Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-06-2022

saturday 4th june, 2022

No.106743

Massive help for persons living 03 with disabilities PAGE

–– President Ali announces plans for $100,000 cash grant, automatic public assistance for children living with disabilities

–– transportation for each institution representing persons with disabilities –– $120M for modern business centre

IMF: Guyana’s prospects more favourable than ever before 05 PAGE

$100M for small businesses, 02 $325M for farmers ––Vice-President Jagdeo announces PAGE

during Region Six outreach

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Friday, stopped by the Kilcoy/Chesney Community Centre Ground where he interacted with residents as part of a series of outreach activities in Region Six (Tajeram Mohabir photo)

Guyana becomes UK’s largest trading partner in the Caribbean 04 PAGE

Guyanese musicians to benefit from gov’t-sponsored studio time 10 PAGE

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday june 4, 2022

$100M for small businesses, $325M for farmers ––Vice-President Jagdeo announces during Region Six outreach

–– farmers to help verify beneficiaries of government’s free fertiliser

By Tajeram Mohabir

FARMERS and residents of Region Six, on Friday, received support from the government to the tune of $425 million to purchase fertiliser for their crops and to start a business or expand existing operations.

Speaking to scores of farmers at a community meeting at Number 63 Village, Region Six, Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said some $300 million has been allocated to rice farmers in the region to purchase fertiliser for their crops and a further $25 million for cash crop farmers.

The rice farmers will form themselves into groups and will ensure only eligible persons receive the fertiliser.

They will also purchase the fertilisers and oversee its fair distribution.

Vice-President Jagdeo said the government will support the process and a group of farmers will form themselves into a committee that will play a vital role in preventing a recurrence of the situation that occurred with the flood-relief cash grant.

“We don’t want to come back here and hear from people again that some people got who did not deserve it and others did not get so you are going to have an opportunity now to help us to better intermediate this help, better extend this help to others,” he told the gathering.

There were numerous complaints of persons who fraudulently obtained flood-relief cash grants by falsely

claiming to be farmers who suffered losses during the massive floods last year, denying many legitimate farmers who suffered losses from benefitting from the government’s intervention.

On the matter of verification, on Thursday, at a meeting with fisherfolk at the Classic International Hotel, East Berbice Corentyne, Dr Jagdeo urged the audience of fishermen to play an active role to ensure genuine fishermen benefit from the government’s $150,000 on-off grant for fisherfolk across the country.

This month will be used to scrutinise claims made by persons to receive the $150,000 one-off grant, and payments will commence in July.

The $300 million for Region Six rice farmers and $25 million for cash crop farmers in the region are drawn from the $1 billion in free fertiliser for farmers countrywide announced by President, Dr Irfaan Ali last month.

Vice-President Jagdeo during a recent visit to Region Two had announced that some $250 million will be available to farmers there to purchase fertiliser and another $25 million will be given to cash crop farmers for the same purpose.

The intervention by the government has been viewed by stakeholders as timely.

The prices for fertilisers on the world market rose by 80 per cent in 2021, and has already risen by a further 30 per cent since the start of 2022.

CUSHION

We want to be supportive so that people can do better and create more jobs and we have more entrepreneurs,” he told the residents.

The PPP/C in its 2020 manifesto had promised to provide some 50,000 jobs to Guyanese in its first term in office. Thus far, the thousands of jobs have been created through a plethora of developmental projects in the past 18 months.

The government will also create some 8,000-10,000 part-time jobs and has so far awarded some 6,000 of these jobs in Regions Two, Six and 10.

the government. The 400 grants at $250,000 each means that some $100 million will be pumped into the region to start small businesses or to expand existing businesses.

“We want people to start earning on their own. It is not a large amount of money, in some regions they are using it, like in Region 10, a lot on chicken; they do a lot of chicken and so the $250,000 was enough to build a pen, buy the feed and get probably a 100 chicks from which they can grow.

“Some others are using it to support other ventures. So, I’m hoping that you will utilise these small business grants to create employment for yourselves and hopefully your business with government support in the future can grow.

NECESSARY The Vice-President explained that these jobs are necessary, noting that some 35,000 Guyanese lost their jobs as a result of poor policies under the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government and another 35,000 when the very government shut down the country on the advent of COVID-19.

On assuming office in August 2020, the PPP/C Government made the decision to reopen the country while placing heavy focus on vaccination and containing the spread of the pandemic.

This strategy, Dr Jagdeo said, has paid dividends as Guyana has emerged from the pandemic in a far better state compared to many developed nations with advanced healthcare systems. Many of these countries had a higher death rate and the pandemic took a

toll on their economies.

The Vice-President during his outreach to Region Six also paid impromptu visits to Crabwood, Little India, Little Africa, Belvedere and Chesney. These residents complain mainly about the state of roads and garbage disposal in their communities.

The Vice-President said that the government has allocated in the Budget 2022 some $4 billion to fix community roads in Region Six and this and the garbage issues will be addressed. He also briefed the residents about the government’s plans for Region Six and vision for the country.

Since being elected to office, the government has been hard at work delivering on its manifesto promises, and to date, about 80 per cent of them have been delivered, said Dr Jagdeo.

Value Added Tax (VAT) on water, electricity, machinery, agricultural inputs and other burdensome taxes have been removed; the school uniform grant has been restored and increased from $10,000 to $25,000; school uniform vouchers have increased from $2,000 to $5,000; excise tax on diesel and gasoline has been slashed to zero; old age pension has increased by 40 per cent; more than 10,000 house lots have been allocated; thousands will receive homes; and billions of dollars have been given to farmers affected by flooding and to citizens to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living.

Former Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

AFC General Secretary, David Patterson

al Executive Committee (NEC).

The nominees will know their fate on Saturday, June 11, 2022, when the party host its national conference. According to the AFC, the conference

will feature 285 delegates representing the ten regions in Guyana, the USA, Canada, UK, the Caribbean, the Women for Change (WFC) and the Youth For Change (YFC). There will also be 50 observers.

During the national conference, the party will also be laying out its plans for the next few years, which would include deliberations on the future of the AFC as a member of the coalition.

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo having a light moment with residents of Kilcoy/Chesney on Friday The support to farmers with free fertilisers is part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s effort to absorb the rising global costs for the commodity, and to prevent the costs being passed on to consumers.

Hours after wrapping up his meeting at Number 63 Village, Vice-President Jagdeo headed over to the Albion Sports Ground where he was warmly received by hundreds of residents there.

At that forum, he announced that he is fulfilling a promise he made to Region Six residents during his previous outreach in which he promised 400 small business grants to the region.

The beneficiaries were thankful for kind gesture by

No Nagamootoo –– as AFC releases list of nominees for top spots SENIOR member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Moses Nagamootoo was absent from the list of nominees for top executive posts within the political party.

Nagamootoo, who was Prime Minister in the former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) + AFC administration, did not feature among the persons who were nominated for high-level positions such as leader, chairman,

vice-chairman and general secretary of the party.

Based on the list released by the AFC on Friday, party Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan and General Secretary, David Patterson each secured nominations from eight groups for the position of leader of the party.

