Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-03-2024

Hundreds flock Berbice Mash

HUNDREDS of persons flocked New Amsterdam’s main thoroughfare on Sunday morning to witness the highly anticipated Mashramani float

parade, which was laced with infectious enthusiasm. The streets came alive with colourful costumes, pulsating music and the

irresistible aroma of Guyanese delicacies.

In Berbice, the festival transforms communities into lively hubs of revelry, where Berbicians gather to

honour the nation’s unity and resilience.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) caught up with several onlookers who did not hes-

itate to express their excitement.

As customary, the road parade commenced at Tacama Turn through the main road of the ancient town

and culminated at the New Amsterdam Stelling Road.

This year’s celebration is themed, “celebrating our people and our prosperity.” (DPI)

Improved transport links, policies could enhance trade between Caribbean and Africa

–– President Ali says; believes structured mechanism could unlock great potential for opportunities, investments

By Naomi Parris

INTER-REGIONAL trade among the Caribbean, South America and Africa could unlock vast potential for investments and other opportunities, but a structured mechanism will be needed, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.

During a broadcast interview with the African Prosperity Network (APN), in Accra Ghana, Dr. Ali said that there are specific policies that can be targeted to enhance trade within and outside of Africa.

With the diasporic population in mind, he noted that the opportunities are endless.

“Some of these things that we need to address are structural. We need to first of all create a mechanism that allows for greater inter-regional trade and I think we need to set ourselves targets to increase our internal trade by 30 per cent, that is, reducing our external dependence by 30 per cent by 2030,” the Guyanese Head of State said. He explained that setting such targets could see the

region building mechanisms to further promote trade that will remove barriers and create an environment where the respective regions can be more competitive.

In addition, Dr. Ali noted that ‘education is key’ and efforts will be needed to develop human-resource capacity.

“Our human-resource assets must be developed [in] their capacity and ca-

pability to make us competitive and keep us competitive and to ensure that we align ourselves with what is required in the future.”

GREATER INTEGRATION

Dr. Ali explained that transportation links via sea and air will also be needed to have greater integration.

“We have to build those

links; we have to create an opportunity for the market forces to drive the development of these links and that will help to push trade and create greater integration.”

He said that Guyana stands at an important geographic point and can facilitate the expansion of links to the Caribbean region, South America and Africa.

“We are the gateway to

51 events set for upcoming Linden Town Week, more activities to be added

AS Linden is set to celebrate 54 years of being a township, over 51 events blending culture, recreation and education are set for this year’s Linden Town Week.

This is according to the Linden Mayor and Town Council which stated that the official calendar of events will take place from April 26 to May 6 under the theme, “One People! One Nation! One Destiny! Linden! The Heart of Guyana!”

In a press release, the council stated that they began

to finalise the official calendar in an inclusive and transparent process where a number of applicants were invited to the council to present ideas and event proposals. These applications were thoroughly vetted and events were shortlisted to form the official calendar for the Linden Town Week 2024.

“This meticulous process reflects the council’s dedication to inclusivity and transparency, ensuring that the Linden Town Week stands as a beacon of opportunity for every resident to

participate and contribute to the town’s development,” the release said.

Further to this, it was noted that the officially approved calendar promises a comprehensive blend of cultural, recreational and educational events that embody the spirit of Linden.

These events include art exhibitions and sports competitions, community service projects, educational workshops, and fetes. Additionally, the events are said to be designed to strengthen the bonds of unity among residents

South America and we are also a part of CARICOM [the Caribbean Community]. Now Guyana allows African investments to have access to a market of over $400 million and that is trade arrangements that open up all of South America to African investment.”

“Once we are able to have investors understand the potential and opportunities that exist by investing within the region and especially in Guyana, I think they would see the viability of expanding in the region,” he added.

In January, President Ali was conferred with the prestigious Global Africa Leadership Award for his “strong and transformational leadership” since taking office in August, 2020.

The honour recognised the Guyanese President’s commitment to building ‘One Guyana’ by emphasising the need for unity, inclusivity, and shared prosperity and his strong and principled leadership during the period of heightened tension, due to the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

Dr. Ali had travelled to Accra, Ghana, where he had participated in the Presidential Dialogues session and other panel discussions at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues Summit of Heads of State and Business Leaders.

The African Prosperity Dialogues is a three-day conference. It centred on the necessity of putting up specific recommendations that will enable Africans to achieve prosperity on the continent.

The event highlighted the special opportunity that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) offers Africa and the people to break free from the widespread perceptions of poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment with which the continent is so often associated.

It is organised in close collaboration with the AFCFTA Secretariat, which is based in Ghana’s capital, Accra. Dr Ali, over the past years, has been championing several causes, many of which involved the maintenance of peace and unity.

while also showcasing the town’s culture and potential.

The release added, “Linden Town Week 2024 is a celebration of who we are as a community. It is an opportunity to come together, showcase our talents and work towards a common destiny.”

The town council further invited visitors and residents to join this year’s celebration and indicated that further details in relation to the celebrations will be released in the coming weeks.

President Dr Irfaan Ali back in January, speaking at the African Prosperity Dialogues in Ghana (Office of the President photos)

GOAL team conducts outreach in Region Two

A TEAM from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), on Friday, conducted an outreach in Region Two and assisted those who wanted to apply for programmes.

The team was headed by Programme Manager for GOAL in Region Two, Anjanie Singh.

Singh and her team met

with young people at the Anna Regina Town Council, where persons were guided on how to apply for a GOAL programme.

Persons from throughout the region came out to apply and some even came to follow-up on the status of their applications.

Singh told this publication that the GOAL team has been going to various regions assist-

ing individuals to fill out their application forms. She advised persons to view the different programmes on www.goal. edu.gy.

Singh added that persons used the opportunity to visit the team at Anna Regina and raised their concerns. She said that she was happy to see the interest that the outreach generated.

Noting that the Government of Guyana was committed to the development of the country’s human resources by offering online scholarships, she said that the initiative will help meet the demands of the booming oil and gas industry.

“Our goal is to deliver advanced and accessible academic programmes and our vision is to empower and ed-

ucate every Guyanese person through quality education,”

Singh explained.

There are various fields of study which include vocational certificates, undergraduate diplomas, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas and postgraduate degrees.

It is all being done with the intention of securing a better

future through online learning. GOAL, through partnerships with several international universities, has been providing a myriad of pertinent academic and vocational programmes.

Essequibians were very happy to have the team present to assist persons in filling their applications and to advise them on the way forward.

Two miners killed in Arimu Backdam robbery

–– masked men escape with $37M in raw gold, police say

POLICE are currently on the hunt for two men in connection with the murder of two gold miners who were killed on Sunday morning, after leaving their Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni River mining camp, with $37 million in raw gold.

Dead is Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff, a 50-year-old of Byderabo Road, Bartica and Donvan Washington, a 26-year-old porter of Lot 11 Seventh Avenue, Bartica.

