Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-05-2024

–– Routledge reaffirms; locals make up 70 per cent of ExxonMobil’s

Third Chicken ‘n’ Burger Delight restaurant opened on Essequibo Coast

Obstructionist’ unsuccessful at second attempt to stall gas-to-energy project –– Attorney General says –– creates employment for 35 persons

Kaieteur News in hot water again over false publication –– Businessman threatens to sue

Gov’t announces new ambassadors for Brazil, Switzerland, Belgium

Guyana, Jamaica sign landmark MoU for collaboration on media, mass communication

As Chairman of the Caribbean Community, President Dr Irfaan Ali presided over the 37th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM (Office of the President photos)

Third Chicken ‘n’ Burger Delight restaurant opened on Essequibo Coast

- creates employment for 35 persons

THE third location of Chicken 'n' Burger Delight, representing an investment of more than $95M, was opened on Friday at Richmond Public Road, on the Essequibo Coast, providing employment to 35 persons from nearby communities and a home-style diner for residents in the Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) communities.

With the first restaurant of its kind opening in December 2012 at Vreeden-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Proprietor Chatandra Puran, who is also a director at Puran Brothers Disposal Services, made sure to grow and improve his brand, eventually opening a second restaurant in 2021 at Leonora, also on the WCD.

Convinced that now is the best time in Guyana’s history to invest, he went after the third location, which officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday. The fourth and fifth locations are slated for completion later this year.

The recipe at Chicken 'n' Burger Delight is a secret, with a combination of local ingredients and those that have to be sourced from overseas.

“There are some ingredients for fried chicken that you just can’t get the right touch on here without it tasting local,” Puran told Guyana Chronicle after the ceremony.

Apart from an appealing menu line-up, the intention is to be able to deliver the same level of service that

customers have been enjoying at the other locations.

“In Guyana, we have a culture of customer service woes and we have customer service downfall from time to time but the management of Chicken ‘n’ Burger has always tried to overcome it.”

To help accomplish this, management plans to visit the site often and have an active presence and involvement in the operations. Further, rigorous procedural training and in customer service will be done with staff members.

“Management will never be absent; that is a commitment. We have studied it here thoroughly and as management, we try to be very active and proactive in addressing customer issues.”

Puran said that he also believes in caring for his corporate social responsibilities so that they would not just establish business in a community, but would seek to add value to it.

INVEST NOW

In Guyana’s history, Puran said now is the best time out of any other time to invest in Guyana and help to grow the economy. “We have international companies; foreign investments here more than ever and this is the time for the local businessmen and women to invest.”

His advice to local entrepreneurs: “Invest now. The population is growing; the economy is growing tremendously. The domestic income for the average household has increased maybe double over the past five years, so now is the time more than ever to

“We want to take care of our social corporate responsibility in the community and both at Leonora and Vreed-en-Hoop, we’ve always done donations or contributed to the community in whatever occasion during the year and we intend to that here.”

invest.”

Puran is hoping that the public will be understanding and patient with the new staff at the restaurant. They have to be integrated into the current operation and be trained as they go along.

“In Essequibo, we have guidance from senior employees but please be a little patient and tolerant for the first few weeks while we work on getting the training done as much as we could, and nothing beats on the job training.”

The new restaurant will utilise 80 per cent of ingredients from local farmers and producers. In addition to the 35 new employees (145 spread over the three restaurants), additional workers would also have to be hired to sustain the operations.

The new Chicken ‘n’ Burger Delight at Richmond Public Road, Essequibo Coast

Proprietor Chatandra Puran and his wife, Dolly

‘We

are committed to working to the benefit of the Guyanese people’

–– Routledge reaffirms; locals make up 70 per cent of ExxonMobil’s workforce

By Clestine Juan

EXXONMOBIL

Guyana’s

President, Alistair Routledge has reaffirmed the company’s dedication to empower Guyanese citizens to actively participate in and benefit from the country’s burgeoning oil industry.

He was at the time responding to questions from reporters at a press engagement at the company’s Kingston, Georgetown office, on Tuesday, during which he emphasised that ExxonMobil’s commitment extends beyond the substantial revenues generated from oil production.

Routledge highlighted the company’s focus on fostering local employment opportunities, skills development, and creating a supportive environment for Guyanese businesses to thrive in the oil and gas sector.

“We’re committed to working to the benefit of the Guyanese people, not only through the revenues that are coming from the oil that we produce, and those are quite sizable, and they’re going to grow rapidly over the coming years, but also

in the investment phase and in the operations phase, how we grow opportunities for Guyanese people to work in the industry to learn and develop and to get higher paid jobs,” Routledge said.

He highlighted the importance of not only providing job opportunities but also enabling individuals to enhance their skills and pursue higher-paying positions within the industry.

According to him, ExxonMobil’s presence in Guyana has not only led to significant job creation but has also spurred the growth of the local economy.

Routledge noted that there are now over 1,700 companies involved in supporting the oil and gas sector in Guyana, signalling a remarkable expansion of business opportunities.

“There is great opportunity for many people to benefit from this phase of development,” he said.

Guyana burgeoning role in the global oil industry is taking shape, with Guyanese constituting a staggering 70 per cent of the workforce supporting ExxonMobil’s operations in the Stabroek Block.

This revelation comes

alongside the announcement of ExxonMobil Guyana and its contractors’ cumulative spending with Guyanese suppliers surpassing an impressive US$1.5 billion mark since 2015, which is backed by a leading workforce of 6,200 Guyanese. However, the success story does not end there.

With close collaboration between Guyana’s Government, industry partners, suppliers, and contractors, the development of the Guyana resource has achieved industry-leading milestones in terms of pace, cost-effectiveness, and environmental performance.

President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company, Liam Mallon recently highlighted the company’s commitment to local-content opportunities and reiterated that it is a partner in Guyana’s development.

“Our unrivalled success in developing the Guyana resource at an industry-leading pace, cost and environmental performance is built on close collaboration with the Government of Guyana, as well as our partners, suppliers, and contractors.

“The Stabroek Block developments are among

the lowest emissions intensity assets in ExxonMobil’s upstream portfolio and will provide the world with additional reliable energy supplies now and for years to come,” Mallon said.

This collaborative effort is poised to reap significant economic benefits for Guyana. Production from the six Stabroek block developments is projected to generate tens of billions of dollars in revenue and foster substantial economic growth in the region.

The latest milestone in this journey is the granting of a Petroleum Production Licence to ExxonMobil for its sixth development, Whiptail, offshore Guyana.

This monumental $12.7 billion endeavour is expected to produce 250,000 barrels of oil daily, contributing to a total daily production of 1.3 million barrels by the end of 2027.

SBM Offshore, a key player in the industry, has secured the contract for the construction of the Jaguar, the floating production and offloading (FPSO) vessel designated for the Whiptail development.

This vessel will join the ranks of Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and Prosperity FPSOs, collectively producing over half a million barrels of oil daily. Construction is also underway for the Yellowtail and Uaru developments, with production scheduled to commence in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat recently explained that the influx of investments and the pivotal role of Guyanese workers have a transformative impact on the oil industry on Guyana’s economy, especially with a strong emphasis on local participation and collaboration, the future looks promising as Guyana solidifies its position on the global energy map.

“Oil and gas is new to

us. There aren’t many oiland-gas-trained professionals around in our country. Most who are trained and qualified are already employed. So, this means that we as government and private sector have a responsibility to ensure that we build capacity locally,” he asserted.

The Guyanese government is working with the oil and gas stakeholders to build a skilled workforce to keep pace with technological advancements and industry demands.

The Port Mourant National Oil and Gas Training Centre, a state-of-the-art facility, is part of this broader strategy to train technicians with the latest digital technologies for offshore operations.

The training centre, situated near the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Estate in Port Mourant, is part of a broader initiative to equip young Guyanese with the necessary skills for the burgeoning oil and gas sector, as well as the hospitality industry for tourism.

Constructed with an investment of approximately US$100 million, the facility

is a collaborative effort between the Guyana government and ExxonMobil.

Guyana’s energy sector is expected to boost national security and prosperity with its oil and gas industry having experienced exponential growth, with production numbers rising from 101.4 million barrels in 2022 to 142.9 million barrels of oil in 2023, contributing to an estimated 40.2 per cent surge in export volume.

Also, Guyana is expected to witness a significant 34.3 per cent increase in its real GDP in 2024, primarily due to the growth in oil production from the Prosperity FPSO.

Further development across all sectors is also expected, as the government plans to improve and expand the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) generation capacity with the gas-to-energy project and other initiatives.

The revenue generated from oil exports has enabled the government to invest in critical sectors such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and agriculture.

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

Guyana reinforces commitment to press freedom

EMPHASISING its dedication to the fundamental democratic principles of press freedom and access to information, the Guyana Government is taking part in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)’s World Press Freedom Day Conference at the Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral, in Santiago, Chile.

The three-day conference commenced on Friday, May 3, on World Press Freedom Day, which was observed under the theme, ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis’.

Mr. Gordon U. French, Public Affairs Liaison in the Department of Information and Public Affairs, Office of the Prime Minister, joined over 2,500 media workers, policymakers, environmental activists, and non-governmental organisations to discuss the current challenges and opportunities in environmental reporting and the broader media landscape.

“The discussions at the conference are crucial, occurring at a critical juncture amidst our Guyana’s global leadership and commitment to environmental protection and climate change mitigation. Therefore, it is essential that we remain vigilant and informed about the latest developments, focusing on emerging global issues to help strengthen the foundation of fundamental rights and freedoms already enshrined in Guyana,” French stated.

Based on initial discussions at the conference, there are increasing calls for governments to collaborate with journalists and other stakeholders to develop public policies to combat misinformation and fake news campaigns, not only regarding the environment but especially as the

–– at 31st World Press Freedom Day Conference

world prepares for a ‘super election year’ in 2024.

“In Guyana,” French said, “we are increasingly recognising the global conversation surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for the proliferation of fake news.

This presents challenges for our journalists and government as we endeavour to safeguard our environment and the rights of citizens. President Dr. Irfaan Ali has taken decisive steps to lead local discussions on AI, representing a commitment to confront the challenges of AI and fake news head-on.”

