Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05-07-2023

As part of CARICOM’s 50th anniversary festivities, President Dr Irfaan Ali and other CARICOM Heads participated in a tree-planting exercise, despite Tuesday morning’s downpour. The leaders of the Caribbean also inserted a note in a “time capsule” that will be opened in 50 years by future leaders. (Latchman Singh photo)

Building bridges: Guyana, China foster stronger collaboration for global security, prosperity

— to strengthen diplomatic ties with upcoming state visit

GUYANA and China continue to solidify its diplomatic relationship as preparations are underway to facilitate a high-level State visit to the Asian country later this month.

On Monday, President, Dr Irfaan Ali met with China’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hua Chunying, at the sidelines of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

The two sides discussed several issues, including Guyana’s election to the United Nations Security Council.

Guyana last month secured a seat on the UN Security Council and will serve as a non-permanent member for the 2024 to 2025 term. China is among the five permanent members of the council.

In this regard, President Ali outlined that in addition

to shaping a “more peaceful world,” Guyana can provide strong leadership in the areas of climate security, energy security and food security.

“We also look forward to the opportunity to be on the Security Council as we work towards shaping a more peaceful world, shaping a world in which social, and economic justice is linked to the overall security of the global citizenry…that is important for us…one in which there is climate justice, energy justice; one in which the issues of climate security, energy security, food security are looked at and approached in a very balanced way…

“Those are things we believe we can provide strong leadership on, and we look forward to China’s support as we advance our own credentials in providing leadership on food security, climate security and energy security,” President Ali told the Chinese Foreign Affairs

official.

In response, Minister Hua said China stands ready to help.

“We are ready to work closely with Guyana; your strong leadership, we are glad to see your strong economic development and the achievements you have made.”

Meanwhile, President Ali noted that Guyana’s development strategy has been shared with China’s President, Xi Jinping, outlining infrastructure plans and areas of possible investment.

“And we’ve had tremendous interest from China in various aspects of our national development, so I look forward to the meetings we will have in China on the official State visit we will have at the end of this month and for us to work out the mechanism and to finalise a number of the development projects we have on that menu of measures,” the Head of State said.

Canadian Parliamentary Secretary visits Guyana to strengthen collaboration on energy transition, food security

PARLIAMENTARY Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada, Maninder Sidhu, will be in Guyana from July 5 to 7, 2023.

During his visit, Parliamentary Secretary Sidhu will meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh

Todd to strengthen the two countries’ collaboration on shared priorities, including energy transition and food security.

The Parliamentary Secretary will also get a better understanding of Guyana’s economic situation and its opportunities for Canadian companies by meeting key

political and commercial stakeholders.

In addition, he will have the chance to visit local projects that support migrants and early childhood development in Indigenous communities and that are funded by the Caribbean Regional Development Programme and the Canada Fund for Local Ini-

tiatives.

Meanwhile, from July 2, the Parliamentary Secretary during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago represented Canada at the opening ceremony of the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and the rules-based international order. I am delighted to represent Canada at the CARICOM heads of government meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in celebration of CARICOM’s 50th anniversary. I also look forward to strengthening our bilateral relationship with Guyana, as we are committed to collaborating on shared priorities, such as inclusive economic growth, food security and natural resource management,” Maninder Sidhu, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated.

While there, he also met with Trinidad and Tobago’s Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister of National Security, to discuss shared political and economic priorities, including furthering trade and investment, and regional security.

In addition, Parliamentary Secretary Sidhu attended a round-table networking event to learn about the opportunities and challenges for Canadian business in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Canada and CARICOM are tightly connected through our deep people-to-people ties, shared economic interests and our commitment to common values, such as

Canada and Guyana enjoy a close relationship built on over 50 years of deep people-to-people ties, important trading connections, long-standing collaboration aimed at advancing inclusive economic development and our security partnership.

Guyana is one of Canada’s largest merchandise trading partners in CARICOM. In 2022, the value of bilateral merchandise trade totalled $294.1 million, with imports valued at $241.4 million and exports valued at $52.7 million.

Canada has long-standing ties with CARICOM and its members on a wide range of issues, including trade, security and defence, and governance.

President Dr Irfaan Ali greets China’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hua Chunying on the sidelines of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Port of Spain (Latchman Singh photo)

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada, Maninder Sidhu

CARICOM celebrates milestone

CHAIRMAN of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Roosevelt Skerrit has urged his fellow Caribbean leaders to “keep up the good fight” as they reflect on the past 50 years since the formation of the regional bloc.

Skerrit, who is also the Prime Minister of Dominica, joined Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali, CARICOM leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and foreign officials in a tree-planting exercise as part of CARICOM’s 50th-anniversary celebrations on Tuesday in Trinidad and Tobago.

The event took place at the Chaguaramas Convention Centre in Trinidad, the same place where the Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed exactly 50 years ago on July 4, 1973.

The Caribbean leaders braved the heavy rains to plant the trees, and also signed and

–– Leaders plant trees; preserve history for future generations

placed a letter in a ‘time capsule’ for future leaders to open and read in the next 50 years.

Skerrit, in his remarks, emphasised that the world has become much more “difficult” compared to 50 years ago.

“And this requires us to be even more united in purpose. There are too many injustices that have been meted out to us as CARICOM.

“The issue of Climate Change, and the kicking down of a bucket of firm decisions to address our concerns in the Caribbean Community. And sometimes we feel like giving up; we feel like not going to COP Conferences, but we must never relent on our fight against an injustice; we have to look even deeper within ourselves to continue that noble fight of ensuring that the developed world does what is just and right where we are con-

As part of CARICOM’s 50th anniversary festivities, President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other CARICOM Heads participated in a tree-planting exercise despite Tuesday morning’s severe downpour. The leaders of the Caribbean also inserted a note in a “time capsule” that will be opened in 50 years by future leaders (Latchman Singh photo)

cerned with regards to Climate Change,” the CARICOM Chairman told the Heads of State.

But despite the challenges, Skerrit said he is “confident and comforted to know that we are united within this CARICOM community. We are united in our vision, and we are united in our commitment to fight the good fight.”

He highlighted that this is a time for reflection and to ensure that the future is secured for the youth.

“Our young people are leaders of today and tomorrow and we have to ensure they play their part today.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley, also urged for the Caribbean leaders to remain strong.

“As we take stock of the last 50 years and look with anticipation towards the next 50, let us do so knowing that whatever divides us will never be bigger than that what unites us. We will always be stronger together than we are apart.

“Let us go towards the future, confident in our strengths, cognizant of our weaknesses, and determined to strive through both towards success.”

President Dr. Irfaan Ali shares a light moment with CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett flanked by Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, and Bahamas PM Philip Brave Davis (Latchman Singh photo)

GECOM reports lower voter turnout, 34.97% overall

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that a mere 34.97 per cent or 188,856 of the 540,056 registered electors turned up to cast their ballots when the 2023 Local Government Elections (LGEs) were held across the country last month.

According to the data released on Tuesday by GECOM, this figure marks a decrease compared to the 36.3% turnout recorded in 2018, and a significant drop from the 47.1% turnout observed in 2016.

Out of a total of 540,056 eligible voters in the contested areas, only 188,856 individuals cast their votes, indicating a lack of participation in the democratic process. The figures varied across different Local Authority Areas (LAAs), shedding light on the areas with the highest and lowest participation rates.

The Good Success/

Caledonia LAA recorded the lowest voter turnout at 20.87%. On the other hand, the Plegt Anker/Kortberaadt LAA registered the highest voter turnout at 58.33%, indicating a more engaged electorate in that area.

In an analysis of the highly-contested areas, the municipality of Georgetown saw a voter turnout of 28.10%, which is lower than the overall average turnout.

This indicates that even in a heavily-contested region, voter participation remained below the desired level this year.

Bartica, known for its significant political activity, recorded a turnout of 40.96%, indicating a relatively higher level of engagement among its residents.

Similarly, Mahdia and Linden, both areas of considerable contention, experienced turnouts of 42.57% and 37.05%, respectively. While these turnouts are higher than average, they still fall below the levels achieved in previous elections.

According to GECOM, there were 13 LAAs where no voting took place. This occurred due to the fact that only one political party, the People’s Progressive Party/

Civic (PPP/C) fielded a list of candidates, resulting in uncontested areas.

Additionally, two areas, namely Diamond Place/ Golden Grove and Cane Field/Enterprise, saw no contests in the Proportional Representation (PR) portion of the elections.

The June 12 LGEs witnessed a resounding victory for the PPP/C, solidifying its already dominant position in the country’s political landscape. The Party secured majority seats in seven out of the ten municipalities, and emerged victorious in 56 of the 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), marking a cataclysmic win that strengthens their hold on both local and regional governance.

The PPP/C’s success was particularly notable in the

municipalities where it secured majority votes in Mabaruma, Anna Regina, Corriverton, Rose Hall, Bartica, Mahdia, and Lethem. Notably, Lethem became an uncontested Local Authority Area (LAA), as the PPP/C was the only party to submit a list of candidates.

The Party’s ability to secure victories in diverse regions across the country showcases its broad appeal, and highlights the continued trust and support it enjoys among Guyanese voters.

The main political opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), faced a significant decline in this year’s LGEs, securing majority seats in only 14 out of the 80 LAAs. This marks a substantial decrease for the Party, compared to the 23 LAAs it won in the previous LGEs held in 2018.

In Georgetown, the capital city, the PPP/C achieved a remarkable increase in votes, positioning itself to secure up to 11 seats out of the 30-seat Council. This represents a nearly 100% increase in votes compared to the 2018 LGEs, and highlights the Party’s growing popularity and influence in the city.

The PPP/C’s success in Georgetown extends its previous gains, as it had already tripled its representation from three seats in the 2016 LGEs to seven seats in the 2018 LGEs.

The PPP/C’s surge was not limited to Georgetown alone, as the Party witnessed a significant increase in votes in various townships across the country.

In Bartica for instance, a traditionally strong APNU

stronghold, the PPP/C outperformed its opposition, winning the Proportional Representation (PR) popular vote, and securing nine seats. This represents a fourseat increase compared to the five seats the Party won in 2018.

GECOM released results of the PR component in Bartica, revealing that the PPP/C garnered 1,784 votes, surpassing APNU’s 1,601 votes. The Party’s success was not only limited to PR seats, as it also increased its constituency seats from two in 2018 to four this year.

APNU, on the other hand, lost its previously held seats in Constituencies One and Seven of the municipality. Linden, another stronghold for APNU, also experienced a significant shift in voter sentiment.

The PPP/C witnessed a staggering 512.9% increase in supporting votes, garnering 2,464 votes in 2023, compared to the 402 votes it received in the 2018 LGEs, according to GECOM.

LGEs comprise two parts: PR voting and firstpast-the-post voting. The data provided by GECOM focuses on the PR voting turnout, based on valid votes cast for each approved list of candidates, along with the total number of rejected ballots recorded.

While PR voting aims to ensure proportional representation, it is essential to examine whether this system adequately encourages voter participation, and whether reforms are necessary to address the declining turnout.

Guyanese on June 12 casted their LGEs ballots

Public-private partnerships a catalyst for ICT advancement - Minister McCoy

IN promoting the development of Guyana's Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) sector, Kwame McCoy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs, stressed the crucial role of public-private partnerships.

The minister was speaking at the launch of the Industry and Innovation Unit’s Innovation Challenge 2023 on Tuesday.

