Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05-08-2022

FRIDAY 5th August, 2022

'

PRICE

$100

A game changer VAT INCLUSIVE

No.106805

–– Rystad Vice-President hails gas-to-energy project as ‘absolutely necessary’ for Guyana 03 PAGE

US$11B needed in 10 years for CARICOM’s renewable energy 03 PAGE

–– President Ali tells Latin America, Caribbean energy officials

First flock of Black Belly 13 sheep arrives from Barbados PAGE

Court defers request to stay suspension of APNU+AFC MPs 05 PAGE

Building Expo creates 14 momentum in construction sector PAGE

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 5, 2022

US$11B needed in 10 years for CARICOM renewable energy

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 5, 2022

–– President Ali tells Latin America, Caribbean energy officials

By Shari Simon

IT is no secret that Guyana and the Caribbean have vast potential for renewable energy development.

With that in mind, there has been significant progress, locally and regionally, towards transforming the solar-energy capacity, and promoting sustainable energy access, energy security and effective energy management.

This has happened despite the challenges of affordability, lack of technological infrastructure and framework viability to facilitate largescale projects.

During the 4th regional committee meeting of the Latin America and Caribbean arm of the International Solar Alliance at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, on Thursday, President, Dr Irfaan Ali underscored the value of discussions on renewable energy to answer critical questions relating to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s transition to cleaner energy.

Presently, the sustainable energy market for CAR-

dent Ali, adding: “We have not mastered the technology, nor have we been able to demonstrate from a financial and economic model that any singular-model application is

President, Dr Irfaan Ali delivering his feature address at the regional committee meeting on Thursday ICOM is at an estimated total of US$16 billion.

In order for the region to unlock its potential, drive an increase of renewable energy sources and meet set renewable targets, CARICOM needs to invest US$11 billion over the next 10 years, President Ali said in his featured address.

“Today’s meeting is occurring against the backdrop of transitions at the global, regional and national levels… the transition is not a cheap process,” said Presi-

per cent of the region’s energy source will come from renewable energy by year 2027.

Dr Ali highlighted that the region’s use of solar energy sources will help to decrease oil imports and high emission levels which contribute to climate change.

Furthermore, President

In this regard, he noted policymakers need to focus on achieving long-term sustainable development and energy-supply solutions against finding short-term beneficial solutions. For the President, the primary focus is on maintaining the region’s low-carbon pathway and climate resilience.

His Excellency indicated that the solutions-oriented discussions on renewable energy or solar energy is underscored by the importance to develop and implement a

Prime Minister Mark Phillips sustainable in the long run.”

President Ali stated that CARICOM has the opportunity to create a renewable energy hub; however, countries in the region need an economically viable plan, as well as the financing, to advance major energy projects.

As it currently stands, CARICOM member states share a commitment that 47

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar Ali said regional policymakers from the Latin America and Caribbean energy corridor have an onus to examine the current energy-related realities and advance holistic discussions on the topic.

Dr Ajay Mathur, Director-General at the International Solar Alliance (ISA)

detailed, comprehensive and transparent plan on achieving regional sustainability.

This plan should, he noted, prioritise economic, legal, political and social parameters that span several areas.

These areas include affordability of renewable energy; importance, ownership and use of solar energy technology; assessing whether solar energy is market-driven or a social good; good economic positioning; and environmental impacts, to name a few.

There is also an urgent need for financing of effective adaptation and mitigation measures within the region’s energy landscape.

President Ali emphasised that addressing regional challenges on the transition to renewable energy is crucial to the Caribbean’s economic growth.

Additionally, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, who convened Thursday’s regional meeting, said that Guyana continues to be at the forefront of leadership in the renewable energy sector.

Minister Indar said See page 4

A game changer –– Rystad Vice-President hails gas-to-energy project as ‘absolutely necessary’ for Guyana

DESCRIBING Guyana’s gas-to-energy project as “absolutely necessary”, Senior Vice-President and Head of Latin America for Rystad Energy, Schreiner Parker, said that the project can only change Guyana for the better, given the wide range of benefits it will bring.

Parker shared these remarks on Wednesday during a press conference where he presented his company’s most recent study on “Guyana’s Upstream Industry and Country Benchmarking Update”. He noted that just like oil, Guyana has tremendous natural gas resources.

The natural gas being referred to is the gas being generated at the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two projects, currently operating offshore Guyana in the Stabroek block.

Currently, only a limited amount of the gas is being used to power generators on the offshore vessels while most of the gas is being reinjected back into the wells. A small amount is also being flared, meaning it is being burnt.

According to Parker, utilising that resource wisely, as in the case of Guyana’s gas-to-energy project, is a prudent decision.

“I think the gas-to-energy project is necessary in terms of how you utilise the natural gas that is associated to the oil production at the Liza [proj-

Senior Vice-President and Head of Latin America for Rystad Energy, Schreiner Parker

ect] because you’re never going to be in a position where you can just flare the gas and there’s a certain point where you don’t want to reinject more gas, so what to do?” Parker noted.

Rystad Energy is an independent energy research and business intelligence company providing data, analytics and consultancy services to clients exposed to the energy industry across the globe. Schreiner has been working with Rystad since January 2016.

Guyana’s planned gas-to-energy project is set to see piping of natural gas onshore from the Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels at the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two projects.

Also referred to as the gas-to-shore project, the Government conceptualised the venture to see the gas being brought onshore to a natural gas liquid (NGL) and natural gas processing (NGP) plant, which will be located at Hermitage, part of the Wales Development Zone (WDZ). The project is expected to come on stream as soon as 2024.

The pipeline is expected to transport up to approximately 50 million standard cubic feet per day (MSCFD) of dry gas to the NGL Plant. Once operational, the project is expected to have a lifespan of approximately 25 years.

The power plant is set to generate as much

as 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which is expected to cut Guyana’s electricity cost by more than half and create a boom in the manufacturing sector.

“Bringing it back to shore is going to fundamentally change the industry here in Guyana by lowering, by more than half, the price of electricity.

Guyana can then use that to expand its manufacturing base to become an industrial hub. You can even create a free trade zone, a duty-free zone.

There’s a lot of things that you can do once you have that gas-to-power project in place, but I think that it’s absolutely necessary and it will change Guyana for the better,” Parker related.

According to reports, when factors such as savings on fuel import, reduction in energy cost and savings for the manufacturing sector are considered, Guyana could save as much as US$3 billion (GUY$653 billion) through the gas-toshore energy project within the first five years of it coming on stream.

In addition to use in electricity generation, there will still be a surplus of gas which can then be used to supply the cooking gas industry as well.

It is estimated that Guyana could generate between $70 million to $100 million from the sale of cooking gas.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 5, 2022

US$11B needed in 10 years ...

From page 3

that, the country’s implementation of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 is a nationwide vision to achieve socio-economic development within a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.

In addition, he highlighted that in recent times Guyana, Latin America and the Caribbean have been engaged in tremendous work on renewable energy.

Moreover, Dr Ajay Mathur, Director-General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), indicated that Guyana joins countries such as Jamaica, Chile, Cuba, Nicaragua and Peru to experience rapid increas-

Ministers of the Government of Guyana with ISA committee members and members of the diplomatic community es over the years in the territory’s solar power photovoltaic (PV) capacity.

Dr Mathur expressed the ISA’s commitment to future regional collaborative action on renewable energy and pledged the organisation’s sup-

August 03, 2022

H 08 14 16 22 23 28 27 July 27, 2022

L 03 09 12 15 17 23 04

port toward providing resources and support to build capacity for solar energy projects, and to continue making solar energy a preferred option within the region.

In his remarks, Prime Minister of Guyana Mark Phillips said the contri-

04/08/22 - 01, 02, 06, 21, 22

butions of the ISA are vital to fostering strategic partnerships, grounded in the regional agenda on clean-energy transitions and deployment of solar energy technologies.

The Prime Minister noted that the energy development projects

04/08/22 - 3 7 2

underway in Guyana will include enhancing energy access through investments in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and off-grid areas, as well as expanding the Hinterland Electrification Programme that will see upgrades and replace-

04/08/22 - 9 8 3

ments to the previously installed solar photovoltaic systems, to name a few.

Without doubt, Guyana, Latin America and the Caribbean continue to strive toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 to ensure that households within the region have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.

The regional meeting on Thursday saw in attendance ministers of the Government of Guyana, energy officials and delegates, and members of the diplomatic community.

It is slated to be held from August 3 to August 5, 2022.

04/08/22- 1, 7, 10, 11, 16, 18, 21

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 5, 2022

Court defers request to stay suspension of APNU+AFC MPs

THE High Court, on Thursday, deferred a request made for a stay of execution of the suspension of eight Members of Parliament (MPs) of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) from the National Assembly.

Before Justice Damone Younge at the Demerara High Court, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, S.C. argued that it still remains to be determined if the Court has jurisdiction to hear the substantive matter. The judge agreed to defer the matter.

Mr. Nandlall has also applied for an extension of time to file his defence. The case returns to court next Wednesday.

The AG contends that since the matter of jurisdiction has not yet been determined, the Court could not rule on the request by the political opposition to stay the parliamentary suspension of the MPs. “To make such an order, as was being requested, would require the Court to presume that Parliament acted unlawfully.

It would also presume that the court had jurisdiction.

“At this premature stage, it is not right and it is not proper for the Court to make such an order. So, those were some of the arguments put forward. The court upheld the arguments on rule that it would not make any orders at this stage,” the AG explained in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

AG Nandlall, however, questioned why the political op-

position had put forth a case to overturn the suspension so that they could return to Parliament at a time when they are threatening to boycott Parliament.

According to Nandlall, the Court does not have jurisdiction to hear the matter, given that Parliament is empowered by the Constitution to function independently.

“There’s a whole body of law, supported by case law authorities which say that when Parliament exercises its function, it should not be inquired into by the Court of Law. “It is not that Parliament is supreme; the Constitution is supreme, but Parliament must function within the Constitution.

“So, the only wrong doing that Parliament can commit is a violation of the Constitution. So, this case raises all those issues,” the AG related.

Nandlall said that consistent with the doctrine of privileges conferred upon parliamentarians for their own protection, the

Speaker of the National Assembly is empowered to preside over breaches of privileges, and impose sanctions.

