life.

Among the initiatives afforded by the Ministry to ensure the successful start to the business will be the collaboration with the Commercial Deeds Registry to have a clerk present at the exercise and register their businesses on the spot.

Meanwhile, during the seminars, these women would have been educated on securing their National Insurance Scheme and Guyana Revenue Authority compliances.

After completing the registration process, officers from the business incubator will continue to work along with the recipients to ensure their venture morphs into a thriving entity with several

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (right), with one of the recipients

Medical students meet Ambassador Majeed

SEVENTEEN Guyanese medical students from the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) in Havana, and the two Faculties of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana, the Calixto Garcia, and Victoria Giron Faculties of Medicine, met with Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba Halim

Majeed, and staff members of the Guyana Mission.

The primary purposes of the meeting were to allow students to update the Ambassador on their ongoing studies and to make recommendations for a better study environment in their various schools.

Ambassador Majeed

pointed out that the Government of Guyana was investing heavily in its human capital. It was his job to ensure that all students were comfortable, were getting the right amount of academic attention, and were receiving adequate support for success in their studies.

During the exchange with

the Ambassador, the students inquired about Care Packages for 2023, a possible increase in student stipend, and being assigned to a hospital in Guy-

ana while on vacation.

Ambassador Majeed expressed his deep satisfaction with student grades and indicated that he would

like to meet students more frequently. In this regard, a tentative date, June 1, 2023, has been set for the next meeting.

Ambassador Majeed and staff members at the Guyana Embassy with the students

Australia seal place in World Test Championship final

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Australia sealed their place in the final of the World Test Championship with an emphatic nine-wicket win over India in the third Test in Indore. India still have their destiny in their own hands; if they win the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, they will be through as well. But anything less than a win means they rely on New Zealand not losing 2-0 to Sri Lanka.

After Nathan Lyon's 8 for 64 bowled India out for 163 on the second evening, Australia needed 76 to register their first win in the series. It's not often a fielding side, on the third morning of a Test, has as much hope as India had of defending such a low target.

R Ashwin duly had Usman Khawaja caught behind with the second ball of the day, but Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne made sure India's hope never really transformed into belief. The two defended well and, once they had their eye in, didn't hesitate to attack either, taking their side over the line in just 18.5 overs.

While Australia now have a chance to draw this series 2-2, India would still retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won the previous series between these two teams.

Australia had lost their last six wickets for 11 runs in their first innings. So Khawaja's wicket early this morning might have made them a little bit nervous, even if momentarily, with both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja finding turn, extracting bounce, beating the bat, and hitting the pads.

During that phase, Head and Labuschagne focused on survival; runs were an afterthought. In the first ten overs, Australia scored only 13.

Then came the momentum-shifting moment, or at least it looked like one in hindsight. The umpires noticed that a part of the seam of the ball had come off, and asked for it to be replaced. In the first over with the replacement ball, Head hit Ashwin for a four and six. From the other end, Jadeja leaked two boundaries, one each to Head and Labuschagne. That was enough to deflate India's hopes.

Four more boundaries came in the next three overs as Australia raced to 56 in

15 overs. Rohit Sharma introduced Umesh Yadav into the attack after the drinks break but by then the result was a foregone conclusion. There was more interest in seeing if Head could bring up his fifty. He couldn't, staying unbeaten on 49 off 53 balls as Labuschagne wrapped up the game with a four.

Before this Test, Rohit had hinted that India could request a green pitch in Ahmedabad if they win in Indore. They might have to revisit that now.

Travis Head went after India’s spinners (Getty Images)

Trophy Stall golf tournament set for today

conditions.”

He further related that while the grounds are in good condition, it will be a soft fairway as there would not be much bounce and roll . George further thanked Trophy Stall as he said the club is looking to continue

their fruitful relationship as they progress into the future.

All participants are advised to contact the club’s manager on the day of the tournament to collect their scorecards, pay their tournament fees and proceed to their allocated tee boxes to begin play at

12:30PM. Once on their respective tee boxes, players must await the sounding of the horn or siren as indication to begin teeing off. Presentation of prizes will be held at the completion of the tournament at approx. 5:30pm.

THE Lusignan Golf Club will be the place to be today as they prepare to host the highly anticipated Trophy Stall golf tournament. The tournament is expected to tee off at 12:30 hrs and it will be a Medal play over 18 holes and shotgun start.