The challenge is a collaborative effort between the Industry and Innovation unit and SBM Offshore Guyana.

Minister McCoy said that partnerships such as these create boundless opportunities, as private sector entities look beyond the narrow confines of profit-making and embrace a holistic, dynamic approach to development.

He said the government is building a robust society and driving it towards development and transformational change.

Minister McCoy cautioned that it is not only about what the government does

and should do, but also what every single stakeholder does and can do with respect to promoting these partnerships so that Guyana benefits.

“It is about people… the private sector and all stakeholders must make sure that everyone has a role, and everyone’s role is so defined that we all work towards the one common objective and vision,” he underscored.

Minister McCoy commended SBM Offshore for making this investment in local skills, adding that it will promote societal growth and smooth integration of Guyana’s youth into the ICT workforce.

His position was echoed by SBM Off -

shore Guyana’s Local Content Officer, Garri Fraser.

According to Fraser, the partnership with the Industry and Innovation Unit will allow for three participants of the Innovation Challenge to benefit from a threemonth paid internship at the organisation.

He spoke about local content development in the ICT sector and the strong public-private partnership needed to grow the sector.

Fraser said it is an important aspect of the company’s operations which needs continuous investment in local skills.

“Local content for SBM is very important, and this is one of several initiatives that our company is utilising to

provide Guyanese with the skills and knowledge needed in the oil and gas industry today,” Fraser noted.

The organisation has piloted a number of programmes aimed at up-skilling and utilising the local workforce within the oil and gas industry.

These include the Graduate Engineers Programme, and the Trainee Technician Programme, aimed at building the capacity of young Guyanese for future roles in the oil and gas industry. These work in tandem with the organisation’s career outreach programme, which targets schools across the country.

Both Minister McCoy and Fraser noted

these public-private enterprises and partnerships will set the stage for government policy in terms of the ICT sector with respect to investments promoted through Guyana’s Local Content Legislation.

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy

SBM Offshore Guyana’s Local Content Officer, Garri Fraser

Celebrating CARICOM

WE live in an interconnected world No country, regardless of size cannot survive on its own. This is especially so for small countries such as Guyana.

With a population of under a million and a geographical size which is relatively small by Latin American standards, it is only natural that Guyana would pursue a path of regional integration in order to leverage the advantage of size which is so critical in terms of competitiveness and economic security

It is in the above context that the creation of the Caribbean Community some 50 years ago has to be situated Guyana, along with Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago were signatories of the Treaty of Chaguaramas which set in motion the work of the Community

To say that the Community has achieved much during the past five decades would be an understatement Indeed, CARICOM has now become a household word,

touching and influencing lives all across the region Take for example the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

Students preparing for the Caribbean Secondary School Examinations (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) in Guyana and the Caribbean are all too cognizant of the importance of the examinations, both for employment purposes and for admission to tertiary education

The role played by CARICOM in terms of foreign policy coordination and trade harmonization cannot be overemphasized Intra-regional trade has expanded significantly especially in the areas of agriculture and food security Guyana now has the lead role in terms of agricultural development in the entire region

Within recent times, there has been a heightened role of CARICOM in the preservation of democratic rule and adherence to democratic norms as enshrined in its

Secretary Blinken’s

Dear Editor,

QUITE some time ago the noted American international politics scholar , Kenneth Waltz, averred that “Denmark does not matter”. Waltz, of course, was not interested in belittling the little European nation. Rather, his position was that in the world of international politics, as distinct from international relations, only power counts Waltz and other scholars, such as John Mearsheimer at the University of Chicago, belong to the neorealist school of thought.

These thinkers hold the view that it is distribution of capabilities in the international system that matters most of all in how states define their interests, and how they relate to each other While the neorealists share a common ancestry with classical realists going all the back to Thucydides (History of the Peloponnesian War), they differ from writers like Hans Morgenthau or even Henry Kissinger who give considerable weight to internal factors, such as the nature of the political system, or the quality of democracy For the neorealists, internal considerations may be important, but what is primary, is the structure of the international system

Note that realists, including the structural neorealists, have further differences. Waltz, for instance is a defensive realist, who believes that the strategy of Great Powers, such as the United States, should be focused on avoiding imperial overreach . This comes down to adopting a military posture, strategic thinking, and diplomatic conduct that is principally aimed at defending the status quo In contradistinction to defensive neo-re-

Charter of Civil Society

Through its judicial arm, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), important decisions were taken which included, but were not limited to democracy and democratic rule in Guyana, especially against the background of attempts by the previous Granger administration to perpetuate its term in office through undemocratic and unconstitutional means

It will be recalled that CARICOM fielded a strong observer presence in the March 2020 General and Regional elections and was highly instrumental in the recounting exercise which thwarted attempts by the previous APNU+AFC coalition to tamper with the will of the Guyanese electorate

The CARICOM Heads of State meeting currently underway will no doubt chart the way forward in terms of its mandate which is to create a single community and market Much progress has already been made in terms of free movement of skills

and resources

High on the agenda is the issue of food and energy security, including the reduction of food imports from outside the region. Guyana, with its rich agricultural lands and vast hydrocarbon potential, has a key role to play as the region seeks to strategically reposition itself as a major player on the global landscape. Also on the agenda is the issue of climate change and climate financing and the political situation in Haiti

There is much to celebrate as the region observes its 50th anniversary since the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas on July 4, 1973

The Guyana Government is fully committed to the integration process as manifested in the several initiatives taken by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali in advancing the food security agenda and climate change at the highest leadership level

impending visit and the role of small states

alism, offensive neorealism insists that great powers are obliged to strive for hegemony Accordingly, while the former seeks to avoid wars and conflict, the latter believes that the drive for hegemony is not only rational, but imperative

Let us compare realism and neorealism on the one hand to liberalism and neoliberal institutionalism, on the other Whereas the realists and neorealists believe that human affairs are driven by fear and self-interest, and that national interest by and as power, liberals think that conflict and war are the result of poorly designed institutions For classical liberals, a Great Power like the US, should focus on promoting the democratic peace Neoliberal institutionalism is a variant of classical liberalism but accepts many parts of realism, and especially the state as the principal actor It holds that foreign policy of Great Powers, and specifically the United States, should be to build “international regimes” in different issue areas (trade, international finance, climate change governance) to reduce the cost of international transactions , and maintain global stability Note that neoliberal institutionalists do NOT necessarily support neoliberalism While the former accepts free market enterprise as the central articulating principle of economic activities, it does not necessarily support supply side economics or monetarism

Now, we all know that theory both helps explain real life phenomena and influences actors’ behavior This point is relevant to Guyana and especially as a small state that will soon receive the Secretary of States of the Unites States, Antony J Blinken Considering

what I have outlined above, I can say that Secretary Blinken may be best described as someone who believes in preserving American global position in the current structure of world order. Put differently, he believes that the US is the ‘apex power’ (my construction). He also believes that this could be done best by using constructive tools of diplomacy, but if pushed, the United States should employ its structural power to change the behavior of actors and institutions in the international system

By all accounts, Blinken is a pragmatic liberal, in many ways much like President

Irfaan Ali , Vice President Jagdeo , Prime Minister Phillips , Foreign Minister Todd , and Secretary of State Robert Persaud The practice of diplomacy by Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch also places her in the category of constructive pragmatism

While Guyana is clearly a small state lacking extensive material power , it does have qualities and new resources to enable it to play a decisive leadership role in the Caribbean, and perhaps beyond There is already evidence of our leadership with the election to a non-permanent seat on the Security Council of the UN President Ali has also been a powerful and influential voice on food security in the Latin America and the Caribbean Further still, our new hydrocarbon assets, combined with our well-established LCDS model built around our tropical rain forest will embellish our ability to win new friends and allies , and strengthen relations with partner states, including the United States with whom we have had historically strong ties

Secretary Blinken is no doubt already

aware of these developments, and of our capacity for regional leadership The opposition in Guyana, and especially the APNU-AFC should know that Mr Blinken does not suffer those with a penchant (and history) of rigging votes and stealing elections The opposition press that routinely prevents fair commentary through biased management of their Letter Sections should know that Mr Blinken was a newspaper contributor since his undergraduate days at Harvard Further, I doubt that the Secretary of State would have any understanding for Kaieteur News columnist GHK Lall’s labelling of Alistar Routledge (of Exxon) a Field Marshal, knowing fully and well that the construction conjures up diabolical images of militarization Mr Blinken is the stepson of a Holocaust survivor who was an adviser to John F Kennedy

In terms of the theories outlined above, Antony J Blinken clearly falls on the liberal side of things. He is keen on promoting democratic peace , and on strengthening international institutions that promote trade, investments, good governance, and human rights If I may say so, Mr Blinken is to the ‘left’ of President Biden on some of the geopolitical and human rights issues Way back in the 1980s when Mr Biden was deep in the Cold War mindset, a young Antony J Blinken severely criticized US policy in Central America, South Africa, and even in Israel Mr Blinken was born to Jewish parents That said, and as noted by Jesús A. Rodríguez (Politico 01/11/2021) Blinken’s diplomacy is best characterized as “…a

Editor Navendra Seoraj

Infamy: Part 1

WHEN you came out of a certain zeitgeist where race and religion were no barriers to socialisation and political camaraderie; where class struggle for equality was a national motto , where civil society and the private media were seen as platforms of freedom to proudly be associated with; where young people were courageous and morally empowered to denounce wrong-doings; where students and lecturers led from the front; where big, bad countries were denounced at large rallies as imperialist bullies , then what you see what Guyana has come to today, you are psychologically deflated at this cruel infamy

This was the zeitgeist

I came from One image sticks out in my mind about this revolutionary epoch

Popular UG lecturer , Dr Josh Ramsammy was a target for assassination and was shot in the lung. There were emotional indignations all over Guyana Representatives from civil society groups, the Bar Association, political parties sought an explanation from the police commissioner

The Guyana Graphic carried a front page photograph of the Vice Chancellor of UG , the head of the Bar Association, representatives of civil society climbing the steps of the building that led to the office of the commissioner

Today , that beautiful moment is replaced by the ubiquity of infamy The Bar

Association has become infamous , UG has become infamous, civil society has become infamous , the private media have become infamous

When you survey Guyana today and you see this infamy, you ask; “where have all the flowers gone?”

This was a period in current Guyanese history where one could hear the voices and see the faces of patriotism

One of the enduring motifs of this era was the heroic struggle for free and fair elections

This was a united bandwagon Class differences took a back seat. Ethnic loyalties were ebbing , trade unions were united, and political parties put aside differences Guyanese wanted free and fair elections

That epoch produced men and women of exceptional character led by Dr Cheddi Jagan and the PPP , Walter Rodney and the WPA , the University of Guyana’s students and lecturers , the indomitable Jesuit priest, Father Andrew Morrison who put his newspaper, the Catholic Standard, in the way of danger, the Anglican church led by Bishop Randolph George who put his church at the service of patriotic Guyanese who wanted the right to vote

There was Father Malcolm Rodrigues and deacon, Mike James from the Catholic Church The Catholic Church under Bishop Benedict Singh stood out like a beacon in the fight against Burnham’s totalitarianism

School teachers on the

Corentyne were exemplary examples of workers in struggle for freedom and justice Civil society groups and the independent press were important foundations in the struggle for the right to vote and have that vote counted

Where have all the flowers gone since March 2020 Where is the free press, civil society and the churches ? What can you see in Guyana in July 2023 ? Whatever is there to see that is beautiful and soulful in this country alongside that ethereal horizon , there is the presence of infamy The remaining paragraphs of this article and the contents of part two to come are a description of this infamy

I am about to describe mob rule in Guyana whose ugly presence was on the front page on last Sunday’s edition of the Stabroek News

Let me be pellucid before I continue The Dharamlall scandal has damaged the politician forever I believe once the scandal broke out, the legal procedures should have been allowed free rein But while Guyana waited for the processes to work, mob rule stepped in

I am going to describe infamy in Guyana in the paragraphs below , and if what I will assess below is not infamy, then, the mind that does not agree that this was infamy is a disturbed mind that has no idea what constitutes civilised society where behaviour is governed by laws

An almost non - existent organisation with no func -

Secretary Blinken’s impending ...

sober and moderate form of liberal interventionism.”