“The case raises a number of important constitutional issues as well as issues of public importance. It involves the functioning of one arm of government that is empowered under the Constitution to function independently, to regulate its own procedures and that includes the power to discipline its officers,” he said.

He further went on to say: “One of those sanctions include suspension. The Speaker can exercise that power personally or he can delegate it to the committee called the ‘Privileges Committee’; that is what was done here.”

It was on July 21 during the 48th sitting of the National Assembly that the House officially approved the report of the Committee of Privileges, which recommended the suspension of eight Opposition MPs for their

involvement in desecrating the Speaker’s Mace in December 2021.

The suspended MPs are Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones, Sherod Duncan, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Annette Ferguson, Vinceroy Jordan, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Ganesh Mahipaul, and Maureen Philadelphia.

On December 29 during the debate on the Natural Resources Fund Bill, chaos broke out at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, where the National Assembly was sitting. The Opposition MPs were at the time attempting to prevent Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh from presenting his debate for the Natural Resource Bill.

During the commotion, MP Ferguson attempted to steal the Speaker’s Mace, and was joined by some of her other colleagues.

Following the mayhem in December, a motion tabled by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teix-

eira was passed in the National Assembly in January 2022 for the eight elected officials to be referred to the Privileges Committee for their actions.

The Privileges Committee later presented a report that recommended that MPs Ferguson, Philadelphia and Jordan be suspended for six consecutive Sittings for committing serious violations in removing the Parliamentary Mace from its rightful position.

The report also recommended that Sarabo-Halley be suspended for six consecutive Sittings, while it recommended that Jones, Duncan, Singh-Lewis and Mahipaul be suspended from four consecutive Sittings.

The suspended MPs later filed a court matter challenging the disciplinary action meted out. In addition to the Attorney General, the Speaker of the Na-

tional Assembly Manzoor Nadir and the Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs were named as defendants.

According to the AG, he applied for an extension of time given that the matter was served in breach of required timeframe.

The defendants were supposed to be given at least a 14-day notice.

In this case, however, they were given less than six days of notice, according to the AG. “There are rules and regulations governing when matters are to be served if a hearing date is fixed. You have to give the respondents adequate time to file their defence…

“So, we have to make an application to the Court for an extension of time,” the AG said.

The court will now hear the matter for the extension of time on Wednesday.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

Investing in the future

It was prominent human and civil rights activists, Malcom X, who famously said that “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

For every parent, the education of their children at the highest level is their dream. Also every child aspires to do well in school.

However, not every parent finds it easy to send their children to school. And this is because life while filled with hope is not divorce for challenges.

These challenges are wide-ranging and include becoming a single parent as a result of death or separation, loss in business or unforeseen weather events.

These challenging circumstances could put a struggling single parent mother or farmer under immense

pressure to send their children to school.

This cannot be more evident with families in situations where it is a matter of survival. The Government has recognised the challenges that many parents face on a day-to-day basis and his been making concerted efforts to provide assistance to them.

One such assistance is the “Because We Care” cash grant, which it restored on assuming power in August 2020 and has since increased from $10,000 to $30,000 per child. Many would recall that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) had discontinued the assistance to parents, claiming that it was unsustainable. It should be noted that while the “Because We Care” cash grant was discontinued by

the former government, dietary spending by the same government for its officials and other events reached a new high.

In August 2020, many ordinary Guyanese, especially single parents breathed a sigh of relief when the good news was announced that the grant will be restored. Today, thanks to the government, the grant has not only been restored but it has also been extended to children in private schools.

And this is not even all of the good news. The government has promised to increase the grant from the current sun of $30,000 to $50,000 by 2025. The disbursement of the grant this year commenced on August 2 and for many parents throughout Guyana, it cannot be more welcomed

news.

It is most welcomed because due to external events, namely COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war and the weather, the cost of living in Guyana, like many countries the world over, has increased.

The cash grant will go a very far way in easing the burden on parents to purchase necessary school items for their children so that they can attend school.

Here is where every school aged child should be, rich or poor, because education is the bridge that can make their big dreams reality. For those who are poor, it is their salvation out of poverty and thanks to the government it is helping to make this process a reality.

Today, the prospect of a better life has never been brighter and it is important

that every child pays keen attention or take his or her education seriously. Equally important is for parents to give their full support to their children’s education; Guyana needs their skills for her development and as Malcom X said, the preparation must begin today to ensure a better tomorrow.

T h e “ B e c a u s e We Care” cash grant is indeed a great help to parents and it is also a great effort by the government to fulfil a key manifesto promise.

But this is not the only promised the Government has fulfilled since coming to office two years ago. The children’s school uniform vouchers have also been increased from $2,500 to $5,000; old age pension has been increased by 40 per cent; some 20,000 scholarships have been made

available to Guyanese, and this number could increase to 50,000; the end-of-year bonus for the Joint Services has been restored; VAT has been removed from water, electricity, machinery, agricultural inputs, among others; unjust D&I charges have been resolved and concessions have been granted to miners to make their operations more profitable and corporate tax on health care and education has been removed, among other interventions. The Government has been serious about its manifesto promises and no doubt values education as it sees investment in education as an investment in the future, and for this reason, education at the University of Guyana is expected to be free before 2025.

Sunak will require a miracle to win Conservative Party election

Dear Editor,

THE UK is undergoing a campaign among Conservative Party members to choose a leader who will replace the outgoing Boris Johnson as Prime Minister. (Note that in the UK and several other democratic countries, unlike in Guyana, party members choose their leader, not a small group of pre-selected delegates). Last February, I penned a letter in the local press that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be forced to resign over Borisgate or partygate (partying during COVID and other indiscretions). I also stated that Chancellor of the Exchequer (Minister

of Finance) Rishi Sunak would be the front runner to succeed him, but that the Conservatives (Tories) would reject him because of his non-Anglo Saxon, non-Protestant background. The above analysis has turned out to be factual.

Johnson was forced to resign in July after several members of his Cabinet, including Sunak, resigned and others as well as several Members of Parliament from his Conservative Party urged him to step down over Borisgate. Johnson should have followed the precedent of Margaret Thatcher and resigned after he barely won the no-confidence motion among party MPs; 148 voted against him. Sunak was the first to resign, triggering a

floodgate among colleagues and calling on Johnson to step down. Sunak had defeated all potential successors for leadership of the Conservative Party till now, in several “knock out voting’ among MPs that have narrowed down the choice to two – Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lizz Truss. The party members now will choose the leader who will become PM. Sunak, an Oxford and Stanford-educated economist, has consistently been among the most likeable and popular member of Johnson’s Cabinet. He was the most popular among all Chancellors. He has performed credibly as a finance expert since appointed by Johnson who led the party to victory with a whopping 359 seats.

Sunak has been leading in the opinion polls among MPs for leadership, but trailing among party members. The final ballot will take place later this month among 180K party members. Ms Truss leads almost two to one in opinion polls of how the membership will vote. Nationally, among all British voters, Sunak is more popular than Truss. Party members choose the leader and by extension the PM. Sunak is preferred among the national population with 60 per cent, giving him a positive rating; 48 per cent give Truss a favourable rating. Polls suggest that Sunak can take the incumbent Conservative to victory in snap elections. Truss cannot, and is likely to go down to defeat to Labour which

currently leads in opinion polls. Whoever becomes PM replacing Johnson is likely to call early elections, although elections are not due until the end of 2024; that has been the tradition in UK democratic politics.

The press and social media reported that several Tory (Conservative) party members stated that they cannot bring themselves to vote for a brown person as leader of the Conservatives and as UK Prime Minister. Sunak was born in 1980 in Southampton, England, to Indian Hindu parents. He is a practising Hindu. Ethnic prejudice runs high in the UK and influences voting not dissimilar to Guyana. One Conservative member was filmed on social media saying Sunak is

Indian, not British. Clearly, for that particular opponent of Sunak, and there are many more like him in the UK. Birth in the UK does not confer citizenship or Britishness or the right to become PM. Sunak also faces another ethnic problem in the UK, tied to the Muslim-Hindu divide in the UK brought over from the Hindu-Muslim divide in British India. I visited England many times to conduct research among the Indian diaspora. The division between Hindus and Muslims (especially those from Pakistan) is extremely sharp; there are rare social interactions. Indian Guyanese Muslims, Hindus, and Christians don’t exhibit such sharp animosity or tension. They get along well, patronising Continued on page 7

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

Response to former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, who presented a disingenuous assessment of the economy under his stewardship (Part 11) Dear Editor, Since Independence, Guyana has only had two governments.

Both governments have fundamentally different political ideologies and economic philosophies altogether. The economic philosophy of the administration of the day, essentially serves as the guiding principle of the economic policies that it implements.

To this end, the economic philosophy of the current administration is quite clear wherein the regime pride itself as a business-friendly government, while the other (previous) regime, is the opposite. This is where these two different philosophies in terms of the growth/expansion of the tax base (current revenue) are described as one being the vertical approach and the other, the horizontal approach. In the vertical approach, which is the non-business friendly policies (increased level of taxation, increasing the tax burden not only for the business sector but also the household), is economically detrimental in the long term, while the horizontal approach (more business-friendly policies, less tax burden) is the economically sustainable option to grow the organic tax/revenue base of the government.

These assertions are evidenced by Guyana’s own political and economic history where in the pre-1992 era, under the previous regime (vertical approach) Guyana moved from one of the most thriving economies in the region to a bankrupt State. This was followed by the implementation of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) economic reform programme, paving the birth of the private sector in 1992, and with significant debt forgiveness / debt write-offs brokered under the current Vice President during his tenure as Finance Minister and President, in the early and mid-90s, have significantly contributed to where Guyana is today, economically. Guyana graduated from a less than US$200 million economy from the early 90s era and a per capita income of less than US$200–to GDP of US$4 billion by the end of 2019 (pre-oil production), representing 1900 per cent GDP growth and over 2,000 per cent growth in per capita income in just over two decades (the horizontal growth approach).

The above discussion points to historic evidence to support the argument put forward by the undersigned on the vertical growth method versus the horizontal approach.