There is a global push for ensuring that the governance of digital platforms foster the transparency of technology companies, their accountability, due diligence, user empowerment, and content moderation and curation based on international human rights’ standards, as indicated in UNESCO’s Guidelines for the governance of digital platforms.

The conference’s opening ceremony was led by renowned Chilean actress Leonor Varela, with remarks from Mr. Gabriel Boric Font, President of the Republic of Chile; Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO; and Ms. Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, providing a presentation.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also addressed the conference remotely.

The WPFD event offers an excellent opportunity for all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to promoting and ensuring freedom of expression worldwide.

Gordon U. French, Public Affairs Liaison, Department of Information and Public Affairs, Office of the Prime Minister

Upholding Press Freedom

WORLD Press Freedom Day was observed on Friday under the theme, “The importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.”

As we reflected, it is imperative to recognise the critical role journalists play in shaping our understanding of the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet.

The urgency surrounding climate change and environmental degradation demands unwavering attention and informed action. While governments and international bodies grapple with these issues, the dissemination of accurate and reliable information becomes paramount. In the complex landscape of en-

vironmental crises, journalism emerges as a powerful tool for raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and holding stakeholders accountable.

In Guyana, where the repercussions of environmental crises like flooding and prolonged dry spells are acutely felt, access to information is not just a luxury but a necessity. Journalists serve as conduits of knowledge, bridging the gap between experts and the public, thereby empowering citizens to make informed decisions and actively participate in the global discourse on environmental sustainability.

However, fulfilling this vital role requires journalists to have unrestricted access to data, scientific research, and local expertise. Transparency and open-

ness from governments and stakeholders are essential in facilitating meaningful journalism that accurately reflects the realities of environmental challenges and responses.

Moreover, with the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, journalists must uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality in their reporting. Any distortion of facts risks eroding public trust and hindering effective responses to environmental crises.

It’s incumbent upon governments, opposition parties, and civil society to foster an environment where press freedom thrives. This entails not only safeguarding journalists from threats and intimidation but also actively engaging

with media organisations to ensure the dissemination of accurate and timely information.

Furthermore, training opportunities and open dialogue between the government and the press are crucial in enhancing the quality of environmental journalism and promoting transparency.

Ultimately, press freedom is not just a journalistic principle but a fundamental human right essential for the functioning of democratic societies.

As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of media freedom and freedom of expression, recognising their indispensable role in addressing the environmental challenges of our time.

Agenda! Agenda! Agenda!

Dear Editor,

I WISH to respond in these pages to a recent missive entitled “When the carnage was instigated by a PPP Minister and the Phantom group, people sought solace in North America” by Mr. Hamilton Green, a former Prime Minister.

Now, it would be easy for one to glance at such a headline and simply write it off as degenerate political pandering (which it is). However, this dangerous and false rhetoric has been used as a mobilisation tool before, preying on the instincts of fear.

It is the civic duty of every right thinking Guyanese to respond to such misinformation condignly when it rears its ugly head for the benefit of the young generation and those yet to come.

In his missive, the writer states: “Records would show that during the PPP Government, 1957 – 1964, large numbers of Guyanese, Indo and Afro moved to the United States, a sprinkling settling in the Caribbean and even Suriname. This movement north continued unabated until this day.”

He continues with the following: “When the carnage was instigated by a PPP Minister and the Phantom group, people sought solace in North America. Today, this northern drift continues.”

By choosing to focus on 1957-1964, then suddenly somersaulting into the early 2000s, the writer is doing a grave disservice by conveniently excluding the entire 1964-1992 period, literally leaving out nearly three de-

cades of history in the process. But why make such a time jump without any semblance of an explanation? Agenda. Agenda. Agenda.

Indeed, it is true that large numbers of Guyanese moved to the US during the late 50s to early 60s. But the writer deliberately neglects to mention the turbulent state of affairs which precipitated this migration.

Additionally, it is now on public record that Forbes Burnham was on the CIA’s payroll, colluding with foreign powers to force out Dr. Cheddi Jagan from office during this same time period, through intense violent unrests which plunged the country into chaos. I urge Mr. Green to refer to declassified CIA documents from this time period.

One such memorandum from the Treasury Committee, Washington, from 1969, states: “Prime Minister Forbes Burnham of Guyana, who has previously received covert assistance from CIA, requested that the agency provide $10,000 a month for two years to support his efforts to build his party, the People’s National Congress, into an effective, permanently organised political party.”

To this date, there has been no response from the Learned Elder on this revelation. One can only wonder why.

Further, from 1964 to 1992, the period which Mr. Green omitted, saw Guyana amass one of the highest debt burdens on Planet Earth at that time, a whopping 900 per cent of revenue was used to service debt instead of build the country. Essential staples such as flour and split peas were banned, followed by Gestapo-like

police searches of households for aforementioned items. Our purchasing power was obliterated for those who were fixed income earners.

This younger generation will not remember when Carl Greenidge walked into Parliament in 1987 to announce the infamous “ten to one” devaluation of the Guyana dollar. The streets were filled with renditions of the Mighty Sparrow’s popular “Ten to One Is Murder” tune. Our country became stagnant. This was no land of opportunity, and instead we became the bad apple of the Caribbean.

Guyana literally became the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, falling right below Haiti. This was confirmed in the McIntyre report which publicly advocated for “a restoration of confidence in the ability of the government to manage the economy and share its benefits widely”.

In addition to rigged elections, state sponsored terrorism saw the murders of Dr. Walter Rodney, Father Darke as well as the Ballot Box Martyrs. An aura of hopelessness and despair permeated all across the land. Yet these facts have seemingly eluded Mr. Green in his sanctimonious emanations.

Moreover, the “Phantom killings” he speaks of is another age-old, long debunked bogeyman that Green and his cabal consistently resurrect. The Stabroek News comprehensively debunked the nonsensical, racist claim that the PPP government “killed 400 Afro Guyanese men”. The period 2002 to 2008 saw countless persons from all walks of life killed during the crime wave. This includ-

ed Indo Guyanese men, women and children. The Lusignan and Bartica Massacres come to mind. Countless law enforcement officers were also gunned down by bandits heralded as “Freedom Fighters” by the then Opposition. It is widely accepted that failing politicians pull all sorts of gimmicks out of thin air as elections approach, so it’s unsurprising that Green and co. have resorted to this desperate fearmongering tactic yet again. Disappointing, yet unsurprising. I trust the pending COI will exhaustively put this issue to rest.

Our country is on the rise. Guyana’s political culture is metamorphosing as we speak. A new political culture is emerging, based on democracy, national unity and truth. This young generation is developing political consciousness and rejecting the fossilised fear-based tactics of the past.

This was evident in the President’s warm welcome in Brooklyn as well as the subsequent “boycott” being rejected. Now desperate, political hacks are once again trying to distort our history to drive wedges amongst our people.

A new day is looming on the horizon. “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” … these words that have served as our national motto, are now manifesting into reality. Those who stoke the last embers of racism are relics of the past and in the past they shall remain!

The failed mischievous attempts to discredit

Jagdeo’s

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo served as Guyana’s 7th Executive President for the period August 1999 to December 2011.

Prior to his ascension to the Presidency, he served as Junior Minister of Finance (1993–1995), Senior Minister of Finance (1995–1997), and Second Vice-President, (1997-1999). During his tenure as President:

Commercial banks total assets grew from a position of $104 billion in 1999 to $328 billion in 2011 (215%

stewardship of the economy: 1999-2011

Over 200 kilometers of new and existing integrated road networks constructed and rehabilitated in addition to the hundreds of community roads across the country.

More than 100,000 housing units/house lots distributed throughout the country, viz-á-viz, the development of new housing schemes and regularization of squatting areas.

Most notably, household income increased threefold from a position of an estimated $15 billion in 1999 to an estimated $46 billion

the formulation of a National Development Strategy (NDS), which was led by Dr. Jagdeo as finance minister at the time.

The strategy was finalized in 1996, and its incremental implementation commenced immediately thereafter in 1997.

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

or 3.2x); loans and advances to the private sector grew from a position of $52 billion in 1999 to $94 billion in 2011 (81% or 2x); total deposits in the banking sector grew from a position of $78 billion in 1999 to $274 billion in 2011 (254% or 3.5x); and International trade for the period 1999-2011 recorded cumulative growth of 170% from a position of US$538 million in 1999 to US$1.45 billion in 2011.

From inheriting a bankrupt economy with virtually zero savings in the bank, President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo exited Government leaving a total of $101 billion liquid cash in the Government Deposit Accounts in the banking sector by the end of 2011; Government Revenue through taxes increased by 205% from a position of $40 billion in 1999 to $122 billion in 2011; and Net international reserves rose by 301% from a position of US$187 million in 1999 to US$750 million in 2011.

In the legislative environment, more than 200 Bills were enacted, covering the financial, judicial, security, social and productive sectors, (approximately 140 Bills were enacted alone during the Ninth Parliament) in addition to a series of reforms to the Guyana Constitution.

in 2011; and individual savings in the banking sector increased nearly threefold (2.5x) from a position of $68 billion in 1999 to 170 billion in 2011.

BACKGROUND

This author has long established that one of the strategies of the political opposition and the like, is to discredit, and constantly attack the Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Of recent, a number of authors have been trying to discredit his stewardship of the economy as President during the period 1999-2011, but have failed to do so credibly.

The fact is that no credible author would ever succeed in such an endeavour, because the historical facts cannot be disputed or erased, irrespective of the orchestrated attempts at distortion thereof.

It is important to note that when the PPP/C Government was elected in 1992, they inherited a bankrupt economy. At that time, the debt-to-GDP was 900%, debt service was over 150%, inflation was 87%, interest rate was nearly 40%, there was zero foreign exchange reserves and zero savings in the bank. In 1994, the PPP/C Government had embarked on

The critics argued that the growth rates obtained during the period 19992011 were inflated due to the rebasing of GDP to 2006 prices.

One writer sought to argue the case that due to the rebasing, the growth appeared to be significant, but was not real growth―intimating that it was artificial growth. Be that as it may, the rebasing argument put forward was at best distorted, flawed, non-technical and highly misleading.

Rebasing of the national accounts series (which includes GDP) is the process of replacing an old base year with a new and more recent base year. The base year provides the reference point to which future values of the GDP are compared. Importantly, GDP rebasing is a normal statistical procedure undertaken by the national statistical agency to ensure that national accounts statistics present the most accurate reflection of the economy as possible.