More specifically, he takes seriously “… the importance of U S engagement in the world especially harmonizing relations with adversaries and holding strongmen accountable while also decrying more overt and aggressive forms of American imperialism.” (Ibid). When Christian Phalange militiamen massacred hundreds of Palestinians at Sabra and Shatila (Beirut) in 1982, the then undergraduate student at Harvard wrote in the Crimson that “Israel is not, has never been, nor will ever be the irreproachable, perfectly moral state some of its supporters would like to see ” (( https :// www politico com / news / magazine/2021/01/11/tony-blinken-secretarystate-harvard-crimson-college-writing-newrepublic-columns-world-view-456699). He reportedly cried when he saw the killing of a young activist by the regime of Salvadorian dictator Roberto d’Aubuisson.

These points are important for Guyanese to ponder as we await the Secretary of State. His visit is in many ways a stamp of approval for the current stewardship of the PPP/C administration. It may also (though only inadvertently so) be seen as a thumbs-down for writers like GHK Lall who have spent so much time excoriating American Ambassador Lynch, and Exxon executives, with special abuse for Mr. Routledge. These are unforgivable breaches of protocol and Secretary Blinken’s presence here may go some way in saying – Stop it!

In the context of WWI and WWII Kenneth Waltz may have been correct that “Denmark does not matter.” In the current conjuncture, however, Guyana even as a small state, does matter.

Welcome Secretary Blinken.

tionalist dimensions named the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) issued a press statement about the Dharamlall scandal This simply, incredibly silly emanation became the lead story for the Stabroek News

The front page headline screamed: “GHRA says public interest demands trial in Dharamlall case.” This ex-

clamation by an organisation that the public interest demands to know who its functionaries are comes after the virtual complainant refused to proceed with her story

Whether we believe that some external factor was at work, whether money or cajoling was involved , it becomes mob rule when an organisation and a newspaper

want the police and the DPP to proceed in what can only be described as a bizarre de-recognition of the rule of law under which this country is governed

The police and the DPP must ignore laws and the constitution and charge a man even though, the laws say there must be evidence and a complainant Really!

Sincerely

Dr Randolph Persaud

From page 6

Growing global interest in Guyana’s Carbon Credit

GUYANA’S lush vegetation has earned it carbon credits, and investors are increasingly interested in purchasing them due to growing global interest in sustainable development and environmental preservation.

Considering that the country received the first TREES credits in history in December 2022 from the Architecture for REDD + Transactions (ART), this was a significant occasion since it was the first time a nation received carbon credits created especially for the voluntary and compliant carbon markets for effectively halting forest loss and degradation (a procedure known as jurisdictional REDD+). After passing the ART Board of Directors’ approval and the independent validation and verification process , ART issued 33.47 million TREES credits to Guyana for the five-year period from 2016 to 2020

This also paved the way for a historic agreement between Hess Corporation and the Government of Guyana, whereby the oil giants opted to

purchase about one-third of all Guyana’s credits (issued and anticipated) up to 2030

The agreement will generate a minimum of US$750 million for Guyana over the coming decade and represent a major milestone on the journey towards a vision first set out in 2007

In a recent interview, the Vice President of Guyana, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, said that “we have had a number of people reach out to us, and we are exploring those opportunities.”

Despite some commentary that the value obtained could be higher, according to Vice President Jagdeo , a review of the worldwide voluntary market would indicate that Guyana received an exemplary agreement

He also explained that the arrangement might provide far more money than that if the credits increase in value when traded in secondary marketplaces The worth of the carbon that trees store can be determined by the issuance of forest carbon credits by independent verification organisations Companies can

buy these tradeable credits as a method to acknowledge that the carbon stored in forests is one component of the solution to reaching a global climate where one tonne of carbon dioxide has been cut, avoided, or sequestered for every carbon credit Vice President Jagdeo also emphasised that despite the Opposition’s commitment to use only renewable energy by the year 2025 when they were in power, they had done nothing to make this a reality He

LCDS in perspective

By Cindy Parkinson

Falls project , Dr Jagdeo said, “So, we’ve had several proposals directly from companies . And it is our determination that , again , when you have multiple unsolicited proposals, the best way to move forward is to have a request for proposal again in an open process So, most likely, you would see us re-engage the public through an ad and get these proposals And then they could be all adjudicated side by side against each other to see which is the best deal.”

with no upfront government investment, which will aid in protecting the coastline

made mention of the Amaila Hydropower Project , which the opposition had “killed,” and their lack of involvement in Guyana’s NDC’s topic He said, “So, we have to resume the consultation and then submit a realistic NDC So , that ’ s one of the things that we will move forward on, and hopefully, that will allow us to move closer to some of the markets that are currently available.”

Additionally, providing an update on the Amaila

In addition , speaking of the numerous opportunities resulting from the forest restoration plan, the Vice President stated , “ Because we have had so many proposals , we have decided we would put out a request for proposals so we can have a common basis on which to analyse all the proposals, and the same thing is happening with mangroves.” The Vice President emphasised that there were additional recommendations made through the blue economy arrangement, including planting mangroves for free

Finally, he said that the government will issue two calls for proposals in the near future According to Dr Jagdeo, more regions in the nation would likely come under protection because the government is diligently trying to improve the Low Carbon Development Strategy ( LCDS ), particularly the integrated water management component Adding that “We are doing an inventory of all the sources of water water for navigational purposes, water for potable use, drinking water for agriculture, for a whole range of purposes, drainage and irrigation, etc.—so that we can have an integrated management of all of our water resources , which is part of the LCDS, and then we are strengthening the EPA [Environmental Protection Act].”

(This is part of a weekly series on LCDS.) The author can be contacted at cparkinson0206@gmail.com.

DPP:

No

legal basis to proceed with rape case against Minister Dharamlall –– complaint withdrawal leads to charges dismissal

THE Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has concluded that there is no legal basis for the Guyana Police Force to proceed with the rape case against Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall,

The decision came after the complainant expressed her wish to withdraw the complaint and provided a statement affirming that her decision was made independently and in her best interest

This is according to the Guyana Police Force ( GPF ) which issued a statement on Tuesday informing the public on the status of the case

Last week, the Office of the DPP which is led by Shalimar Ali - Hack , had sent back the file to the police recommending further investigations to be conducted

However, on Tuesday

morning, the police resubmitted the file to the DPP

Hours later, the DPP sent back the file with her legal recommendation

“In her advice, the DPP disclosed that consideration was given to the fact that the complainant gave a further statement to investigators that she wishes to withdraw her complaint against Minister Dharamlall and that her decision was not influenced by anyone and that same was in her best interest

“

The DPP also proffered her advice based on the fact that the virtual complainant’s statement was taken by a forensic interviewer in the presence of a parent, a Child Care officer and a police officer and that such statement was free and voluntary,” the GPF statement said

In light of the above, the DPP concluded that in the absence of the victim’s complaint, “there is no legal provision for the police to proceed with the matter.”

Last Friday, the GPF said that the 16-year-old girl on June 29, informed her parents and the Child Care Protection officer that she did not want to proceed with this matter any further

At that time, the teen, in the presence of her parent and the Childcare official, informed the investigators that she was withdrawing her complaint against Minister Dharamlall and that she was doing so without anyone forcing her to do so and of her own free will

A video recording was made of the virtual complainant expressing these wishes, and her statement was then handed over to the investigators All of this was done in the presence and hearing of her parent and the Childcare Protection Agency officer

Minister Dharamlall was placed on $1 million station bail during investigations and had denied the alleged rape committed on a 16-year-old girl

He had proceeded on administrative leave and retained the services of the Hughes, Fields & Stoby law firm to represent him and safeguard his interests.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

Shalimar Ali-Hack

Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall

‘Justice system must never be used as a weapon of vindictiveness’– says Nandlall –– exposes Opposition for abusing courts to settle personal scores

ATTORNEY-General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has said that his recent triumph in the libel lawsuit against his predecessor, former Attorney-General Basil Williams has exposed the Opposition for utilising

the courts as a means to settle personal vendettas.

Recently, High Court Judge Priya Sewnarine -Beharry upheld Nandlall’s claims of defamation, and awarded $10 million in damages, after he won his defamation case

against Basil Williams for libellous statements made in relation to the alleged theft of law books.

During a broadcast interview on Sunday, Nandlall shed light on the lawsuit that resulted in his vindication.

He revealed the allegations levelled against him by Williams, accusing him of stealing law books, and expecting larceny charges, lacked any shred of evidence.

He pointed out that the charges brought against him by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in 2017 were based on a deficient case file.

The former A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government even commissioned a special audit, which ultimately exonerated Nandlall of any wrongdoing.

“There was no investigation done; I was charged, and then investigations followed,” Nandlall lamented, highlighting the lack of due process. “They charged me on an empty file, based upon simply political directions. It was a big thing for me. I am a lawyer; I have never been accused of any form of dishonesty in my life prior to that…”

Driven by principle, and the need to ensure justice prevails, Nandlall stressed the urgency of sending a resolute message that the judiciary should never be used to settle personal scores. He expressed hope that Williams , in exercising his right to appeal, would shed further light on the corruption and incompetence that plagued the previous government

“I hope now that the ruling having been pronounced, it will bring closure to this matter. I had to retain lawyers; I spent a lot of time behind this matter. And for what? Simply because I was exposing the incompetence; the inefficiency, the corruption that was going on in the government of the day. Because of that, you’re going to use the State machinery as a weapon against me?”

He continued: “The Judiciary, the criminal justice system, must never be used as a weapon of vindictiveness in the political armoury of any government, or used to settle personal disputes. The justice system is to do justice between parties who have a genuine grievance. There was no genuine grievance here ; and I wish that Basil Williams

appeals the matter, because I believe, honestly, the judge should have granted more than $10 million.”

In April 2017, Nandlall had sued Williams over claims that he (Nandlall) had stolen a series of Commonwealth Law Books from the State while he occupied the office of Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

The case stems from a series of public statements made by Williams, who alleged that Nandlall had stolen government property, specifically law books, during his tenure.

Williams, who was appointed to office in 2015, repeatedly accused Nandlall of criminal acts, thereby tarnishing his reputation, and causing him significant harm.

During the trial, Nandlall provided evidence, including video recordings and newspaper articles, that clearly established Williams’ defamatory statements. The court found that Williams’ remarks were false, malicious, and had a detrimental impact on Nandlall’s personal and professional standing.

Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, in her judgement, noted that the defamatory statements made by Williams had only one natural and ordinary meaning: That Nandlall was dishonest, a thief, and unfit for public office.