Nominees for the position of chairman were Catherine Hughes, Ramjattan, Sherod Duncan and Juretha Fernandes, while

Ricky Ramsaroop, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Devin Sears are among Hughes, Fernandes and Duncan for the position of vice-chairman.

Persons vying for the position of general secretary are Duncan, Hughes, Fernandes, Ramsaroop, Ramjattan, Neilson McKenzie and Michael Carrington.

In addition to those key executive positions, 55 members are vying for the 12 spots on the Nation-

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday june 4, 2022

Massive help for persons living with disabilities –– President Ali announces plans for $100,000 cash grant, automatic public assistance for children living with disabilities –– transportation for each institution representing persons with disabilities –– $120M for modern business centre

By Cassandra Khan

CHILDREN living with disabilities will be receiving a one-off $100,000 cash grant in 2022, based on a register used to inform how many children there are living with disabilities in Guyana.

This was according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Friday, during a meeting with persons with disabilities (PWD) at State House.

“Based on the register, we want to give every single child with a disability a cash grant of $100,000 this year,” President Ali said.

Additionally, the Head of State also announced to attendees plans to construct a $120 million business centre

those initiatives, parents at the event described the agony they face when it comes to taking their children to school.

In responding to those concerns, President Ali announced that across the seven institutions representing persons living with disabilities in Guyana, each one will be provided with at least one bus.

“What I can commit to you is that we will make the funds available, we’ll go for supplementary provision to have the money to ensure each one of those institutions has at least one bus attached to it once. That is the first thing we will do,” President Ali said.

Also, upon hearing the

PROGRESSIVE POLICY “This is a is a very progressive policy… that His Excellency is moving in that direction where automatically once your child has a disability, they get public assistance,” Minister Persaud said.

She related that this removes the red tape which is frustrating to find medical records even when it is apparent in a person’s eyes that the child has a disability.

Minister Persaud also encouraged parents to get trained so they could offer various services, since they already administer care to their children.

“You can start at some of these facilities; we can work

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud engages some of the persons who were present at the meeting on Friday (Delano Williams photo) for PWDs. This, he said, is expected to be replicated in each region.

Director of Projects at Central Housing and Planning Authority, Omar Narine, said that the architectural design has been completed in collaboration with the Disability Commission.

He added that the centre will comprise five work stations, three dedicated office spaces, three urinals, 10 washing and sanitising stations with accessible toilets, and a lot more. The centre will include seating arrangement that will provide adequate clearance for mobility.

“The cost for the structure is approximately $120 million and the next step is the procurement process where we will select potential contractors to commence the construction,” Narine related.

Although welcoming

issues faced with accessing public assistance, the Head of State said that automatic public assistance would be given to children on the register, as a means of long-term support.

Some of the persons who were present at Friday’s meeting, told the Guyana Chronicle that they are “beyond grateful” for the support they are receiving and they will receive from the government.

The measures announced

by President Ali, according to one person, will address a lot, if not most of the challenges which hinder the everyday life of persons living with disabilities.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said that the automatic public assistance initiative is an exciting one.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaging parents of children living with disabilities at State House, on Friday (Delano Williams photo) with you to make that happen.

We are giving you a subsidy to help you to start up these facilities. In addition, we have started training people who live with disabilities from last year, teenagers and adults, so that they can be equipped with things like ICT skills and other skills so that they can gain employment,” she related.

Minister Persaud reminded parents that there are ongoing programmes to support persons living with disabilities.

“We have already started

to construct an institution for training programmes for people living with disabilities… that will be complete and operational by August,” she related.

Additionally, across the country, wheelchairs, white canes, canes, hearing aids, and more items are being provided free of cost to all those persons living with disabilities.

“It’s going to make life easy so that you can have access to all of these things,” Minister Persaud said.

The government has al-

located $200 million in this year’s budget to offer direct support to persons living with disabilities. Minister Persaud, had said that from the allocation, new and improved healthcare facilities will be constructed to assist persons living with disabilities, among other things.

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Guyana becomes UK’s largest trading partner in the Caribbean –– as trade increases six-fold in 10 years

GUYANA has become the United Kingdom (UK)’s largest trading partner in the Caribbean, after trade between the two nations in 2021 amounted to 516 million pounds, and accounted for 21.6 per cent of all the UK’s trade with the Caribbean.

This announcement was

made by British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller on Thursday evening at a local ceremony to commemorate the birth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II, at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Bel Air. Miller noted that over the past ten years, trade

between the UK and the Caribbean has seen massive increases.

“Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Guyana last year was 516 million pounds; this represents 21.6 per cent of all trade between the UK and the Caribbean, making Guyana the UK’s largest

President Dr. Irfaan Ali; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira; and British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller make a toast to commemorate the birth anniversary of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and the relationship between Guyana and the UK (Office of the President photo) trading partner with the Caribbean. To give more perspective, in 2011 that was 94 million pounds, so trade has expanded six times in the last 10 years,” the British envoy noted.

At the celebration, Miller acknowledged the increase in trade between Guyana and the UK, which was further bolstered by a visit to Guyana by members of the Department for International Trade (DIT) last year, and a nine-member British delegation of business executives.

Notwithstanding the massive growth, Miller noted that there is still an enormous opportunity for further growth of this relationship.

“We had a trade mission; we are now beginning to see the fruits of that mission. The feedback I’ve had from businesses after the trade mission was amazing, and we expect more and more trade missions over the coming months. But, in addition, we continue to explore the opportunity

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of establishing a British Chamber of Commerce in Guyana,” the High Commissioner noted.

Coming out of the trade mission, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Caribbean Council, the longest established London business organisation.

In addition to the visits by the British delegation to Guyana, President Dr. Irfaan Ali also visited the UK earlier this year. There, he met with His Royal Highness Prince Charles; the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson; UK business owners, and Guyanese in the British Diaspora.

During his remarks at the event, President Ali commented on his visit to the UK, noting that there are significant resources in the UK that could be accessed by both the government and the private sector in Guyana.

“I was at a very im-

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portant meeting with huge financial institutions in the UK, and what I heard in that meeting was mind-blowing; that is assessing the risk of Guyana, assessing all that has to be done. There is an envelope of resources through the UK that is there for the government and the private sector that is in the hundreds of millions of pounds,” he related.

“His Excellency President Ali made an excellent speech in the House of Lords to a packed audience of businesses, Lords and Ladies, Ministers, and the message was that Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean is open for business,” Miller related.

She further noted: “As a result of this visit, particularly His Excellency’s meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, they’re now developing a more formal framework that will enable a deeper relationship including for future commercial engagement.”

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Guyana’s prospects more favourable than ever before –– IMF says, advises country to strengthen capacity to manage public investment

A REPORT on the preliminary findings of a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission to Guyana has found that Guyana’s oil prospects, coupled with its stable financial sector, signals more favourable medium-term prospects for the country than ever before.

Virtual discussions were held recently among members of an IMF mission and local stakeholders, including Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira; and Central Bank Governor Dr. Gobind Ganga.