The key benefits of the rebasing exercise is that its results enables policy makers and analysts obtain a more accurate set of economic statistics that is a truer reflection of current realities, for evidence-based decision-making. Rebasing also reveals a more accurate estimate of the size and structure of the economy by incorporating new economic activities which were not previously

captured in the computational framework.

To understand the need for rebasing of GDP, one has to understand and appreciate the mechanics of GDP and how to deconstruct GDP, which the critics have failed to address. GDP is the market value of all goods and services produced within a country’s economy in a given period of time.

There is nominal GDP and Real GDP. Nominal GDP typically reflect current prices, whereas real GDP is adjusted to account for price changes from inflation and deflation.

The GDP equation is: GDP = G + C + I + NE (where G represents Government spending, C represents Consumption expenditure by households, I represents Investments and NE represents net exports). There are three approaches to measure GDP: (i) the income approach, (ii) the expenditure approach and (iii) the production approach.

With the above in mind, real GDP from the 1990s up to 2006 was based on 1988 prices, until GDP was rebased to 2006 prices. As of now, GDP was rebased to 2012 prices.

Thus, in order to conduct a proper analysis, one would have to examine a number of other indicators: For example, the international trade

balances, net international reserves (foreign exchange reserves), credit to the private and public sector, deposits in the banking sector, foreign direct investment (FDI), aggregate expenditure and/or aggregate income; and the indices of output for selected commodities.

In so doing, the confusion by non-technical writers on how to analyze the effects of the rebasing would be mitigated. More importantly, one would be able to ascertain the financial state of affairs of the economy during the period 1999-2011, as opposed to an isolated, distorted view of GDP growth during that period.

Towards this end, figure one shows the indices of output for selected commodities during the period 2000-2011. Accordingly, these indicators illustrated that the agriculture sector grew cumulatively for period 2000-2004 by 200%; the forestry sector grew cumulatively by 520%; the mining and quarrying sector grew cumulatively by 86%; and the manufacturing sector grew cumulatively by 10%.

Overall, for that period the GDP for these sectors combined (excluding the services sector) grew cumulatively by 133%.

In 2005, GDP shrank by 60% due to the devastating 2005 flood. The years there-

after, coupled with adverse exogenous factors, the economy recovered slowly. Consequently, for this period, the GDP for these selected commodities (sectors) exclusive of the services sector showed that the economy grew cumulatively by 70%.

Similarly, the selected financial sector indicators in figure two showed signs of significant growth. For instance, the commercial banks total assets grew from a position of $104 billion in 1999 to $328 billion in 2011 (215% or 3.2x); loans and advances to the private sector increased from a position of $52 billion in 1999 to $94 billion in 2011 (81% or 2x); and total deposits in the banking sector rose from a position of $78 billion in 1999 to $274 billion in 2011 (254% or 3.5x).

Figure three above shows that international trade for the period 1999-2011 recorded cumulative growth of 170% from a position of US$538 million in 1999 to US$1.45 billion in 2011. Total exports increased by 115% from US$525 million in 1999 to US$1.12 billion in 2011, and total imports grew by 222% from US$550 million in 1999 to US$1.77 billion in 2011.

By the time President Jagdeo completed his second term in office, the economy’s

Book Review: Assassination of Maurice Bishop

I READ the biography of Forbes Burnham by Professor Linden Lewis and Moses Nagamootoo’s autobiography on the seawall and had to constantly glance at my dog while she preyed on mongoose that she never seems to catch. But with this book currently under review, it was different.

I read the Assassination of Maurice Bishop by Bahamian author, Godfrey Smith on the same spot on the seawall with my dog on Thursday afternoon, but I was not disturbed. My dog just sat silently when I was reading so I didn’t have to be distracted I would recommend this book to Caribbean people and scholars around the world who specialise in political philosophy because it contains materials previously unpublished. But the book lacks the application of academic analysis and this may have come about because Smith is not a practising academic and does not function in academia.

The volume is 220 pages and encompasses materials already in the public domain.

Previously unpublished material lies in the interviews Smith secured with the physical perpetrators of Bishop’s murder and the intellectual authors. The list includes the chief detractor of Bishop, Bernard Coard and the man who gave the order to shoot Bishop.

A large portion of this text is a repetition of the dispute between Coard and Bishop over joint leadership of the ruling party. It borders on boredom and it would have been best to devote two extensive chapters on the subject and leave the other chapters to more fascinating analyses of political behaviour of the key players.

I worked, in a somewhat secret mode, as an international relations adviser to the Bishop Government and was in Grenada at the time of the implosion. My duties brought me more in contact with the Foreign Minister, Unison Whiteman. My analysis of the foreign policy of Grenada during my time as adviser is described in my manuscript which I wrote in 1986 when I became a UG lecturer. It is titled, “The

small state in a big world: The foreign policy behaviour of the PRG in Grenada.” It is only available in the Caribbean Research Section of UG library.

I hardly met Bishop but I can tell you that his murder robbed the entire world of one of the “coolest dudes” in world politics. My days with Bishop remind me of Irfaan Ali. I will attempt a comparison in a forthcoming column.

Maurice Bishop was the leader of a small unknown country but as the head of a government, there were and are few like him in the world.

Maurice was someone that related to people in a way that was simple and based on pure straightforwardness. I do not accept everything Smith wrote about the dispute between Coard and Bishop and that is because Smith wrote his book 37 years after the Grenada disaster.

There were nuances Smith will never have access to because those nuances died literally days after the revolution and no research can bring them alive for the researcher to see and under-

stand. You had to be there to internalise the moment of implosion.

Smith’s two faults are: One- he omitted analysis of events which could provide a better understanding on what happened in Grenada in 1983. Secondly, he did not make much use of the material he got from the people he interviewed. Smith had access to most of the people who were directly and indirectly involved in Bishop’s death. But here is where you see the academic background lacking.

I think he failed to apply rigorous analysis to the material. The book has two strong points. It is clear from the research Smith brought out that Bernard Coard was

the main destroyer of the Grenada Revolution. Secondly, the text makes for good reading in understanding the way Russia (the USSR at the time) approached the Cold War.

Smith’s notes on the way the USSR saw the factional fighting are very brief. But while there at the time of the impending disaster, I got the distinct impression that Russia was not interested in what was taking place and could not have been bothered if the Grenada revolution exploded. In my short time serving the government, I got the distinct impression that Russia wanted a hands-off policy. Maybe Russia did not want to see Grenada get hurt from US vindictiveness.

Smith has a third strength. His book brings out the attitude of Cuba towards the fight between Coard and Bishop. This is something Western scholars and Western leaders will never understand. The Cubans could have saved the Grenada Revolution but Cuba felt it was best the Grenadians sought it out themselves. In the end, they couldn’t and the revolution committed suicide.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited

The failed mischievous attempts to discredit ...

debt-to-GDP was reduced from 900% (1992) to less than 50% (2011); the debt service to revenue ratio reduced from over 150% to 30%, inflation was reduced from 87% (1992) to 2% (2011), interest rates reduced from 30% (1992) to 11% (2011), exchange rates stabilized at G$200/USD$1, the net foreign reserves stood at US$750 million representing 5 months import cover from nil in 1992, GDP moved from US$300 million to US$3.7 billion (2011), per capita income increased from US$500, to US$4,900. From inheriting a bankrupt economy with virtually zero savings in the bank, President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo exited Government leaving a total of $101 billion liquid cash in the Government Deposit Accounts in the banking sector by the end of 2011.

Additionally, Government Revenue through taxes increased by 205% from a position of $40 billion in 1999 to $122 billion in 2011; and the net international reserves rose by 301% from a position of US$187 million in 1999 to US$750 million in 2011.

It is worth highlighting, as well, that during President Jagdeo’s tenure, more than 200 Bills were enacted, covering

the financial, judicial, security, social and productive sectors, (approximately 140 Bills were enacted alone during the Ninth Parliament) coupled with a series of reforms to the Guyana Constitution; over 200 kilometers of new and existing integrated road networks constructed and rehabilitated in addition to the hundreds of community roads across the country; more than 100,000 housing units/house lots distributed throughout the country, viz-á-viz, the development of new housing schemes and regularization of squatting areas.

Most notably, household income increased threefold from a position of an estimated $15 billion in 1999 to an estimated $46 billion in 2011; and individual savings in the banking sector increased nearly threefold (2.5x) from a position of $68 billion in 1999 to 170 billion in 2011.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, these outturns were attributed to sound macroeconomic policies and management of the economy, coupled with the developmental agenda, at a time when the financial resources of the country were constricted, and the challenges were many.

‘100 press statements are not going to change how people view you’

THE stench of “desperation” emanating from the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R) disguised as the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has been aired out by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who shed light on the “true nature” of the Opposition.

Although having dealt with this matter extensively, the Opposition continues to issue press statements which are attempting to portray the idea that Indigenous communities are being left on the back burner.

During a press conference at the party’s headquarters on Thursday, the PPP General Secretary said: “I dealt a lot with this issue here, because I wanted people to really understand the true nature of PNC and their desperation.”

He added: “I saw they issued a statement from Region One; everything under the sun is wrong. But if we’re so bad, and they’re so great, people would recognise it and show up to their meetings... The people in Region One remember what happened under APNU; the vilification of Amerindian communities, calling them greedy, taking away their workers...”

The PPP General Secretary further noted: “All those things people remember. It’s not so far back, so you can issue 100 press statements about Re-

gion One, it’s not going to change how people view you in those areas.”

‘SHAMELESS’

Last week, Dr. Jagdeo pointed out that even with a track record of placing Amerindians on the back burners of development, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton “shamelessly” rolled out election promises to several indigenous communities.

Dr. Jagdeo, while staying committed to his promise of not allowing the APNU to inject untruths into the Guyanese people’s minds, reminded the population of what occurred under the previous coalition administration.

“Without any shame, Norton promised to empower the Indigenous communities economically; he wants to make every Amerindian a contractor, because the PPP only has a few contractors in these areas. Never mind you don’t have contracts or allocation of government money to do these contracts, but he wants to make everybody a contractor,” Jagdeo said.