Nandlall had explained to the court that the State purchased for him the law books, with the approval of former President Donald Ramotar. Nandlall had explained that the law books, which were acquired during his term in office, were in his possession, and that he had no intention of returning them to the State.

It was previously disclosed that he commenced subscribing to Lexis Nexis (U.K.), publishers of the Commonwealth Law Reports, sometime in 2003, and the arrangement was that the reports were to be shipped to him, along with an invoice.

He noted that before his appointment as Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, he had requested that, as a condition of his service, the State should stand the related

expenses.

After the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) lost the May 2015 elections, Nandlall vacated his office and took the law books with him.

Thereafter, whenever Nandlall was publicly critical of Williams, the latter threatened to embarrass him by making the issue contentious, and publicly alleged at a press conference that Nandlall was implicated in some “Law Books scandal”. This caused Nandlall to issue a public statement, denying the allegation.

In his defence, Williams contended Nandlall misused public funds, and breached the Financial Management and Accounting Act 2003, the Financial Expenditure Procurement Process and Stores Laws and Regulations. He also relied on the defences of justification and fair comment.

However, the judge ruled that Williams “failed to produce one iota of evidence” to support this defence.

In 2017, Nandlall was charged with Larceny by Bailee in connection with the law books, which he dubbed a political and sinister motive from the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government.

However, in 2020, the charge was withdrawn, based on instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack.

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C.

Kissoon re-elected as AmCham President

THE American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AmCham) announced its successful re-election of the President , Devindra Kissoon and Board of Directors during the organisation’s fifth Annual General Meeting, last Friday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

Since its establishment, the purpose of the Chamber has been to provide a network and support structure for US enterprises doing business in Guyana, according to a press release

AmCham Guyana ’ s main success has revolved around creating a platform for its members to collaborate , and explore potential partnerships This has been facilitated through business networking events, seminars, and workshops allowing US based entities to connect with

the local private and public sectors

Kissoon , according to AmCham has been instrumental in driving this recent growth and development

The re-elected members of the Executive Committee include Iman Cummings , Shyam Nokta , and Eduardo Reple , who will serve as Vice Presidents , while Fitzroy McLeod has been re-elected to the position of Treasurer of the Chamber.

The re - election of the President and Board of Directors reflects the continued trust and confidence placed in the leadership of AmCham

Guyana

The re-elected Board of Directors, set to serve from 2023-2025, represents a diverse blend of American and Guyanese business entities from all major industry sec-

tors within the country

These members include Adam Rahaman Alex Mistri , InVentive Capital Logistics HESS Guyana Exploration Ltd ., Dallas Thomas, Praetorian Executive Protection Services , Earl Carribon, SOL Guyana Inc., Eduardo Reple, Guyana Marriott Hotel, Eshwar Thakurdin , GTT , Fitzroy McLeod, National Milling Company of Guyana Inc., German Ernesto Consuegra Jaluba , Machinery Corporation of Guyana Inc .,

Iman Khan – Cummings , Corum Restaurant Group Inc ., Jon Charles Rhodes , Baker Hughes Guyana Inc., Melissa Varswyk, Georgetown American University, Navindra Thakur , Massy Distribution Guyana Inc,Paul James, Fix-It Hardware Black and Decker Inc., Phillip Rietema, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana, Rosh Khan, Social Rank Media, Shyam Nokta, Environmental Management Consultants, Vahman Jurai, Halliburton Guyana Inc .,

Valeri Khan , and Queens Atlantic Investment Inc

During the fifth Annual General Meeting, members of AmCham Guyana were provided with an overview of the organisation’s accomplishments over the past five years and its plans for future membership growth and service expansion . The meeting also served as a platform for members to engage in discussions , share ideas , and explore collaborative opportunities.

HIGHLIGHTING that the Caribbean Community has flourished and thrived over the past 50 years, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley, said that CARICOM is working diligently to serve to people of the region after overcoming many challenges.

Rowley made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community held in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday

He said, “Our regional integration movement has not only survived but it has thrived, expanded and flourished Whilst we recognise that there is a whole lot more to be attained, at this juncture, we can proudly say that we have been going in the right direction.”

According to the Prime Minister, as the community forges ahead in the post-pandemic era, the bonds between the countries in the region are more important today than ever before

He added that trade, tourism, manufacturing and many other sectors for every state were severely affected in the region due to the pandemic However, he noted that the resilience of the community endured the test and survived due to the determination of the people and the calibre of leadership across the Caribbean that joined in solidarity throughout

“Over the past year, we have rebuilt and forged ahead as we have actively advanced the Regional Agenda, facing our challenges head-on,” he said

To this end, he noted that beyond the doubts and even with the challenges faced, CARICOM is working diligently to serve the people of the region Dr Rowley said that while at times the going may be slow or the outcome may not have been apparent, regional leaders continue to build on the strong foundation laid some 50 years ago

Rowley added, “We can see that our trajectory, though arduous at times, is one that will lead to a better future for all our people

We as the leaders must continue to do our part in contributing to this united journey, and in doing so we will ensure that the foundation laid by our founding fathers was not just a foundation for us, but also one for our children, and for the generations to follow.”

President of AmCham, Devindra Kissoon

CARICOM working diligently to serve region’s people - PM Rowley says –– forging ahead after overcoming challenges

100 community roads to be rehabilitated on EBD

SOME 100 community roads along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) corridor are set to be rehabilitated, according to the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill.

The Public Works Minister , on Tuesday , visited several communities on the East Bank, inspecting projects under the Ministry’s 2023 Miscellaneous Road Programme

According to a post on the Minister ’ s Facebook page , he visited Rahaman’s Park, Eccles, Mocha, Garden of Eden, Providence and Coverden, where works are set to start in some of these communities soon

Apart from the miscellaneous work schedule , some of these projects are from commitments made by President , Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President , Bharrat Jagdeo during recent community meetings

“We are getting ready to programme for about a 100 roads on the East Bank of Demerara ,” Minister Edghill said

The Minister said that he is interacting with communities to ensure that he is directly aware of the kind of interventions needed and the urgency of these interventions

Last Saturday, Minister Edghill during his walkabout in Sophia, Georgetown said that some 30 roads are set to be rehabilitated in the community

The minister began a rigorous exercise of road assessments in ‘ B ’ and ‘C’ Fields, Sophia, where he announced that works will soon begin on several roads there

“ What we are looking to do is to ensure that wherever we are making investments; wherever we are building roads that they are high-impact, and people will benefit from the intervention We have to be able to answer to the real needs of people,” the minister explained

“ We have to do this in every region to ensure that we continue to see what is done, and where the gaps are to ensure that we are getting the correct assessments, so that when

we proceed with our allocations and expenditure for this year , we are getting the required results ,” he added

Further , the public works minister emphasised the importance of placing focus on community roads, as they directly impact the lives of residents “

We ’ ve been looking at the big highways and the major billion - dollar projects , but these community streets are really what matters to people , because when they come off the highway and they turn off to go into their villages, they want to be able to drive on the road, and get there safely, and in comfort,” Minister Edghill underscored

In March 2023, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, during visits to several ongoing infrastructure projects in Region Three ( Essequibo Islands - West Demerara), with President Ali, disclosed that 1,085 roads were being constructed on the coastland

“From the standpoint of the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Housing and Water and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development ; the entire coastline, we have 1,085 roads under construction,” he said

Minister Indar had noted that this was just since the beginning of the year and related that there are more roads to be constructed

The government has advanced plans to upgrade several major roads across Georgetown as part of its overarching objective to transform Guyana’s infrastructural landscape significantly.

A few scenes from the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill’s visit to communities on the East Bank of Demerara

Empowering Youths in ICT: Innovation challenge promotes skills development in Guyana

–– three-day programme commences Friday, $5M and bragging rights up for grabs

By Trina Williams

UNDER the theme, “Transitioning Through Innovation,” the Office of the Prime Minister ( OPM ), on Tuesday, through their Industry and Innovation Unit, partnered with SBM Offshore to launch the Innovation challenge

Fifteen teams will be competing in the Industry and Innovation Unit’s 2023 Innovation Challenge

The three - day activity invites coders, software innovators and programmers to create functioning software applications to address social and economic issues that affect Guyana

Labelling the challenge as a means of bridging the digital gap , the Minister within the OPM , Kwame McCoy, said that the governing People ’ s Progressive Party (PPP) is sparing no efforts in ensuring that Guyanese , especially the younger generation, are not left behind in the digital transformation.

Underscoring the PPP 2020-2025 manifesto promise, “ICT: connecting every Guyanese to the future,” the Minister related that not only will the government continue to work on making Information and Communication Technology ( ICT ) literacy a must in every school, but also provide job opportunities within the sector along with increasing access to cheaper data and bandwidth

During his feature address he stated: “Your government is working and continues to work on our ICT development and there are many things which we have begun ,” highlighting the fact that they have already commenced numerous works on transforming some of the old and outdated forms of transactions

The Senior Government official also related the fact that he is thrilled that many young Guyanese are on track with the government in taking ICT to the next level in Guyana, as it plays a key role in national development

“ This approach [ Innovation Challenge] is really about how to bridge the digital divide and bring our citizenry on par with what is taking place in other parts of the world on,” adding that although Guyana is not where it should be in terms of modernisation, the government is making tremendous injections of investments coupled with their determination and will in order to get Guyana on par

Minister McCoy further stated that emphasis is not only being placed on the

ICT sector but on the other local industries too, reiterating President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s statement that a country’s best resources are its people

“And that’s why you see we placed so much emphasis on the scholarships and the order training program so we’ll be able to bring people along and to take people along a pathway of success and a pathway that helps them to advance academically so that we are prepared for any challenge,” he remarked Minister McCoy also reflected on the transformative agenda that Guyana is undergoing, especially given the vast employment and education opportunities.

He also expressed delight that no longer are women being confined to traditional roles but they are following their passions even if it is in a male - dominated field , especially with the programmes provided by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

Moreover , Director of OPM’s Industry and Innovation Unit, Shahrukh Hussain, was elated that many young Guyanese are continuously raking up the opportunity presented and are expressing a keen interest in ICT

According to him : “ As you know [ ICT ] has the potential to transform our society and economy because it offers several benefits such as drastically reducing information and transactions costs.”

Noting that the unit ’ s main mission is innovation and encouraging youths to be creative, Hussain said: “We want the young , talented [and] innovative Guyanese to be identified not only by the public sector but also the private sector.”

Meanwhile, Local Content Officer of SBM Offshore, Garri Fraser, lauded the partnership and remarked that the Innovation Challenge 2023 is linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9, innovation and construction

He said that challenge presents the opportunity for the younger generation to gain technical skills

Moreover , he revealed that SBM is opening the door for three lucky participants to grab a paid internship at the lucrative company for three months

Adding to this, a representative from one of the participating groups, Shemar Moore, shared a few brief remarks on how he was excited to take part in the challenge again

In an invited comment with the Guyana Chroni -

cle, Patrice Harry, another representative said that he is privileged to be a part of such a program He also said that his passion for ICT stems from high school , where he was fascinated with computers

The three - day programme which runs from July 7-9 will also have prizes totaling at $5 million and bragging rights up for grabs

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy (centre) and some of the participants in the Innovation Challenge (Adrian Narine Photo)

Guyana’s EITI suspension lifted –– report submitted one month ahead of deadline

GUYANA’s suspension from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) has been lifted following the publication of the 2020 EITI Report.