A concluding statement from the IMF, issued on Friday, acknowledged that despite the negative impact of several internal and external shocks, Guyana’s economy had been able to stabilise and rebound, while supporting citizens during trying economic times.

Oil production and associated developments were highlighted as major contributors to Guyana’s sound financial performance, which, the IMF noted in previous reports, remained positive throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

This oil production is expected to usher in many more benefits for the country, particularly with additional oil-and-gas discoveries in the medium-term. Current estimates peg Guyana’s recoverable oil resources in the Stabroek Block at about 11 billion barrels.

“Guyana’s medium-term prospects are more favourable than ever before, with in-

creasing oil production having the potential to transform Guyana’s economy,” the IMF highlighted in its release.

It added: “This could help Guyana build up substantial fiscal and external buffers to absorb shocks, while addressing infrastructure gaps and human development needs.”

What this simply means is that if oil resources are exploited carefully, Guyana could prevent harsh economic shocks, similar to the COVID-19 pandemic and its supply-chain disruptions from impacting the local economy.

The IMF has noted, however, that the country’s fiscal position remained “appropriately supportive in 2021” with the provision of cash transfers/grants, quickly-initiated public investment projects and key tax cuts.

Those were done while the country’s debt remained lower than half of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Oil influx aside, the IMF noted, non-oil growth was positive in 2021 following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the delayed political transition that followed the 2020 General and Regional elections. The international financial institution contended that some of the macroeconomic policies instituted might have contributed to this.

Those policies include an emphasis on public investment and policies to sustain longterm growth, maintaining one of the region’s lowest levels of debt and progress in strengthening both the anti-corruption framework and fiscal transparency.

The financial body also lauded amend-

ments to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act, which now provides a greater level of accountability and improved management of Guyana’s oil wealth. This new law was instituted at the end of 2021, and, since then, all of Guyana’s oil revenues received thus far have been published. Withdrawal of some of those funds, as approved by the National Assembly, have also been communicated to the public.

The engagements between the IMF team and local stakeholders were part of what is known as an Article IV consultation.

Through this, an IMF team assesses economic and financial developments, and discusses the country’s economic and financial policies with government and central bank officials. It is expected that global views and international policies might influence national policies.

CAUTION NEEDED In this report, the IMF has already made some key recommendations.

Though oil revenues are expected to contribute significantly to the country’s development, the IMF noted that a dependence on it might expose Guyana’s economy to volatile oil prices. These prices are known to either dip or skyrocket, disrupting revenue projections and actual revenues.

Surging global oil prices have already impacted local consumers by resulting in the higher-than-normal cost of goods. Simultaneously, however, Guyana has been receiving more oil revenues, because its oil is being sold at a higher price internationally.

“On the other hand, higher global oil prices and additional gas and oil discoveries could significantly improve Guyana’s longterm economic prospects,” the IMF related.

Importantly, the IMF also supported public spending in major, transformational projects, but cautioned that the “ramping up” investment could potentially add inflationary pressures within the local economy. As such, the local authorities were encouraged to strengthen the capacity to manage public investment.

The IMF team also recommends setting annual budgets within a fiscal framework that constrains the annual non-oil overall fiscal deficit, not exceeding the expected transfer from the NRF, to anchor fiscal policy in a sustainable way.

“This rule will also ensure that fiscal spending, including capital spending, is increased at a measured pace to address development needs without macroeconomic imbalances,” the body reasoned.

Even so, strong support was signalled for local endeavours, including those geared at cutting electricity costs, improving the transport infrastructure, diversifying the economy, and improving the quality of social services. Support for Guyana’s Low- Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), an ambitious plan to facilitate future development needs by sustainably harnessing forest resources was also noted.

With the foregoing, the IMF said that it is ready to assist the authorities’ capacity development needs.

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Sexual violence and the criminal law term

SEXUAL violence in Guyana is at crisis level. In 2020, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) handed down a significant judgment on a child rape sentencing appeal in the matter of Pompey v Director of Public Prosecutions of Guyana (DPP) [2020] CCJ 7 (AJ) GY. In that decision, the President and Justices of the CCJ noted that in 2019 there were 648 indictable sexual violence cases from Guyana set down for trial in the Magisterial District of Demerara alone.

A deeper analysis of the data revealed by the CCJ recorded that sexual violence cases constituted 54 per cent of the total number of criminal cases in Demerara for the years 2014 to 2019. In the Berbice Magisterial District, 38 per cent of all criminal cases between 2014 and 2019 were sexual offences.

Meanwhile, for the Essequibo Magisterial District, 56 per cent of all criminal cases for the years 2014 to 2019 were sexual offences.

In all three Magisterial Districts, sexual offences against minors, as a percentage of overall sexual offence cases at any given period, were between 70 per cent and 100 per cent. Guyana’s Sexual Offences Act (2010) is one of the most progressive in the Caribbean.

A coordinated approach to gender-based violence legislation in the Caribbean dates back to the 1990s with first and second-generation Sexual Offence Acts.

Guyana is one of two Caribbean countries considered models for sexual violence legislation since it has “widened the range of offences, increased penalties, removed all exemptions from marital rape prosecution,

improved measures to protect victims during police investigation and court proceedings and have provisions in place to keep track of sex offenders after they have served their sentence,” according to UN Women (Caribbean) on GBV Development in the Law. The Sexual Offences Courts has managed to significantly speed up the trials of sexual violence matters. In 2019, it was reported that since the placement of specialised courts handling sexual violence matters, the judiciary had seen an increase in sexual offence convictions.

On the flip side, teaching consent is a must if there is ever to be a reduction in the alarming number of sexual violence cases in Guyana. There is a floating misconception held by some that teaching consent could encourage young people to engage in sexual

activity.

The truth of the matter is that sexual debut age in Guyana is 14. President Ali himself was forced to comment on the rising number of recorded rape cases based on the 2021 crime date.

“If you look at rape, we had a 55 per cent increase [for 2021]. This is an issue we have to get tough on. This is one of the areas that we have to see tremendous improvement”, Dr Ali said during a public address in November 2021.

The published list of cases for the criminal law term is expected soon. It is not to pre-empt that sexual violence cases will represent the majority, however, judging from the already-present trend over years, there’s little suggesting the numbers will show otherwise.

Islamic Development Bank a highly valued development partner of Guyana –– Dr. Singh says, outlines ongoing developmental works during his address at the bank’s 2022 Annual Meeting SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has said that the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will have a great role to play as countries the world over start to recover from the various challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and other global issues.

“Excellencies, we meet at a time when the global economy is reeling from multiple intertwined shocks. First, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt in many of our countries, with productive activity still muted in many places and the global supply chain still in deep dislocation.

“On top of this, war in Ukraine has further disrupted production and trade in key

commodities, resulting in additional inflationary pressure.

As a result, global economic growth is now projected to slow from 6.1 per cent in 2021 to 3.6 per cent in 2022 and 2023 and, beyond 2023 is projected to decline further to 3.3 per cent into the medium-term” Dr. Singh said.