Further, let’s examine some other empirical evidence, drawing from data in the banking sector for the period 2007–2020, the past 15 years. The author is contending that in the previous regime’s economic philosophy, described as the vertical approach in which the tax burden on companies and households are heavily increased,

eventually another 10 – 15 years of this continued approach will have eventually result in the detriment of the private sector or all enterprises operating within the productive sectors of the economy. The State, in turn, would not be able to collect sufficient taxes to service its national debt, pay wages, cover other recurrent expenditure and capital expenditure on developmental projects. To test this theory further, an examination of the private sector deposits in the banking sector was conducted and the empirical evidence are as follows:

Source: Author’s calculation / data extracted from BoG Reports The author performed an analysis of the private sector deposit to current revenue ratio and the growth rate of private sector deposits in the banking sector over a period of time. The reason for selecting this ratio is because, normally, companies pay corporation taxes in quarterly installments, PAYE is also remitted to the tax authorities on a monthly basis and the other taxes incurred on transactions such as customs duty etc., are paid within the fiscal year. As such, it is safe to use the deposits held in the banking sector which would be reflective of cash in the bank after most of the companies’ tax liabilities have been paid over to the tax authorities for the fiscal year. The story that the private sector deposits to current revenue ratio tells is essentially how much cash/profit companies have left after paying their tax liabilities. From looking at this ratio for the period 2007-2014, the ratio averages 1.72 or 172 per cent while for the period 2015 -2019, the ratio averaged 1.42 or 142 per cent, 30 percentage points lower. Notably, however, in 2020 with the immediate fiscal measures implemented in budget 2020, From page 6 this ratio went up back to 1.6 or 160 per cent. fixed date. There are no joint A simple way to interpret appearances or debates as in the findings of this ratio is: for an election debate in the US. the period 2007-2017 where Both potential leaders appear the ratio averaged 1.72, it separately in halls addressing means that on every dollar audiences at scheduled times of taxes paid by the private and are quizzed by members sector, private sector firms had on policies. They go head to 1.72 or close to $2 remaining. head on taking UK forward.

And, for the period 2014Analysts say Sunak has 2019, the lowest ratio of 137 been bettering Truss in preper cent means that on every dollar of taxes paid by firms, sentations and arguments. they had $1.3 remaining, less The odds are in favour of than the $2 dollar in the period Truss winning, although Suthat experienced horizontal nak has lessened the 24-point growth versus vertical growth. gap from two weeks ago. It Additionally, looking at will take a miracle for him the growth rate of private to triumph in this contest sector deposits in the banking that is replete with bigoted system, it tells virtually the prejudice. same story. From looking at the graph, private sector Yours truly, deposit growth rate for the Vishnu Bisram period 2007-2014 (horizontal

Sunak will require a... each other’s social events or religious functions such as Koran Shariefs and Jhandis or Pujas or Christian service at house warmings.

There are not many Conservative Party members who are of Islamic background; Muslims generally tend to back Labour, not dissimilar from the US where Muslims lean Democratic. But key Islamic MPs of the UK Conservative Party are backing Truss. The well-known Sajid Javid, for example, of Pakistani origin, who served as Home Secretary, Health Secretary, and Chancellor of the Exchequer, has endorsed Truss. Javid, who reigned from Johnson’s cabinet, is likely to get a Cabinet berth

under Truss.

Another political tailwind facing Sunak is, outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been leading the campaign against him.

Johnson has felt betrayed that Sunak led the revolt against him and wants to guarantee his defeat. Truss stuck it out with Johnson remaining Foreign Secretary and loyal to Johnson, unlike Sunak, who resigned as a matter of principle on the issue of political morality.

Sunak and Truss have been appearing at party gatherings organised all over the UK and being questioned by members who have the final say on who will be leader in a nationwide vote on a

growth) averages 14 per cent while in the period 2015-2019 (vertical growth) averaged a low of three per cent. As such, this is another piece of empirical evidence that validates the argument that vertical growth is detrimental in the long term – and can potentially lead to bankruptcy of the State, while horizontal is more broad-based, sustainable, and viable in the long term– and can result ultimately in greater prosperity of the country, for its people, private enterprises, and the overall economy.

Interestingly, just for comparison, the author conducted similar analysis for the same period for Trinidad & Tobago, and it was found that in Trinidad, every dollar of taxes paid by firms, companies had $4 dollars remaining. That means Trinidad & Tobago private sector deposit to current revenue ratio averaged around 400 per cent. Put differently, it can be said that the average Trinidadian company is four times richer than the average Guyanese company. Hence, the higher this ratio, lesser the tax burden on firms, thus firms having more capital or liquidity at their disposal for expansion of their existing operations and new investments. In the process of doing so, more employment is created by the private sector, firms declare more profits and in turn pay more taxes generally (PAYE, corporate income taxes, VAT & Excise etc.).

Source: Bank of Guyana Reports/Author’s Calculation The counter argument that opponents may want to put forward is that this selected ratio is perhaps not 100 per cent accurate because there is a notion that private sector deposits in the bank is not reflective of their deposits in offshore banks or out of the jurisdiction. However, the evidence would quickly dismantle such an argument because if one were to look at the balance of payment account for the period 2007-2020 there has been no substantial capital outflows by the private sector. In fact, the net capital flow position of the private sector exclusive of FDIs is a net inflow position. Which means, the local private sector, during this period would have obtained financing from external sources – that is outside of the local capital market.

Another counter argument that the former finance minister could contend, which he usually boasts of, is the fact that during his tenure as finance minister in the period 2015-2020, the previous regime reduced the corporate tax from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent or by 2.5 percentage points. Yet, during the same period, the previous regime added 14% VAT on water and electricity (two items that never attracted VAT previously). Effectively, these two items would amount to 28 per cent additional tax burden on the operating cost for companies despite the reduction by 2.5 percentage points in corporate tax.

For example, a manufacturing company like Banks DIH with an electricity cost of about $4 billion would have incurred an additional $560 million in operating cost. The same would be the outcome for the water rates of that company, hence, the 2.5 percentage points reduction by the previous regime was counterproductive and in fact resulted in companies having to incur billions more in operating cost thus inhibiting their competitiveness and deterring future investments.

CONCLUSION The poor economic policies administered during the period 2015 - 2019 weakened the major productive sectors resulting in a loss of close to US$2 billion in foreign exchange from other major sectors. Thus, in the final analysis, the contentions propelled by the former finance minister lacks substance and far from the truth in terms of a true and objective assessment of the resultant effects upon the economy under his stewardship.

Any other approach to growth (vertical growth) other than that which is the current philosophy (horizontal), will be a recipe for bankruptcy and economic devastation in the long-term, and not only for public servants, but for every household and private enterprise. The analysis presented herein provides sufficient empirical evidence to corroborate this view.

Yours faithfully, Joel Bhagwandin Financial Analyst

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

Article 13 needs to remain in the realm of fact to be taken seriously

Dear Editor,

WE are a remarkably free country when it comes to the public expression of opinions by small groups of people who set themselves up to speak with political authority, while representing no one in particular and are given a platform in our national newspapers.

One such group defines itself as “Article 13,” who take their name from an article in our Constitution which provides “for the participation of citizens in the management and decision- making processes of the State.”

This group has never, as far as I know, publicly declared their membership, nor have they named a leader or an executive, preferring, it seems, to remain anonymous, yet they presume to speak with political authority on behalf of “Civil Society.”

In fact, I know some of them and regard them with some respect as individuals and I know that as individuals they played an active and admirable part in opposing the attempt by the David Granger-led government to rig the results of the last elections.

The question which I ask is, how should a small group without any evidence of significant popular support be taken seriously, using an article of our Constitution to give them the right to pronounce upon the political performance of the elected government of the day and the major opposition?

It seems that the Editor of the Stabroek News, at least, takes them seriously enough to continuously publish what they say, not as a letter to the Editor, but as a legitimate article of news in the columns of the newspaper.

In Wednesday’s (3rd August) Stabroek News,

this group was highly critical of the performance of the government, while dismissing the APNU+AFC opposition as “lacklustre” and having little or no credibility.

They criticise the government as having done little to advance “democracy, good governance, the rule of law and the country’s interest” without presenting a scintilla of evidence to justify such a harsh criticism.

That the members of this group, whom I know to be serious people and, I believe, well-intentioned, should accuse our government of having done little, for instance, to advance the country’s interest, which is patently and obviously and demonstratively untrue, is careless, irresponsible and thoughtless.

This government inherited an economy which was bankrupt from a government which held on to office illegally for many months. The economy is now, within two years of the government in office, in good shape, but, like every other economy in the world, is under severe threat from the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. There are massive shortages of food, for instance, across Africa and in parts of the Middle East, but not so here. The escalation in prices is no fault of the government. Considerable tax relief to help reduce the rising cost of living has been granted by the government, including the removal of VAT on essential food items.

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has shown remarkable initiative in driving collaboration with CARICOM and, in particular, Barbados, in hosting the Agriculture Expos and Exhibition attended and supported by many of the CARICOM heads Continued on page 9

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

Guyanese must continue to reject the divisive politics of the PNC/APNU+AFC

Dear Editor,

THE PNC and its affiliates have always sought to divide this nation along racial lines, using all kinds of strategies – appealing to ‘kith and kin’ sentiments; every incident that happens they convert into racial configurations; misrepresenting facts; skewing situations to fit their divisive narratives and even resorting to spewing groundless allegations and telling outright lies to mischaracterise PPP/C leaders and their actions and pronouncements.

Those who refused to remain in mental bondage to the PNC pretentious charlatans into their destructive, anti-national gerrymandering and divisive, ruinous politics and embark on self-improvement/empowering pathways are viciously attacked and branded ‘house-slaves’, etc.

But those who eschewed the divisive politics practised by the PNC and its cohorts and opened their minds to seek a better life for themselves and their descendants have discovered that PPP/C administrations govern even-handedly and create self-improvement op-

portunities through job and wealth-creation facilitation, and diversity of programmes that target everyone, especially the vulnerable, voiceless and dispossessed.

After the catastrophic PNC-endorsed “Buxton Uprising,” one enterprising and progressive young Buxtonian, MBoya Wood, organised a meeting between diasporic Buxtonians accompanied by village leaders, who were sickened by the events that had stigmatisd their village and its residents as criminals and terrorists, and then President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. That trust engendered a multiplicity of benefits to that community that had previously spurned developmental initiatives proffered by the PPP/C administration.

Among the various areas of assistance were infrastructural construction and repairs; D&I interventions; farmlands cleared and farming implements and other assistance availed; the Tipperary Hall rebuilt and refurbished with various mod-cons, including a computer centre, among others; a steel band was provided instruments; women were given small-business grants through the Priya Manickchand Women of

Worth (WOW) initiative, etcetera.