According to the police, the suspects, two masked men on a Red ATV, allegedly carted off with 102 ounces of raw gold valued at $37M and two licensed firearms (a .32 pistol and a 12-gauge

shotgun) belonging to Sheriff.

Sheriff is the owner of a six-inch land dredge operation at Arimu Backdam.

Investigations so far revealed that, on the day in question, about 10:00 hrs, Sheriff left his camp with Washington on an ATV, en route to Bartica, after a wash down.

The General Manager for Sheriff’s operation, Joel Stephen, 39, told police that, about five minutes after his boss left camp, he heard several loud explosions which he suspected to be gunshots.

“He went to make checks in the area and about 500 metres away from the camp Stephen found both deceased men

lying in the trail with gunshot injuries about their bodies. He also observed that both of Sheriff’s firearms and the gold were missing.

He later made a report to the Bartica Police Station,” the police release said.

Sheriff’s body was examined and what appeared to be gunshot injures were found to his right upper chest, upper right thigh, upper right arm and to his left upper back.

Washington’s body was also examined and wounds were seen to his lower abdomen, left chest, left shoulder, left hand, left elbow along with four circular wounds to right thigh, two to left thigh and one to his back.

The scene was processed and one .32 magazine with eight live matching rounds, seven 9MM spent shells and three .32 spent shells were found.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff Donvan Washington

Trial into elections fraud case commences today

AFTER a three-year delay, the trial into the long-awaited electoral fraud case involving former District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo; former People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Chairperson Volda Lawrence; PNC/R activist Carol Smith-Joseph and four others, commences today, March 4, 2024.

The trial will commence before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Special Prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani, KC, will lead the evidence in

the case.

The trio, along with Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb-Cummings and Michelle Miller, are before the court for allegedly defrauding the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The state has already handed over flash drives containing certified copies of Statements of Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs), along with video interviews. Several bundles

of documents were also submitted.

It is alleged that the defendants inflated or facilitated the inflation of results for Region Four, the country’s largest voting district, to give the APNU+AFC coalition a majority win at the polls when, in fact, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had won by 15,000 votes.

Those who rejected the results filed several legal challenges which ended up before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s highest appeal court.

A lengthy recount of the

votes eventually declared victory in favour of the PPP/C, and Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as the President of Guyana on August 2, 2020.

Top row, from left: Volda Lawrence, Keith Lowenfield, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller. Bottom row, from left: Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Clairmont Mingo, and Carol Smith-Joseph

Legitimate Stance

FOR many, music is therapeutic. It helps to lighten their mood, reduce anxiety and depression and stave off fatigue. In a nutshell, listening to music can help someone through a rough day.

However, the music emanating from Caribbean artistes today is becoming more and more obscene. Riddled with lewd language and messages that objectify women and their body parts and promote gun violence, gang activity and drug use; the songs do not emit any positive energy. Many would argue that they don’t inspire relaxation.

The younger crowd in particular worship artistes such as Skeng and Kartel and would sing their songs word for word. Gun violence and everything that goes against good moral standards are always their message.

Researchers and the public have split views on the subject which has been at the centre of a never-ending debate.

The American Psychological Association (APA) based on a study conducted several

years ago, concluded that songs with violent lyrics increase aggression, related thoughts and emotions.

Other researchers and community/religious leaders have linked it to an increase in violent criminal behaviour, drug use, gender-based violence and family issues.

There are some members of the academic world and the public who insist that these conclusions are inaccurate and that it tramples upon the artiste’s right to freedom of expression.

But, as the debate rages on, more and more governments are shunning violent music and are banning the artistes who sing these songs from their shores. Some at one time or another have banned the offensive music from the airwaves.

Countries such as Guyana, St. Kitts, the UK and Australia that have taken this approach, seemingly feel that this type of music and in some cases the artiste’s link to criminal activity offer nothing positive

to their populations and are pushing their young citizens towards a life of crime and violence.

A few days ago, Guyana’s Head of State, Dr. Irfaan Ali urged CARICOM leaders to join hands to preserve the region’s musical culture by promoting non-violent and positive lyrics.

President Ali is clearly perturbed and perhaps out of frustration took a decision to raise his concerns at a regional forum.

As Guyana continues to enjoy economic success and reaps the benefits of a well-deserved good fortune, our president is well within his right to rebuff anyone who can be a threat to the growth and development of his people and country.

Guyana is not the place for Kman 6ixx, Skeng, Kartel, Movado and the like. Songs promoting drug use, gun violence and other ills should not be played here.

It is disheartening to know that promoters choose these kinds of artistes over our

talented crop to perform for Mashramani, Independence Day and other major celebrations.

Previously, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness expressed their distaste for the violent musical lyrics which were creating problems in their respective countries. The Jamaican government’s reaction to President Ali’s call will be interesting, given that most of the offending artistes are from that island.

Producing lyrics of positive living and positive change will require a regional effort. That is the only way to preserve and protect the region’s rich musical culture. It will not be an overnight success story as any attempt to derail this train will be met with resistance.

We have to put our people before money and focus on getting the music industry back on the right path.

Mr. Prince’s nostalgia about Guyana National Service is a nightmare to those forced to serve

Dear Editor,

PLEASE publish this response to a letter by Mr. Claudius Prince published in both the SN and KN concerning the proposed new Qatari Hotel (“Ex GNS members must mount campaign against the taking away of this ground on Carifesta Ave,” SN, March 3, 2024”).

While the City Council sees this as an ownership dispute issue, Mr Prince managed to make this a “race” and “party” issue. Mr. Prince said, “The fact that the GNS Complex means so much to so many of us means nothing to the PPP. After all, those of us making up the bulk of ex-GNS members were not/are not known to be supporters of the PPP. So, for the PPP, depriving us of our complex, inflicting such emotional pain on us is no big deal.” So, is Mr. Prince objecting because he is one in his GNS group who does

not support the PPP, and he is using GNS nostalgia to foment mobilising against the government?

The Guyana National Service was introduced during the Burnham era, and was part of what Danns calls the “militarisation of Guyana,” when he said there was a ratio of one military person per 35 Guyanese. I did “forced” national service because Burnham made it a condition of being able to attend UG, which was free at that time. That was a lot of emotional and family pain too!

Many Indians, especially the women withdrew from UG when Burnham imposed this requirement. National Service required leaving home and living far away in the interior for a year. This clashed with Indian culture at that time. So, while Mr Prince celebrates GNS, others lament being forced to serve, during that period. As the proverb said, “One man’s meat, is another man’s poison.”