He added that inflation for 2022 is projected at 5.7 per cent in advanced economies and 8.7 per cent in emerging market and developing economies, and many countries are experiencing their highest levels of inflation in decades.

Dr. Singh related that the impact is being felt most severely by the vulnerable, both within and across countries.

He pointed out that alongside the immediate crises, countries continue to face a

global climate crisis of no less urgency, with gaping gaps between stated ambition and policy action which he reminded is a matter that will be the focus of attention in Sharm El Sheikh at COP27.

Alluding to the situation in Guyana, Minister Singh outlined the work the government has been doing in the area of climate change.

“On the climate front, despite being a new oil producer, Guyana places the highest level of importance to our climate credentials. As a low low-lying coastal state, we are ourselves extremely susceptible to rising sea levels and flooding. At the same time, as a heavily forested country with low rates of deforestation, we are making an outsized contribution to the global fight against climate

change.

“Our Low Carbon Development Strategy articulates these two intersecting realities, outlining a plan to ensure that the role of our standing forests in the global effort to flight climate change is recognised and remunerated, in order to enable us to make the required investments to achieve accelerated economic growth along a low carbon climate-friendly trajectory,” Dr. Singh said.

He noted too that the government has taken a number of actions to limit the effects of COVID-19 on the lives of citizens and on the economy, to contain the pass through of imported price pressure on the most vulnerable, while also structuring these measures as far as possible to

ensure they help stimulate productive activity in key areas such as agriculture.

He concluded that as a result, despite the unhelpful external conditions, real growth of over seven per cent is projected in Guyana’s nonoil economy in 2022.

Dr. Singh related that in order to sustain strong non-oil growth into the medium and longer term, the government is putting in place the prerequisites for diversifying the productive sector, improving competitiveness, and increasing resilience including investing in adequate, reliable, affordable, and cleaner electricity which is essential for a competitive manufacturing sector.

The government is also expanding and upgrading

transport infrastructure, improving internal access; ramping up food production by bringing more acreage under cultivation and widening the range of crops grown as well as animals reared.

While concluding his presentation, the Dr. Singh posited that the Islamic Development Bank will continue to be a highly valued development partner for Guyana, reminding officials of the bank: “We are already at an advanced stage of developing new projects for our portfolio with the Bank, including one in transport infrastructure that is due to go to the executive board in September.”

He noted that other projects, mostly in advancing the infrastructure upgrade and build-out agenda, will follow later.

IMF lauds govt’s amendments to NRF Act

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Guyana for the amendments made to the National Resource Act 2019, which now governs the prudent, transparent and accountable management of the country’s oil funds.

The government passed the amended Natural Resource Fund Act 2021 – No. 19 of 2021, in December, repealing clauses imposed by the previous APNU+AFC Administration.

The IMF issued its pre-

liminary report on June 3, following successful virtual consultations with local officials between May 18 and June 1.

The team, led by incoming mission head Alina Carare and outgoing head Meredith McIntyre, met with Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira; Central Bank Governor Dr. Gobind Ganga, other senior officials and

stakeholders.

“The recent amendments to the 2019 Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act set clear ceilings on withdrawals from the Fund for budgetary spending, and promote transparency in the management and use of oil resources. Staff [IMF] praise the authorities’ thorough review of the 2019 NRF Act before making amendments, and the restraint in using any oil revenues before the passage of the amendments,” the international financial institution related in

its report.

Among the amendments made to the previous Act was the establishment of a crucial body to manage the fund.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in April appointed Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh, MSS, as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fund. Other members include David Lammy, MP (UK), and Carolyn Rodrigues, along with Dunstan Barrow and Ramesh Dookoo.

Unlike the previous Bill, the current legislation was

passed by a democratically elected government in parliament with full powers. The Bill also removes extensive powers from the Minister of Finance, and vests them in the new Board of Directors.

It proposes simple, clear formula that the general public could understand, ensuring complete transparency. It also adds a new requirement that all reports and receipts of all petroleum revenues must be published in the official gazette. Failure to comply with this obligation would

result in a harsher penalty of $5 million, and 10-years’ prison time.

The new Bill also makes provision for the establishment of a nine-member committee for practical and effective non-governmental oversight.

The former APNU+AFC Administration was criticised for rushing the Bill through parliament in January 2019, although it was defeated by a No-Confidence Motion less than a month earlier.

guyana CHRONICLE saturday june 4, 2022

Attorney Singh to face private assault charge on June 10

POLICE Constable Shawnette Bollers has filed another private criminal charge against Attorney-at-Law Nirvan Singh, this time for allegedly, unlawfully assaulting her.

The attorney, who is the son of former Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Carl Singh, is expected to appear before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on June 10.

The private charge was filed by Bollers, with the help of her lawyer, Eusi Anderson.

The charge alleges that Singh, on May 20, at Middle and Cummings Streets, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Constable Bollers.

Bollers is reported to

Attorney-at-Law Nirvan Singh have been part of the security detail attached to the Singhs’ Middle and Cummings Streets residence.

Back in April, Bollers

had filed a private charge against Singh for allegedly using racial slurs against an Afro-Guyanese. On April 20, Singh pleaded not guilty

to the charge, and was released on $100,000 by Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus.

However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack discontinued the matter against Singh in May. In a statement, the DPP contended that there was inconsistency regarding the racial hostility allegation made

by Bollers against Singh.

The DPP opined that the evidence was not consistent with the offence created in the relevant section of the Act, as the words used by Singh were not spoken in order to excite others to act with hostility or ill-will against the complainant.

Bollers currently has a $150 million lawsuit against Singh at the High Court.

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PM Phillips 'talks up' Guyanese products at Maryland store

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, during his visit to the United States of America to partake in activities which commemorated the 56th anniversary of Guyana’s independence, paid a courtesy visit to the “Caribbean Market”

in Maryland.

The store in Maryland, which sells a variety of West Indian products, is owned by New Yorker, Dave Narine of Dave West Indian products.

The Prime Minister visited the store to promote Guyanese products and en-

courage the diaspora to use those products to increase trade between America and Guyana.

Close to one million individuals in America are of Guyanese descent, with thousands settled in the greater Washington DC area.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, inspecting one of the many Guyanese items on the shelves, as Deputy Chief of Mission, Zulfikar Ali, looks on (OPM photo)

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday june 4, 2022

CIOG delivers food items, clothing to Tracy Flue

THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) visited Tracy Flue who recently lost three of her children in a fire at her home, and presented her with food items and clothing.

The organisation has also pledged its support for long-term counselling for the 23-year-old woman, who was working the night shift as a security guard when tragedy struck.

“We do understand how difficult it will be for her and her family and also for her four-year-old son, who lost his three other siblings. We

do pray for her to find the strength in God Almighty and to live on with the fond memories of her beloved children,” a press release from the CIOG stated.

Tracy plans to plant a flower garden at the spot where her home once stood, “so she will remember the loving memories of her three angels who are now beyond.”

The CIOG used the opportunity to urge others to help the woman with the rebuilding of her home and “whatever else she can be supported with at this trying time.”