Recently, when the PNC/ APNU+AFC and its cohorts again tried to encourage an uprising among its supporters in its various political enclaves they were rejected, except for a few hardliners.

Instead, Guyanese rejected their destructive, divisive political manoeuvrings for the pursuit of a One Guyana as is being promulgated by the PPP/C administration. Through countrywide Cabinet outreaches, where concerns of individuals and communities were advanced, the government, in graduated deliverables, has addressed as a continual process and through prioritising developmental exigencies, the concerns expressed by Guyanese across every divide in equal measure, including Buxtonians and more recently at Melanie Damishana.

Thus, major infrastructural works are scheduled for the Buxton/Foulis area, among which include the rehabilitation of 16 bridges and the construction of a farm-tomarket road to provide access for farmers. This was a commitment made by Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill at a meeting with

Article 13 needs to remain in the realm of fact to be....

From page 8

of government.

Agro-processing facilities have been introduced in a number of regions, a dairy milk production plant is about to be established; mutton production hugely enhanced by the partnership with Barbados for blackbelly sheep-rearing in Guyana, to cite a few examples of government’s efforts to ensure food security for our country.

To criticise the government for not meeting its constitutional obligations is unfair and unreasonable

when the government is faced with a totally unapproachable opposition refusing consultation and intent on destabilising the country by foul means if permitted, yet, the Integrity, the Police, Judicial and Public Procurement Commissions have been appointed.

To criticise the Local Content Bill 2021, though far from perfect and requiring modification in ongoing collaboration with the private sector, as “bungled” and “in disarray” is a gross exaggeration. To blame

the government for the failure of GECOM, an independent body, for not having yet scheduled Local Government Elections, is patently unfair and wrong.

So, if the Article 13 group, however small and unimportant they may be, wish to be taken seriously and play a decisive role in the “decision-making processes of the State,” they need to drop the hyperbole and remain within the realm of fact.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

residents at Tipperary Hall, Buxton, last Thursday.

Similar announcements were made during the outreach at

Melanie Damishana as well.

I urge Guyanese to continue to reject the divisive politics of the PNC/APNU+AFC and

its fringe elements.

Yours Truly, Alvin Hamilton

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 5, 2022

Digicel launches LTE service in Lethem

DIGICEL has launched a LTE service in Lethem, Region Nine, in keeping with its promise to deliver the best customer experience throughout the country.

According to a release, the launch brings faster speeds and access to information to the residents and confirms Digicel’s positon as the network of choice in the Rupununi with the widest and fastest service.

“This LTE service upgrade also means more opportunity for economic empowerment for Guyanese due to the direct correlation between access to broadband Internet and economic growth.

To date, Digicel has invested GY$5 billion in rolling out of LTE services across Guyana,” the release said.

Digicel’s focus on delivering the best customer experience by ensuring its networks are superior and ubiquitous has seen an emphasis on speed, quality and coverage, the release said, noting that this was independently recognised

by Ookla with the telecoms provider winning Ookla’s Best Mobile Network, Best Mobile Coverage and the Best Speeds awards.

“When we launched in Guyana 15 years ago, we transformed the communications landscape with a promise to connect everyone everywhere to world class mobile communications. We are happy to be delivering on this promise to our customers in Lethem.

This is a signal of our commitment to providing superfast connectivity for everyone everywhere via our LTE networks.

We’re proud to be connecting Guyanese to economic opportunities with our overall population coverage the best available in Guyana at 98.14 per cent, along with an industry leading LTE population coverage of over 90 per cent,” Digicel Guyana CEO, Gregory Dean said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 5, 2022

Sase Gunraj heads CARICOM Mission overseeing St. Kitts elections

COMMISSIONER of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Sase Gunraj is Chief of Mission of a four-member CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) that is in St Kitts and Nevis to observe that country’s General Elections, which is being held today.

In addition to Gunraj, the team also includes Corey Greenidge of Barbados; Cecil Valies of Suriname; and Roslyn Cummings of Trinidad and Tobago. The CEOM is also supported

by CARICOM Secretariat representatives Jhonson Alexandre and Alan Donawa.

The team was sent, based on an invitation from the Government of St Kitts and Nevis.

“The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis extended an invitation to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

to mount an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe General Elections in the country scheduled for 5 August, 2022. In response to the invitation, a four-member mission has been mounted to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis,” a statement from CARICOM said.

The team reportedly arrived in St Kitts on Wednesday, August 3, and is expected to observe the electoral process, collect qualitative and quantitative information regarding the voting process and the results to facilitate the preparation of a final report on the General Elections of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Prior to their arrival on the island, the mission’s members met, virtually, with the country’s Governor-General and its Commissioner of Police, and a team from the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party (SKLP), which is led

by Leader of the Opposition Dr. Denzil Douglas.

The CEOM also intends to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Timothy Harris, and meet with the Supervisor of Elections and representatives of other contesting political parties.

“The CEOM will also meet with other key stakeholders and representatives of civil society groups, and attend rallies, all in an effort to obtain an overview of the general atmosphere and level of preparedness for the electoral process,” CARICOM said in its statement.

In addition to observing the pre-election period, the CEOM will monitor today’s activities in as many of the constituencies as possible, including the opening, conduct, and closing of the polls, right up to the tabulation and announcement of the results.

“Following the conclusion of the Election Day activities on August 5, 2022, a preliminary statement will be issued, outlining the Mission’s initial assessment of the electoral process,” CARICOM said, adding: “The mission will, thereafter, collaborate in the preparation of a final report on the election for submission to Her Excellency, Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of CARICOM.” In closing, CARICOM said the CEOM is appreciative of the warm welcome it has been accorded by the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, and besides looking forward to the successful conclusion of the electoral process, would like to take the opportunity to wish the electorate of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis every success as they go to the polls today.

11

Preparations in place to mitigate seasonal flooding

WITH- wetter-than-usual conditions expected across all 10 administrative regions for the next two months, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said preparations are in place to mitigate the effects of flooding.

In a seasonal review by the Hydromet Service, it was disclosed that wetter-than-usual (above normal) weather can be expected across the country for the rest of August, September and October; however, the season is expected to be drier that the previous months.

“We have preparations in place, but because of the amount of rainfall in the short period of time, we might have flooding, but we are trying our utmost to ensure that we have all systems in place,” Mustapha told the Guyana Chronicle during a telephone interview.

According to the Hydromet Service, water levels in conservancies, reservoirs and inland rivers across all regions are likely to decrease as the season progresses. The highest amount of rainfall can be expected in Regions One, Seven and Nine.

Following the 2021 floods, works were done across the country to mitigate the effects of flooding. These works, the minister said, are a part of the ministry’s works programme for 2022.

“Over the last rainy period up to now we have tried to minimise flooding. We were able to do so and I’m hoping that we can put more systems in place. We are clearing canals and doing our annual work programme so that we can have all the systems working.

“Many of the sluices now are complemented with pumps, so when the tide comes back the pumps would go into operation; so many areas are draining on a 24-hour basis.”

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 5, 2022

Three dead in Linden-Soesdyke Highway accident THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal accident along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway on Wednesday in the vicinity of Kuru Kuru in which three men lost their lives, a statement from the law enforcement agency said on Thursday.

The deceased are Michael Edwards of Timehri Base Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Wilfred Phillips and Alicious Squad, both of Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), police said.

At around 23:30 hours on the highway in the vicinity of Kuru Kuru, a motor lorry, driven by 47-year-old Shawn Lim of Hyde Park, Timehri, was proceeding North along the western side of the highway at Kuru Kuru.

Police said the driver allegedly saw something run across the road from east to west in front of him. He pulled left to avoid

a collision and lost control of the vehicle.

“The left side wheel collided with the barranca causing the vehicle to turn upside down several times down a ditch on the western side of the road… “[A]nd as a result, the three victims who were all seated on top of some utility poles in the tray of the lorry were all pinned down at the bottom of the vehicle.

“They were all pronounced dead after being examined at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre after being assisted by the police and public-spirited citizens. The bodies were then escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home for storage and are awaiting a post-mortem examination.

“A breathalyser test conducted on the driver of the motor lorry returned zero readings.

Lim is in custody pending further inquiries,” the police said.

A scene from the accident on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway on Wednesday (Guyana Police Force photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 5, 2022

First flock of Black Belly sheep arrives from Barbados

By Naomi Parris

IN advancing efforts to reduce the Caricom Community (CARICOM) food import bill, the first flock of Black Belly sheep was received by Guyana at the Rambaran Wharf in Georgetown on Thursday.

Some 132 sheep, inclusive of 20

ana has to play that leading role.”

The project will see the involvement of 30 per cent of women and 20 per cent of youth, along with differently abled persons across Guyana.

“All these groups will be involved in the rearing of Black Belly, to create and develop this brand and building this industry.”

The Ministry of Agriculture will be looking to spearhead a cross-breeding project of Black Belly sheep and local Guyanese sheep.

Meanwhile, Barbados’ special envoy to Guyana and Suriname, Alphea Wiggins, said the collaboration between the two nations will see significant advancements in the agriculture sectors of both nations.

“This is a momentous occasion between Barbados and Guyana where we have seen the Saint Barnabas Accord in full action, the fact that we have shipped this sheep here safely from Barbados to Guyana tells us that we are going to get those thousands here

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha rams and 112 ewes comprised the first shipment of 1,000 animals that are expected to come here over the next few months.

Minister Mustapha, while speaking to reporters, said the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will be tasked with weaning the sheep to ensure that they adjust to Guyana’s climate as well as introducing them to new diets.

“This first batch will be taken to the GLDA location where we will prepare them to introduce them to Guyana’s conditions. They will have to wean them off the food they used to eat in Barbados’ special envoy to Guyana Barbados, so we can give them food and Suriname, Alphea Wiggins in Guyana and make the environment more accommodating,” Mustapha safe and in good condition.” said.

The continued collaboration beMeanwhile, the minister disclosed tween the two nations will see trementhat works were currently moving dous benefits, Wiggins reiterated. apace in Region Five to prepare sever“This is a fantastic effort between al pens for the additional sheep that are Barbados and Guyana to show CARscheduled to arrive in Guyana.