Mr. Prince said: “First, GNS was primarily peopled by members of the Afro- Guyanese community. Dr Cheddi Jagan once observed that ‘Afro Guyanese are at the bottom of the social order,’ (or something to that effect). Having made that observation, he did not move to initiate any perceivable policy or programmes intended to improve our condition, as he defined it. Perhaps he was limited by the absence of adequate resources at the time. Now with adequate resources at their disposal, the modern PPP, which claims to revere their founder-leader, one would have thought to seek to satisfy what we saw as a desire on Jagan’s part, to improve our lot.

Sadly not so, the modern PPP seems intent on taking away from us what little we have.”

This statement from Mr. Prince reminds me of what Mr. Green just said about the need for rigging and to fulfilling the entitlement of being “pon tap.” Our Afro-Guy-

anese continue to dominate in the military, ministries and all state agencies. Probably because Mr Prince does not support the government, he cannot acknowledge that GOAL scholarships, distribution of house lots, cash grants, and government benefits are given out without discrimination.

Mr. Prince said: “A campaign needs to be mounted against the taking away of recreational land that served primarily the poor, by the Guyana government.

“To do this, ex-GNS members at home must organise themselves for this battle.”

I remember what Burnham used to say, “It’s not the causus bellus, it’s the causus belli.”

It’s not the reason for the war, it’s the occasion for the war. Nice try, Mr. Prince!

Sincerely, M. Singh

Op-Ed

By Joel Bhagwandin, financial analysist

SUMMARY

THE government has already delivered 73 per cent of the Guyana Teachers’ Union’s (GTU) requests for the teachers during the period 2021-2023.

In respect of salary increases, during the period 2021-2023, the government had corrected teachers’ salaries for anomalies across all categories, which resulted in significant upward adjustments equating to a cumulative increase of 42 per cent over that period.

Prudentially, recurrent expenditure should be financed from the non-oil revenue as opposed to having a significant portion of the recurrent expenditure financed from the NRF withdrawals, which is a volatile source of income. Notwithstanding, within the current fiscal framework, 30 per cent of recurrent expenditure will be financed from the NRF withdrawals, which amounts to $240 billion in budget 2024. The government has tangibly demonstrated its commitment towards improving the working conditions, including wages and salaries, not only for the teachers, but all categories of public sector employees, albeit, within a sustainable framework and in a manner that is fair and equitable.

While the GTU claimed that financial matters were not part of the negotiations that were had, there is no indication whatsoever that financial matters were prohibited from being included onto the agenda.

It is expected, henceforth, that good sense will prevail, inter alia, the mediation process.

INTRODUCTION

It has been almost a month since the GTU orchestrated a strike, demanding higher wages and salaries, among other things. At the outset, the government claimed that the staged strike is illegal.

This is because negotiations between

The Teachers’ Strike: The Implication of GTU’s demands, government’s undertaking, and demonstrable commitment

the GTU and the government were ongoing in addition to the granting of more than 60 per cent of the GTU’s request over the years since 2020-2023. On the one hand, the GTU contends that the strike was not illegal and that it was not politically motivated. On the other hand, the government contends that the strike was largely politically motivated and driven. The GTU claimed that the ongoing negotiation with the Ministry of Education (MoE) was on policy issues and not finances. Yet, the GTU never indicated whether those negotiations were prohibited. It would appear that that was not the case on the government’s part, as implied by the GTU’s public statement.

Thus, if it was not prohibited, then indeed, the strike might have been unnecessary, let alone illegal.

DISSCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

In a GTU correspondence dated September 11, 2023, addressed to the Ministry of Education, the GTU submitted a list of forty-one (41) items that they were requesting / demanding.

Of the 41 items, the government already granted thirty (30) items on the list, which represent 73 per cent of the GTU’s total list of requests.

The GTU’s demand for salary increases, however, is unsustainable, apart from having other implications that would also not be sustainable. In this regard, the GTU proposed a 20 per cent increase in salary dating back to 2019, and 25 per cent for each year thereafter up to 2023 (2020-2023).

FINANCIAL ISSUES

By the end of 2023, the government had corrected teachers’ salaries for anomalies across all categories, which resulted in significant upward adjustments.

These adjustments together with the across the board increases for the period

2021-2023 amounted to a cumulative increase of 42 per cent over that period.

Resultantly, teachers’ wages and salaries increased from a position of $26 billion in 2019 to $37 billion in 2024, reflecting an increase of $11 billion from where it was in 2019. Of the total public sector wages bill, teachers’ salaries alone account for 30.3 per cent. The total public sector wages bill increased from $72 billion in 2019 to $123 billion in 2024, reflecting an increase of 71 per cent or $52 billion from where it was in 2019. The total public sector employment cost accounts for 31 per cent of non-oil revenue and 25 per cent of current expenditure. Bear in mind that current expenditure represents 118 per cent of non-oil revenue. This means that $72 billion or 15 per cent of total current expenditure will be financed from the oil revenue (Natural Resources Fund (NRF) withdrawals).

For the sake of demonstrating, if the government was to grant the percentage increases in teachers’ salaries proposed by the GTU, this would have amounted to an increase of $51 billion from the 2019 position, to reach $77 billion in 2023-24 instead of $37 billion, reflecting a cumulative increase of 196 per cent over that period.

Moreover, this would not have been without implications, such that the government cannot grant such exorbitant increases to only a singular segment of public sector employees. As such, the government would have had to apply similar rates of increases across the entire public sector.

Consequently, the total public sector employment cost would have increased to $231.3 billion, up from $72 billion instead of $123 billion (Budget 2024). This amount represents 57 per cent of non-oil revenue, and 96 per cent of the NRF withdrawal (Budget 2024); recurrent expenditure would have increased from $480 billion to $589 billion, accounting for 82 per cent of total revenue (Budget 2024), up from 67 per cent. This, in turn, would mean that 44 per cent of the recurrent expenditure out of the total budget would have had to be financed from the NRF. The concomitant impact of the proposed level of increases thereof borders undesirable fiscal sustainability risks.

Prudentially, recurrent expenditure should be financed from the non-oil revenue as opposed to having a significant portion of the recurrent expenditure financed from the NRF withdrawals, which is a volatile source of income.

Notwithstanding, within the current fiscal framework, 30 per cent of recurrent expenditure is financed from the NRF withdrawals. Of note, the NRF withdrawal to finance budget 2024 amounts to $240 billion.

Hence, to further increase the recurrent expenditure to the extent where more than 40 per cent would be financed from a more volatile source revenue, would engender undesirable fiscal sustainability risks. For example, currently the average crude oil price is between US$70-$80. If, in the medium-term crude oil prices fall to US$40-50 or below this range, this would pose serious fiscal problems, such that, the government would have to borrow to finance recurrent expenditure (including public sector wages and salaries). This is a situation that the country experienced historically in the late 1980s and 1990s when the economy was bankrupt.