The Government of Guyana, in a statement on Tuesday, said that the report was published on June 30, 3023, within five months of the six-month deadline

“The Government remains confident that all systems will remain in place to ensure that Guyana is not placed in a similar position in the future,” the statement said Meanwhile, EITI in its board decision said that “in accordance with the EITI Standard, it was agreed that the suspension would be lifted if the EITI Board is satisfied that the outstanding EITI Report was published within six months of the deadline.”

Thus , the condition for lifting the suspension has been met

Back in February , President Dr Irfaan Ali had told the nation that several circumstances led to the delay of the submission and Guyana, along with several other countries, have requested an extension

“Notwithstanding the fact that an extension was given by EITI Secretariat to May this year to have that report completed, we still should have been in a position to have that report submitted,” he stressed

Doing so, he lamented, was stalled by members of the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) who are part of the reporting process

“For four months,” President Ali bemoaned, “the Multi-Stakeholder Group, MSG, had the ToR [Terms of Reference] for this administrator on pause

“They did not approve the ToR for the administrator This begs the question whether there are persons in that group with ulterior motives Now, after four months, the ToR has been agreed upon with two persons abstaining This is unacceptable; to put a country’s reporting framework at stake, and to try and damage the government’s credibility is not being a good citizen.”

Even though there were a number of issues which prevented the data-collection process for the report, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the flooding of Guyana’s forests and hinterland, the President posited that the suspension could have been avoided as an independent administrator was hired to complete the report that is now the subject of the suspension

President Ali further reassured Guyanese that persons who were responsible for the delay will be held accountable

“One or two persons cannot drag an entire country and its credibility,” he said

“We will spare no effort in advancing transparency and accountability,” Dr Ali also maintained, going as far as to stress that Guyana is the first country to legislate mandatory jail sentence for non-disclosures associated with the oil and gas sector

The EITI is a multi-stakeholder group, which comprises governments, companies and civil societies who work collectively to maintain high standards in the extractive industries.

EITI countries disclose information along the extractive industry value chain, which includes how extraction rights are awarded to how revenues are channelled through government and how the public benefits

More than 50 countries are a part of the EITI.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Region Nine farmers set to embrace advanced farming techniques from Brazil

AGRICULTURE in Region Nine is being advanced as the region ’ s farmers are on the verge of utilising new farming techniques from neighbouring Brazil

The techniques were shared during a recent farmers-to-farmers engagement in Jabuti , Roraima , Brazil

Farmers from the villages of Kumu, Moco Moco, Quarrie and St Ignatius spoke about their plans to practice similar techniques

According to Cyril King, who is a small-scale farmer in Lethem, his region practices similar farming techniques but Brazil’s is more advanced However, he foresees the country reaching that level shortly

Meanwhile , another farmer from Moco Moco, Ben Smith applauded the initiative between the two countries

“ I see the experience as being really beneficial because what I see, is that their technique of using the planter to plant so many lands is good for the people and the farmers, and it’s really quick,” Smith reported

The young man noted that with the government aggressively fostering agriculture in the country, he predicts that there will soon be much more technological equipment similar to Brazil

Further, with a flourishing corn and soya bean farm in Region Nine, knowledge of additional techniques is necessary

According to another farmer, Vivian Xavier, he learnt in - depth about the planting of the two products

“ When it comes to planting corn, I learnt how to properly put the fertiliser, and when to put it,” he noted

Regional Chairman , Bryan Allicock, and Consulate General of Guyana in Boa Vista Brazil, Rodger King , as well as a representative of the National Agriculture and Research Extension Institute ( NAREI) were also present

The government has been making strides in purchasing a number of farming equipment for its people, in keeping with its food security goal.

Knowledge being shared with Guyanese farmers about the operation of farming equipment and machinery in Brazil

CDC takes action in response to Aishalton's high winds devastation

— village expresses gratitude for timely intervention

A TOTAL of six houses were destroyed by high winds in the village of Aishalton, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) on June 30, 2023.

This was confirmed by Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock.

After receiving the report, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), along

with regional authorities conducted a damage assessment. As a result, the CDC dispatched food hampers, tarpaulins, hammocks and cleaning hampers to the impacted residents.

The traumatised residents, comprising 13 adults and 22 children thanked the Government of Guyana through the

CDC and Region Nine’s administration for their swift assistance. There is presently a team from the Commission in Aishalton to conduct additional assessments in order to provide further assistance. The region is being monitored closely for more high-level winds and flood impacts as the rainy season continues.

Businessman convicted for cocaine trafficking

BUSINESSMAN Michael Andrew Morgan was on Tuesday found guilty of trafficking a large quantity of cocaine which was found during a raid at his Eccles, East Bank Demerara house, last year.

Morgan, who, according to reports, was on the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) radar for some time, was found guilty of the crime by Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court.

He was further remanded until July 14, 2023, as he awaits sentencing.

Morgan made his first court appearance on June 29, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to possession of

$3.5M worth of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

In addition to the drugs, CANU ranks reportedly found 27 9mm rounds, one.32 Taurus firearm along with one magazine and 25 matching .32 rounds in the house. According to reports, the accused is the brother of Peter Morgan, who had pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in the United States back in 2010.

Peter was released in 2015 after serving his sentence and was later deported to Guyana.

One of the houses that was destroyed by high winds in the village of Aishalton in Region Nine

Michael Andrew Morgan

Quarrie Village joins hinterland communities with clean water access ––– $35M well commissioned

ACCESS to clean, potable water is now available in Quarrie Village in Central Rupununi, adding it to the list of Hinterland communities in the Region

During a three-day outreach to the region, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water , Susan Rodrigues commissioned the $35M hand-dug well

After two failed attempts at drilling two wells at different locations in the village, the hand-dug well proved to be the best option

GWI ’ s Hinterland Services Director , Ramchand Jailall explained that while there are concerns with handdug wells , all these were considered during the construction phase

“After testing the handdug well, we saw the capacity was larger and more importantly we ensured it’s resistant to flooding and climate resilient.”

Meanwhile , Minister Rodrigues on the occasion lauded the engineering skills of the contractors and GWI staff after they successfully delivered the project Citing the challenges faced with the two failed attempts to drill the well, she said finding a solution to fix the water woes

in the community was a matter of urgency “ That is what we as a government is about , we make commitments and find solutions and more importantly we deliver on the promises we make.”

This investment, the Min-

ister added, is a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali during one of his outreaches to the region Minister Rodrigues also called on residents to play their part in ensuring that the facility is cared for and maintained

However, given the layout of the community, some 26 households will not be served by the well, immediately To remedy this situation, the Minister announced that these families will be given water tanks to facilitate rainwater harvesting.

“Regardless of the difficulties we will find, we have to find solutions That is what we were elected to do and this is why we are seeing this much investment in your communities.”

The well, which is outfitted with solar panels, over-

head storage tanks and pumping system was constructed by R Kissoon Contracting Services

The system currently caters to 60 per cent of the village’s population, which amounts to approximately 300 residents

Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock said the region welcomes this development and noted that the regional administration is pleased to be executing strategic programs that support the government’s policies He added that the region stands committed to working with the central government for the further development of the region

This year, $650 million was allocated to the GWI to execute a number of projects within the region These include the extension of water systems in Aranaputa, Moco Moco, Sand Creek, Karasabai , Wowetta , Quiko , Massara, Baitoon, Crash Water, Kattur, Tiger Pond, Kumu and Bashaidrun

New wells are being drilled and distribution networks being extended in Kaicumbay village , Aishalton, Awarewarnau, Maruranau , Potarinau , Hiowa, Parishara, Semonie, Quatata, Shiriri, Katoonarib, Fairview and Rupertee

Gov’t actively working to curb unemployment

–– financial analyst concludes in review of IDPADA-G needs assessment

ACCORDING to a review of the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPADA-G) needs assessment, there is no hard evidence showing that Afro-Guyanese are marginalised in the employment sector in Guyana

Financial analyst, Joel Bhagwandin, who conducted the study of IDPADA-G (20152024), the Guyana situation/IDPADA-G’s strategic plan, concluded that the unemployment issue, which plagues all Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity, is connected to the skill shortage It was also said that the government is implementing several programmes and initiatives to fix the issue

“The notion that African Guyanese are marginalised in terms of employment could not be corroborated with hard evidence,” the assessment read

Even though Afro - Guyanese only accounted for 28 per cent of the labour force in the third quarter of 2021, the critical review stated that the unemployment situation presumably would have improved by this point because, during that time, the economy began to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,

which was aided by the government’s expansionary policies, cost-of-living measures, and development agenda in infrastructure, to name a few

“With that in mind, the unemployment situation currently is not necessarily attributed to the lack of opportunities per se,

but more so, the lack of skills,” the report revealed, underscoring the shortage of labor in a number of areas such as the construction sector

It then went on to say: “There is also a skills deficit problem which is a natural phenomenon of what is taking place in the

economy, and largely due to historical events where thousands of skilled Guyanese migrated owing to the political, social, and economic situation of the country, decades ago.”

Noting that the People ’ s Progressive Party (PPP) government is implementing an “ambitious education strategy,” the document said that the myriad of programmes and initiatives being rolled out such as free tertiary education by 2025 and the provision of more than 20,000 scholarships for Guyanese, are aimed at aiding the Guyanese labour force to re-tool, enhance, upgrade their skillsets, and develop new skills

The document further stated : “ According to a recent study conducted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) together with this author’s estimate (using the study as the base), over the next 10-15 years, the projected demand for skilled labour across all sectors is 130,212 persons,” explaining that: “This means that with a labour force participation rate of 50 per cent, there are opportunities for the full labour force to participate, and for every Guyanese.”

The Quarrie Water Supply System

Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, enjoys water from the Quarrie Water Supply System

Zhang, Lall victorious in...

From page 32

Monday, July 3rd, 2023, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF).

With intense competition amongst a skilled crop of youth players, Alexander Zhang was able to claim the U-16 Rapid Title, while National deaf chess player, Anaya Lall, emerged victorious in the Girl’s event which ran simultaneously with the open category.

Zhang, a Queen’s College student, was victorious over Landon Mohabir,

Ethan Persaud, Sachin Pitamber, Alex Benjamin, and Micaiah Enoe; while drawing his remaining matches against Dominic Sam and former Under-16 Champ Kyle Couchman. He finished the tournament with 6 points.

Couchman, also finishing on 6 points, secured 2nd place in the event, while newcomer Alex Benjamin from Diamond Secondary School, finished 3rd on 5.5 points. Notable performances came from Dominic Sam of St. Joseph’s High and Isa Bremner of Qayyim Academy, who also gained 5.5 points. Aquilani Swaminadha, Micaiah Enoe, Ethan Persaud, Vivek, and Veer Persaud all ended on 5 points each.

In the Open division, Zhang’s brother Nicholas, was awarded the prize for Best U-12 player, while Aquilani Swaminadha won the Best U-10 and Landon Mohabir the Best U8.

Having displayed much skill for the game locally and internationally, Lall emerged victorious over her competitors despite being the only player with a disability competing in the event. The 13-year-old is a student of the Tuschen Deaf Academy.

She played undefeated to finish on 7 points, defeating reigning National Women’s

Champion Pooja Lam, former Under-16 title holder Italy Ton-Chung, former Under-14 champion Ciel Clement, Arabela Charles, Kataleya Sam, Kristin Xavier, and Amara Branche.