ICOM and the rest of the world what Already, some 78 farmers have collaborating between countries can do signalled their interest in the project, for each other… when we have conwhich is one of many initiatives being cluded agreements in terms of creating rolled out by Guyana and Barbados to one domestic space between Barbados reduce the Food Import Bill by 25 per and Guyana, more benefits will accrue cent in 2025. to both countries.”

“This here is a very important President Ali, at the launch of the project for us in Guyana and the Ca- project back in March had pointed ribbean; this is one of the ways we are out that the world import value working to reduce the Food Import on mutton and mutton products is Bill. When you look at the importation US$8B. CARICOM alone imports of meat and meat products in the Ca- 7,900 tonnes of mutton at US$48M ribbean, it amounts to a large percent- annually. Bahamas, Jamaica, Barage of foreign revenue to import that.” bados and Trinidad and Tobago are He added: “So we are hoping to the four major markets that Guyana build the livestock industry and Guy- can target.

13

The first flock of Black Belly sheep received by Guyana (Adrian Narine photos)

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 5, 2022

Building Expo creates momentum in construction sector

THE Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) said the recently held International Building Expo at the Guyana National Stadium has created momentum in the construction sector and praised the government for hosting the event.

The expo themed “A New Frontier for Building a One Guyana” was organised by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and the Ministry of Housing and Water. It afforded participants the opportunity to showcase and market their products and services, not only to Guyanese but to regional and international stakeholders alike, a release said.

Guyana’s transformative agenda is well underway and while the government continues to play the key role in providing sustainable and affordable housing solutions to citizens, the ‘Expo’ reiterated government’s continued commitment to working with the private sector to enhance and fasttrack the national housing agenda, the release noted.

It added that the GMSA’s Construction and

–– Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association

Engineering Subsector, as well as other related subsectors such as Forestry, Agro-Processing and ICT were well-represented with over 50 existing and prospective members exhibiting at the event.

The members of the GSMA commended the efforts of the government and expressed confidence in the prospering construction sector, with keen interest in manufacturing related products and providing complementary services.

Apart from the traditional concrete and timber building systems, several new and innovative building solutions were presented for display at the International Building Expo 2022.

“Factory-built modular panelised homes using a combination of timber and cement board, 3D printed concrete house, prefabricated PVC building system, homes made of recycled plastic material and fully customisable modular steel framed systems, offered a unique perspective to potential home-

owners, builders and local construction companies.

OPTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION “These housing solutions provided options for consideration and coincided with the government’s housing programme to offer affordable and durable housing solutions, while remaining suitable to Guyana’s landscape.

The exposure of Guyanese companies to international options for housing will undoubtedly challenge local companies to innovate further and utilise technology to improve on construction processes and standards,” the release said.

The building expo has evolved, allowing for strategic collaboration among various stakeholders and creating a forum for interaction between prospective homeowners, financiers, real estate agencies, builders, contractors, manufacturers and the public and private sectors.

The GMSA said it continues to collaborate with

the public sector and it is important to recognise the efforts that the government has provisioned through its Dream Realised Initiative to expand home ownership to Guyanese.

“The ongoing initiative is provisioned with the private sector at the helm of the planning and execution phases and creates a market hub for manufacturers, suppliers and other members of the value chain.

“More notably, the International Building Expo highlighted avenues whereby persons benefitting from the Dream Realised Initiative can access financing through various lending agencies that partner with the government and private sector to provide low interest-rate mortgages,” the release said.

The GSMA also noted that the International Building Expo has created momentum within the construction sector and brought together various businesses and key players in the industry that can leverage and enhance

their services for optimum delivery.

CRITICAL ROLE “The GMSA recognised the critical role which this sector plays in the transformation of our country and economy.

Immediately after participating in the Building Expo, through our Construction & Engineering Subsector, the GMSA hosted a business dinner which featured the Ministry of Public Works and was attended by contractors, construction companies and operators who expressed interest in joining the GMSA. “It should be noted that the development and growth of the country goes beyond the housing trajectory and must rigorously expand to include national infrastructure works and improvement. The business forum facilitated an opportunity for clarity on how companies can participate in the government’s transformative agenda. This platform will encourage the GMSA to continue working with

our members in taking their businesses to the next level and become more creative in moving Guyana’s housing and infrastructural landscape forward,” the release noted.

It also said that as the construction sector continues to expand at an exponential rate, the Construction and Engineering arm of the GMSA will be working closely with the Ministry of Housing and Water and other related Ministries to realise opportunities to work together in supporting local businesses, who have demonstrated the various innovative building systems at the expo, as companies prepare for rapid growth in the construction sector.

“The GMSA anticipates continued fiscal incentives to further bolster manufacturing for the construction industry.

We further challenge our local manufacturers and service providers to consider creating the inputs needed for the construction industry and becoming viable contributors to Guyana and the wider region,” the release concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 5, 2022

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

Seven heading to final round of Miss Jamzone 2022

DELEGATES of the Miss Jamzone Pageant, on Sunday, thrilled the crowd as they graced the stage in the ‘Fantasy Swimwear’ segment of the pageant at the Jamzone Beach Jam, hosted at the Kingston beachfront, Georgetown.

The women were donned in creations of esteemed designers.

Delegates Amel Griffith and Omaiah Hall both wore Randy Madray designs, while Jasmine Assanah and Shaniya Decosta

wore Olympia Small Sonaram designs.

Jade Mercurius wore ShaSha Designs by Keisha Edwards, and Phelicia Adams wore a Dexter Gardner design. Lastly, Jada Jones wore a Rhonda Jackson piece.

According to a release from the company, the judging panel for the Fantasy Swimwear consisted of Former Beauty Queens Yulex Fung and Christa Simmons along with fitness expert Yusuf Khan

and famous designer Quinton Pearson of House of Pearson.

In response to the crowd’s receptiveness to the delegates, the Pageant Co-ordinator Mr. Wasim Khan said: “It was a grand introduction of the delegates when they burst onto the stage in the first leg of the competition and judging from the crowd’s response they were ecstatic!

“This is just one leg with 5 more sizzling rounds to go.”

The winner of the Fantasy Swimwear segment will be announced at the culmination of the Miss Jamzone Pageant slated for the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on Saturday, August 13.

At the August 13 event, the ‘National Costume’, ‘Talent’, ‘Swimwear’ and other segments will be hosted. Tickets will be on sale at the National Cultural Centre for $2000, $2500 and $3000.

The next segment will be the sit-down interview on LIVE Television with Radio and TV presenter, Feliz Robertson, next Monday.

Continued on page 17

Delegate No. 2, Jasmaine Assanah

17

Seven heading to final round ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

From page 16

Delegate No. 3, Jade Mercurius

Delegate No. 4, Shaniya Decosta

Delegate No. 5, Amel Griffith

Delegate No. 6, Phelicia Adams

Delegate No. 7, Omaiah Hall

Delegate No. 8, Jada Jones

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

Beyoncé removes Kelis sample and ableist slur on Renaissance

Beyoncé updated the songs shortly after acknowledging complaints from disability advocates (Photo credit: Carljin Jacobs; retrieved from: BBC)

(BBC) – BEYONCE` has updated her latest album, Renaissance, in response to criticism from fans and the pop star Kelis.

The song ‘Heated’ has received a lyrical update, removing a slur that is often used to demean people with spastic cerebral palsy.

In place of the so-called “s-word”, Beyoncé now sings “blast”.

Meanwhile, a reference to Kelis’s hit ‘Milkshake’ has also disappeared from the album, after the singer complained she had not given permission for its use.

The “la la la” hook from ‘Milkshake’ was originally used in the background of Beyoncé’s song ‘Energy’. Those vocals have now been erased from the mix.

A drum sample, based either on ‘Milkshake’ or an earlier Kelis track called ‘Get Along With You’, remains integral to the song.

The updates happened on streaming services including Spotify, Tidal and Apple overnight on Tuesday, just five days after Renaissance was released.

In a brief glitch, Tidal replaced ‘Energy’ with a version that only featured the isolated vocals of Beyoncé singing “la la la”, with the rest of the track remaining silent.

At the time of writing, the original versions remain on YouTube.

It is also too late to change the vinyl and CD editions of the album - although future pressings may contain the revisions.

Beyoncé came under fire from disability advocates over the weekend for including an ableist slur on ‘Heated’, which was co-written by Drake.

It came just a few weeks after another US pop star, Lizzo, apologised for using the same derogatory term in her song ‘GRRRLS’.

Both Lizzo and Beyoncé

said they were unaware of the connotations of the word - whose links to cerebral palsy are less well-known in the US. In a statement on Monday, Beyoncé’s publicist said: “The word, not used intentionally in a harmful manner, will be replaced in the lyrics”.

The Kelis story is less clear-cut.

The singer took to social media last week, accusing Beyoncé of “theft” after learning her anthem ‘Milkshake’ had been interpolated on the song ‘Energy’ (interpolation is when one song references another, without directly sampling it).

Kelis said she had not been informed in advance, and that her mind was “blown” by the “level of disrespect”.

“It’s not hard. She can contact me, right?” Kelis said on Instagram. “It’s common decency.”

However, Beyoncé would not have had to seek Kelis’s permission to reference ‘Milkshake’, as the singer is not a credited writer on the song and does not own the copyright.

Instead, permission would have been sought from writer/ producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo - and Kelis’s disagreement is largely with them.

She has previously accused the duo, professionally known as the Neptunes, of “lying and tricking” her into a bad deal, which gave them the rights to her music at the start of her career.

“I was told we were going to split the whole thing 33/33/33, which we didn’t do,” she told the Guardian in 2020.

“Their argument is, ‘Well, you signed it.’

“I’m like, ‘Yeah, I signed what I was told, and I was too young and too stupid to double-check it.’”

In an Instagram video about Beyoncé’s song, she confirmed that Pharrell, in particular, was the source of her frustration.

“Publishing was stolen, people were swindled out of rights. It happens all the time, especially back then. So it’s not about me being mad about Beyoncé.

“Pharrell knows better,” she added. “This is a direct hit at me [and] he does this stuff all the time. It’s very petty [and] the reason I’m annoyed is because I know it was on purpose.”

Beyoncé appears to have sided with the singer, by removing the reference to ‘Milkshake’ - although Pharrell and Chad Hugo still receive a writing credit, presumably for the brief sample of ‘Get Along With You’.