More importantly, the proposed steep

increases by GTU, aside from the aforementioned implications, would come at the expense of depriving the present and future generations of opportunities in the future as well. This would mean that the resources available to invest in building out the economy to create future income streams, job creation etc., will be significantly constrained. Thus, it is imperative that the government administers the financial resources of the country in a responsible manner―that is, within a framework that balances the immediate needs of the people as well as the requisite investment for the future generations (noting that Guyana has a relatively young population).

Towards this end, the government has a responsibility to spend on many other crucial areas of the economy such as: national security, investing in the country’s defence capabilities; climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure, physical and social infrastructure; the social services sector, for example, health education, housing; the economic sectors (for e.g., agriculture, natural resources, tourism, energy), economic diversification, and expansion into new industries; and regional [administrative regions) development.

LEGAL ISSUES

It was subsequently revealed that the GTU has several compliance issues.

Chiefly, according to the Auditor General’s Office, the GTU has not submitted its accounts to be audited since 1989―more than three-decades; and according to the Deeds Registry, the GTU has not filed its annual returns in 20 years. These could prove to bear adverse legal repercussions on the part of GTU, which the government, if it so wishes can invoke by applying the full extent of the law. However, the government, for all good reasons and intent, appears to be disinterested in such pursuit. This is indicative of the government’s unreserved commitment to ensuring reasonableness and an amicable solution aimed at resolving the dispute.

Worthy of note, through the Court, the matter has been subjected to mediation and it is hoped that good sense would prevail in the best interest of all stakeholders involved.

CONCLUSION

The political motivation for the GTU staged strike action is debatable.

As demonstrated herein, the government has tangibly demonstrated its commitment towards improving the working conditions, including wages and salaries, not only for the teachers but all categories of public sector employees, albeit within a sustainable framework and in a manner that is fair and equitable.

In so doing, more than 70 per cent of the requests put forward by the GTU were granted by the government during the period 2021-2023. Notably, negotiations were ongoing up to the point the GTU abandoned that process in January 2024. While the GTU claimed that financial matters were not part of the negotiations that were had, there is no indication whatsoever that financial matters were prohibited from being included in the agenda.

It is therefore expected that good sense will prevail, inter alia, the mediation process.

The real rigging began on this day

IT was on March 4 of elections 2020 that the real rigging began.

On Tuesday, March 3, Guyanese suspected that something was not right, but actual evidence of rigging had not unfolded as yet. Journalist Leonard Gildarie and I at the time were hosting a radio programme on the elections and we had Captain Jerry Gouveia as our guest.

It was Gouveia’s words that sounded the alarm. He told us on Tuesday, March

3, the day after voting that the counting had stopped for Region Four and he didn’t understand why. He left the show saying that he was going to see the US Ambassador to monitor the situation. The stoppage of the counting the day after people voted was indeed worrying, but returning officer (RO) for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo had offered a valid explanation for halting the tabulation on the night of Tuesday, March 3.

When someone announced he/she cannot work because of illness, it is basic human decency to show understanding. Mingo publicly stated that he was tired and would resume the next morning of Wednesday, March

4. But it was the next day Guyana showed signs of returning to the days when the country had no free general elections.

Let’s go inside that fateful day of March 4, 2020. In the morning, Mingo complained of illness and was ambulanced to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Anil Nandlall addressing the media announced that in the absence of the RO, his deputy is empowered by law to perform the tabulation duties. On Wednesday, March 4, the rigging of the election was underway.

Here is what happened during the so-called illness of Mingo. Instead of the deputy RO continuing the tabulation, a clerk was instructed to resume the tabulation which took the form of the use of an unknown spread-sheet system instead of the statements of poll. Opposition politicians were livid because what was being announced on the spreadsheets differed significantly from the statements of poll. On Wednesday, March 4, the conspiracy to interfere with the general and regional elections of 2020 was underway.

This conspiracy lasted from March 4 to the end of

July 2020.

For a vivid account of how a country endured five months of election-rigging, please see the large book, “Democracy Prevails: The Chronicle of the Guyana 2020 elections.” The footnoting of this book is awesome. Of course, there is the report of the Commission of Enquiry into the elections which was made public in April last year.

These two publications contain material that should be internalised by any Guyanese, no matter what the level of your educational attainment is. I am not going to dwell on the five months of drama in the rigging of the 2020 poll. I have written an enormous amount on that since the machinations unfolded, but to use this particular column to examine what some parts of Guyana has become using the 2020 election fiasco as context.

Five days before we reached March 2, 2024, the anniversary of the election (which was February 26), the High Court dismissed yet another court case in which the anti-oil lobby had sought to weaken Exxon’s presence in Guyana. The February 26 decision marks about eight

court cases against the oil industry by a group of wealthy people that they had lost, out of about 15 that have been filed in the court.

─ signals confidence in govt’s prudent econom-

As you read about these attempts by this wealthy anti-oil lobby, you are forced to ask where these people were when Guyana as a country was facing total collapse on this day, March 4, 2020. I did some calculations to show you the anti-government venom of these people.

In the presence of journalist Leonard Gildarie, a friend of ours told us that a prominent lawyer charged him one million dollars to file an injunction against a company.

The anti-oil lobby has about 15 cases in the court in which high-priced lawyers are involved. Let us say each

court case cost the plaintiffs a total of $6 million from the High Court right through to the final stage at the Caribbean Court of Justice, a total of $90 million. Even if you reduce that figure by $20 million that is still an enormous amount of money to spend on legal fees.

Surely, if the standard price for an injunction is a million, imagine what those

court cases are costing the anti-oil lobby, because all of the lost decisions are being appealed.

Isn’t this fake patriotism in that these rich folks never filed a writ in court to stop the rigging on this day four years ago, but they tell us that they want to save Guyana from the fossil fuel. I hope they save their souls from being fossilised.

Works on US$20M Timehri hotel progressing well

CONSTRUCTION works on the 150-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri, are progressing well, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

The Head of State in providing an update on Sunday, shared several photographs of the ongoing works on the massive US$20 million project on his official Facebook page.

The six-storey hotel is being constructed on 2.5 acres of land leased by the government in the vicinity of the country’s main airport, and adjacent to the captivating Timehri roundabout.

Cardinal Investments Inc is building the hotel in keeping with agreements made with Marriott International. Funds for the project are being sourced, in part, through syndicated financing led by Republic Bank.

The construction of the hotel commenced in July 2021. When completed, it will be the second Marriott hotel brand in Guyana, and

will be the first major “airport hotel” in the country.

Some 100 persons are employed in the construction phase of the hotel, while another 200 are expected to be employed when the hotel begins its operations. The hotel will be providing some amount of training to those persons.

Just a one-minute drive from the entrance of the CJIA, the hotel is expected to accommodate airline crews and other staff, business personnel, diplomats, and other travellers.

The facility will satisfy the need for accommodation next to the CJIA, especially in the light of growing busi-

ness opportunities in Guyana. It is expected to ease overnight air connections for travellers and airline staff and facilitate the hosting of meetings and conferences.