Referencing a news report in which Norton accused the government of “hypocrisy”, Dr. Jagdeo poured cold water on this claim, and pointed to evidence that places the shoe on APNU’s foot.

“The most hypocritical party that you could ever find in this hemisphere, and maybe one of the most hypocritical parties in the world

PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

is APNU, and they do this barefacedly,” the PPP General Secretary said.

Further, he highlighted that unlike APNU, which cut the budget for roads, the governing PPP/C administration has made tremendous investments within this area.

The PPP General Secretary said that from 2020 to now, this government has allocated and spent approximately $30 billion on mining and connecting internal paved roads.

This expenditure, according to him, does not take into consideration the billions spent to upgrade other hinterland roads.

“So, this is a party [APNU] that cut the allocation for roads in the hinterland, and they didn’t cut it from 2015. You recall that when they had the one-seat majority in 2012, from 2012

As Dr. Jagdeo examined the extensive list of promises made by the APNU, he touched on the Opposition’s promise of job opportunities.

“Now, this was the group that took away nearly 2,000 jobs from Amerindian communities; $700 million lost in stipends for those people that lost jobs,” Dr. Jagdeo reminded the public, while pointing out that it was the ruling PPP/C that rehired those 2,000 workers, and even increased the number to 2,700.

–– Dr. Jagdeo tells Opposition

quibo).

YEAP was part of the then PPP/C Government’s commitment to youth development and advancement, and investment in the lives of the Indigenous Peoples. Further, the incumbent PPP/C has expanded business opportunities for Amerindians.

to 2015, they cut all the hinterland allocations by nearly $90 billion; for roads, hinterland airstrips, almost everything to do with Indigenous communities. But he [Norton] goes there again to say, “We’ll build more roads in your communities,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

The Community Services Officers (CSOs) initiative was launched in 2014 under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP). It targetted some 2,000 youths between the ages of 16-40 in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Esse-

“We have allocated, through the LCDS, $22.5 billion for one year alone. This year, there’ll probably be another allocation; that’s probably more than APNU allocated in five years of projects in these areas,” Dr. Jagdeo said, adding that four state-of-the-art hospitals are being built within the hinterland area, and the land titling project progresses under the PPP/C.

Further, he cautioned Guyanese about these tactics being deployed by the Opposition as elections draw near.

Guyana, Jamaica sign landmark MoU for collaboration on media, mass communication

A LANDMARK Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was on Friday signed between Guyana and Jamaica, establishing ties in the media, mass communication and public affairs sector.

The MoU was signed by Jamaica’s Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information Robert Morgan, and Guyana’s Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs Kwame McCoy at the Cara Lodge Hotel.

The memorandum states that the two partners recognise the role that State media, mass communication and public relations play in fostering understanding

and mutual respect between nations.

It further notes that the two states are committed to promoting collaboration, mutual learning, and sharing of best practices to foster a deeper understanding of culture, among other things, and also committed to promoting dialogue and enhancing cross-border communication.

During brief remarks following the signing of the MoU, Minister McCoy stated that the government is fully committed to forging enhanced relations among sister states to achieve synergies across various sectors.

He added, “The MoU between Guyana and Jamaica will virtually close the loops of space and distance

between our information and communication sectors, building bridges of comity in the true spirit of the integration movement of CARICOM.”

Minister McCoy stated that at the behest of Guyana, and after a short process of simple groundwork, the two countries have taken the initiative to establish a framework for mutual cooperation on media, mass communication and public affairs.

Further to this, he said that it initially came about following previous meetings where a decision was made for the two states to collaborate in this regard.

Meanwhile, Minister Morgan, during his remarks, stated that the MoU is im -

portant as it further demonstrates the brotherhood and sisterhood of the people of Jamaica and the people of Guyana, as he indicated that the relationship between the two countries has stood the test of time.

“Knowledge exchange and best practices is a core part of this Memorandum of Understanding. We know that in the Caribbean, different countries have different expertise that can be of assis-

tance to other countries within the CARICOM region, and as a Caribbean community, it is very important that we have cross-pollination so that we can improve our own situation,” Minister Morgan said.

With the establishment of these ties, he added that they do expect, from time to time, that different groups from Guyana and Jamaica will travel back and forth between each other’s coun-

tries to learn and participate in activities.

Against this backdrop, he highlighted that there is also the possibility for content sharing between the two countries across various sectors and fields.

The minister and his delegation came to Guyana to take part in World Press Freedom Day activities here and establish deeper ties in the public communication sector.

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Information in Jamaica Robert Morgan (left), and Guyana’s Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs Kwame McCoy (right) (Delano Williams photo)

Guyana’s media landscape impresses Jamaican Information Minister

JAMAICA’S Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Information, Robert Nesta Morgan, on Thursday, said he was “very impressed” with Guyana’s private and state media landscape.

The minister and his delegation are on a visit to Guyana to advance bilateral cooperation in the information and communication arena.

“I’m very impressed by the quality of work that is being done in the private and public broadcasting sector here. I’ve just toured [NCN], and this is an excellent facility. I’m seeing motivated staff and a very strong focus on technology and development,” the minister said following his assessment of the agency.

The minister pointed out that the Caribbean has been moving towards integrating technology in the information and communications landscape.

Jamaica’s Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Information, Robert Nesta Morgan, on Thursday, said he was “very impressed” with Guyana’s private and state media landscape is undergoing training.

According to him, Guyana is leading this charge.

“I think that this is one of the areas that we need to push harder on, and I believe that Guyana is leading the way in many areas, as it relates to how they are structuring their public and private media,” he explained.

Underscoring the vast potential for media cooperation between the two nations, he expressed his enthusiasm to explore these avenues and solidify the bond between media communities.

“We can definitely exchange ideas on how to

manage the whole issue of disinformation and misinformation, and how to use social media and new media to get more information out to the people who need it,” the Jamaican minister outlined.

Guyana is already taking a targeted approach to tackle these social ails with a rigorous training programme for new and current media practitioners.

The Office of the Prime Minister’s Media and Communications Academy is one such initiative. Currently, its fourth cohort

This academy was brought to fruition in 2022 and seeks to equip media practitioners with the relevant tools to practise reliable journalism.

The programme also

bolsters the media workforce with recruits.

Participants are exposed to exercises in a wide range of topics, including digital marketing strategies, journalistic storytelling techniques, visu-

al media production, and emerging technologies.

These engagements signal a government committed to empowering the information sector through capacity building and knowledge exchange.

The Jamaican delegation consists of the Chief Technical Director at the Office of the Prime Minister, Nicola-Ann Brown Pinnock, Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Information Service, Enthrose Campbell, Deputy Executive Director of the Jamaica Broadcasting Commission, Nicole Walford, and Senior Photographer at the Jamaica Information Service, Yhomo Hutchinson. (DPI)

‘Obstructionist’ unsuccessful at second attempt to stall gas-to-energy project

–AG

DANUTA Radzik, labelled an “obstructionist” by Attorney-General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC, has been unsuccessful in her second legal attempt to delay the gas-to-energy project.

In a recent statement, the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) disclosed that

Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall of the Demerara High Court dismissed the action on Friday.

The EAB said the first action was filed on May 22, 2023, and challenged its decision to uphold the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s waiver of the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment for the gas-to-shore

project. It said that that action was subsequently dismissed, on September 6, 2023, as it was “instituted against the wrong parties”, and Radzik was ordered to pay costs.

Despite the initial dismissal, the EAB stated that Radzik initiated a second legal action on November 23, 2023, contesting the same decision.

According to the Board, that claim was dismissed on Friday, and Radzik was ordered to pay $200,000 costs to the EAB on or before June 3. The judge found that there was inordinate delay, and that the rights of third parties would be affected, the EAB noted.

Together with CNOOC and Hess, its co-venture partners in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil (Guyana) is working with the government to advance the gas-to-energy project.

Radzik had approached the court with a request to cancel the permit issued to the US oil giant for the pipeline component of the project. She had contended that the EPA had authorised the pipeline, even though there was no proof that the developer, ExxonMobil (Guyana), owned the land through which the pipeline has to pass, a move she claimed was in violation of the Environmental Protection Act.

In his defence affidavit,

the project’s head, Winston Brassington, had stated that the government had granted the company permission to carry out works related to the project, which aims to reduce electricity costs.

The gas-to-energy project will see a 200 kilometres (km) 12-inch diameter pipeline channelling natural gas from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to a power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility that will be built in Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

That pipeline will be landing on the West Coast Demerara (WCD) shore, and will continue approximately 25 km to the NGL and power-plant facilities.

It has an estimated total cost of US$1.8 billion, and is cost-recoverable.

The power plant and NGL facilities will be funded by the government.

The conversion of natural gas from ExxonMobil’s offshore operations to electricity is a key component of the government’s objective to lower energy costs by at least 50 per cent through an energy mix which incorporates gas, solar, wind, and hydropower.

The Gas-to-Energy project is expected to be up and running by the end of October 2024 and has a 25-year lifespan.

Policeman arrested in Farm public road fatal accident

THE police in Regional Division 4 ‘B’ are currently conducting an investigation into a fatal hit-and-run accident that happened on Wednesday at around 21:40 hours on Farm Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Tragically, the accident claimed the life of Rupert Singh, a 34-year-old resident of Grove, East Bank Demerara.

While crossing the road Rupert Singh was reportedly struck by a Toyota Allion motorcar.

The car was being driven by a 25-yearold policeman who is stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters, according to available

Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall

Danuta Radzik

Dead: Rupert Singh

Attorney General condemns City Council, Police for ignoring illegal vending

–– urges businesses to take legal

ATTORNEY GENERAL,

Anil Nandlall, SC, strongly criticised the Mayor and City Councillors of Georgetown, as well as the Guyana Police Force (GPF), for their ineffective handling of the issue of illegal vending in the country’s capital, highlighting their administrative incompetence.

The Attorney General, known for his unwavering dedication to maintaining law and order, expressed serious concern about the uncontrolled proliferation of street vendors and stressed the pressing necessity for immediate measures to restore order to the bustling streets of the city.

“The City Council is simply not carrying out its statutory responsibilities, and neither is the Guyana Police Force. There has been a combination of neglect both on the part of the City Council and the Guyana Police Force for decades. As a result, you have a monstrous situation of unlawful vending permeating the city with the resultant chaos,

disorder, garbage, stench of bacteria and unsanitary conditions,” he said, during his weekly programme ‘Issues in the News’.