Pooja Lam secured the 2nd spot and Italy TonChung, the 3rd place, with 5 points each. Remarkable performances from 10-yearold Kataleya Sam, Maliha Rajkumar, and Aditi Joshi placed 4th, 5th, and 6th places, respectively, with 5 points each.

The Best U-12 Player prize went to Faraa Gaskin; Best U-10 to Kataleya Sam, and Best U-8, Hailey Gurchuran. Medals were given to the best players from Re-

gions 3, 6, and 10: Isa Bremner, Joanna Sheppard, and Stafford Washington, respectively.

The National tournament was conducted by FIDE arbiters John Lee and Anand Raghunauth. Assistant Arbiters were Ethan Lee, Sheriffa Alli, Roberto Neto, and Saeed Alli, all chess players of the GCF.

President of the GCF, Anand Raghunauth, was encouraged by the increasing number of participants in recent times in the National tournaments, lauding the efforts of the chess-inschools programme which had seen remarkable growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Raghunauth aims to establish chess clubs in each school so that children can have a co-curricular activity while enjoying the numerous benefits of playing chess. He also stated that the GCF, while aiming to grow the number of chess players in the country, hopes to prepare the more seasoned chess players to play a more

administrative part within the federation. He noted that several young people are already involved in the Arbiter process, Coaching, Public Relations, Graphic Design, Leadership, and Volunteering programmes. There were participants from 17 schools from Region 4, Region 3, Region 6, and Region 10. Notable attendances came from Marian Academy, Queens College, Bishop’s High School, School of the Nations, St. Roses High, and St. Stanislaus College, while Qayyim Academy from Region 3 and Vryman’s Erven Secondary from Region 6 also sent a contingent.

The GCF wishes to thank Century 21(Guyana) for sponsoring the event and to Marian Academy for their unwavering support in providing the venue. Trophies, medals and Certificate of Participation, were presented to the chess players.

Players will now turn their attention to the fast-approaching Junior Qualifiers; the first step in the journey to the 2023 National Junior Championship Title.

Alexander Zhang accepts his trophy

Scotland's Sole-stirring bowling display knocks Zimbabwe out of World Cup

FOR the second time in two Qualifiers, Zimbabwe have fallen short at the final hurdle, and as a result they won't be at the 2023 World Cup. They needed to win one of their last two matches, just as in 2018, and they failed to do it, just as in 2018.

It's a fascinating quirk of sport that hindsight can completely colour the view of an event. When Scotland were being strangled by Zimbabwe's bowlers throughout their innings, barely managing to keep their run rate at above four an over, it looked like Zimbabwe had by far the better of the proceedings.

When Scotland somehow clawed together a total of 234, courtesy a burst of 54 runs in the last five overs, it looked like they had got up to a fighting total but not one that would realistically trouble an in-form Zimbabwe batting line-up littered with experience - especially in front of a home crowd that has been electric all tournament.

(Scores:Scotland 234 for 8 (Leask 48, Cross 38, Williams 3-41) beat Zimbabwe 203 (Burl 83, Madhevere 40, Sole 3-33) by 31 runs

But when Chris Sole's express pace sent Joylord Gumbie, Craig Ervine and Sean Williams packing inside the first seven overs - the first caught behind, the other two clean bowled - that innings-long strangle began to take on a different sheen, one instead of steely resolve. And when all was said and done it was Zimbabwe that blinked first, falling 31 runs short, as Scotland knocked them out in dramatic fashion.

If ever there was a team victory, it was this. Before Sole's heroics, there were no less than six batters pitching in for 20 runs at least, on a sticky surface in Bulawayo, of which Michael Leask was the pick of the bunch with a 34-ball 48 .

Leask aside, only Brandon McMullen (34 off 34) and Mark Watt (21 off 15) scored at even a 70-plus strike rate of the six batters who passed 20. But they ensured that Scotland ticked off the most important box on surfaces like this: they batted through their 50 overs.

Then, with the ball, every one of the six bowlers used picked up at least one wicket, driving home the team ethos. Together they weathered a Ryan Burl-led counterattack, which included fifth- and sixth-wicket stands of 54 and 73 with Sikandar Raza and Wesley Madhevere - both partnerships ticking along at nearly a run a ball. The required rate throughout all this was just a touch above four. The pressure was on the Scottish bowlers, but they never lost hope, knowing that a wicket would change the game's complexion. And so it proved.

In an innings filled with wickets falling to good balls, Raza holing out at long-off would go down as an unforced error. It was at this moment that Scotland may have begun to believe.

But then Madhevere - a player who hadn't played an innings of note all tournament - strung together the game's biggest partnership with Burl, as the pair found the odd boundary and milked the ones and twos. Enter Mark Watt, who had earlier stitched together 21 from 34, and he got one to grip and

turn, trapping Madhevere in front to grab his only wicket of the game.

This left Burl with just the tail for company. Burl soldiered on to a career best 83 off 84, but it wouldn't be enough. With 38 needed off the last 11.3 overs, and with only two wickets remaining, he mistimed a slog-sweep to midwicket, having dispatched the previous two deliveries for four and six. In a game with so much on the line, such heartbreaks were inevitable.

None more so than for Williams, the standout player of the tournament, with 600 runs at an average of exactly 100. He received a corker from Sole. This was a moment tailor-made for Williams but in life there are things you cannot quite account for - a 149kph thunderbolt nipping back in at your off peg being one of them.

On the flip side of heartbreak is euphoria. Scotland had now beaten three Full Member teams in this tournament. Had they lost today, they would not have had the chance to play ODIs for another year at the least.

They've topped league two on the way to these qualifiers, beaten sides more vaunted than them, and now have to go once more on Thursday against Netherlands. If they do what they need to do, they'll have a whole lot more cricket to gear up for.

(Cricinfo)

...Ryan Burl's career-best ODI score not enough as Zimbabwe fall short of 235-run target

Chris Sole derailed Zimbabwe's chase early • (ICC/Getty Images)

Smith keen to mark 100th Test with first Ashes series win in England

AS he prepares to play his 100th Test, Steven Smith, among the greatest batters to have played the game, has icked out the moment when he gained the belief that he would be a successful international cricketer.

Smith's story of beginning as a leg-spinning all-rounder against Pakistan at Lord's in 2010 is well told. His first Test century came three years later, against England at The Oval but, despite two more against the same opposition in the 2013-14 Ashes, it was a month after that when he had his own personal breakthrough moment.

Facing an attack that included Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander at Centurion, Smith struck an even 100 batting at No. 6 having walked in at 98 for 4, which set up a convincing Australia victory.

"I probably didn't feel like I could make it until my fourth hundred, which was at Centurion against the South African line up of Morkel, Steyn, Philander and [Ryan] McLaren," Smith said. "Particularly the first three, they were tremendous bowlers. They had great careers. And to be able to score a hundred against them

gave me a lot of confidence to know I belong at this level.

"That was probably the first time I felt it. From there I was pretty confident in my ability. I knew what I wanted to do and how I wanted to play. It was just playing the game and enjoying it and trying to score as many runs as I can."

Smith has now scored 32 Test hundreds, putting him level with Steve Waugh and only behind Ricky Ponting for Australia, the latest of which earned him the Player-of-the-Match award at Lord's as Australia went 2-0 up in the Ashes. Few would bet against him marking his century with another century, something David Warner did last year with a double ton against South Africa.

"Proud is the word I suppose," Smith said of his landmark. "The longevity I have had in the game and what I have been able to achieve across those 100 [games]. I have been lucky to play with some tremendous players in the dressing room. Some great teams. I think our team right now is right up there. It's been a hell of journey. I have enjoyed every bit of it."

His average has topped out

…Australia batter reflects on his journey ahead of landmark match at Headingley

at 64.81, achieved during his prolific 2019 Ashes where he made 774 runs in four matches following his year-long ban from the game. The ban, for his part in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, will forever be part of Smith's career - you only need to listen to the crowds at this Ashes to know that. "Everyone can say what they like, it doesn't bother me," he said of still being booed. "I am comfortable in my own skin."

Smith added the only time he had not enjoyed cricket was shortly before his ban ended, in early 2019, when he underwent elbow surgery and had his arm in a brace.

"I don't know why for some reason I didn't enjoy the game or want to play the game," he said. "The moment I had my elbow brace off I was suddenly in love with the game again back in 2019. Outside of that I am grateful for everything the game has given me."

Headingley, the scene of his 100th Test, is where he made his first Test half-century, 77 batting at No. 8 against Pakistan in 2010, in a hint of what was to come. "[I've] got myself pushed up the order a little bit,"

he joked. It is also the ground where he was absent four years ago following the concussion he suffered at Lord's, which means this will be his first Ashes appearance at the venue as he becomes the 15th Australian to reach a century of Tests.

"I didn't enjoy that at all," he recalled about 2019. "Just sitting

and watching the Ben Stokes show, that almost occurred again [at Lord's]."

At 34, Smith could have a good few years ahead of him to keep churning out runs. He made some headlines earlier this year when asked during the Sydney Test against South Africa whether it could be his last home appearance, and he responded with "we'll see". He has since flat-batted talk of what his career timeline will look like, although this will likely be his final Ashes tour, but added that enjoyment was a key factor.

"I will take it game by game. Just enjoy myself out in the middle," he said. "And while I am enjoying myself and feel like I can improve and contribute to the team, and feel good about helping the team, then I will keep playing."

There isn't much Smith hasn't achieved in the game, but winning an Ashes series in England is still to be added to the accolades. Having slipped up four years ago, Australia are already just one win away this time.

"I have said it for a long time, it is something that has been on my bucket list to win an Ashes series in England," Smith said. "What a way to top it off, if I could do it in my 100th game, it would be special for sure."

Caption Steven Smith scored a match-winning hundred in his 99th Test, at Lord's last week • AFP/Getty Images His run-scoring feats have been remarkable. Since the maiden hundred in 2013 he has barely had a slump, indicated by the fact that from the moment his average hit 50 - which came against India in 2014 - he has never slipped below that mark. When challenges have presented themselves, he has found solutions, most recently demonstrated by moving to a stiller, side-on stance last year when he felt he was getting closed off, then returning to a more pronounced back-and-across trigger in the Ashes.

"That's my job isn't it? To score runs," he said matter-of-factly. "And something I pride myself on is being able to solve problems out in the middle and get through different scenarios of how people are trying to bowl at me and things like that. Over the years people have come at me with so many different plans, and the majority of the time I have been able to navigate myself through those."

His average has topped out at 64.81, achieved during his prolific 2019 Ashes where he made 774 runs in four matches following his year-long ban from the game. The ban, for his part in the ball-tampering scandal in

South Africa, will forever be part of Smith's career - you only need to listen to the crowds at this Ashes to know that. "Everyone can say what they like, it doesn't bother me," he said of still being booed. "I am comfortable in my own skin."

Smith added the only time he had not enjoyed cricket was shortly before his ban ended, in early 2019, when he underwent elbow surgery and had his arm in a brace.

"I don't know why for some reason I didn't enjoy the game or want to play the game," he said. "The moment I had my elbow brace off I was suddenly in love with the game again back in 2019. Outside of that I am grateful for everything the game has given me."

Headingley, the scene of his 100th Test, is where he made his first Test half-century, 77 batting at No. 8 against Pakistan in 2010, in a hint of what was to come. "[I've] got myself pushed up the order a little bit," he joked. It is also the ground where he was absent four years ago following the concussion he suffered at Lord's, which means this will be his first Ashes appearance at the venue as he becomes the 15th Australian to reach a century of Tests.