In addition to giving business travellers and other visitors additional options for accommodation in Guyana, the hotel will also improve

the image of the airport and the surrounding area.

The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is one of a number of hotels currently under construction in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

A business-friendly climate, supplemented by the anticipated economic ascension is being credited

for the attraction of major players in the hotel industry, such as Sheraton, The Element, Delta Marriott, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, the H-Tower Luxury Hotel, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, among others.

Chief Education Officer accuses GTU of creating ‘alternative narrative’

- says strike action ‘unlawful, contrary to law and not engaged in good faith’

DESPITE numerous engagements with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and having over 77 per cent of its needs met with other demands still under consideration, the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) continues to create an “alternative narrative.”

This is according to Chief Education Officer (CEO), Saddam Hussain, in his affidavit in defence in support of government in the application brought against it by the union.

The GTU is challenging in the High Court, the planned deductions from teachers’ pay for their participation in the ongoing industrial action. The respondent in the case is the attorney general.

The government’s decision to no longer deduct dues from teachers’ wages and salaries and remit them to the union is also being contested as discriminatory.

In his affidavit which was seen by this newspaper, Hussain vehemently defended the government's position, alleging that the GTU's threat of strike action was “unlawful, contrary to law, and not engaged in good faith.”

Hussain revealed that the MoE had engaged in continuous constructive meetings

with the GTU since August 2020, addressing a myriad of demands related to the welfare of teachers and the overall well-being of the education sector.

He stressed that these meetings led to the successful implementation of numerous measures, with over 30 of the 41 requests made by the GTU being met and others still under active consideration.

“The applicant's affidavit in support crucially omits to even mention, moreover, set out in detail, a number of crucial engagements between the MoE and the applicant,” said Hussain who then highlighted the GTU's alleged selective representation of events in their legal documentation.

“The applicant is deliberately using these said correspondences to distract attention from the fact that they were in constant engagements with the MoE, with teachers gaining substantial benefits from those engagements.

“Indeed, the applicant had every opportunity to raise those very issues at the engagements but chose not to do so, continuing, apparently, to create an alternative narrative,” the CEO said in his affidavit in defence.

Hussain contested the

GTU's claim that the government's decision to cease acting as a voluntary agent for collecting union dues would impact the union's functioning, stating, “The government's decision does not extinguish the applicant's ability to directly collect those same dues from its members.”

Approximately $2 billion collected from teachers by the GTU is unaccounted for, given the fact that the books of the union have not been audited by the Auditor General’s Office for the last 35 years.

The Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority has also revealed that the GTU last filed its financial returns 20 years ago.

Furthermore, Hussain expressed concern about the GTU's insistence on strike action, especially considering the potential consequences on learners, particularly during the final term before the crucial National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

COMMITTED

Meanwhile, the CEO in his affidavit urged teachers to reject the call for a strike

before highlighting the government's commitment to addressing reasonable requests within the constraints of affordability and fiscal space.

To underscore the importance of the continuous engagements between the MoE and the GTU, Hussain provided a detailed spreadsheet enumerating specific requests made by the GTU since 2020 and the substantial number that had been favourably addressed by the government.

He argued, “These engagements were very constructive and led to a large number of mutually beneficial decisions and measures being implemented.”

However, he pointed out that at all material times, the Government of Guyana has regarded the conditions of service and welfare of teachers with priority and has made salient strides and massive, active efforts to support this endeavour.

“I wish to assure that every effort is being made and will continue to be made by the Ministry of Education to engage the applicant faithfully in order to address all reasonable requests and demands of the applicant, within the realms of the government's affordability and fiscal space,” Hussain said.

As such, he is asking the court to refuse to grant the reliefs sought by the GTU and dismiss the case.

Apart from a number of declarations, the GTU, through attorney Darren Wade, is requesting that the court award costs, exemplary and aggravated damages, and any additional orders the court considers just in addition to overturning the government’s decision.

However, an effort to perhaps put an end to the nationwide strike action by educators that has been going on since February 5, High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon has ordered that there be mediation between the two parties.

Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo and Senior Counsel Robin Stoby were appointed by the Judge as mediators for the proceedings.

On the other side of the divide, other educators have voiced their disapproval of the GTU’s leadership and strategies.

They argued for a return to negotiations with the government and constructive dialogue to ensure that the educational needs of the nation’s children are met without further disruption.

They advocated for a

more inclusive, and dialogue-driven approach to addressing the sector’s challenges since the strike is not the way forward and a broader conversation is needed about the most effective ways to advocate for and support educators in Guyana.

A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)

Member of Parliament and General Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald, had previously stated that potential salary deductions for participating teachers would not pose a problem, as “corporate sponsors” have committed to reimbursing affected educators.

However, specifics regarding these sponsors, the total funds pledged, and the planned distribution method remain undisclosed.

Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain

Works are progressing on the 150-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri (photos sourced from President Ali’s official Facebook page)

- as Guyanese diaspora respond to President Ali’s national development call

Tech mogul Mark Itwaru returns to head ‘One Guyana Digital’

IN response to Guyana's burgeoning tech scene and President Dr. Irfaan Ali's vision for national development, Mark Itwaru, a Canada-based Guyanese tech entrepreneur, has returned to his homeland to lead the transformative ‘One Guyana Digital’ (1GD) initiative.

The 1GD venture, a strategic collaboration between the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and Toronto Metropolitan University, is aimed at bolstering digital literacy across the country.

Itwaru, during the initiative's launch at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre recently, expressed his gratitude and excitement about the opportunity.

“I’ve been honoured to be entrusted with the position as the managing director of 1GD. I stand here humbled and grateful to be entrusted with this responsibility that will bring world-class education, free of charge to my fellow Guyanese,” he said.

The 1GD programme's mission extends beyond mere digital literacy; it is an embodiment of the government's commitment to inclusive growth and development.

With plans to train 2,000 Guyanese as full-stack developers, with a special focus on including women and indigenous peoples, the initiative is poised to create a more diverse and skilled workforce.

Itwaru had explained that this approach not only addresses the acute shortage of technical professionals in the country, but also aligns with global standards and expectations.

Itwaru's personal narrative adds a poignant layer to this initiative. Born in East Canje, Berbice, to a family of educators, he said he has always valued the transformative power of education.

“When I found out there was an opportunity to return to Guyana and take part in President Ali's visionary strategic education initiatives, I jumped at the opportunity. For me personally, it's an exciting opportunity to come back here and to help build this industry in the country that I'm from,” Itwaru said.

He explained that his professional journey, marked by innovation in mobile commerce and social media technologies, has now come full circle as he aims to contribute to Guyana's digital and educational revolution.

This homecoming story aligns with President Ali's broader appeal to the Guyanese diaspora to contribute to the country's development.

The Head of State has been vocal about leveraging the skills and experiences of overseas Guyanese to address local challenges, particularly in the technology and education sectors.