Nandlall mentioned that due to this lack of consideration, local businesses are taking legal action in the High Court. They are seeking injunctions against the City Council, demanding that vendors be removed from the vicinity of their stores.

The Attorney General stated that he “sincerely hopes” this initiative continues.

“Look, I am not against vending. Those who know me personally, know I used to be a market vendor. I know about vending but you cannot squat illegally. You cannot vend illegally. You cannot vend in such an unhygienic and disorderly manner. It will not be tolerated in any civilized society.”

Nandlall warned: “It is a criminal offence to encumber pavements and public roadways. It is a criminal offence to block someone’s ingress and egress to their premises.

It is a criminal offence to vend without permission. It is a criminal offence to erect permanent structures without permission on parapets, public roadways and public reserves.”

Nevertheless, he mentioned that these violations are happening without any punishment. Nandlall also talked about the measures taken by the Public Works Ministry to tackle the problem of street vendors along Kingston’s seawalls. He referred to those individuals as “squatting on the seawalls” and stated that the government will not accept the continuation of this illegal activity.

According to him, the government is trying every day to beautify the country, spending billions of taxpayers’ dollars in the process. “We are trying every day to uplift the physical image of the city and then you have this unsightly, unruly conduct of squatting and vending illegally permeating the city. It will not be tolerated. It will not be tolerated,” he pointed out.

action against Council

COURT ORDERS

Recently, Bank DIH Limited (the parent company of Demico House), Discount Store, Muneshwers Limited, Collection Boutique and Gift Centre and Shamdas Kirpalani instituted legal proceedings against the City Council after the vending situation around their respective business establishments had gotten worse.

Ruling in favour of the businesses, the Demerara High Court ordered the City Council to remove the vendors, along with their stands, structures, and personal items, from the sidewalk and adjacent areas outside the businesses.

In separate applications before the court, the businesses, among other things, complained that the vending issue had gotten worse in recent years without any intervention from the City Council.

Due to this situation, all the businesses reported that their access to their properties had been hindered, leading to significant financial losses. The businesses stated that the presence of vendors caused congestion, which in turn led to an increase in pickpocketing incidents. These criminals would target both

the establishments’ customers and random pedestrians. Additionally, a number of them raised concerns about vendors selling and smoking narcotics, particularly marijuana, in close proximity to their businesses. The vendors were subsequently removed during enforcement exercises carried out by the Police and City Council. Earlier this week, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), through its attorney, issued a stern warning to the City Council, threatening to initiate legal proceedings if street vendors from the

hospital’s vicinity are not removed within seven days.

Meanwhile, Town Clerk (ag) of Georgetown, Candace Nelson, has said that following the court orders, the Council had been contacted by a few of the affected vendors regarding relocation. However, she stated that due to the increasing volume of such requests, the Council is unable to relocate anyone at this time.

Moreover, she revealed that several businesses have asked the Council to remove persons vending around their buildings.

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC

Ramsay Ali re-elected GMSA President

THE Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has announced the successful election of its new Board of Directors for the term 2024/2025.

According to a press release, the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), conducted in two parts, saw the re-election of the incumbent President and the appointment of key leadership positions within the organisation.

On April 18, 2024, 13 board directors were elected through an electronic voting

process by members who attended in-person.

On May 2, 2024, the President, three Vice-Presidents and Treasurer were elected. The remaining members were elected to form the Board of Directors inclusive of Chairpersons of the various Sub-sectors.

Ramsay Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Products Limited, was re-elected unopposed as President of the Association.

He will be supported by Roseann Bulkan, Showroom Manager of Bulkan Timber Works as First Vice Presi-

dent; Vasudeo Singh, Group Finance Director & Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Demerara Distillers Ltd. as Second Vice President, and Treasurer and Rafeek Khan, Managing Director of Durable Wood Products Inc. as Third Vice President.

The diverse expertise and perspectives of the newly elected directors promise a vibrant and inclusive governance framework for the upcoming year.

“Ali’s professional career began in 1988 with a background in sales and marketing. Over the years he has

Ramsay Ali re-elected GMSA President

worked with entities such as Colgate Palmolive, Banks DIH Ltd., and then to Sterling Products Limited.

“He has given of his time in helping not for profit organisations such as the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association where he also serves as Chairman and Georgetown Cricket Club and the Scouts Association of Guyana where he is the Vice President,” GMSA said.

For years, Ali has made invaluable contributions to the GMSA where he aggressively pushes for success and development in the manufac-

Guyana Solidarity Movement with Palestine applauds T&T’s recognition of Palestine State

IN a recent development, Guyana Solidarity Movement with Palestine (GSMP) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) for its decision to formally recognise the State of Palestine.

Hana Dmitriyev, the founder of GSMP, expressed her appreciation

for this significant step, citing its alignment with international law and United Nations resolutions.

The recognition, according to Dmitriyev, is a crucial stride towards enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their legitimate rights, including the right to return, and to establish their independent state based on the 1967

borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Furthermore, GSMP has reiterated its call to all countries worldwide that have not yet recognised the State of Palestine to follow suit.

This call, Dmitriyev emphasised, is in line with international efforts aimed at fostering peace and stability in the region through

the two-state solution, as endorsed by relevant resolutions of international legitimacy.

In light of this momentum, GSMP has directed its attention to the Bahamas, the only remaining member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) yet to recognise the State of Palestine. The organisation urges the Bahamian

government to formalise its recognition, thereby joining the collective effort towards advancing peace and justice in the Middle East.

Trinidad and Tobago’s decision, she explained, has been hailed as a positive step not only by GSMP but also by advocates of Palestinian rights globally, who view

turing sector, the association said.

“He is the brainchild of the GMSA’s UncappeD Marketplace and continues to support small and micro enterprises in their development, marketing and other pertinent areas,” the GMSA said.

The new Board of Directors, according to the association, is poised to build upon past achievements and set a strategic direction for continued excellence in serving the interests of Guyana’s manufacturing and services sectors.

Policeman arrested in Farm public ...

information.

From page 12

According to inquiries, Singh was crossing the road from west to east while the car, which was travelling at a fast rate of speed heading north, collided with him.

The now deceased individual was thrown into the air and then fell onto the road, resulting in bodily injuries. The car’s driver didn’t stop following the accident.

Public-spirited individuals came to the man’s aid and transported him to Diamond Diagnostic Hospital, where a doctor declared him dead upon arrival.

The body of 34-year-old Singh was taken to the Memorial Garden Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Subsequently, on May 2, 2024, acting on information received, traffic ranks from the Division went to South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, home of a 25-yearold police constable. He was told of the allegations and arrested.

He later took the ranks to an area in Caneview, where the car involved in the accident was found hidden under some bushes.

The vehicle was taken to Providence Police Station for examination by a certifying officer.

The policeman is presently in custody at Providence Police Station. Investigations are ongoing.

Taxi driver gets 12 years’ jail for rape

THE 32-year-old hire car driver from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), who acknowledged raping a young girl, will spend the next 12 years behind bars.

The incident occurred in February 2022 when the girl, aged 11, hired Evon Barker for transportation. He sexually assaulted her after taking her elsewhere.

Barker was harshly reprimanded by Justice Sandil Kissoon for his heinous criminal behaviour last Thursday when he appeared before the Demerara High Court.

The judge found Barker’s defence—that he did not know the girl was underage—to be “unacceptable.”

The taxi driver knows the victim. In addition, a probation report stated that Barker and the girl’s older sister

had dated in the past.

When Barker was allowed to address the court, he begged for forgiveness, stating that he served God and was not a bad person.

The rape survivor said in her impact statement that she was “happy” and

“satisfied” with how the case turned out. She then disclosed that she no longer trusted males and that she had thought about suicide several times.

Among other reasons, Justice Kissoon informed the convict prior to his sen-

tencing that because of the trust placed in them, persons providing public service such as cab drivers are held to a higher level.

Barker was originally given an 18-year jail term; however, in accordance with established sentencing guidelines, the judge deducted one-third of that sentence, or six years, for Barker’s early guilty plea.

The offender was mandated by the court to take part in the sex offenders’ programmes offered by the prison service. Barker has a four-year-old daughter, and there are reports that his wife is currently pregnant. Attorney-at-Law, Ronald Bostwick, represented him, and State Counsel, Latifah Elliot and Senior State Counsel, Nafeeza Baig, appeared on behalf of the prosecution.

Hana Dmitriyev, the founder of GSMP it as a significant move towards a just resolution of the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Jailed: Evon Barker

Justice Sandil Kissoon

Gov’t announces new ambassadors for Brazil, Switzerland, Belgium

TO bolster its international presence, the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, announced a trio of esteemed diplomats poised to represent the nation on the global stage.

Professor Compton Bourne has been entrusted

with the role of Ambassador-designate to Brazil, while Dr. Leslie Ramsammy assumes the dual responsibility of Ambassador to Switzerland and Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

Mr. Sasenarine Singh, on the other hand, steps into the position of Am-

bassador to Belgium, doubling as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, stationed in Brussels.

The ministry said the three diplomatic appointees will be taking up their positions shortly.

GTT launches ‘Faster Fibre’ promotion

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has unveiled

“Faster Fibre”, a promotion designed to reward valued customers.

According to a press release from GTT, with its Fibre, customers not

From left are: Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who assumes the dual responsibility of Ambassador to Switzerland and Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva; Professor Compton Bourne, who has been entrusted with the role of Ambassador-designate to Brazil; and Mr. Sasenarine Singh, who takes on the position of Ambassador to Belgium, doubling as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, stationed in Brussels

Debra DeSousa with Marketing Coordinator, Adjua Jordan

only experience lightning-fast internet speeds but are now also treated to exclusive rewards, including fuel, grocery, and food vouchers, alongside a chance to win one of ten 65” TV in weekly draws ending June 30, 2024.

“All customers need to do is sign up for fibre once they are in Fibre ready areas or upgrade their existing plans to higher tiers to instantly enjoy the benefits of this exciting promotion,” GTT said.

The company announced that two winners have already been chosen for this promotion. Debra DeSousa and Elizabeth Chase are now recipients of brand-new 65” TVs,

courtesy of GTT.