CIOG and its part-

ners remain committed to building and strengthening partnerships for a stronger and brighter Guyana and wishes to express thanks to the donors for their support with the items for Tracy, the release added.

The three children, eight-year-old, Timothy Kippins; six-year-old, Trayshaw Kippins; and one-year-old, Zhlia Flue died on Independence Day in a fire reportedly caused by electrical issues at their 10th Field Barnwell, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home.

Tracey Flue with a CIOG representative (CIOG photo)

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Guyanese musicians to benefit from gov’t-sponsored studio time –– $9M will be invested to secure this arrangement for 12 months –– construction of state-owned studios on the cards, President Ali says

By Jared Liddell

GUYANESE creatives have been making

waves in the local music industry, reaching the eyes and ears of persons from all walks

of life through studios and even their social media pages.

This raw talent exuded

President Ali engaging local artistes on the government’s innovative plans to boost the reach of the local arts and entertainment industry, at State House on Wednesday (Office of the President photo) by the country’s artistes are going to set aside everybody who believes has not gone unnoticed, $9 million to do all the they can sing coming in with President Dr. Irfaan recording in the country. and want to record, beAli himself stepping up to “So, the agreement cause that is just making a support local musicians. that we will have between mockery of the system….

The President, during the three studios is that if So, we have to be respona recent engagement with any artiste turns up at any sible, I’m trusting you to persons who performed one of the three studios, be responsible,” President at the 56th Independence you must allow them to Ali said.

Further, in addition to Anniversary ceremony in record, and we’re going Region Two, said that $9 to share the resources this initiative, the Head million will be spent on with all three of the stu- of State also disclosed plans for the construction studio time for Guyanese dios at one level.”

The Head of State, of several state-of-the-art artistes to record their who has been leading the studios across the counmusic.

Dr. Ali related that the charge in promoting lo- try.

He opined that it was plan is to cover studio cal talent, noted that this time costs for the next 12 initiative would not only in keeping with the govmonths at three local stu- be for artistes residing in ernment’s vision of prodios, allowing musicians Region Four, but will also viding a platform for the to record their music at be extended to musicians growth and visibility of no charge to themselves. from all areas including, local artistes, and comHe said that this is a but not limited to, Linden, mitted that the governdirect investment that will Essequibo, and Berbice. ment would begin moafford local musicians President Ali said that bilising resources for the the space to explore their the Ministry of Culture, construction of a studio craft in a more magnified Youth and Sport will in 2022 should that be a way. undertake a process of priority of creatives.

The government, the compiling a list of musi“We can’t build a stuHead of State affirmed, cians who are interested dio in every corner of is aware of the finan- in benefitting from the the country now; we can cial challenges artistes initiative. examine building studios face when it comes to He advised all musi- or investing in studios developing their craft, cians to take the opportu- across different regions. and has been taking steps nity seriously and noted From this budget, I to alleviate some of those that while the space is can tell you if that is the burdens. there for any Guyanese priority, I can tell you Addressing the pro- creatives to utilise the now we will do one this posed initiative regarding studio time, he does not year, and you decide free studio time, Presi- expect to see any misuse where, and the governdent Ali said: “For the of the system. ment will build continnext 12 months between “We have to be con- uously,” President Ali these three studios, we scious too, we can’t have affirmed.

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Gafoors supports fisherfolk with discount on industry items –– Head of Region Three private sector body says, encourages persons to invest in aquaculture

GAFOORS stores countrywide, in an effort to assist fisherfolk and contribute to the expansion of the fishing industry, will be offering a 10 per cent discount on items necessary for fishing.

The offer which will run for one month, follows President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s announcement of a one-off $150,000 cash grant for fisherfolk.

Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, who accompanied President Ali at an engagement with fishermen from Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, said that, as a member of the private sector, and in order to show support for the President’s initiative, he had contacted several businesses, including Gafoors, to assist with giving fisherfolk a discount on fishing-related gears and supplies.

The company responded immediately to the request from Khan and agreed to be part of the nationwide

effort to develop the fishing industry.

“We would also like other businesses that also sell such supplies to come on board,” Khan said.

In an interview with this publication, he related that the grants to members of the fishing industry serve as an impetus for sustainable growth and development.

Khan said that more people eat fish, and consumption has been twice as high with population growth.

“The fisheries sector is crucial for enhancing healthy diets. It is also one of the most important sources of animal protein, and fisherfolk need support in developing and expanding the industry that will benefit all,” Khan said.

He said that, although approximately 5,500 fisherfolk will benefit, the Agriculture Ministry also vets those persons in their respective communities and “expands their net” to capture those who might not have been regis-

tered for various reasons.

Further, Khan also called on people to invest in aquaculture since this sector provides the world with more aquatic food than captured species, and enhances food security and livelihoods.

He said that the demand for sustainable seafood is growing much faster in conventional market, making for a brighter outlook.

On this note, Khan related that aquaculture presents the ideal opportunity to shape a more sustainable food system.

President Ali had said that, in addition to the other measures put in place to ease the burdens on fisherfolk across the country, the one-off grant serves as an immediate step that the government was taking to make a direct transfer to assist fisherfolk in expanding the industry.

The President, on Tuesday, told fisherfolk that an assessment of the industry was done and the immediate

Body of fisherman found in Mahaicony River THE body of a 31-year-old fisherman, Andrew Barnwell, was found floating in the Mahaicony River, on Thursday.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the body was extracted from the river, by officers, around 15:55 hrs.

The man was last seen imbibing with another fisherman on a boat in the Central Mahaicony River around 19:00 hrs, on May 31, 2022.

The 57-year-old fisherman, who was reportedly the last person to engage the victim, told police that, after they finished imbibing, they boarded another boat that was moored alongside the one they were initially on, with the intention of going to sleep.

Police said that the man further related that around 01:30 hrs on June 1, 2022, he awoke to a rocking boat, and upon checking, discovered it was untied. After securing the boat, he called out for Barnwell, but there was no response.

The fisherman told police that he made checks around the area,

but could not locate Barnwell, so he went back to sleep.

Later on June 1, police said that the 57-year-old fisherman enquired about Barnwell’s whereabouts from the man’s wife, who related that she had not seen or heard from him.

The man subsequently visited the Mahaicony Police Station on June 2 and lodged a report about the missing man.

At about 15:55 hrs, on June 2, 2022, a group of fishermen saw the body of Barnwell floating in the Mahaicony River and informed the police. The man’s body, clad in a blue short pants and a dark blue vest, was retrieved by police ranks. Barnwell’s body was positively identified by his 59-year-old mother of Airy Hall, Mahaicony.

Police said that there were no marks of violence seen on the exposed parts of the body. The body is now at Bailey’s Funeral Parlour, awaiting a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.

needs of those directly involved were identified.

This assessment, he added, was completed, and after the government would’ve examined its rev-

enue stream and finances, it were able to make the funds available. Only recently, the government announced similar interventions for the rice industry.

Head of R3PSInc, Halim Khan

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Dartmouth to get footpath bridge

FOLLOWING requests from residents and farmers during a recent meeting, the Region Two administration has begun the construction of a footpath bridge at Dartmouth.

Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit, said that the promise was being fulfilled and very soon moving around will be much easier for residents. He said that farmers will also have better access to their rice lands.

He said that farmers had reached out to regional officials venting their concerns about how difficult it was for them to get to their farmlands located at State Farm and surrounding areas.

Oodit said the construction works began on Friday, June 3 and, by Saturday, June 4, farmers and the other residents of the community will have full access.

On Friday, regional officials, including the Prime Minister’s representative, Arnold Adams, met with farmers at the location.

Farmers expressed gratitude to the regional officials for their prompt action.

“We are glad for this. It’s hard for farmers and we are glad that this happen,” Stanley Griffith said.

The regional officials assured the residents that they will continue to serve those living in the various communities.

Work being done on the footpath bridge at Dartmouth

guyana CHRONICLE saturday june 4, 2022

Alleged ‘ganja’ trafficker remanded

JULIAN Aaron called ‘Stammer’ was, on Friday, charged for allegedly having 1.26 kilograms of marijuana in his possession for the purpose of trafficking and was remanded to prison by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly.

Aaron, 48, of Guinep Lane, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown was hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied committing the offence on Thursday, June 2, at his house.

The accused will make his second court appearance on July 8.

Julian Aaron According to a recalled ‘Stammer’ lease from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), Aaron was arrested during a raid at his house. Denese Aaron, 46, who was also at the house during the search was also arrested.

The CANU ranks allegedly found the marijuana, along with one .40mm; 100 .38; two .38 short and 27 9mm ammunition.

The accused is expected to be charged for unlawful possession of ammunition. Up to press time, Denese was still in custody at CANU headquarters.

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National Library, Sonia Noel Foundation host mental health forum FINDING your Centre, an event hosted by the Sonia Noel Foundation, in collaboration with the National Library, was held on Friday last, to create awareness and encourage discussions on mental health.

The event was held to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month which was observed in May under the theme, “Together for Mental Health.”

Dr. Ashonda Washington, a general practitioner attached to the Dorothy Bailey Centre; Nazim Hussain, manager of the Food Bank at the National AIDS Programme and Sonia Noel, founder of the Sonia Noel Foundation, were part of a panel discussion.

Noel, during the discussion, said that a healthy outside begins from the inside through the thoughts that are downloaded or digested.

“We have to have consistency to get results, and not only in the month designated for the awareness,” she related.

According to the panel, wellness is the state of being healthy, especially when actively trying to achieve this. Well-being, on the other hand, is considered general health and happiness, a state of emotional, physical, or psychological well-being.

As May is the time to raise awareness of those living with mental and behavioural health issues and to help reduce the stigma, Emily King, Chief Librarian, said that the library was pleased to collaborate to bring awareness to the issue.

“Forums like these assist in removing the stigma and I commend the people who shared their stories,” King said.

Alicia Daniel, a writer,

explained that listening to everyone was an empowering experience and she thanked Noel for opening up such conversations while providing the forum for them to freely express themselves without judgement.

“Acknowledging the stigma, providing information, and finding tailor-made solutions is the path we can take to assist victims in managing and overcoming such issues,” Daniels explained.

The audience’s participation was tremendous and people shared their personal experiences in dealing with mental health.

Seventy-two-year-old jazz musician Herbie Marshal said that his love for music and mastering the guitar had allowed him to live a fulfilled life.

Additionally, Nebiola Toppin said that the discussion was enlightening and

From left to right: Sonia Noel, Nazim Hussain and Dr. Ashonda Washington.

The event also feainspiring. She explained of the stories and struggles that it helped her to find with mental health and tured a book signing by many strategies on how suicide. I especially loved Noel and two other Guyato take care of her mental that all of them found some nese authors, Alicia Danhealth. coping mechanisms and iels, and Latoya Barton, “The focus on mental strategies to help them. I who recently published health and self-care was most importantly loved her first book on Amazon. especially important for that, persons found help Barton’s book is available me. It was interesting and and strength in God,” Top- locally at the Austin’s Book Store. alarming listening to some pin said.

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Graduate engineers to complete training in Guyana

The graduate engineers from the SBM Offshore Graduate Engineering Programme SEVEN graduate engineers from the SBM Offshore Graduate Engineering Programme will be returning to Guyana to complete their training before they are deployed offshore.

This will follow a sixmonth stint in Singapore which began in March and marked the start of the second phase of their training.

In August 2021, the seven graduate engineers commenced a six-month training in the Netherlands working alongside the design team for the prosperity floating production and storage and offloading FPSO vessel.

One of the graduate engineers, Malik Lewis, said that there are three words which he would use to describe his experience in the Netherlands.

“Productive, enlightening and refreshing. I was able to work with the head of the project controls department and his project team in order to ensure that what was being done in construction aligned with what was planned in terms of time and cost,” Lewis said.

Lewis related that their mentors had already put plans in place to ensure that there was a programme awaiting them in Singapore, with tasks that would not only help them grow as professionals but

to add quality to the integration phase.

Raymond Luckhoo, another graduate engineer, said that they got to learn a lot from the design and conception phase of the project.

“We got to learn a lot about the level of engineering that goes into it and the support that goes into interface in-between the design and the construction phases of the project. I was involved in the electrical engineering department and I must say I felt involved,” Luckhoo explained.

He said that he expects to be fully integrated in operations along the technical field as this is the area he has been developing during the course of the training.

Additionally, graduate engineer, Paula Ceres, related that she is elated to have been given the opportunity to work at the SBM Offshore office and with the professionals.

“There was a lot I gathered for my future use as a professional here at SBM. These professionals have been working in this field for decades and for them to impart their knowledge onto us in such a patient and yet still a valuable way was something that I really appreciated,” Ceres said.

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‘Chike Baba’ remanded for allegedly murdering BV mason A 29-year-old construction worker was, on Friday, charged for the murder of Troy Hicks, who was badly beaten and chopped at Hendricks Street, Triumph, East Coast Demerara and was remanded to prison.

Devon Mohamed, called ‘Chike Baba’ of Sideline Dam, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Mohamed was not required to plead to the capital offence which alleged that, on May 28, 2022, at Triumph, he murdered Devon Mohamed, Hicks, 45, of North Betercalled ‘Chike Baba’ verwagting, ECD.

DEAD: Troy Hicks

He was remanded to prison until July 14, 2022.

According to a police press release, earlier on the day in question, Hicks and Mohamed were allegedly involved in a misunderstanding, but that was quickly quelled.

Later that day, Hicks was reportedly walking on Hendricks Street when he was attacked by Mohamed, who was armed

with a cutlass.

It is alleged, by the police, that Mohamed dealt Hicks several chops about his head and shoulders.

Hicks, who was armed with a dog chain and cutlass, chopped Mohammed to his forehead.

“The now-deceased man then ran into a corner shop after a group of men started to pelt him with bricks.

He also pelted bottles at the men and managed to run north on Republic Drive, Beterverwagting where the men ran after him, and where he collapsed,’ the police release said.