PG 26

with us in a truly beneficial way. We get a lot of our trophies and memorabilia from Trophy Stall and in turn they host a yearly tournament. The tournament is always exciting, this

year we expect the course to play very long because the ball will not roll out that much. We expect a very competitive competition and winner will definitely have to withstand the

Prizes up for grabs will be from first to third, overall best gross, nearest to the flag and longest drive. Speaking on behalf of the golf club was Public Relations Officer, Paton George who said, “Trophy Stall has been one of our main sponsors, going back over a decade as they have been working

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(MONDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 GARNETT STREET, CAMPBELLVILLE, GEORGETOWN (TEL: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Shivnarine Chanderpaul-5 hundreds (23 Tests)

(2) Jacques Kallis-8 centuries (24 Tests)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which WI has captained the team in most Test matches versus SA to date?

(2) Which SA has led the team in most Tests against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue2

Monique Allicock - Sales Representative- South Road branch Trophy Stall, hands over the sponsorship cheque to LGC PRO Paton George in the presence of the club’s Secretary Chet Bowling

A night of recognition at GCC on March 8

‘Reds’ Perreira to be guest of honour

By Sean Devers

THE voice of Guyanese cricket commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, along with the late great Tony Cozier, were known far and wide for over four decades painting a picture of International cricket in Australia, England and India for Radio listeners, especially in the early 1970s when televisions were not easily available in the West Indies.

‘Reds’, who hosts a Radio show in St Lucia were he now lives, has commentated on 150 Tests and was the voice of cricket in the West Indies

‘Reds’ and his wife Zandra are expected to arrive in Guyana on Monday, March 6 for what is anticipated to be a Gala Event called ‘A night of recognition’ on March 8

‘Reds’ Perreira is to be guest of honour at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) for the Event which starts at 6:00pm and will be hosted by former GCB President and CEO of Sterling Products Limited

‘Reds’ who turns 84 in May, was transformed from a stuttering youth to illustrious

radio commentator

The son of a farmer, who could not complete a sentence without stammering, overcame that and other daunting challenges, including a severe stroke in Australia, to become Guyana’s most illustrious sports commentator, as well as a household name in cricket broadcasting around the world.

Reds’, a walking encyclopedia of Guyanese sports history, was born in the riverine community of the Pomeroon in Essequibo

The fifth of nine children, he spent his time as a little boy sailing and fishing, and never got involved in organised sport until 1945 when he moved to the city, after his father bought a house in Charlestown

But it was his skill at describing sporting events that has given him his fame

The experienced presenter got his big break in 1959 in radio commentary to start what would be an illustrious career behind the microphone

In 1971, he commentated in his first Test at Bourda when India toured the West Indies

Although he was now a top cricket commentator, who along with Tony Cozier, Brian Johnston and John Arlott, described the inaugural World Cup final in 1975 at Lords, ‘Reds’ was still directly involved in other sports and commentated on three World Title fights

Married twice but without children , ‘Reds’ has devoted his entire life to sports

For the many commentators who were influenced by the magic of his words painting an intriguing picture in the middle of the night on radio from far away Australia, and the hundreds of youths whose lives he changed though sports, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perriera has already given back…many times.

Naming the Media Centre at the Providence Stadium after him would be a fitting tribute to someone who proved that where there is a will there is always a way

Blackwood urges better shot selection from teammates

THE Guyana Committee of Services (GCOS), in collaboration with National cricketer Christopher Barnwell presented a cricket bat to 28-year-old Berbican, Sherica Campbell, who played for Guyana in the Regional Women’s Cricket tournament last year.

Campbell, the cousin of West Indies player Shemaine Campbelle, is expected to participate in the Women’s 50-over Inter County tournament which is scheduled to commence on March 21.

The GCOS intends to continue such donations to encourage promising talent.

CMC – Jermaine Blackwood said he was “gutted” by West Indies’ 87-run defeat to South Africa on Thursday, and said the visitors’ batting could have been “a bit more selective” during their second innings run chase.

Set a target of 247 on the third day at SuperSport Park after South Africa were dismissed for a paltry 116 in their second innings just before lunch , West Indies collapsed to 159 all out in less than two sessions

Blackwood was the lone standout with a counter-attacking 79 but none of the other top seven managed to pass 10 as the irrepressible Kagiso Rabada ripped through the innings with six for 50.