Sharing their excitement, Debra related: “I am overjoyed to have won this amazing prize from GTT. Now in addition to the amazing connectivity with GTT Fibre, I can now enjoy my new smart TV.”

Similarly, Elizabeth Chase said: “Winning this TV came at the right time as I recently finished construction of my new home; I already have a place for it!”

“GTT encourages all Guyanese to take advantage of this limited-time promotion by signing up for GTT Fibre and upgrading today,” the company said.

Elizabeth Chase with Marketing Coordinator, Adjua Jordan

Kaieteur News in hot water again over false publication

KAIETEUR News has found itself, once again, the subject of a lawsuit if it fails to withdraw an article and apologise to a Chinese businessman it falsely reported on and mistakenly identified as one Su Zhi Rong.

As readers may recall, Su Zhi Rong is a controversial businessman with whom Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is embroiled in a lawsuit.

The newspaper kicked off World Press Freedom Day with the type of reporting that sullies the reputation of good journalism.

Needless to say, this sort of false reporting did not sit well with the victim, Beian Cui, who, through his attorney, Sase Gunraj, has threatened legal proceedings if several conditions are not met.

“In the circumstances, we are instructed to demand, as we hereby do, that you publish a retraction of the said article and photograph in your next publication, giving same similar or greater prominence than the instant article.

“Our client has already been advised of the plethora of legal options available to him, and is prepared to institute legal proceedings

in the unlikely event of your failure to comply,” read the letter, which was addressed to the newspaper’s publisher, Glen Lall.

It is no secret that there have been constant efforts by the Kaieteur News to discredit the government, and, moreover, Lall has been accused of using the newspaper as a propaganda machinery to advance his known political ambitions.

On Friday, the newspaper carried a front-page story with a photograph of a Chinese businessman at a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) fundraising event.

The Kaieteur News wrongly stated that the businessman at reference was Su Zhi Rong, who is the subject of a lawsuit filed by Dr. Jagdeo, and is yet to appear or counter-file a defence in that matter.

The publication has received severe criticism on social media, with many commentators expressing the view that the act was xenophobic and also driven by publisher Glen Lall’s obsession with Vice-President Jagdeo.

Just early last month, the publication came under fire for using an incorrect calculation as it sought to convey a false impression in

The story that was plastered across the Front Page of the Friday Edition of the Kaieteur News

relation to the government’s use of a 36-megawatt (MW) power ship.

Financial Analyst Joel Bhagwandin had highlighted the inaccuracies within the newspaper.

Printed bold on their front page was, “36MW power ship to cost Guyana US$2.4M annually, minus fuel”, and within the article, it was falsely calculated that “A 36MW capacity plant is expected to generate some 315,360,000-kilowatt hours per year, which would mean an annual bill of $2,087,683,200. This, in addition to the 0.98 US cents maintenance fee,

will add an additional US$309,052,800, or cumulatively US$2,396,736,000.”

Bhagwandin has exposed the publication’s usual miscalculations on Facebook, by stating: “According to KN’s calculation, it will cost US$2.4b, and in the headline they have US$2.4m… simple calculation (multiplication) they can’t do correctly…. 315,360,000 kwh X US$0.0776 = US$24.471m… NOT US$2.4b (KN calculation) … That is one year’s oil revenue… (US$2b).”

Also, on April 12, the newspaper was forced to apologise to the government for a false publication.

–– Businessman threatens to sue

It had issued a retraction and apology, which was tucked away, for an article headlined: “Guyana borrowed to buy two airplanes for the price of four,” in its April 5 edition.

In the article, it was reported that “The Government of Guyana has borrowed a US$23.27 million loan from India to buy two Dornier 228 airplanes from an Indian Aeronautics Company when they could have gotten four for the same price.”

It then stated that the Indian government purchased six similar planes for its air force from the same company at a price of US$31.9 million.

The newspaper then quoted the Economic Times as stating: “The Defence Ministry on Friday (March 10, 2023) sealed a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure six Dornier aircraft at a cost of Rs 667 crore for the Indian Air Force”, and then posited that Rs 667 crore is equivalent to US$31.9 million. This means that the Indian Government purchased six of the same aircraft from the same company at a price of US$5.3 million for one.

Utilising a conversion tool, it was, however, easily determined that Rs 667 crore

is equivalent to just over US$80 million.

During a previous press conference, PPP General Secretary Dr. Jagdeo responded to several allegations from the Opposition surrounding the purchase of the aircraft, and made it clear that the aircraft were not bought by the Government of India and sold back to the Government of Guyana. He informed the media that the two aircraft were bought from the Indian government and were new. They cost $8 million each and government purchased $6.23 million worth of spares for each of them, including reserve engine, propellers among other things and then spent about another million on the training of 19 persons, including the pilots, engineers and technicians flying the aircraft to Guyana.

The PPP General Secretary also addressed the Kaieteur News’ article which had the computation error, and other sensational stories. Just last month, the newspaper was forced to apologise to the government and the GPL for false publication. Furthermore, on several occasions, Dr. Jagdeo has had reason to call out the Kaieteur News for its frequent “distortion” of facts.

Two men sentenced for separate drug trafficking charges ordered to pay millions in fines

FOLLOWING their guilty pleas, two men were sentenced to prison terms on Friday for separate charges of drug trafficking.

Magistrate Sunil Scarce sentenced Leonard Caleb, a 37-year-old resident of Amelia’s Ward in Linden, Region 10, to four years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of $11,286,000.

In December 2023, he was charged and appeared before Magistrate Scarce at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts, where he pleaded not guilty.

However, in March, he opted to change his not guilty plea to guilty.

A press release from the Customs Anti-Narcotic

Unit (CANU) stated that, on November 30, 2023, its officers were carrying out an operation in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) close to a well-known mall, when they stopped a car driven by Caleb that had the licence plate PAE 6311.

After the car was searched, a salt bag with large packages inside that included a lot of leaves, seeds, and stems that subsequently tested positive for cannabis was found.

As a result, Caleb was taken into custody and escorted to the CANU headquarters with the drugs.

The drug, according to CANU, weighed over 12.54 kilogrammes (or nearly 27.6 pounds) and had a street value of about

$4 million.

Meanwhile, Oneal Deleon was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $4,777,200. He presented himself to Magistrate Alisha George at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court and admitted to trafficking 5.308 kilogrammes of marijuana.

Furthermore, Bryan Edwards admitted to a similar offense on Friday during his appearance before Chief Magistrate (ag) Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus. He admitted his guilt for possessing 53.480 kilograms of cannabis with the intention to traffic.

Edwards was sent to jail until his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for May 17.

Jailed: Leonard Caleb Jailed: Oneal Deleon Bryan Edwards

ECD residents appreciate gov’t efforts to ease traffic congestion

By Cindy Parkinson

IN the midst of significant infrastructural development sweeping across Guyana, residents along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) are expressing gratitude to the government for addressing their concerns regarding traffic congestion.

The ongoing road-widening projects have garnered praise from locals who anticipate improved mobility and reduced commuting times.

Speaking with a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Criminal Investigations Department (C.I.D.), Officer Choroman Singh explained that the widening of the roads influenced his decision to live on the East Coast.

According to the policeman, “Coming from a simple, less congested, and somewhat more tone-down county of Essequibo, the traffic jams and the reckless usage of the roadways were something that we were never accustomed to. However, being in the GPF has required me to live in Georgetown from a very tender age, but I have never gotten accustomed to the traffic. After receiving my house lot from the Ministry of Housing at Strathspey and realising that the government is turning the road on the line into a four-lane, that motivated me to want to build my home even faster.”

Officer Singh continued, “The road projects across the country are great, and the initiative for the one on the line is even better, because of the relief that it would bring to the working class as well as the schoolchildren. Not having to deal with the long lines of vehicles, less congestion, and a smoother process on the roadways are some of the reasons why I am thankful for the new roads.”

Utilising his position as a GPF officer, the CID rank urged drivers to obey traffic laws and show mutual respect while driving. “Speed kills, it isn’t worth it, and we need to all play our part to change this culture that we have developed,” he added.

Furthermore, during the interview with this publication, Brian Turman, a vendor from Bladen Hall,

shared that he regularly goes to the Bourda Market to buy his staple food items. Despite his feelings of stress, Turman acknowledged that he has no other option but to go.

“The broadness of these roads has its positives and negatives. On the positive side, we are happy that the government is bringing relief to us by easing the traffic problems. And we can get to do our business in a faster and better manner. If I had a choice, I would have gone to Georgetown once a month, but I have to go three to four times a week to buy my plantains, cassava, and so on.”

Referencing the negative side of the infrastructural development, Turman said, “This development is good; as a country, we are looking good, better than we used to, but I do sometimes ask myself if these roads are worth it or if we should just stay with our old ones. When I see the accidents that are happening on the roadways and the careless behaviour, I say to myself that it is better if we stay on the old roads. Some of these drivers don’t care about what they do. They are hitting you down like animals.”

When asked about what it is that he would like to see, the vendor said, “I think that the police can do more to help with this issue. We have illegal tints, illegal lights, black number plates, speeding, passing through red traffic lights, and all this craziness. How come no one isn’t seeing them? They are on the road every day.”

Furthermore, the Guyana Chronicle interviewed Seon Robinson, a taxi driver who resides and operates on the East Coast of Demerara. According to him, “I am so happy that the govern-

ment is making these roads. I know that this will help all of us, not only the people but also the drivers. And as a driver, I am asking my fellow drivers to do what the laws say: stop racing and rushing like you are alone on the road. I am a driver who is hustling just like you all, but I believe in safety first. We are getting a lot of nice roads, so I hope that we can make sure that we live to enjoy it too. To President Ali and his team, thank you for looking out for the people of this country and giv-

ing us better opportunities to earn our money.”

During a recent discussion with East Coast residents about the four-lane project, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, expressed that the primary objective of these initiatives is to alleviate traffic congestion and provide significant relief to the people. According to him, “Whatever we are doing, if it adversely affects someone, we have to find a way of remedying that because our overall objective is not to make your life harder. It is to make your life better. That is what governments do. That is why we are doing a project. It is about improving people’s lives. Whenever we do something, ultimately it is the beneficiaries that we want to be satisfied.”