Hicks was then picked up in a conscious state by the police and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporationwhere he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Pensioner’s decomposing body found in home; no foul play suspected NO foul play is suspected in the death of 93-yearold Carlton King, whose lifeless body was found in the doorway of his Lot 845 Third Field, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara home, police said on Friday.

According to a police release, King lived alone in an unfinished one-flat concrete structure at the aforementioned address. Regional Commander Simon McBean, said that King’s body was discovered around 16:10hrs on Thursday, June 2.

According to a neighbour, King was lying motionless in front of his door which was partially opened.

Police examined the “slightly” decomposed body but found no marks of violence on the exposed parts.

The body was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home to await a post-mortem examination.

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MCY&S, NSC support Faye Joseph Memorial Dominoes tournament

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC), yesterday made a presentation of over $500 000 in cash, along with trophies, to the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA), for the hosting of the Faye Joseph Memorial Nationwade tournament.

The tournament will start today at the National Gymnasium and will conclude on Monday at the same venue, featuring over 30 teams from across the country.

According to Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle: “Dominoes is one of the indoor sports that attract a large crowd. We live in the spirit of One Guyana, and so we’ve asked the Dominoes Association to see how they can start decentralising the sport, so next year we expect to not only support it, but hope it can be held in Berbice and Essequibo as well.”

Ninvalle, on behalf of Minister Ramson and his fellow NSC Commissioners, wished the association a successful tournament and pledged the Commission’s support for the tournament next year.

Meanwhile, Colin Boyce, GDA’s vice-president, thanked NSC and

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Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, makes the NSC’s presentation to GDA representatives for the inaugural Faye Joseph Memorial Dominoes tournament Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for what he’s calling a timely intervention.

Boyce reminded that Joseph was a household name across Guyana in Dominoes. In fact, at the time of her death, Joseph was the serving president of the Guyana National Dominoes Federation.

“It is only fitting that we have this event and we thank the Minister (Ramson) and Director of Sport, for this support,” Boyce said.

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 8 centuries (2) 4 five-wicket hauls

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was the highest partnership for any wicket in IPL 2022?

(2) Which wicketkeeper effected most dismissals in IPL 2022?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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Team Mohamed supports Team Guyana for Olympiad in India … Fundraiser dinner planned for month end

MONETARY support this week by Team Mohamed will help Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) to host its grand fund-raising dinner later this month.

The dinner is to off-

set expenses of Guyana’s participation at the 44th edition of the FIDE Chess Olympiad, which is scheduled for Chennai, India from July 28 to August 10.

According to the fed-

Rain truncates day three of Red Force/ Harpy Eagles clash …. Keemo Paul bags 6-50

RAIN once again significantly affected play in the final round Four-Day match between Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and Guyana Harpy Eagles, at the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad.

Day two was completely washed out and day three saw only 20.2 overs bowled, and with the weather forecast dim, the match is headed towards a tame draw today.

MATCH SUMMARY: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 203-9 from 90 overs (Jeremy Solozano 72, Jason Mohammed 68, Isiah Rajah 26, Terrance Hinds 22*; Keemo Paul 6-50, Gudakesh Motie 2-35, Kevin Sinclair 1-21, Demetri Cameron 1-38) vs Guyana Harpy Eagles 30-0 from 16 overs (Tevin Imlach 25*, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 3*) At stumps, Harpy Eagles were 30 without loss with Tevin Imlach and Tagenarine Chanderpaul unbeaten on 25 and three respectively when rain ended the final session about an hour before the scheduled close of play.

Red Force resumed the day 203-9 and were quickly bowled out for 218 from 94.2 overs with Keemo Paul taking his innings tally to 6-50 from 19.2 overs.

The play had started at 09:30hrs, and it looked like there would be a full day’s play but just before lunch when Harpy Eagles were 19-0 after 12.4 overs, the rain came and did not stop until late afternoon.

The play resumed at 15:30hrs but only 4.2 overs were bowled when another downpour came.

In the other matches: At Diego Martin Sporting Complex: Windward Volcanoes 203 from 62 overs (Teddy Bishop 44, Larry Edward 37, Kaveem Hodge 37; Ramon Simmonds 3-25, Roston Chase 3-46, Miguel Cummins 2-32) v Barbados Pride 109-1 (Raymon Reifer 56*, Kraigg Brathwaite 39*; Ryan John 1-14) from 24 overs At Brian Lara Cricket Academy: Jamaica Scorpions 302 (Paul Palmer Jr 144*, Jamie Merchant 55, Aldane Thomas 31; Sheeno Berridge 2-29, Colin Archibald 2-64, Rahkeem Cornwall 2-103) vs Leeward Islands Hurricanes 4-0 (Montcin Hodge 2*, Kieran Powell 2*)

eration, businessman and philanthropist Azruddin Mohamed extended best wishes to the team and encouraged them to perform to the best of their abilities.

President of the GCF, Frankie Farley, expressed gratitude to Mohamed for the timely donation while stating that it will go a long way.

The Olympiad is the biggest chess event in the world. It was initially scheduled to be held in Russia but was relocated in the aftermath of the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Guyana is currently

ranked at 143 out of 201 countries within the International Federation.

The GCF is looking to carry a contingent of 12 persons to the event.

FUNDRAISER The proceeds from the dinner on June 25, will go towards the airfare and ground expenses of the team members.

The three-course meal and mingle (to 80s and 90s music) is billed for June 25 at Tower Suites Inc. Poolside on Main Street.

Tickets cost $10 000 per person.

Azruddin Mohamed (right) presents a sponsorship cheque to president of the GCF, Frankie Farley

VISA issues force Shepherd, Powell out of Netherlands series … Will join team for Pakistan series CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has confirmed that Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd are unable to take part in the ongoing One-Day International Series (ODI) against the Netherlands due to visa delays.

They travelled to London immediately following their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL), as their visa interviews could not have taken place in India due to the IPL bio-secure protocols. Despite having the interviews the day after their arrival, they are both still in London awaiting the appropriate visas to be able to travel to the Netherlands.

With the final match set for VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen yesterday,

Romario Shepherd Shepherd and Powell will West Indies have an unnow fly directly to Pakistan assailable 2-0 lead followto join the ODI squad for ing wins by seven wickets on Tuesday and by five the three-match series.

wickets on Thursday.

The West Indies had 13 players available for the first two matches and will have the same squad now for the final contest.

The West Indies squad will travel from Amsterdam to Pakistan tomorrow for matches at the Multan Cricket Stadium on June 8, 10 and 12.

ODI Squad to Pakistan: Nicholas Pooran (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shermon Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.

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NSC/Archery Guyana’s Independence Indoor Open Shoot 2022 … Persaud takes gold in Men’s Recurve & Barebow divisions

ARCHERY Guyana’s (AG) Inaugural Open Competition, sponsored by the National Sports Commission, climaxed last Saturday night at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) in the final night of the Barebow Division.

The week-long competition commenced last Monday with the ranking rounds for the Barebow Division where all participants from AG and the Archery Guild shot to achieve their best scores.

Competing in the Youth Men’s category was Antuwan Lamazon while in the Youth Women category was Amara Nandan.