"I didn't enjoy that at all," he recalled about 2019. "Just sitting and watching the Ben Stokes show, that almost occurred again [at Lord's]."

At 34, Smith could have a good few years ahead of him to keep churning out runs. He made some headlines earlier this year when asked during the Sydney Test against South Africa whether it could be his last home appearance, and he responded with "we'll see". He has since flat-batted talk of what his career timeline will look like, although this will likely be his final Ashes tour, but added that enjoyment was a key factor.

"I will take it game by game. Just enjoy myself out in the middle," he said. "And while I am enjoying myself and feel like I can improve and contribute to the team, and feel good about helping the team, then I will keep playing."

There isn't much Smith hasn't achieved in the game, but winning an Ashes series in England is still to be added to the accolades. Having slipped up four years ago, Australia are already just one win away this time.

"I have said it for a long time, it is something that has been on my bucket list to win an Ashes series in England," Smith said. "What a way to top it off, if I could do it in my 100th game, it would be special for sure."(Cricinfo)

Steven Smith scored a matchwinning hundred in his 99th Test, at Lord's last week ( AFP/Getty Images) Steven Smith, the Don of the 2019 Ashes

Sachin Singh (102) spurs NYSCL All Stars to massive victory

A STAGGERING 38-ball

102 from Sachin Singh, the fastest recorded in the history of the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup, now in its 18th year, spurred NYSL All Stars to a commanding 165-run victory over Orlando All Stars in the final of the Open category when the tournament climaxed at Baisley Park, 150 Rockaway Boulevard, Queens, New York on Sunday, Singh’s heroics were also well complimented by a brilliant bowling performance from Sadeeq Kayoon, who captured five for 19 as Orlando All Stars were shut out for a paltry 92 in reply to the massive 277 for five made by NYSCL All Stars in their allotted 20 overs.

The burly left-handed opener showed little mercy for the Orlando All Stars attack from the onset, hitting boundaries at will as he blasted four fours and 11 massive sixes to entertain the Sunday afternoon crowd.

Singh added 162 for the

first wicket with R. Bridgelall in a mere 12 overs before he departed, setting the stage for the other batsmen to capitalise and they did so with much gusto. Bridgelall’s 40 included four fours and a six while V. Surujpaul spanked an entertaining 54, laced with five fours and three sixes as the Oralndo bowers found

no answer to the assault. R. Adams took two for 57 and Y. Persaud two for 60 from their respective four overs. A shell-shocked Orlando All Stars were blown away for 92 in 11.5 overs with only D. Sobhai offering token resistance with 23 (four fours) while extras tallied 20 as Kayoon scythed through the innings with an out -

standing display. Sieuchand Budhu, two for two off five deliveries and Bobby Prahalad (two for seven off two overs) added the finishing touches as NYSCL celebrated their second triumph of the day, having already captured the Masters Over40 category.

The winners collected the championship Eagle and

$4 000 (US) while the runners-up received aa trophy. Players and officials from both teams were recipients of medals.

Sachin Singh dominated the individual awards: man-of-the-match, Most Valuable Player (MVP) and for scoring a century in the final. Kayoom was awarded

for taking the most wickets; Vickram Ramsundar, the best figures (five for 19) and Teekaram Narine for claiming a hat-trick. All the MVPs in each category were also recipients of bats, compliments of Rockaway Roti Shop, Queens, New York. (Frederick Halley).

Ajit Agarkar named India men's chairman of selectors

...It is understood he was the Cricket Advisory Committee's unanimous choice who conducted the interviews

AJIT Agarkar, the former India fast bowler, has been named chairman of selectors for Indian men's team. Agarkar, 45, filled the position which had been vacant since February after Chetan Sharma stepped down in the wake up of a sting operation conducted on him by an Indian television network.

Agarkar is the fifth member of the India men's selection panel which already includes Shiv Sunder Das, Salil Ankola, Subroto Banerjee and S Sharath. Having played 26 Test and 191 ODIs, Agarkar is the senior-most member of the panel and

as per BCCI rules becomes its chairman. First on their plate is selecting the side for the five T20Is against West Indies starting August 3.

Agarkar, it is understood, was the unanimous choice of the three-person Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Ashok Malhotra, Sulakshana Naik and Jatin Paranjape, which conducted the interviews on Monday. It could not be confirmed whether Agarkar was the solitary applicant for the position for which the BCCI had advertised, with June 30 as the deadline.

This will be the second time Agarkar, who has

also played four T20Is for India, will play the role of chairman of selectors, having performed the job at a smaller level for Mumbai between 2017-19. Agarkar was part of the coaching

staff at Delhi Capitals for the last two years but they have since parted ways.

It is understood that the franchise did not renew his contract.

India are a team in tran-

sition, and the uncertainty around their selection panel has only added to that feeling. It all began last year when the BCCI moved away from the convention of giving a chairman two terms and asked for new applications for Chetan's role following the semi-final loss in the T20 World Cup.

But, the board failed to attract a better option, and re-elected Chetan the chairman of selectors only for the sting operation leading to his resignation, which has never been acknowledged by the BCCI.

Agarkar's appointment results in the panel having two selectors

from West Zone, Ankola being the other one. In the BCCI constitution, drafted as per the RM Lodha-committee recommendations, there is no mention of selectors being appointed on a zonal basis; just that the five of them should have been retired for at least five years and played a certain number of matches. While the BCCI has followed an unwritten rule of picking a selector from each of the five zones traditionally, the advertisement for the role never specified it was looking for a candidate from a specific zone.(Cricinfo)

Sachin Singh receives one of his award from Jameel Hafeez of Rockaway Roti Shop

The victorious NYSCL All Stars pose with their winnings

Ajit Agarkar was previously with the Delhi Capitals coaching staff  •  (BCCI photo)

Bishop: 'West Indies' decline pre-dates this group of players' Former fast bowler on West Indies' failure to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, and its potential impact on players, fans, and the sport in the Caribbean

By Raunak Kapoor

After West Indies failed to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup following their loss to Scotland in the Super Six stage of the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, ESPNcricinfo spoke to Ian Bishop about what the loss means to fans back home, how to manage West Indies' available talent pool, and the changes he would like to see in Caribbean cricket going forward.

(Q) As someone who grew up watching an era of West Indies cricket that you did, then going on to play for them with pride, and having since followed them in recent years, what are your emotions on the team not making it to a World Cup?

(A) It is a difficult day, and difficult to sum up. To not have West Indies as part of the World Cup is, to me, unimaginable. I can echo the sentiments of many fans and West Indian supporters, of whom there are still many.

(Q) Coming at the back of the 2021 T20 World Cup disappointment, and then not making it into the main round of the 2022 T20 World Cup, it is a stifling reality of where the [West Indies] cricket is at the moment.

(Q)Not just being with the Associate nations, but that some of those nations are beating you quite convincingly. So there's a lot of work to be done almost immediately, because the talent level, which I know there is, deserves better representation, or certainly a bigger need to express itself.

West Indies fail to qualify for 2023 ODI World Cup

(Q) The results from the recent ICC events you speak of, do they give you the feeling that something like this was on the cards? That this was always a possibility? And does that make you feel like this slide could have been arrested sooner?

(A) Yes, it has been a gradual decline. I've always said this pre-dates this group of players. We haven't played consistently good ODI cricket against the top nations for perhaps a decade now. The T20 team, after having been two-time champions, they have slid. So like big corporations who were at one time at the peak of their powers, and then

through, I suppose, a lack of vision or whatever you want to call it, they disappeared off the business scene, [and that is what has happened] for West Indies cricket, two-time world champions, who popularised the field for ODI cricket.

I know there has been some introspection that has been taking place in the Caribbean. But what this does is, it says that we are at a few seconds to 12, and we need all hands on board to get the representation back to where it needs to be.

(Q) Will all hands be able to come together to face the big challenge that faces West Indies cricket at the moment? The Shimron Hetmyer situation is one that no one seems to have benefitted from. And it's not as much about Hetmyer alone as it is about the feeling among fans. Are the West Indian players motivated enough to play for West Indies?

I think some guys are. Obviously you are going to have a few guys [who are not]. And the cricketing landscape is very difficult right now with all the franchise tournaments coming into play. So there's always going to be that draw and pull of your resources. And so that is a challenge that is set forth, it is not an easy one. I don't have all the answers.

(A) You need to be more specific, as I have said before, with talent identification, procurement and development. Because that is a challenge of the landscape.

I still see young talents coming through, like Jayden Seales, Alick Athanaze is another, a kid named [Kevin] Wickham just to name a few. But how you expedite their development and keep hold of them is the challenge. And again I will say there have been efforts to make better pitches, better infrastructure, but it just really tells us that these things need to be hastened.

(Q) When you talk to young West Indies players and cricket fans, do you sense that there is a deep understanding or appreciation of what the West Indies and their cricketing history is, which I'm sure was so deeply motivating for you? The emotions that brought this multi-national cricket team to play together, do you believe those are still there with the next set of players and young fans?

(A) I think it is a different time. What motivated Sir Vivian Richards and Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes and Clive Lloyd, globalisation has sort of dissipated

that. So the motivations are now different, and I accept that. If it is more financial and economic, then we have to ride with that time and provide experiences and platforms where the players gravitate towards that.

I wouldn't say that the pull that was evident for the players of the '60s and '70s should be the same in the 2000s. So we have to identify what the myriad desires are and they will be different for each player and just work with those desires, because there is still, as I speak to players, a desire to play for West Indies, but there are not as many of that calibre as there may have been in times past.

"I still see young talents coming through, like Jayden Seales, Alick Athanaze is another, a kid named [Kevin] Wickham just to name a few. But how you expedite their development and keep hold of them is the challenge"

Ian Bishop

(Q) It's not an easy job, administration in West Indies cricket. Are there any specific suggestions you would want to give to the people managing the game in the Caribbean to now try and build a path forward?

(A) There are many things and again I am not going to pretend to sit here and say that I have all the answers. It is always going to be a challenge with so many disparate nations and constituents trying to evolve their own base. But what we have witnessed and have been witnessing over the last decade, or two decades, is that the fractionising of these goals is not working. Other teams have got better. The Associates have got

so much better, and they don't fear, certainly, teams like West Indies anymore.

So how do we come together and create better coaching, coaching tutors? How do we create an even more professional franchise system in the Caribbean, whether T20 or redball cricket, and have everyone pulling in the same direction? That is something I cannot answer. But we need to, because I do not see going it alone, as some people say in the Caribbean for Trinidad or Jamaica to go alone, [will work]. To me, that is not a relevant idea.

We have changed captains and coaches. We now have to give support and time to the incumbents and make sure we give them the support staff. Zimbabwe, in this tournament for example, have done it with minimal playing resources, so why can't West Indies if they concentrate on their pool?

(Q) So in Shai Hope and Daren Sammy, both relatively new in their roles, do you believe backing them is the right thing to do, because there would be reactions to this result?

(A) Well, you have to because it is systemic. It's not just about the incumbents right now. We have changed it from Phil Simmons, Ottis Gibson, coach X, captain X, and while the results have not been this desperate, we saw a gradual decline. So once you have identified those guys and put them in place, give them as much support but you are holding them accountable. And just to be fair again, this slide has not just begun. This has taken decades and a couple of generations to get to this point. So all of us, who have had past associations with

young players. I won't pretend to be able to articulate how past players who have helped to build this house feel right now. I know fans are angry, they are coming at me (laughs) as if I run the show. But I accept their feelings.