The ongoing road-widening projects serve as a testament to the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of the community, with a focus on enhancing mobility, safety, and overall well-being.

As construction progresses, residents eagerly anticipate the tangible benefits these initiatives will bring to their daily lives.

GPF CID Officer

Choroman Singh

Taxi driver Seon Robinson

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday May 04, 2024)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83

Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Jonny Bairstow-114 (SRH vs RCB)

(2) Alzarri Joseph-6/12 (MI vs SRH)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who hit most sixes in IPL 2019?

(2) Who took most catches (non-wicketkeeper)?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Race 4 Kupuna

Race 5 to Mischief Magic

Race 6 Alva Starr

Race 7 Heavenly Sunday

Race 8 Nash

Race 9 Legend Of Time

Race 10 Hoist The Gold

Race 11 Naval Power

Race 1 2 Fierceness

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

NEWMARKET

08:10 hrs Heritage House

08:45 hrs Summerghand

09:20 hrs Torito

09:55 hrs Mitbaahy

10:35 hrs City Of Troy

11:10 hrs Maxi King

11:45 hrs Dapper Valley

12:15 hrs Christian David 12:50 hrs Crack Shot

GOODWOOD

08:35 hrs Fair Angellica

09:05 hrs Choisya

09:45 hrs Maxident

10:20 hrs Sumo Sam

10:55 hrs Galactic Charm

11:30 hrs Bill Silvers

12:05 hrs Dashing Harry

UTTOXETER

11:00 hrs Valgrand

11:35 hrs Texard

12:10 hrs Aramax

12:45 hrs Farceur Du Large

13:18 hrs Blagthebookies

13:53 hrs Aworkinprogress 14:25 hrs Hugueneau

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

GREYVILLE

08:47 hrs Double Grand Slam

09:25 hrs Sandringham Summit

10:05 hrs Flag Man

10:40 hrs African Beat

IRISH RACING TIPS

PUNCHESTOWN

09:30 hrs Coko Beach

10:05 hrs History Of Fashion

10:42 hrs Lossiemouth

11:15 hrs Blackjack Magic

11:50 hrs Kargese

12:25 hrs Olympic Man

13:00 hrs Chart Topper 13:30 hrs Omniscient

Solid as a Rock: Starfire Gold is the one to watch

"IF you pass your CSEC exams, I will buy the horse for you." This motivational promise was made to Antonio Hossain by his grandfather, Azad Hossain, three years ago.

Young Antonio, who was 17 years old at the time of the promise, passed the CSEC exams. His 65-year-old grandpa kept his word, and gifted him his dream horse.

As fate would have it, this horse is now one of the leading three-year-olds amongst the West Indian-bred and Guyana-bred horses heading into the Guyana Derby scheduled to be run off on Guyana Cup Day, Sunday, August 11, 2024 at the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) on West Coast Berbice.

This horse is the only three-year-old West Indian-bred or Guyana-bred to win around two turns - 1,600 metres this season. He did so with consummate ease, scoring, unchallenged, by close to a dozen lengths, beating Bin Laden, She's A Monica, and Easy Jet, in that order, in the sixth race of the seven-race card promoted by Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC) run off on April 28, 2024.

The horse in question is Country Rock, bred at Machado Stables in Danzic, East Coast Demerara. He is a bay colt, whose pedigree

is Rock Moviestar out of the mare, Zionane. As Antonio explained, "I picked out the horse. I did not have any money, and was going to school at the time. When I saw him, he was a yearling; he had good conformation, and that is everything that is needed in a horse. His breeding and the farm have a good reputation, so I knew he would be a good horse."

Asked if his family was involved in the sport, Antonio declared, "Yes! We had horses such as Blondie and Rude Boy. My uncle, Kamalodeen Hossain, who had stopped training horses, said to me when he saw Country Rock,

that it reminded him of Rude Boy. And he said he will return to training horses."

My uncle, Kamaloodeen, declared, “I will get back in racing. This horse is everything you want to see in a horse. This horse proved him right, also fulfilled the dream of training a good young horse, and have a runner in the Derby to run amongst the elite owners in the country, as we are coming from very humble background."

Sharing how the success of Country Rock has impacted on his young life, and that of his community, Antonio said: "Sunday gone was my birthday, and he gave me a birth-

day gift that I will never forget in my life. Country Rock brings over 100 people from the village and surrounding communities to support him whenever he is racing. They are very proud of him. Now that he has won, he will bring more people to the track."

Asked what advice he would give young persons desirous of owning a horse, or wanting to get involved in the sport, Antonio, who is now self-employed as a horse feed dealer, declared, "I do not drink or smoke, so my money goes into the expenses of this horse. It is an expensive sport. Horseracing is about dedication; literally 24/7. Your social

life is impacted."

Clearing the air on the impact of rearing horses on his social life, Antonio, who has completed his secondary school studies, explained, "Yes, I have a girlfriend, and she has been complaining that I am now spending more time with the horse than with her. So, my advice to young persons who want to own a horse is, learn about time management, so your girlfriend will not get upset."

Speaking on the sport’s development, and what impact it will have on the country, Antonio shared, "I am seeing the sport is developing tremendously; the rules now are taking it to a different level. People feel more secure coming to the track. It is getting more media exposure. I am a small owner and got lucky. I never believed my picture, or my story would be in the papers. Here I am a young boy from a small village, Little Biaboo is getting recognition, and bringing recognition to the village."

Switching to how Country Rock got its name, he said, "We live in the countryside, and that is how he got Country. And he got Rock from his sire, Rock Moviestar."

Antonio admitted that Country Rock did win very easily, but his horse must improve more to remain on top.

Uncapped Joseph named in West Indies T20 Squad

He explained, "Country

Rock was beaten by Starfire Gold every time they met. We were looking forward to avenging at least one of the defeats, but she did not turn up. I understand she had a training problem. I wish her a speedy recovery. The sport needs a star, and she is one."

He continued, "I am being realistic. Starfire Gold is unbeaten, and she is the horse Country Rock will have to contend with. She has very good early speed. If she can carry it around two turns, she will be hard to beat. But with further improvement expected in Country Rock, it will be a date with history for Country Rock."

He pointed out that Country Rock has proven he can stay. He has not competed against the Trinidad-bred horses yet. So, we do not know how good they are. I have confidence in my horse. He is as solid as a Rock and will have the place rocking when the Derby is over. He will raise the Guyana flag on Guyana Cup Day."

Closing off on the future racing plans for Country Rock, he advised, "We are giving him some time off. We are not rushing to race him anytime soon. We would see if the race impacted on him, and then we will look at getting a prep race before the Guyana Cup."

Shepherd, Motie, Hetmyer, Rutherford also named

CMC – JOINT-HOSTS and two-time world champions, West Indies rolled the dice and named uncapped pacer Shamar Joseph in their provisional 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup to be staged next month in the Caribbean and the United States.

The 24-year-old Guyanese fast bowler, who has played only three official Twenty20 matches in his career and has not taken a wicket, is yet to make his international debut in the format, but West Indies lead selector Desmond Haynes and white-ball head coach Daren Sammy felt he was worth the gamble.

“You really can’t question Shamar Joseph’s skills,” Haynes told reporters during a news conference on Friday in the Barbados capital of Bridgetown to announce the squad. “You saw him in Australia. We were looking at someone up front bowling the first Power Play, and he ticks the boxes.” Joseph rose to prominence

on his Test debut in January when he took seven wickets in an innings and bowled West Indies to their first Test win in Australia for 27 years against the hosts and world champions.

Sammy was in Australia at the time preparing the whiteball outfit for the subsequent One-day and Twenty20 Internationals matches on the trip, and he spoke glowingly about the rookie fast bowler and hinted that he could be a dark horse to make the Caribbean side for the global showpiece.

Joseph is one of several West Indies players taking part in the ongoing Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, being signed by Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement player, but he had a difficult debut and conceded 47 against Kolkata Knight Riders in his only match.

But Sammy said the pace and control of Joseph gave him the edge over other contenders such as Matthew Forde and Oshane Thomas.

“Shamar has the pace, he

has skills with the new ball; not saying Matthew Forde doesn’t, but when you look at the role, it makes it easier for us to now pick the personnel to fit that role,” Sammy said about the young fast bowler.

At the same time, Guyanese left-handed batsman Shimron Hetmyer earned a recall, after being dropped during the series against England last Christmas, overlooked in January for the Tour of Australia, and modest runs in the IPL.

Haynes said it was a close call between the 27-year-old former West Indies Under-19 World Cup winning captain and Barbadian ambidextrous all-rounder Kyle Mayers, who had been a regular feature in the line-up over the past couple of years.

“It was a very close decision regarding selection between Kyle and Hetty, but we wanted the extra batsman to be the one batting down the order,” the lead selector said.

“We are hoping that Hetty

would play that role as a finisher.”

The rest of the squad – to be led by Rovman Powell with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph his deputy – was pretty much straightforward and includes most of the players that played in the series against England on home soil and in Australia.

Off-spin bowling all-rounder Roston Chase, who is leading West Indies “A” on the Tour of Nepal, hangs onto a place next to left-arm spinners, Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie and offers variety to the attack, which meant there was no room from the returning left-arm spin bowling all-rounder, Fabian Allen.

Haynes said Chase was the “most economical bowler” in the format available, and his ability with the bat meant that he could play a “similar role” to that of the now retired Marlon Samuels when West Indies won their T20 World Cups. Sammy added that it was always going to be a difficult

side to pick because they were players such as the skillful Allen and energetic leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr – both in Nepal with West Indies “A” – that could be left on the side-lines.

He also disclosed that while a knee injury kept Brandon King out of the Tour of Nepal there was the opportunity for the Jamaican to play in the T20 home series against South Africa before the World Cup – and if found to be unfit, a replacement could be named.

All World Cup provisional squads may be changed up to May 25, after which any alterations will require approval from the technical committee of the tournament.

West Indies will play in Group “C” of the tournament with Afghanistan and New Zealand, and two ICC Associate teams – Papua New Guinea and Uganda. Their first two matches in the tournament will be at the Guyana National Stadium,

where they face the Papuans on June 2 and take on the Ugandans six days later. The Caribbean side will complete the group stage against New Zealand on June 12 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Afghanistan five days later at the venue named after their coach in his homeland of St Lucia. West Indies are a two-time champion of the tournament, having won in 2012 in Sri Lanka and 2016 in India under the leadership of Sammy and guidance of coaches Ottis Gibson and Phil Simmons.