Recently, during an engagement with the Guyanese

diaspora in St. Lucia, President Ali issued another invigorating call for Guyanese living abroad to return home to contribute and witness the nation’s metamorphosis first hand.

“We are in a period of transition… I firmly believe that a lot of Guyanese in the diaspora will return home,” Dr. Ali stated, underscoring the nation's need for skilled professionals to support its rapid economic and social development.

The President’s discourse was laden with compelling narratives and assurances, painting a picture of a nation on the rise.

“The conditions that drove Guyanese out of Guyana… are quickly changing,” he asserted, projecting an optimistic future

where, by 2027-2028, Guyana would not only match, but potentially exceed the living and professional standards that many in the diaspora sought elsewhere.

The Head of State delved into the specifics of the transformative agenda underway, addressing the acute shortages in skilled labour that present a challenge locally, but an opportunity for the diaspora.

As Guyana stands on the brink of a new era, fuelled by a historic $1.146 trillion 2024 budget and notable economic growth, the return of individuals like Itwaru symbolises the potential for a synergistic development model.

With the World Bank fore-

casting remarkable growth, particularly in the oil sector, Guyana's future appears bright, promising opportunities for all Guyanese, including those returning home to contribute their skills and experience.

Under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, Guyana is witnessing a historic transformation, marked by significant investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

The establishment of the Port Mourant National Oil and Gas Training Centre and the envisioned world-class Tourism and Hospitality Institute are evidence of the nation's ambitious developmental agenda.

President Ali's vision for a

rejuvenated Guyana, complemented by initiatives such as 1GD, is reshaping the country's narrative.

The emphasis on education, healthcare, and infrastructure, coupled with the strategic engagement of the diaspora, is crafting a new future for Guyana — one where technology and education are key drivers of economic and social prosperity.

As Itwaru and many like him return to contribute to their homeland, the message is clear: Guyana is not just on the brink of transformation, but is actively shaping an inclusive, empowered, and technologically advanced future for all its citizens.

‘School lecture’ done by Alberttown Police Station rank

Lance Corporal Aaron from the Alberttown Police Station on Friday met and interacted with 30 children of the Bumblebee Learning Academy in Georgetown. Seven teachers were also part of the interactive session which focused on road safety (Guyana Police Force photos)

Managing Director of 1GD, Mark Itwaru

President, Dr Irfaan Ali engages with the Guyanese diaspora in St Lucia

CDB supporting Guyana’s tourism expansion

GUYANA’S natural assets hold an allure for unique travel and tourism experiences and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has signaled its support in the expansion of the country’s hospitality sector.

Finance Senior Minister who also holds responsibility for Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, in an invited comment to this newspaper said the CDB has always been investing in Guyana and the country has been a proud member of

During a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, CDB’s Director of Projects Therese Turner-Jones said that projects undertaken by the Guyana Government to further unlock the country’s niche tourism product have been notable.

“Guyana is a massively wealthy country in terms of the resources. Its natural assets, the falls, Kaieteur, the rivers, the forest, animals in the forest have a lot of allure for some types of visitors… If you look at the growth in the tourism sector, eco-tourism, more nature-based tourism has become a whole niche and I think Guyana is well positioned for that,” Turner-Jones said.

Recently, the government turned the sod for Guyana’s first ever world-class Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI) at Port Mourant, in Region Six. This US$7 million investment is being funded by the CDB.

“With the expansion of the hotels [and] with all the new business coming to Guyana, it’s important that people be trained in hotel management and all the different aspects of tourism,” Turner-Jones added, while noting that the bank will remain strong partners in supporting the country’s development endeavours.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s

the regional financial institution.

Currently, several worldclass hotels are under construction, with the government looking to create a network of 2,000 rooms.

According to Dr. Singh, to drive growth in the hospitality and tourism sector, there is need for a quantum leap in service quality and innovation.

However, he noted that there was once a time where Guyana was not seen as having a massive tourism industry, but, now with partners like the CDB and other financial institutions and investors coming on board, there is vast potential for the industry.

“There was once a time where Guyana was not seen as having a big tourism industry or having a bright potential for tourism and so whether the CDB or any other institution, the likelihood of investing in tourism in traditionally tourism economies like Barbados and Antigua, ST. Lucia or Jamaica was considered greater than the likelihood of making an investment in tourism in Guyana … The fact that they are all investing in Guyana points to the global and regional recognition of the remarkable potential of the tourism industry in Guyana,” Dr. Singh said.

Guyana’s natural assets hold an allure for unique travel and tourism experiences. Pictured is the Canopy Walkway in the Iwokrama forest (Delano Williams photo)

Australia crush New Zealand at Basin Reserve

(ESPNCRICINFO) -

Nathan Lyon crushed New Zealand's hopes early on day four to complete a 10-wicket match haul as Australia recorded a convincing 172-run first Test victory at the Basin Reserve.

After a stirring fightback on day three, New Zealand resumed at 111 for 3 as they eyed the daunting target of 369 with a near capacity crowd hopeful of a rearguard.

But after a sedate start, with the surface appearing to be playing a little easier than the opening three days, Lyon claimed the wickets of Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips in two overs to effectively end New Zealand's resistance.

Cameron Green added his name to the wicket taking • Getty Images

Watching wickets tumble at the other end, Daryl Mitchell held firm in vain and was the last batter dismissed for 38 off 130 balls.

On a surface that turned and bounced sharply, Lyon always loomed large and once again he was Australia's match-winner to finish with 6 for 65 and match figures of 10-108. It was the first 10-wicket haul by a spinner in New Zealand since 2006.

Lyon, who also topscored in Australia's second innings with 41, was the standout performer alongside Cameron Green, whose masterful unbeaten 174 in the first innings was remarkable on a bowler-friendly surface. It was just the fifth Test match

where 13 bowlers took a wicket and the first since 1966.

With just one Test victory over Australia since 1993, New Zealand's misery continued having struggled to muster much resistance with the bat after being bowled out for under 200 runs in both innings.

After starting well having sent Australia in, New Zealand rued a wayward bowling effort where they watched helplessly as Green and Josh Hazlewood combined for a record 116run last-wicket partnership. New Zealand also were left to lament not selecting frontline spinner Mitchell Santner as the surface increasingly offered bite as the match wore on.

New Zealand's capitulation early on day four was an anti-climax after an impressive fightback gave them some belief. But New Zealand needed to rewrite the record books if they were to take the lead in this series with their highest successful fourth-innings run chase being 324 against Pakistan at Christchurch in 1994.

Needing a further 258 runs, there were no alarms in the first 30 minutes for Ravindra and Mitchell, who had combined for a calm half-century partnership late on day three.

They defended well and looked to be proactive although it almost proved their undoing when they took off for a tight single

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with Mitchell relieved after Marnus Labuschagne's shy at the stumps missed.