Meanwhile, Monica Lewinsky has tweeted a request for Beyoncé to consider adjusting a lyric in her 2013 song ‘Partition’, which references her affair with President Clinton.

Linking to a news story about the lyric change on Heated, Lewinsky wrote: “Uhmm, while we’re at it... #Partition”.

Asked if she had ever mentioned the song to Beyoncé’s team, Lewinsky replied: “No, I haven’t. I did mention it in the first Vanity Fair article I wrote in 2014, which was the first public thing I’d done in 10 years. But you make an interesting point.”

It is not unusual for musicians to update albums after release in the streaming era.

Kanye West, a former Beyoncé collaborator, has turned it into an artform. In 2016, on the day he released his seventh album ‘The Life Of Pablo’, he tweeted: “Im’a fix Wolves” referring to one of the album’s key songs.

A month later, the original version of the track was replaced, featuring new vocals from Australian pop star Sia. Frank Ocean’s contribution to the song was then separated out, and given its own track on the album, simply known as Frank’s Track.

Batgirl: Directors shocked at film’s cancellation 19

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

liability as a result of not releasing the film and recording it as a straight loss.

“When Warner Bros files its taxes this year, the company will combine the income from its profitable movies with its losses to determine its taxable income. The loss from Batgirl would lower that

The film was based on the DC Comics character Barbara Gordon - or Batgirl - played by Leslie Grace (Photo credit: Twitter/Leslie Grace)

(BBC) - THE directors of Batgirl have said they are upset their film was axed months before its planned release by Warner Bros Discovery.

“We are saddened and shocked by the news. We still can’t believe it,” directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah wrote on Instagram.

They said it had been a dream to work with stars, including Michael Keaton.

Both had been in Morocco for El Arbi’s wedding, which had been attended by Will Smith as guest of honour.

The film, which featured Keaton as Batman, was also due to star Leslie Grace as Batgirl, Brendan Fraser as villain Firefly and JK Simmons as Commissioner James Gordon.

“As directors, it is critical that our work be shown to audiences, and while the film was far from finished, we wish that fans all over the world would have had the opportunity to see and embrace the final film themselves,” Fallah and El Arbi said in their statement.

“Our amazing cast and crew did a tremendous job and worked so hard to bring Batgirl to life. We are forever grateful to have been part of that team,” they added.

“In any case, as huge fans of Batman since we were little kids, it was a privilege and an honour to have been part of the DCEU [DC Extended Universe], even if it was for a brief moment. Batgirl for life.”

‘In The Heights’ star Grace tweeted that she was

“proud of the love, hard work and intention all of our incredible cast and tireless crew put into this film over seven months”, adding that she felt “blessed to have worked among absolute greats and forged relationships for a lifetime in the process”.

She thanked fans for believing in her to become “my own damn hero!”

The movie, shot entirely in Glasgow and reportedly budgeted at more than US$70m (£58m), was due to be shown in cinemas and on the streaming service HBO Max, later this year.

The film had completed its principal photography and much of its post-production work and was in test screenings - Variety reported that news of its demise “sent immediate shockwaves through Hollywood”.

The New York Post reported that the decision had followed a poor reaction to test screenings, but Variety suggested that the cost of putting the film into cinemas and marketing it may have contributed to the decision.

As the film was unfinished, Warner Media would have had to spend more money completing, releasing and advertising it. Halting the process now means it can cut its existing losses without creating more.

According to US trade publications, the company may also be able to recoup some of the money it had already spent by using what’s called a tax write-down, which would save money by reducing the company’s tax

taxable income significantly,” David Blum, deputy chair of the tax practice group at law firm Akerman LLP, explained to Fortune.

The film’s cancellation follows a merger between Warner Bros and Discovery last May. Warner Bros had also confirmed that ‘Scoob!

Holiday Haunt’ would be scrapped.

A spokesperson for the firm told the BBC: “The decision to not release Batgirl reflects our leadership’s strategic shift as it relates to the DC universe and HBO Max. “Leslie Grace is an incredibly talented actor and this

decision is not a reflection of her performance. “ We a re i n c re d i b l y grateful to the filmmakers of ‘Batgirl’ and ‘Scoob!

Holiday Haunt’ and their respective casts, and we hope to collaborate with everyone again in the near future.”

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

English Racing Tips

14:45 hrs Lady Raeburn

Haydock

15:20 hrs Tanmawwy

12:07 hrs Wild Thunder 12:42 hrs Dreams Of

Irish Racing Tips

Thunder

Tipperary

13:17 hrs Sir Laurence

12:00 hrs Shoebox King

Graff

11:35 hrs Erosandpsyche

13:52 hrs Pol Roger

13:10 hrs Smile Of Love

14:27 hrs Gold Aura

13:45 hrs Hellsing

15:02 hrs Monica

14:20 hrs Moe Sedway

15:37 hrs Molinari

14:55 hrs Manwal 15:25 hrs Derry Lad

Newmarket 12:25 hrs Poetic Union

American Racing Tips

13:00 hrs Martha’s Mo-

Saratoga

ment

Race 1 Well Spent

13:35 hrs Local Dynasty

Race 2 Quaria Thunder

14:10 hrs Giavellotto

Race 3 Capt.Remington Race 4 Magnetron Race 5 St Maarten Girl Race 6 Love Tank Race 7 Lil Commissioner Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Mystic Power Race 2 Suigu Star Race 3 Luv To Win Race 4 Money Matters Race 5 Saskatchewan Race 6 Eletronic Race 7 Antogone South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 12:05 hrs Rose Velvet 12:23 HRS Hooves Of Troy 12:45 hrs Ice Kingdom 13:03 hrs Indigo Fields 13:21 hrs Alacia’s Blossom 13:39 hrs Fashionigima 13:57 hrs Double Martini 14:15 hrs Fire Lord

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

‘Sensational’ Natalie! ...historic performance from Cummings, Britton/Franklin at Commonwealth Games Table Tennis

By Rawle Toney in Birmingham IT was a historic night for Guyana in Table Tennis, as Natalie Cummings reached the Round-of-16 at the Commonwealth Games, following her breathtaking win over Ruqayyah Kinoo.

In one of the most intense matches at the Commonwealth Games (so far), Cummings was sensational in her seven-match (4-3) thriller against her highly-ranked opponent from Mauritius.

Her victory marked the first time any Guyanese has progressed to the Singles Round-of-16 at the Commonwealth Games.

It was Cummings’ third time representing Guyana at the Commonwealth Games and it was clear that the diminutive athlete was playing towards reversing her 2014 and 2018

fortunes, where she exited in the Round-of-32.

Cummings was on-point in the first game, winning 11-5, but lost the second 8-11.

Buoyed by the cheers from the vociferous Guyanese contingent in the stands at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, Cummings clinched the third game 11-9.

Kinoo showed her experience to win the fourth game 9-11 as the see-saw battle continued.

With the games 2-2, Cummings took the fifth 11-5.

However, just when everyone thought that things were favouring Cummings, Kinoo once again levelled the match with a 6-11 win in game six.

In the final game, Cummings showed pure class to come from behind to win 1210 in an absolutely amazing match.

No Guyanese has ever

Christopher Franklin and Shemar Britton will be the first Guyanese pair to play in the Round-of-16 of the Men’s Singles at the Commonwealth Games

gone that far in the Singles event of the Commonwealth Games.

The usually candid coach, Idi Lewis, was surprisingly lost for words, only describing Cummings’ performance as

“simply beautiful”.

Today, Cummings will face 16-year-old Anna Hursey of Wales.

Cummings’ performance sparked life in the Guyanese table tennis team, which had

According to News Room, September 27-30, Qualifier One, Qualifier Two, Eliminator, and Final will be played at the National Stadium, Providence, as Guyana hosts the entire finals week of the matches.

“We are going to sort of stagger the release of tickets, so, we won’t put them all on sale straight from day one. We will put a batch on sale tomorrow (August 5) and then release

tickets as we go across subsequent days,” CPL’s Chris Watson conveyed in an interview with News Room.

According to Watson, the cost of tickets for the first three knockout matches will be the same as the Amazon Warriors’ group matches, but the final is “marginally more expensive but only very slightly” as tickets start at G$3 000.

For the home matches, tick-

a series of unfortunate events on the day.

Shemar Britton and Christopher Franklin then added to the country’s historic run, with victory in the Men’s Doubles which ironically came against Mauritius’ Baboolall Muhammad and Brian Chan Yook Fo. Against their African counterparts, Britton and Franklin won 3-1 (11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6).

Asked about the country’s performance at the Commonwealth Games, Coach Lewis said the players are doing better than expected, but bemoaned the lack of investment in sports in Guyana.

“When you take into consideration the team’s preparation coming into these games and coming up against more heavily-funded athletes at these games, I think they’re performing way beyond expectations right now,” Lewis said.

He added, “When you talk about being on-par, everything comes back to funding. It’s hard to get away from that aspect. There’s no shortage of talent in Guyana and that’s not just table tennis.”

Lewis stated that in comparison to the players at the 22nd Commonwealth Games, Guyanese athletes, particularly those based in the Land of Many Waters, are overachieving.

The popular table tennis coach is calling for a drastic change in the approach to sports in Guyana, noting “you see some athletes this year and when you see them back next year, you’re seeing the gap widening. We’re still able to hold our own, but the gap is widening every day, so we need to change the way sport is being governed and the investment into sports.”

CPL tickets for finals in Guyana go on sale today

FANS will have their chance to grab tickets early for the finals of this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as tickets will go on sale today both online and at the box office located at 233-234 Camp Street, Georgetown.

The opening hours for the box office will be 09:00hrs to 17:00hrs (Monday-Friday) and 09:00hrs to 13:00hrs (Saturdays).

CPL’s Chris Watson

ets cost G$2 500 (Grass Mound), G$3 300 (Orange Stand), G$5 500 (Red Stand), and G$6 000 (Green Stand) On September 21, Barbados Royals will face St Kitts & Nevis Patriots from 10:00hrs followed by Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs from 19:00hrs.

Trinbago Knight Riders and St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots clash from 10:00hrs on September

22 then Warriors play St Lucia Kings from 19:00hrs.

The lone match on September 24 is Knight Riders versus Amazon Warriors from 19:00hrs.