Squad:

Powell (captain),

Rovman

Alzarri Joseph (vice-captain), Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas.

Jockey Ronaldo Appadu piloted Country Rock to a superb win

GFF-Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls’ Championship…

Matches begin today

GUYANA Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde has confirmed the completion of preparations for today’s (Saturday) kick off of the inaugural GFF-Blue Water Shipping Under-15 Girls’ National Secondary School Championship.

Guyana's largest girls’ competition is set to begin with a total of twenty-four matches scheduled across Region One (Barima-Waini), Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) on May 4.

"We've been tirelessly collaborating with our partner, Blue Water Shipping, to ensure a seamless tournament over the next three months. I'm delighted to say that the GFF team, with the

backing of the Blue Water Shipping team and the Ministry of Education, have done an exceptional job,” shared Forde.

The students are eager, fields prepared and all officials have been thoroughly briefed on the rules and regulations governing the competition, including the GFF Child Safeguarding Policy.

The GFF top official added that “our primary objective of the competition is to boost female participation in football while imparting valuable life skills. We have an exciting opening day planned in three regions. I hope to see parents, students, teachers and football fans at the games supporting our upcoming stars.”

Over the next three months, more than a thou-

sand student athletes representing 60 schools nationwide will take part in the championship, which signals the start of the FIFA Football For School (F4S) programme's competition phase. F4S was jointly launched by FIFA, the GFF, and the Government of Guyana on May 12, 2022.

The tournament will take place in nine of the 10 administrative regions, with schools in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) sitting out this year's edition.

The national championship is structured to prioritise player development, ensuring each participant engages in a minimum of six matches, with the potential for up to 16 appearances.

There are three stages, beginning with preliminary

round-robin matches which will be held regionally, followed by the round of 16 and quarterfinal group stage matches at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown and the GFF National Training Centre at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Each regional winner will claim a prestigious winner's trophy, while the tournament overall will see the presentation of championship and runner-up trophies. Additionally, accolades will be bestowed upon leading goal scorers, Most Valuable Players (MVPs), and Top Goalkeepers.

Exceptional performers will also be selected for further training within the national team programme. See full opening day schedule:

Region One - Moruca Ground (North West) 10:00 hours

Santa Rosa Secondary vs. Waramuri Primary

Kamwatta Primary vs. Kwebanna Primary 11:30 hours

Santa Rosa Secondary vs. Kamwatta Primary Waramuri Primary vs. Kwebanna Primary 13:00 hours

Santa Rosa Secondary vs. Kwebanna Primary Waramuri Primary vs. Kamwatta Primary

Region Four - Queen's College Ground 10:00 hours

St John’s Secondary v I.A.E

Queen’s College v New Campbellsville Secondary 10:45 hours

Chase’s Academy v North Georgetown Secondary 12:30 hours

St John’s Secondary v Chase’s Academy

I.A.E v Queen’s College 13:15 hours

New Campbellsville Secondary v North Georgetown Secondary 14:30 hours

New Campbellsville Secondary v St John’s Sec -

ondary

Chase’s Academy v Queen’s College

15:15 hours

I.A.E v North Georgetown Secondary

Region Ten - Wisburg School Ground 10:00 hours

Wismar Christianburg Secondary v Mackenzie High New Silver City Secondary v Linden Foundation 10:45 hours

Wisburg Secondary v Harmony Secondary 12:30 hours

Wismar Christianburg Secondary v Harmony Secondary Mackenzie High v New Silver City Secondary 13:15 hours

Linden Foundation v Wisburg Secondary 15:00 hours

Linden Foundation v Mackenzie High

Wisburg Secondary v Wismar Christianburg Secondary 15:45 hours

Harmony Secondary v New Silver City Secondary

West Indies women win series 4-1

CMC – WEST Indies Women won their fivematch Twenty20 International series against hosts Pakistan Women 4-1 after another Player-of-the-Match innings from their captain Hayley Matthews enabled them to close out with a resounding eight-wicket win on Friday.

The 26-year-old Barbadian all-rounder struck 11 fours in a top score of 78 from 59 balls and the Caribbean side successfully chased 135 in the final match of the series that was exclusively played at the National Stadium.

She ended with a series-high 205 runs at an average of 41 with her score on Friday being the highest in the five innings that she played, and she finished with seven wickets – the second highest for her side behind eight for leg-spinner Afy Fletcher – and collected them at 15.28 apiece to make her a shoo-in for the

West Indies clinched the T20I series 4-1 against Pakistan•May 03, 2024•PCB

Player-of-the-Series prize. Matthews shared 103 for the second wicket with her deputy Shemaine Campbelle that carried the visitors to 37 for one after the Power Play, 82 for one

at the mid-point of the innings, and 117 for one with five overs remaining.

West Indies Women firmly on course to win when left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu bowled

Matthews with seven required from 15 balls.

Campbelle was not out on 33, and teenaged left-handed all-rounder

Zaida James came to the crease and knocked off the

remaining runs, finishing the match with a boundary, to bring the highly successful tour for the Caribbean side to a close.

The visitors won all but one of the preceding seven

international matches on the trip – the first three T20Is by margins of one run, seven wickets, and two runs, and the preceding three ICC Women’s Championship One-day Internationals –before they stumbled to an eight-wicket loss on Thursday in the fourth T20I.

Earlier, Fletcher grabbed three for 17 from her allotted four overs, and Windward Islands Women teammate Qiana Joseph supported with two wickets, and West Indies Women defied solid top-order batting from the Pakistanis and restricted the hosts to 134 for eight after putting them in to bat.

Sidra Ameen led the way for Pakistan Women with 48 to end the series with the second highest aggregate behind Matthews of 159, Muneeba Ali got 25, and Ayesha Zafar got 22 – but no other got 20 for the hosts after they reached 44 for one at the end of the Power Play.

GABA U-23 club championship…

Double header on at National Gymnasium today

THE Guyana Amateur Basketball Association’s (GABA) club championship resumes today (Saturday) with a pair of clashes.

From 18:30 hours, Leonora D-Up will line-up against North Ruimveldt Ravens while Black Caiman are set to clash with Wortmanville Pacesetters at 20:30 hours.

The U-23 league features 12 teams in two groups playing each other in a round robin format with the top two in each group advancing to the semi-finals.

Those semis are set for June 19 with the finals on the June 22.

When the championship commenced, Meadowbrook Nets opened with a 14-point win over Stabroek Eagles.

Nets led from the opening whistle, outscored their Eagles opponents in the opening quarter 18-14, maintaining their four-point lead to the end of the first half 36-32.

After the resumption they built on their advantage in the third period 54-47.

Nets had good production from Shaquile Hescott with 21 points as well as with 15 buckets from Peter Langavine and they had their best showing in the final quarter to take an 85-71 victory.

Kwakwani Untouchables also starred in their opener, overcoming UG Trojans 67-62

It was a come from behind victory after Trojans led in the first period 19-10, translating that to a 32-29 in the first half.

KFC Elite League

After the break the Region 10 Kwakwani side started to show more fight but UG Trojans still held the reigns, leading 51-44 going into the final period.

Kwawakwni, led by for-

mer Youth Basketball Guyana players Rayon Shortt with 14 and Kadeem Dover 13, put on a shooting exhibition to eclipse the fourth quarter 23-11 and take the contest 67-62.

Slingerz and GDF to clash today

The Defending Champions, Guyana Defence Force have been unstoppable in the season 6 of the KFC Elite League.

They have dominated the proceedings so far, defeating all challengers except for the one, the indomitable former champions Slingerz.

This evening (Saturday) the two will face-off with for the first time in this Edition at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National

Training Centre (NTC).

The soldiers lead the standings marginally with a three-goal difference over Slingerz as both sides are undefeated this season (eight wins from eight games for a total of 24 points).

Slingerz, based on their performance have been flawless since their promotion back to the premier football competition and will pose what looks like the sternest test to the defending champions.

The feature clash is set to kick off at 21:00 hours.

The opening clash will pit Santos FC against Western Tigers, in a mid-table tussle with the winner set to take fourth position in the league standings.

Both sides boast four wins each with western tigers having played one game more.

Meanwhile in the latest league fixture on Thursday

Guyana Police Force, coming off their loss to Slingerz over the weekend could only manage a draw against Fruta Conquerors.

The contest was a feisty one as the teams showed their physicality with several bookings on both sides.

Neron Barrow put the police men in the lead in the 24th minute of the first half and that lead would remain for most of the contest before Fruta’s Simeon

Sheltez Homesafe Security Junior Independence Lawn Tennis

Cummingsburg Bounty Colts beat Lamaha Park Pepsi Sonics 90-86 thanks to Carmelo Man-Son-Hing leading the charge with 24 points. The Colts led all four quarters in route to their victory, Jaden Simon supporting Man with 16 points in the win.

Sonics Kerwin Mars led his team in a losing effort with 37 points.

The

in the 70th.

20 minutes would see no further change to the scoreline.

Boston and Mangru win U-10 Red ball titles

THE Sheltez Homesafe Security Junior Independence Tournament kicked off yesterday with close matches and marathon rallies by the club’s youngest in the Red Ball Category.

After a full day of hard-fought matches, Denisha Boston triumphed in the Girl's category and Yoshua Mangru took the Boy's crown in a closely contested final round.

Full results

U10 Red Ball - Girls:

1st - Denisha Boston

2nd - Maya Harding

3rd - Cassandra Campbell

4th - Imanie Jeune

U10 Red Ball - Boys:

1st - Yoshua Mangru

2nd - Yarib Trejo

3rd - Hayden Chan

4th - Jonathan Lu -

puku

5th - Micah McAllister

6th - Aiden Singh

7th - Jonathan Harding

Lovell found the back of the net for the equaliser

last

Tip off between Bounty Colts versus Pepsi Sonics -GABA U23 League

Stabroek Eagles playing Meadowbrook Nets

Police’s KFC Elite League squad

Denisha Boston Girls winner

Yoshua Mangru won the Boys title

Shamar Joseph has

Rock connections after the win at the Jumbo Jet Race of Champions meet