Having played watchfully late on day three given the precarious situation, Mitchell started to show glimpses of his innate aggressiveness when on his 82nd delivery he hit his first boundary of the innings after slashing a short delivery from Mitchell Starc.

After flowing to a fifty off 77 balls before the close, Ravindra was shackled and started to look anxious in his bid for runs. Australia sensed this and packed the off-side field as Lyon changed to the southern end of the ground.

It did the trick with Ravindra falling for the trap as he miss-hit a cut shot to point to trigger a collapse. Later in the over, Lyon dismissed Blundell for a duck after he tentatively pressed forward and inside edged to short-leg much like his soft dismissal in the first innings.

New Zealand's hopes entirely rested on Mitchell and Phillips, who had been their star in this match with a 70-ball 71 in the first inning before claiming his first five-wicket Test haul in Australia's second innings.

But Phillips was no match for Lyon after being trapped lbw on the back foot as he reviewed unsuccessfully. It was Lyon's first five-wicket haul in New Zealand as he joined Shane Warne and Muthiah Muralidaran as the only bowlers to have reached that feat in nine countries.

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After his marathon knock, Green had not bowled in the match until day four and showed off his prowess with the ball as he delivered a brute of a delivery that ballooned off the gloves of Scott Kuggeleijn to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

Green's wicket meant seven Australian bowlers took wickets for the match, which was the most for them since 2012 against West Indies in Roseau.

Fittingly, given their heroic performances, Green, Lyon and Hazlewood claimed the final wickets as Australia's stranglehold over New Zealand continued.

President Ali joins present and former cricketers for memorial game

By Sean Devers

IT was a ‘who is who’ of former and present national cricketers who joined President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali at Everest yesterday for a match to honor the cricketers of the 1983 Guyana team.

The match, formed part of four days of activities to remember the historic Guyana team, which became the first side to win the ‘double’ in the same season (1983), was held as a memorial T20 fixture for the three members who are now deceased.

Hundreds of older fans flocked the Everest ground to create feeling of nostalgia when the bespectacled Sir

narine Chanderpaul, the son of Test great Shiv Chanderpaul, opened the batting. They played cautiously as Collis Butts, the son of the late Clyde Butts, the leading wicket for Guyana in 1983 side, opened the bowling.

Chanderpaul, in his last match before leaving for Antigua with the Guyana team for the fourth round of the Regional First-Class tournament, drilled former Guyana player Steven Jacobs to midoff after making eight before 1983 medium pacer Garfield Charles rolled back the years by removing Chris Barnwell (9).

Barnwell’s demise brought former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan

Sports Minister Charls Ramson Jnr, who played First-Division cricket for Everest in early 1990s, played several entertaining shots in his confident 39 before he retired.

Fourteen-year-old Guyana U-15 all-rounder Adrian Hetmyer finished off the innings with boundary to take the score to 134.

The large gathering, some of whom parked their vehicles just beyond the East boundary, a regular feature at ‘country’ grounds like Skeldon in Berbice and Hampton Court in Essequibo, but a first for Everest, one of four grounds in the city which hosted First-Class matches, created a wonderful atmo -

Clive Lloyd, with familiar stooping walk and His Excellency President, Dr Irfan Ali strolled out on the pitch to toss the coin.

In glorious conditions for cricket with the strong Atlantic Breeze blowing across the Everest sward, President Ali elected to bat on a track which will be dug-up today as preparations the T20 World Cup in June commences. His Excellency, an avid cricket fan and a more than average tape ball batter and West Indies player, Tage -

to join the Guyanese Head-ofState, who favoured the cut.

The President who benefitted from a few close decisions, looked compact before he was deceived and was stumped for 10 by 1983 leg spinner Derek Kallicharran who still looked fit.

While the 43-year-old Sarwan looked his elegant self with well-timed drives, he pulled Kallicharran for four before he was run out for 18.

Imran Khan, of Stanford T20 fame, played several delightful sweeps in his 22.

sphere.

When Sir Clive’s team batted National left-hander Matthew Nandu (21) and former West Indies Test batter, Seenarine Chattergoon, who scored a century in 2005 when Guyana last won a regional 50-over title, top scored with 35.

Roger Harper turned back the clock with some authoritative shots including a six of a free-hit from Lennox Cush, the only bowler with two hattricks in regional t20 cricket.

Harper reached 22 and

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday March 04, 2024)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Clive Lloyd-74 Tests (2) Brian Lara-125 ODIs

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which WI has scored most Test runs without a century? (2) Which WI has cracked most ODI runs without a hundred?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Shemroy Barrington (21) and T20 Hero Jonathon Foo hit cameo 18 in a losing cause as the Sir Clive’s team lost by two runs.

The result was immaterial to the occasion as the elderly players had plenty of fun as they signed autographs and took photos as the lives of Butts, Roy Fredericks and Andrew Lyght were celebrated in a ‘one Guyana’ environment.

The players will attend a Presidential dinner this evening before departing for their respective destinations.

The 1983 double Champions with the then GCB President Norman Mc Lean at Everest yesterday (Japheth Savory photo)

Sports Minister Charles Ramson cuts Garvin Nedd during his entertaining 39 on his home ground yesterday (Japheth Savory photo)

Dolphin Speed qualifies for CARIFTA Aquatic championships

DOLPHIN Speed Swim

Club Swimmers have qualified to represent Guyana at the CARIFTA Aquatic Swimming Championships in Nassau, The Bahamas, from March 28 to April 7 2024.

According to a release, “As a club, we are proud and excited that our most promising athletes have qualified to take part in this high-level competition.”

Topping the list of eligi-

ble swimmers of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) CARIFTA

Qualifying Standards year 2023-2024 was male swimmer Paul Mahaica, who gained four ‘A’ qualifying times in the 100m and 200m Butterfly, 400m Individual Medley, and 50m Freestyle.

Mahaica had one ‘B’ Qualifying Time in the 100m Freestyle.

Sekhel Tzedeq had two ‘A’ qualifying times in the

50m and 100m Backstroke ,while Chase Thompson had an ‘A’ Qualifying Time in the 50m Breaststroke.

The female qualifier is Genevieve Lackna in the 100m Butterfly, who registered a ‘C’ Time.

The swimmers are in training and awaiting their participation at the event.

Coach Paul Mahaica (SR) is expecting sterling performances from the swimmers.

RHTYSC/Food For The Poor/ Super Bet tribute to heroes Five outstanding Port Mourant hospital staff members honoured

The RHTYSC Pepsi U-23 team took time out of their busy schedule to host their annual tribute to medical heroes’ program for staff of the Port Mourant public hospital on Friday last.

The ceremony launched RHTYSC Tribute to Heroes’ program for 2024 and a total of 60 persons are expected to be honoured during the year.