On September 25, Tallawahs and Kings play the morning fixture and Warriors will face the Royals from 19:00hrs to conclude the tournament’s group matches.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

Commonwealth Games:

Ferdinand Omanyala rates 100m triumph ‘perfect race’

FERDINAND Omanyala says winning the 100m title at the Commonwealth Games was the “perfect race” that he has “always been dreaming of”.

The 26-year-old clocked 10.02 seconds to claim gold in Birmingham on Wednesday, beating defending champion Akani Simbine by 0.11 seconds.

Omanyala becomes the first Kenyan to win the Commonwealth crown, adding to the continental triumph he recorded in Mauritius in June when he saw off South Africa’s Simbine in a photo-finish.

“This was the goal we had since the start of the year - to win the African Championships and the Commonwealth Games,” Omanyala told BBC Sport.

“We have achieved what we said, so we thank God for this. I am sure it will have a lot of impact, because I’ll be training knowing that I’m

Ferdinand Omanyala is the first Kenyan man to win the 100m at the Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth and African champion.

“This is a big motivation.

We are adding more accolades to my success.”

Omanyala’s success come after disappointment at the World Championships

in Eugene, where he failed to make the final after arriving late in the United States because of visa delays.

However, he says he forgot about that experience “after days”.

“It is all about just moving forward and using setbacks as stepping stones,” he added. “You have to pick up yourself. Everything happens for a reason.”

In June, Omanyala became just the second Kenyan to be crowned African champion over 100m, emulating 1990 winner Joseph Gikonyo, and expects more sprinters to emerge from the east African country on the back of his triumphs.

“There is so much talent in Kenya, it’s just that they never saw anybody ahead of them that has been sprinting.

“With my success, there are going to be so many sprinters coming. You saw one of our guys (Samwel Imeta) get to the semi-finals.

Next time we’ll all be in the final,” he rallied.

G h a n a ’s B e n j a m i n Azamati finished agonisingly outside the medals, coming fourth just 0.02s behind bronze medallist Yupun Abeykoon of Sri Lanka, while Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme crossed the line in seventh.

Elsewhere on day six in Birmingham, Cameroon’s Junior Periclex Ngadja Nyabeyeu won gold in the men’s 109kg weightlifting to give his nation their first medal of the Games.

Ngadja Nyabeyeu lifted a combined 361kg over his snatch and clean and jerk to seal his place on the top of the podium.

Meanwhile, Nigerian duo Rosemary Chukwuma and Nzubechi Grace Nwokocha were fourth and fifth respectively in the women’s 100m final.

Aussies to ramp up World Cup preparations in India AUSTRALIA are set to play three T20 Internationals against India in September, less than a month before the T20 World Cup kicks off on home soil.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the start of its 2022-23 home season, commencing with T20 games against Australia on Septem-

against India (the world’s No.1 ranked T20 side) could represent an opportunity for George Bailey and the Australian selectors to hand middle-order power-hitter Tim David his international debut.

Australia legend Ricky Ponting, who witnessed David’s exploits first-hand at this year’s IPL (where he scored 186 runs at a strike rate of 216.27 from eight

Australia won their last T20 series in India 2-0 in February 2019 (Getty)

ber 20, 23 and 25.

The three clashes against India – in Mohali, Nagpur and Hyderabad respectively – kick-start a host of international fixtures for Aaron Finch’s side, prior to the T20 World Cup which begins on October 16.

Following the short trip to India, home T20 matches against the West Indies (on October 5 and 7) and England (October 9, 12 and 14) have already been locked in, as Australia look to become the first men’s team to win back-to-back world titles in the game’s shortest format.

They are also looking to become the first men’s team to win the T20 World Cup as hosts.

The last time Australia played a T20 series in India, in February 2019, they walked away 2-0 victors after edging two thrillers.

Pat Cummins scored two off the final ball to seal a nervy three-wicket win in Game One before a Glenn Maxwell masterclass (113 n.o. off 55 balls) in Game Two allowed the Aussies to chase down India’s 190 with two balls to spare.

More than three-and-ahalf years later, this series

matches), said in recent weeks that if he was in Bailey’s position he would do exactly that.

“If I was a selector, I’d love to have someone like that in my team,” Ponting said.

“He’s an out and out match-winner.

“He’s the sort of player that could actually win you a World Cup; he’s not just the average run-of-the-mill guy that might just sneak into a squad.”

Australia’s first game of the T20 World Cup, against New Zealand, takes place on October 22 at the SCG. Updated list of Australia’s T20 fixtures prior to the World Cup: September 20 vs India (Mohali) September 23 vs India (Nagpur) September 25 vs India (Hyderabad) October 5 vs West Indies (Gold Coast) October 7 vs West Indies (Brisbane) October 9 vs England (Perth) October 12 vs England (Canberra) October 14 vs England (Canberra

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

Matthews surprised by Dottin’s sudden retirement BARBADOS and West Indies captain, Hayley Matthews, has said she had no indication that Deandra Dottin was planning to retire from international cricket midway through the Commonwealth Games, and is planning to discuss the matter with her teammate now that their campaign in Birmingham is over.

Matthews, who was appointed as West Indies captain in June, said she was as surprised as anyone by Dottin’s shock announcement via Twitter on Monday, citing concerns over the team envi-

ronment.

“Thankful to Deandra for everything she’s done for West Indies cricket,” said Matthews said when asked about her reaction to Dottin’s decision.

“She’s obviously been a wonderful player for us over the last years, and it’s sad to see her go, but at the same time if it’s something that she’s ready for, then (I am) supporting her 100%,” she added.

Matthews said she hadn’t spoken to Dottin before the announcement and that she had “no interpretation” of Dottin’s comments about

the team culture and environment.

“I’m obviously down here representing Barbados and everything, so probably not looking to speak too much on that at the moment,” the skipper said on Wednesday after her side suffered a 100-run defeat against India in their final Group A game.

“But yeah, I definitely would have a chat with her and see how things go,” she added.

Barbados won their opening match of the Commonwealth Games against Pakistan by 15 runs before losing by nine wickets to gold-medal favourites Aus-

ICC invited to make a case for cricket in 2028 Olympics CRICKET’’S hopes of featuring in the Olympics are alive and kicking. After it was thought that the chances of the game’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics of 2028 are virtually over, there comes the confirmation that LA28 has invited the International Cricket Council (ICC) to make a presentation.

A c c o r d i n g t o i n f o rmation received from all concerned, cricket will be competing with eight other disciplines and one of them is break-dancing (World DanceSport Federation). Baseball/ Softball (WBSC), flag football (IFAF), lacrosse (World Lacrosse), karate (WKF), kickboxing (WAKO), squash (WSF) and motorsport (FIA) are the other federations invited.

On Monday (August 1), a highly-placed source confirmed to Cricbuzz about the IOC/LA 28 invitation for the ICC. “Nine disciplines are on the shortlist of international federations invited to submit RFI (Request for Information) proposals for the LA28 Olympic sport programme review,” the source said. The presentations will have to be made later this month.

The final decision is expected ahead of the International Olympic Committee

(IOC) Session in Mumbai in mid-2023.

How many of those invited will eventually be included in the Games is not known but LA28 has already announced 28 disciplines aquatics, archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, canoe, cycling, equestrian, fencing, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, rowing, rugby, sailing, shooting, skateboarding, soccer, sport climbing, surfing, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, triathlon, volleyball and wrestling. As reported by Cricbuzzz on June 6, LA28 is not obliged to include new sports but it is expected to consider those games which will fit its cap of 10 500 athletes at the Olympics.

“Beyond the initial 28 sports, the organising committee for the LA28 Games has the opportunity, but not an obligation, to propose additional new sports for inclusion in the LA28 Olympic programme.

In the coming months, LA28 and the IOC will work with international federations to review disciplines with the evaluation criteria. The criteria will also aid in the evaluation of potential new sports for the LA28 Olympic Games,” an LA28 spokesperson had told Cricbuzz in

June.

The IOC pitch will be on the global appeal of the game with over one billion fans, most of them young. It would also confirm that the world’s best players will be competing in the most exciting format of the game (T20).

Asked about the Olympic hopes, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice told journalists recently, “We have declared the ambition to be involved in the Olympic Games. We are assisting the LA28 organisers and providing them the information for their assessment of different sports in regard to the addition to the Olympic programme. At this stage the decisions are due next year.

There is not much to report at this stage other than the fact we are assisting the LA28 organisers.”

He added: “The idea of having an Annual conference in Birmingham is to celebrate cricket’s involvement with the Commonwealth Games for the first time in 24 years with the women’s T20 event.

Judging from the reaction of the players, they are all excited and enjoying the experience of being with the top athletes of other sports.” (Cricbuzz)

tralia on Sunday.

The following day, Dottin published a letter addressed to Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Twitter announcing her “formal retirement from the senior women’s West Indies team effective 1st July 2022”.

(Sportsmax)

West Indies Women all-rounder Deandra Dottin announced her retirement from international cricket in a post on Sunday

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

WI, Indian players obtain US visas after Guyana President’s intervention

US basketball star Brittney Griner jailed for nine years on drug charges

A RUSSIAN court has sentenced US basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison on drug charges. As Griner, 31, was

Griner, who is considered one of the best players in the world, was detained in February at an airport near Moscow when vape cartridges contain-

Brittney Griner (right) pleaded guilty to drug charges - but denied deliberately breaking the law

Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid were among those who were flown to Georgetown in Guyana to attend visa interviews at the US Embassy ©( BCCI)

AFTER days of agonising wait, all members of the Indian and West Indies teams have been officially cleared to travel to the United States of America. They will be playing two T20I games in Florida this weekend.

Thanks to the intervention of the Guyana government, the US Visas for some players and support staff of the two sides could be obtained, albeit at the eleventh hour.

Cricbuzz can confirm that it required the efforts of Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana, to get the travel approvals. “It was a timely and influential diplomatic effort by His Excellency,”

said Ricky Skerritt, the president of Cricket West Indies (CWI), thanking the head of the Guyana government.

As earlier reported, those without the visas were flown to Georgetown in Guyana after the third T20I in St Kitts on Tuesday (August 2) night for interviews at the US Embassy. Among those who attended the interviews were India skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid. There were, in fact, 14 of them from the Indian touring party who did not have the travel approvals.

Others, including Ravindra Jadeja, R Ash-

win, Dinesh Karthik, Ravi Bis hnoi, S uryakumar Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav, have reached Miami meanwhile. They were due to join the rest of the teammates last night.