And I just hope that we can build from here. They say it's only cricket. But cricket has a significant impact on Caribbean identity around the world. So it is as serious as that. It is not education, it is not healthcare, but it has a role, and we really need to have an impact to get it right.

West Indies cricket, have to introspect and ask ourselves, "What could we have done better and what can we do now

(Q) Is there a feeling that perhaps it had to get worse before it got better, and maybe this is a rude wake-up call for players, or everyone else in West Indies cricket, to miss out on a World Cup? Could that trigger the right reactions?

(A) Being away from the tournament now, you would hope that is the case, but I do not believe it had to get to this point for it to rectify. West Indies barely qualified out of the 2018 qualifiers. So that was a warning sign then, and there were four years in between to try to rectify that and it hasn't happened. So more synergy in the infrastructure and the structure is required.

I think once you have identified who the right people are, you have to give them at least a medium term, a length of time to allow them to make an impact. Short-term changes don't help in any shape or form, but there is still hope there for me. I still keep hoping. I see some of the talent on the ground. I know their desire to do well. It is all now about how we procure that. I don't think it is rocket science.

(Q) Is there anything you would like to say to the past players of West Indies, the greats who I am sure will all have plenty to say at this point? Do they have a role in helping this team that is hurting right now?

(A) We all have a role to help in whatever sphere or activity, including myself. In whatever impact we can have talking to current players, developing

(Q) Finally the fans, is there something you would like to say to put into perspective the emotions of the fans, given at this point they would be hurting from this result and at the same time, the concern that the absence from a World Cup might affect the popularity of the ODI format, if not T20I and Test cricket, in the West Indies? The Test team in the Caribbean has sort of been holding its own, particularly at home, so that should give hope. But I understand from a fans' point of view, whether they are West Indian fans in the Caribbean or beyond the borders in India, Pakistan, England, Australia. I understand the sentiments. They are hurt. All I can do is promise that in my little sphere of impact I will do my best and I am sure there are some good people working on the inside who are trying to find the right way to rectify this, so if I may be able to speak on behalf of them, we try to give the players all they need to succeed.

Not everyone will get to the promised land, but those who want to get there, hopefully they can resurrect and continue bringing West Indies cricket back to a place of excellence and relevance.

(Q) You remain optimistic that that day could come in the near future?

(A) Yes. We'll never dominate like we did in the '80s and the first half of the '90s. I think other teams around the world are too good. We have serious economic challenges in the Caribbean, which the authorities around the world have to look at. But I still think when I look at, for example, where Zimbabwe were, and the troubles they have gone through, and how well they have played in this tournament, I think we have enough there to do even better next time around, if there is synergy.

Can Daren Sammy revive West Indies cricket?•Getty Images

Eight-time champion Roger Federer honoured in Centre Court ceremony

By Jess AndersonBBC Sport at Wimbledon

Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer may have only been a Centre Court guest but his huge aura was still felt by those competing on Tuesday.

Defending women's champion Elena Rybakina said Federer's presencefor a ceremony to mark his achievements - had made her "nervous".

Men's top seed Carlos Alcaraz was "a little bit jealous" after missing out on being watched by the retired Swiss.

Andy Murray, meanwhile, got a nod of approval from one of his great rivals.

"It was amazing to have some royalty here and some tennis royalty as well," Murray said of Federer, who was sitting next to the Princess of Wales. "It's amazing to have Roger here supporting the event.

"The last time I was on this court and he was watching it, it was the [2012] Olympics and he was sat in Stan Wawrinka's box sup-

porting against me. [Roger,] I hope you are doing well."

Federer took the acclaim of an adoring Centre Court crowd in the special ceremony on day two of the grass-court major to mark his success at the tournament.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion, returning after retiring last year, received a long ovation as he descended the steps of the Royal Box, where he had been invited as a special guest to watch the action.

The Swiss, 41, won five successive Wimbledon titles between 2003 and 2007, adding further victories in 2009, 2012 and 2017.

His win six years ago saw him pass Pete Sampras' men's record of seven titles.

Those with a ticket for Centre Court were treated to a video montage on the big screen which showed Federer through the years - from his first Wimbledon title win through to his last.

Federer then received a guard of honour in the

Royal Box, smiling and waving to the crowd as they applauded and cheered one of the greatest players of all time.

With 103 ATP titles to his name and having spent 310 weeks as world number one, Federer is much loved by the British crowds and the standing ovation lasted several minutes.

Roger Federer with his wife Mirka and the Princess of Wales Federer was joined in the Royal Box by his wife,

Tour de France

Mirka, (right) along with his parents, his coach and agent and the Princess of Wales (left)

The 15,000 or so expectant fans may have been disappointed Federer did not speak, with play getting under way immediately after the announcer thanked Federer for the memories he has provided Wimbledon fans over the years.

But he did not have to speak to have an impact.

It was not that Rybakina did not want him there to see her open her title defence against American Shelby Rogers, it was just that she was rattled by his presence as she even double-faulted on the first point.

"Maybe that's why I was nervous because actually I really like Roger," the Kazakh said after fighting back from a set down to win. "When I was younger, I was always watching him play."

But one man who wished Federer had been on his court was Alcaraz, who was in electrifying form on Court One in his victory over Jeremy Chardy.

"I saw that Roger Federer was here. I was a little bit jealous," Alcaraz said with a smile. "Honestly, I want Roger Federer to watch one of my matches obviously.

"I wish to talk a little bit with him. For me [it would] would be amazing. I hope to see him around more than once."

Murray, meanwhile, has played Federer many times over the years including a loss to the Swiss in the 2012 Wimbledon final which preceded Murray's victory over him a few weeks later in the Olympic final at the same venue.

At the end of Murray's first-round victory over fellow Briton Ryan Peniston, Federer was asked whether he approved of the performance, to which he nodded, prompting laughter from the crowd.

Seven-time women's singles champion Serena Williams, who retired last year too, had also been invited by the club, but the pregnant 41-year-old was unable to travel.

Jasper Philipsen wins again after chaotic finish to stage four

JASPER Philipsen won for the second day in a row amid a chaotic finish to stage four of the Tour de France in Nogaro.

The Belgian was again led out perfectly by his teammate Mathieu van der Poel and edged out Australia's Caleb Ewan with Germany's Phil Bauhaus third.

Britain's Mark Cavendish, chasing a record-breaking 35th stage win, was further back in fifth.

Another British rider, Adam Yates, retains the leader's yellow jersey.

Yates is six seconds ahead of his twin brother Simon and two-time winner Tadej Pogacar. The final three kilometres of a relatively flat 181.8km stage

were on the Nogaro motor racing circuit, featuring a wide, straight 800m run to the finish.

Yet riders went down in three separate incidents before Van der Poel launched 25-year-old Philipsen to the line, just as he had in Bayonne 24 hours earlier.

Cavendish, who finished sixth on Monday and is riding in his final Tour, was well placed at the start of the home straight but left his attack too late.

"Carnage, it was," the Manxman told Eurosport afterwards. "Every team would have had a plan for that final and I bet you there weren't any that went right, except maybe Jumbo-Visma getting their guys into the

narrow roads.

"It was really a mixing pot of riders in the final. I was constantly analysing who was there, who had team-mates, jumping from train to train.

"When I saw Mads [Pedersen] had [Jasper] Stuyven

with him, that's the one, I thought Mads usually goes early, it's a headwind finish on a long straight, wide road so I thought I'd use that and they just didn't go.

"I was waiting. At one point I thought 350 metres, maybe I should hit now, limit

my losses. It's the Tour. You gamble. I was waiting for them to go and they didn't go, they all got the jump so I was just trying to get the best position I could."

Philipsen now has four stage wins at the Tour, but this one was so tight that he did not celebrate it as he crossed the line.

"It was close in the end so I was happy they confirmed it quickly," said Philipsen.

"It was a really easy stage, I think everybody wanted to save their legs for the Pyrenees tomorrow and the day after. In the final kilometres entering the circuit there were some crashes so I hope everybody is OK and safe.

"It was a hectic final with the turns in the end and I lost my team as well, but in the final straight I found Mathieu and he did an amazing pull to get me to victory. My legs were cramping and Caleb was coming close."

Cavendish will have to wait until Friday's stage seven, which ends in Bordeaux, for his next realistic chance to break the record of wins that he shares with the legendary Eddy Merckx.The race enters the high mountains of the Pyrenees on Wednesday, with stage five including a 15.2km climb to the top of the Col de Soudet as part of a 162.7km route from Pau to Laruns. (BBC Sport)

Wimbledon 2023:

Roger Federer with his wife Mirka and the Princess of Wales

Jasper Philipsen (left) kept Mark Cavendish (second right) waiting for the Tour's all-time stage win record

Archibald clinches CAC 100m gold medal

Emanuel Archibald won his and Guyana’s first gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in El Salvador on Monday night.

Archibald clinched victory in the thrilling race, crossing the line in 10.24 seconds and securing Guyana's eighth Gold Medal at the CAC Games and his first in any international competition.

It was a close contest, with Archibald narrowly defeating Dominican Republic's Jose Gonzalez and Rikkoi Brathwaite of the British VIrgin Islands (BVI), who both finished with a time of 10.26 seconds. However, after review, Gonzalez was given the second-place position.

As the reigning national champion in multiple events, Archibald added the prestigious CAC gold medal to his collection but he did not participate in his pet-event, the long-jump, as he was scheduled to yesterday.

Digicel Schools Footall East Coast Final…

Buxton beat President’s College to lift trophy

Zhang, Lall victorious in CENTURY 21 (GUYANA) National U-16 Chess Championships

BUXTON are champions of the East Coast Leg of the DIGICEL Schools Football tournament 2023 following their win against President’s College yesterday.

With overnight rain forcing a change of venue from the Buxton ground to the Ministry of Education ground, Buxton won 2-1. By virtue of their win, Buxton will move onto the Regional playoffs.

Meanwhile, matches continue in other districts today.

In Region two, Charity will play Anna Regina at Tapakuma while the day’s other match will pit Abram Zuil, which won 4-0 against Aurora yesterday, while Cotton Field earned a walk over from Johanna Cecilia Secondary.

In Region three, Vreeden-Hoop will play Patentia in that districts third place playoff while Westminster will play Leonora in the district final.

Semi-final action will

take place in the East Bank District at the Ministry of Education ground with Soesdyke playing Houston at 14:30hrs and Diamond playing Friendship from 16:00hrs.

Region Five will see its second semi-final when Bush Lot face Mahaicony at Rosignol from 16:00hrs while from 14:30hrs, Berbice High and Berbice Educational Institute play in Region six.

Alexander Zhang and Anaya Lall are the new 2023 U-16 Chess Champions, surpassing Couchman, Pooja Lam, and Italy Ton-Chung in the highly contested tourna-

ment. The competition saw a record number of participants of 79 children.

This total included 25 girls -- the highest number of females to have com-

peted in a single tournament in Guyana’s history. Each player competed in 7 rounds of 20mins+5sec rapid games at the Marian Academy on

Continued on page 26

Open Category participants

Emanuel Archibald (middle) ahead of the pack in the CAC 100m men's final

Buxton, winner of the East Coast leg of the Digicel Schools Football tournament 2023 collect their trophy