The Barebow Women category featured Lisa Khan, Roshini Boodhoo and Tifanny Ramdayal; and in the Barebow Men, Sean Duncan, Jeewanram Persaud, Saeed Karim, Fabian Ramdatt and Kenrick Cheeks were the competitors.

The youths, Lamazon and Nandan, automatically medalled since they were the only ones in their respective categories.

For the Women, Lisa Khan came out on top against Roshini Boodhoo followed

by Tifanny Ramdayal. Sean

Winners and officials after the medal ceremony Duncan topped off the Men followed by Persaud, Khan, Ramdatt and Cheeks.

Action continued on Tuesday with the Men and Women Recurve ranking rounds. Sean Duncan again topped the rankings with

Jeewanram Persaud just 17 points behind him.

In the men’s eliminations matches Sean Duncan gained a bye straight to the gold medal match from his ranking scores leaving the other men to battle it out to the fi-

nals. Persaud beat Karim 6-3 out of 5 sets in Match 1 while Madray beat Ramdatt 6-0 in 3 straight sets in Match 2.

Persaud and Madray then battled in the bronze medal match as Persaud defeated Madray in 3 straight sets of

6-0 to go on to the gold medal match against Duncan The younger Karim seemed no match for Persaud who beat him 6-0 to go up against Duncan for the gold medal.

The final match was

much more exciting as Duncan and Persaud battled it out shooting 5 sets, as Duncan took the first set and seemed confident, but then Persaud took the next 2 sets.

Duncan then won the 4th but didn’t seem to be in his mental game as Persaud was determined and took the 5th set to gain the first 6 points to win.

The Presentation ceremony was then hosted, at which time, National judge, Ryan McKinnon, announced the winners and gave remarks. Congratulations were expressed on behalf of the Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, on the hosting of this inaugural event and all archers were congratulated for their participation.

The judges for the competition were: Director of Shooting Nicholas Hing, Line judge Ryan McKinnon and Target judge Dr Ricardo Stuart.

Archery Guyana wishes to thank the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) for the use of its facility, National Sports Commission for sponsorship, Guyana Beverages Inc., International Business Services and all those who came and supported.

Golden Jaguars hunting a win against Montserrat tonight GUYANA will open League B of the CONCACAF Nations League against Montserrat tonight in the Dominican Republic, and the country’s National football team’s head coach, Jamaal Shabazz, is eager to get into action.

The match will kick off at 19:30hrs at the Estadio Félix Sánchez.

Drawn in Group B, Golden Jaguars will roar against Haiti, Bermuda and Montserrat in home and away fixtures.

Following friendlies against Barbados, Suriname and French Guiana, Shabazz held a week-long encampment in Trinidad and Tobago, featuring several of the country’s top local-based players and their overseas-based equals.

Following the camp’s conclusion, Shabazz selected the country’s 24-man squad for their opening matches, while highlighting, “the competitiveness for places has increased and the intensity has increased, so it was difficult to pick 24 players out of the 31 we had in camp.”

The 24-man squad includes Neil Danns, Sam Cox, Pernell Schultz, Job Caesar, Stephen Duke McKenna, Omari Glasgow, Terrell Ondaan, Kelsey Benjamin, Tre Medford, Trayon Bobb and Anthony Jeffrey.

The other players are Clive Nobrega, Nathan Moriah Welch, Daniel Wilson, Ryan Hacket, Matthew Briggs, Marcus Wilson, Jeremy Garrett, Jalen Jones, Quincy Adams, Leo Lovell, Akel Clarke, Quillan Roberts and Alex Murray.

Asked about what UK-based players Cox and Danns bring to the team, Shabazz noted that the players are experienced, both at International and Club levels.

“Both of them do a bit of coaching as well. So we were able at times to use them to run sessions and be a positive influence on the lads. You can’t coach experience.

Experience is a thing that’s passed on by those who have acquired,” the always confident Shabazz said.

In the days leading up to the clash against Montserrat, Shabazz revealed he would focus on building the team’s cohesiveness and ensuring the players gel together as a unit in defence and attack.

Following their away match against the British overseas territory, Golden Jaguars will return home to face Bermuda on June 7 at the National Track and Field Centre.

Guyana will also play host to Haiti on June 11 and will travel to Port-au-Prince for a return clash against the Haitians on June 14.

The Golden Jaguars will roar once again in the Nations League on March 25, 2023, when they travel to Hamilton to face Bermuda.

Jamaal Shabazz and his troops will close their participation in the second edition of the Nations League with a home game against Montserrat on March 28, 2023.

According to CONCACAF, the Nations

League will serve as the qualifier for the 2023 Gold Cup. At the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League, Guyana, also placed in League B, faced eventual group winners Jamaica, along with Aruba and Antigua & Barbuda.

Golden Jaguars, after home and away fixtures, ended the Group in second place, winning three of their six games played, losing one (against Jamaica) and playing to a draw on two outings on the pitch.

Through their Nations League performance, Guyana will go on to compete in their first Men’s Gold Cup in 2019. It was the country’s first time participating in a senior men’s CONCACAF tournament.

The CONCACAF Nations League was formulated in 2018, to ensure all member associations have the opportunity to compete in more official matches, drive the development of the game and provide a compelling tournament for fans in all parts of the Confederation.

guyana CHRONICLE saturday june 4, 2022

YBG inaugural Tertiary Basketball League final set for tomorrow THE final of the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) inaugural Tertiary Basketball League is set for tomorrow afternoon at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The battle for pride and bragging rights would be between the nation’s highest learning institution, the University of Guyana (UG), and its oldest technical and vocational institution, the Government Technical Institute.

Both teams have made strong claims to the first Tertiary Basketball Championship in the YBG era, with GTI continuing in the tradition of attracting great basketball talents from across the country, and the University showing the ability in leadership to make the right adjustments.

The championship clash is set to start at 18:00hrs.

Preceding the final will be the third-

place game at 15:00hrs between two equally matched and talented teams: - Linden Technical Institute and New Amsterdam Technical Institute.

A special half-time performance by local artiste cKush in the final will no doubt be one of the highlights for fans.

Following the final, a trophy would be presented to the winners, plus medals and the prize of $100 000. The runners-up will receive $60 000, a trophy and medals, while third-placers will collect $40 000.

There will also be a prize for the most valuable player (MVP).

The Tertiary Basketball League is being sponsored by the National Sports Commission, ExxonMobil, G-Boat Guyana, Edward B. Beharry & Company Ltd, Fireside Grill & Suites and Banks DIH Ltd.

The final of the event is set for tomorrow evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

39

Rain truncates day three of Red Force/Harpy Eagles clash see story on page 38

Rain had the grounds men very busy on day three at the Queen’s Park Oval

Golden Jaguars hunting a win against Montserrat tonight see story on page 36

Golden Jaguars coach Jamaal Shabazz sharing a moment with Neil Danns (first from left) and Sam Cox. (Newsroom photo)

VISA issues force Shepherd, Powell out of Netherlands series

… Will join team for Pakistan series Romario Shepherd

see story on page 37

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Rovman Powell

saturday, june 4, 2021