“ When I told the guys to stick around I was sure there would’ve been a different outcome ,” lamented the West Indies vice-captain Blackwood

“I’m obviously very disappointed , very emotional [ over ] losing this game because I see the way our bowlers fought to get us back into this game and get us back into a position where we could’ve actually [won].

“ So I was very gutted when I got out even though there was one wicket left after but I at least wanted to come not out to take it as

deep as possible.”

West Indies had the worst possible start, losing captain and leading batsman Kraigg Brathwaite in the only over before lunch , and wickets continued to tumble in the second session to leave the innings tottering on 93 for six at tea

Brathwaite was one of three batsmen failing to score , all - rounders Roston Chase and Kyle Mayers the others to also suffer the indignity

“I think we could be a bit more selective in the way we went about our business We got out a bit too easy, too soft I think if we were staying very positive , we could have got the runs ,” Blackwood contended

“ It ’ s obviously something we have to learn and learn fast as well because

we ’ re facing [ up ] against quality bowling and once we can go out there and just express ourselves and put away the bad balls and just keep out the good balls [we would do well]. We as a team have to believe we can do that.”

Blackwood arrived at the crease in the seventh over with West Indies on 12 for two and launched a sterling counter - attack , lashing a dozen fours and a six in a 93-ball knock

Along the way , he put on 58 for the sixth wicket with Joshua Da Silva ( 17 ) which pulled West Indies around from 33 for five , before adding a further 37 for the seventh wicket with Jason Holder (18).

Blackwood finally perished with the result inevitable, fending off a snorter from Rabada to second slip

“I don’t think [the wicket was] flat There’s something there for the bowlers right through as you can see ,” Blackwood pointed out

“The pace bowlers really put the ball [in the right areas]. Once you put the ball in the right areas you will get some result

“

As batters , once you stay out there and occupy the crease, just wait on the bowlers to bowl a bad ball you can score runs but this wicket is not a flat wicket because once the bowlers put the ball in the right areas, the ball [will do] a lot.”

He added: “It’s very hard to [ bat on these types of wickets] but I have a plan, so I just stick to my plan Once the ball is in a certain area I just tell myself I’m going to score and once the ball is in their area, I just leave it It’s very simple for me

“Once they pitch the ball up or bowl length balls so I can score, I’m going to make full use of that because when they pitch the balls in the right areas, some balls seam, some balls swing, so it can be very difficult.

“On a pitch like that, you have to score so [as long as] you get a scoring shot or scoring opportunity you have to score because you have to put the bowlers under pressure when they bowl a bad ball.”

Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira,

Jermaine Blackwood goes on the attack during his top score of 79 in West Indies’ second innings.

National female cricketer Campbelle gets bat from GCOS

GCOS’s Linden ‘Jumbie’ Jones (right) presents a bat to Sarika Campbell

‘Today, we turned the soil for transformation!’

President tells Berbice as sod turned for multi-purpose stadium

“TODAY is an historic day for Guyana, not only Berbice. Today we plant the trees of hope, we turned the soil for transformation and we build inspiration of hope for the next generation to come.”

Those were the words of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali yesterday as he turned the sod for the historic multi-purpose stadium in Palmyra, Berbice yesterday.

An impassioned president Ali shared his vision for sport in the Ancient County, adding that his government is developing the large talent pool located in Regions Five and Six.

His Excellency contended that part of his gov-

ernment’s plan for Region six includes the hosting of games in the county, hinting of big things that the government has in store.

“We are already working to bring to Guyana a world class cricket format that will see the best players in the world playing here in Guyana and this stadium is an important part of that plan. It will be comparative to any seen on television.”

He added that, “We believe in building strong partnerships and meaningful partnerships,” pointing directly to Exxonmobil Guyana’s support for the project.

ExxonMobil Guyana, through its president,

Alistair Routledge, announced that they would be investing $3.7 billion that will be utilised for the multi-purpose facility.

According to Routledge, it forms part of the company’s Greater Guyana Initiative, noting that it adds to many other projects that the company has invested in within the ancient county and wider afield in Guyana

Routledge told the gathering, “The country’s most important resource is its people; it is you. We are immensely excited to be a part of this project.”