Club secretary Hilbert Foster stated that Pepsi team first hosted their medical tribute program in 2014 and has successfully hosted every year since then.

Over the last 10 years, a total of 70 staff of the hospital have been honoured.

The idea for this tribute program came about after the secretary was a patient at the public hospital in 2014 and was very impressed with the professionalism of the staff.

The objectives of the tribute to the medical workers program are to honour outstanding staff of the hospital, to identify role models for others to emulate and to inspire their entire staff to give their best service to the general public.

Those honoured were Yonette Saw of the therapy unit,

and Sita Sookshine of the laundry department.

They all received a super bet trophy of excellence, medals of excellence, framed certificate and a combined $400,000 worth of prizes from the team.

Among the gifts that were donated by the club’s partners Food For The Poor Guyana Inc were three extra-large outdoor swimming pools and two large ice box/coolers.

The awardees also received a special collection of prizes in a Mike pharmacy gift bag.

Foster, the former president of Berbice Cricket Board, urged the awardees to always strive for excellence and to treat all the persons seeking medical care with respect and dignity. He noted that the club was very delighted to be a partner with the hospital and pledged that it would continue to assist in the future.

The cricket teams of the RHTYSC apart from hosting the program have also made numerous donations to the hospital.

Among the items donated were exercise equipment, electric fan, office equipment,

clocks, food hampers for staff, medical supplies and therapeutic items.

Administrator of the hospital miss Shaneeza Nabi expressed thanks to the Pepsi team and their management of the rules all to RHTYSC for their continued support.

She congratulated the staff on its job well done and urged them to continue working as a collective body so that the residents of Berbice will benefit.

Meanwhile the club also honoured the staff of the therapy unit of the hospital during the ceremony.

Each staff member received a trophy and a Mikes Pharmacy gift.

The awardees all expressed gratitude to the club and the team while wishing them success on and off the cricket field in the future.

The team include players like Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud, Matthew Pottaya, Ramzan Koobir, Sohil Mohammed and Ramesh Bharrat.

The club officials in charge of the Pepsi team are Robby Kissoonlall, Keith Hicks and Tyrone Pottaya.

Sekhel Tzedeq

Paul Mahaica

Greg Yaw Poter, Melissa Saul Nurse, Diane McDonnell of the dental unit

The awardees pose with hospital and RHTYSC officials

One Guyana Basketball league…

Stabroek Eagles Sweep Bounty Colts; Dyna’s Ravens beat Kwakwani Untouchables

THE Stabroek Eagles showed that they are the club team to beat on Saturday after they axed former club champions Bounty Colts in the Jaguars Conference Finals of the One Guyana Basketball League.

Eagles, who won the first game of the best-of-three series 73-64, claimed a 3-point victory 74-71 to book their place in the overall League final.

They started well, leading after the first quarter 21-14 as Sherland Gillis and skipper Travis Belgrave looked good after tipoff.

However, it was not a one-sided contest as Bounty Colts came back surging in the second period to take the lead 38-32.

Shelroy Thomas with 14

points and Shane Webster with 11 points stepped up their game with Neetzekiel Yisreal contributing 15 points for Colts.

The script would be flipped again in the third quarter, as Eagles stepped on the gas to edge forward 53-52 with the final quarter proving to be a shoot-out contest; Eagles leading with 21 points to 19 down the homestretch to win the game 74-71.

Eagles had Belgrave with some vital minutes and 25 buckets to thank for the win with support from Gillis with 20 points and Denzel Ross with crucial 12 to reach the final.

In the other conference, Dyna’s Ravens won the final contest of their three-match series with Kwakwani Un-

touchables 74-69 to earn the right to play Eagles for the League Title.

In the deciding match-up, Kwakwani started with the hot hands, outdoing themselves in the first quarter to

lead 25-21.

Stanton Rose Jr who was quiet for most of the league found his touch but Ravens veteran Ryan Stephney was equal to the challenge, going shot for shot with the national

team captain Rose.

The game was evenly poised at the half with both teams on 42 points.

Kwakwani started to pull a way in the third period with Domair Gladstone supporting Rose; Gladstone eventually ending on 14 points.

Rose continued to pile up the buckets as he finished with 27 points for the game; the lead being 57-55 going into the fourth quarter in favour of the Untouchables.

Ravens saved the best for last, tightening their defence in the final period and Stephney put in a vintage shooting performance with 27 points to eclipse Untouchables by 5 points in their 74-69 victory.

Shamar Huntley scored

17 points.

Earlier in the series, Ravens claimed the first game 70-52 with Jude Corlette scoring 20 points.

Untouchables then led by Jamal Gilkes with 18 points rebounded with a 79-57-point victory to level the series in game 2 before Saturday night’s win by the Ravens.

The tournament tipped off in August last year and sees 2 million dollars up for grabs with a million for the winner and half a million for second place in the League finals.

The league is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, G-boat Guyana and the National Sport Commission.

KFC Elite league season six … GDF stop Buxton United 6-1; Western Tigers show prowess against Ann’s Grove

DEFENDING champions, the Guyana Defence Force and Western Tigers sent an ominous warning to the rest of the league with commanding victories in the Guyana Football Federation organized KFC Elite League at the National Training Centre at Providence, on Saturday evening.

The champions who have had flawless start to their

league campaign, picked up their second win, a 6-1 drubbing of Buxton United who are yet to get off the mark.

Buxton suffered a second blowout loss in as many games.

GDF’s Cedric Osbourne opened the soldiers’ account in the 9th minute of the contest before Buxton’s Tehav Gordon found the equalizer 10 minutes later.

GDF’s Colin Nelson

broke the deadlock in the 37th minute before Abumchi Benjamin made it 3-1 on the verge of half time.

The second half saw more of the same from the soldiers as Benjamin again hit the back of the net in the 63rd.

Delroy Fraser in the 86th and Ian Booker in injury time added their names to the score sheet to give the army men the 6-1 win after

an imperious performance.

The night’s opening encounter saw Western Tigers taking a 4-nil victory over Ann’s Grove to hand them their first loss

Ann’s Grove who showed grit in their opener to dismiss Fruta Conquerors 3-nil, looked to pull off a second upset against the West Ruimveldt based Tigers.

However, Trayon Bobb broke their defence after a

sturdy 30 minutes, making good on his chance in the 32nd to give the Tigers the edge going into the half.

Western’s Andrew Murray who had several chances in the match finally found the back of the net in the 54th minute to double the lead.

Randolph Wagner then made it 3-nil before he was substituted; Jermain Beckles completing the rout in the 70th minute to seal the vic-

tory with four unanswered goals.

Ann’s Grove who started the league with a win must now regroup for the next clash in the league.

The league continues on Tuesday with another double header.

The inform Slingerz FC play Fruta Conquerors and Santos come up against Den Amstel.

The GDF Goal Scorers

The Western Tigers team

Colts Shelroy Thomas going for 3-pointer