Once completed, the facility will seat close to 10,000 persons for sporting

GCB four-day Inter-County cricket…

President Alistair Routledge stands with Guyana’s Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, President Irfaan Ali and other representatives at yesterday’s launch (Office of the President photo)

events in the region, 6,800 general seating accommodation, 300 VIPS; 2,600 public area (Grass mound) and facilities for the differ-

ently abled, according to Latin America (LATAM) Director of Owen Steel, Andres Botero Torr. Owen Steel and Carib-

bean Green Building Inc. presented a proposal for the project to the government just over 12 months ago.

Hubbard’s MOM performance, Savory’s ton give E’bo emphatic 274-run win

By Sean Devers

ON a day of fluctuating weather conditions at the Providence Stadium yesterday, Essequibo beat the Select X1 by 274 runs inside three days in their first round clash in the GCB’s four-day inter-county cricket tournament to join Berbice with first round victories.

The Select X1, set 396 for an improbable win, were bowled out for 121 in 33.2 overs at 3:18PM despite 26 by Rajendra Chandrika as no other batter reached 20.

Man-of-the-Match Malcom Hubbard followed up his knock of 16 with 4-29 (match figures of 7-54) while left-arm spinner Anthony Adams claimed 4-44 (match figures of 6-53).

Earlier, Kemol Savory hit 16 fours in his 139-ball and 194-minute even ton and shared in 56-run stand with Anthony Adams who made 30 with seven four from 44 balls and 92 with Quinton Sampson, who hit a destructive 71 from just 31 balls decorated with nine fours and a six as Essequibo declared at 12:45pm at 297-8.

Off spinner Jonathan Rampersaud took 3-64 while Sylus Tyndall and Kelvin Umroa had two each.

Essequibo resumed on 95-3 in their second innings with the overnight pair of Savory on 30 and Hubbard on 16.

But Hubbard (16) was removed at 104-4 by Rampersaud who also dismissed Ricardo Adams (5) as Essequibo slipped to 110-5. Savory, who batted re -

as the partnership gathered momentum.

Rain stopped play at 10:53 AM with the score on 219-6 and when the action resumed Adams danced into Rampersaud and hit him for consecutive straight boundaries on the fast outfield.

The 150 was posted and both batters looked set for

posed Savory stepped on the gas with consecutive boundaries off Cameron.

Sampson gloved a hook off Sylus Tyndall on 258-7 before Keemo Paul slammed four fours in 18 before he lofted Umroa to long-off at 278-8.

Savory eventually reached his ton from 139 balls, 194 minutes with 16 fours at which time the declaration was made 12:45 pm with Newland Cadogan on six.

The Select X1 began badly when Ricardo Adams dismissed Rajendra Ramballi (4) at 21-1 before his unrelated namesake Anthony (Adams) removed David Williams for 22, a run later to bring Carlos Larose to join Alvin Mohabir.

Malcolm Hubbard followed his 51 with match figures of 7-57 to take the MOM Award (Sean Devers photo)

sponsibly in a well calculated innings, swept Umroa for four and drove Rampersaud for an imperious boundary through the covers to post his fifty from 71 balls and 96 minutes.

The left-hander who plays for Police in the city, celebrated the landmark with spanking back cuts of pacer Demitri Cameron for fours while Adams upper cut Cameron to wide third man

big scores before Adams was LBW to Umroa at 166-6.

The pugnacious Sampson joined Savory and flayed the bowlers to all parts of the ground with a big six landing on the roof of the hospitality booths.

Sampson galloped to his 50 from 31 balls with seven fours and three sixes and it seemed at one stage that Sampson would reach his hundred before the com-

Opener and skipper, Rajendra Chandrika was off the field for 58 minutes and could not bat before that amount of time had elapsed or until the fall of five wickets.

Mohabir and Larose carried the score to 56 before Anthony Adams removed Larose (16) and Zeynul Ramsammy (0) in successive balls and at Tea, the Select X1 were wobbling on the ropes on 56-4.

After Tea, Mohabir, who hit six fours in his 33 was

run out 56-5 to bring Chandrika to join Rampersaud.

Rampersaud (14) drove Malcolm Hubbard to Ronsford Beaton at short mid-wicket and at 94-6 Chandrika needed to get a big score.

But that was not to be as Chandrika, looking set on 26 with five boundaries, was

caught behind off Hubbard while Umroa (1) was bowled by Anthony Adams at 110-8. Hubbard had Cameron and Tyndall off two balls as the team from the largest of Guyana’s three Counties celebrated their emphatic win. The second round is scheduled to start next Thursday.

L-R ExxonMobil Guyana,