“They can fly only tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon. All Visa applications have been approved but passports are not to be returned until this afternoon,” Skerritt said, revealing the reason for the delayed travel. “All that the CWI could do has been done. Last night’s charter to Miami, for those previously with visas, was at greater financial risk to delay it than to operate it as previously planned,”

Skerritt further said.

Meanwhile, it has been learnt that Rohit will be available for the last two games on Saturday and Sunday. The India skipper retired hurt during the team’s chase against West Indies in the 3rd T20I in Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts, on Tuesday.

He had scored 11 off five balls when he had to leave the field. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the skipper suffered a back spasm. It is now learnt that he has recovered.

India went on to win the game to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

(Cricbuzz)

England thrash New Zealand and avoid Australia semi-final

ENGLAND cruised to a seven-wicket Twenty20 victory over New Zealand and will face India rather than Australia in the Commonwealth Games semi-finals.

Fast bowler Katherine Brunt took two wickets for four runs in a superb opening spell that put England on top.

Issy Wong and Sarah Glenn also took two wickets as New Zealand stuttered to 71-9 after opting to bat first.

Alice Capsey hit 23 and Sophia Dunkley 19 as England won with 8.2 overs to spare to finish top of their group.

England have won six T20 matches in a row including all three of their Commonwealth Games group matches.

They will take on India in the last four tomorrow, while New Zealand will have to play clear gold-medal favourites Australia.(BBC Sport)

being led out of the courtroom in handcuffs, she was heard saying: “I love my family.”

The double Olympic winner has admitted possessing cannabis oil - but told court she made “honest mistake”.

The court in Khimki, near Moscow, convicted her of smuggling and possessing narcotics. The prosecution had sought a nine-and-a-half jail term.

Reading the verdict yesterday, the presiding judge said she took into account the fact that the American had already spent a considerable time in detention.

Griner’s defence lawyer Maria Blagovolina said her client was “very upset, very stressed”.

“She can hardly talk. It’s a difficult time for her. When we saw Brittney on Tuesday, we told her, ‘See you on Thursday’. She said, ‘See you on doomsday’. So it looks like she was right.”

The defence team said they would appeal against the verdict.

ing cannabis oil were found in her luggage.

She had come to Russia to play club basketball during the US off-season.

Soon after, Russia invaded Ukraine and her case has become subject to high profile diplomacy between the US and Russia.

US President Joe Biden called the sentencing “unacceptable”.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: “Russia, and any country engaging in wrongful detention, represents a threat to the safety of everyone travelling, working, and living abroad.”

It is unclear how long she will actually spend behind bars, as the US and Russia have been discussing a potential prisoner swap that could involve the basketball player.

Reports in US media suggest imprisoned Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout - known as the Merchant of Death - could be transferred

by Washington to the Russian authorities as part of the deal. (BBC)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday August 05, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) India won by 7 wickets (2) Suryakumar Yadav (IND) Today’s Quiz: (1) Where and when did the WI & IND first contest a T20 Int’l game against each other?

(2) Name the Indians that have scored T20 Int’l centuries against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

Chantoba Bright in Women’s Mithun rallies Bangladesh Triple Jump finals today ...Phillips, Abrams in semi-finals

By Rawle Toney in Birmingham (Team Guyana Press Attaché) CHANTOBA Bright will compete in today’s Women’s Triple Jump finals, coming up against a star-studded line-up.

Bright, who competes for Kansas State in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), will come face-to-face with the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, Kimberly Williams.

Williams also won the Women’s Triple Jump at the 2014 Games in Glasgow.

The 22-year-old, former CARIFTA GAmes standout jumper, will also face another Jamaican, Shanieka Ricketts who was the silver medallist in 2018 and second place at the World Championships in Eugene.

More known for her accomplishments in the Long Jump while representing Guyana, Bright has a Personal Best of 13.53m in the Triple Jump.

Meanwhile, when Track and Field continued yesterday, Kenisha Phillips turned in an exceptional performance in the women’s 200m; a run that will see her through to today’s Semi-Finals.

Phillips’ performance was the only warmth provided for the Guyanese supporters on a cold day three of Track and Field at the Alexander Stadium.

In front of another almost sold-out crowd in Birmingham, Phillips stopped the clock in a time of 24.13 seconds to secure a fifth-place finish in Heat Four of

Chantoba Bright will be in action in the women’s Triple Jump at her first Commonwealth Games

the Women’s 200m.

Though the time was way off her Personal Best of 23.34s, it was enough to send her to today’s second semi-finals of the women’s 200m to race alongside Tokyo Olympics silver medallist, Namibia’s 19-year-old sensation, Christine Mboma.

She told NCN Sport that competing at her first Commonwealth Games is surreal, while looking forward to the 200m semis, especially after failing to advance in the 100m.

“It was a great experience. I love the crowd, love the energy.

I’m just grateful for this opportunity and I’m going to use this experience for other big meets in the near future,” Phillips said.

However, things didn’t go so well for Arinze Chance, Noelex Holder and Akeem Stewart in the Men’s 200m.

Stewart ran 21.42s to fin-

ish 5th in Heat 1. Over in Heat 2, Chance crossed the line 6th place, running 22.22s and Holder equalled his Season’s Best time of 21.77s in Heat 7.

For Holder, the 22-year-old, making his debut at the Commonwealth Games, though not advancing, said he was happy for the opportunity.

Stewart said they will focus on the Men’s 4x100m relay, where he’s confident of the country doing well.

Meanwhile, Emanuel Archibald did not live up to expectations in the Men’s Long Jump, where he finished 11th from a field of 12 jumpers.

Archibald had a leap of 7.83m to advance to yesterday’s finals.

The National record holder was a far-cry from his record-setting 8.12m when only managed a best of 7.54m.

The Bahamas’ LaQuan Nairn

Kenisha Phillips after her run in the women’s 200m Heat 1 at the Commonwealth Games

won gold with a distance of 8.08m, edging Murali Sreeshankar of India, who also had a 8.08m leap, forcing the officials to turn to the legal win limit, of which the former CARIFTA Games champion was in the negative.

On day four on the track, Phillips (200m semis) will be joined by Aliyah Abrams as the only two Guyanese on show at the Alexander Stadium.

Abrams will compete in Heat 2 of the women’s 400m, and will hope for a gold medal at her first Commonwealth Games.

innings after Mindley burst

GROS ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC) – Fast bowler Marquino Mindley’s early three-wicket burst took the headlines as West Indies “A” grabbed the honours on a shortened opening day of the first four-day “Test” against Bangladesh “A” here Thursday.

On a day at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground when only 43 overs were possible due a long break to deal with a dodgy bowler’s run-up, the visitors reached 135 for six after being sent in.

The 27-year-old Mindley finished with three for 43 – his wickets the first three to fall – as Bangladesh “A” slumped to 43 for three.

Fellow seamer Justin Greaves provided support with two for 25.

Captain Mohammad Mithun, who top-scored with an unbeaten 42, led a recovery for his side by anchoring an unbroken 44-run, seventh wicket stand with Nayeem Hasan who was 23 not out.

Mindley struck in the morning’s fourth over when he removed Mahmudul Hasan Joy, caught and bowled without scoring, with six runs on the board.

A long break ensued as ground-staff fixed the run-up and once action resumed, Mindley was quickly among the wickets again.

First, he got Mohammad Saif (20) to nick a defensive stroke behind following a 30-run, second wicket stand with Shadman Islam (17), and then removed Fazle Rabbi Mahmud (1) to a catch at first slip by Bryan Charles.

The next two wickets went down for 24 runs to leave the innings in turmoil at 66 for five before Mithun put on 25 for the sixth wicket with Zaker Ali Anik (3) and then rallied the innings further with Nayeem.

Mithun has so far faced 79 deliveries in just over 2-½ hours and struck seven fours.

‘Nervous’ Time Trial for Christopher Griffith at Commonwealth Games

By Rawle Toney in Birmingham

GUYANA’s cyclist at the Commonwealth Games, Christopher Griffith, had a horrid debut, when he finished 51st in the Men’s Time Trial event.

Going against some of cycling’s biggest names, Griffith was only competing Internationally for the second time and things certainly didn’t go according to plans.

A Time Trial riddled with falls, Griffith fell during his run, but managed to complete the 37km race in one hour, four minutes, 38.91 seconds (1:04.38.91s).

Australia’s talisman on the saddle, Rohan Dennis,

clocked 46 minutes, 21.24s (46:21.24s) to take the Gold ahead of England’s Fred Wright (46:47.52s) and Wales’ Geraint Thomas (46:49.73s).

“Chris’ performance in the Time Trial was a bit underpar, maybe due to the early crash,” his Coach Shaun Green said.

Green pointed to Thomas and England’s Dan Bigham who also crashed during their runs on a course which he described as Technical.

“But when you come to a time trial on a road bike against big guns who are specialists and have all the high-end equipment, it’s very hard,” Green said.

Green said, taking into consideration that Time Trials are not ‘big’ in Guyana, he

Cyclist Christopher Griffith about to start his Time Trial at the 22nd Commonwealth Games

lauded Griffith’s performance.

SQUASH Over in Squash, a valiant effort from Ashley Khalil

and Mary Fung-A-Fat in the Round-of-16 Women’s Doubles, but they were beaten 0-2 by defending Championships New Zealand, represented

by Joelle King and Amanda Landers-Murphy.

The Guyanese pair, playing on the beautiful ‘Show Court’ at the University of Birmingham, lost 3-11, 8-11.

Shomari Wiltshire and Jason-Ray Khalil, facing Sri Lankans Laksiri Ravindu and Wakeel Shamil in Men’s Round-of-32, also lost 0-2 (5-11, 6-11).

Squash will continue today with the quarter-finals of the Mixed Doubles Plate tournament.

Guyana’s Ashley Khalil and Mary Fung-A-Fat following their Round-of-16 Women’s Double defeat to defending Champions New Zealand

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 5, 2022

‘Sensational’ Natalie! ...historic performance from Cummings, Britton/Franklin at Commonwealth Games Table Tennis

Story on page 23

Caught in the act! Guyana’s Natalie Cummings in action in the final match of her seven-game thriller against Mauritius’ Ruqayyah Kinoo at the Commonwealth Games

Natalie Cummings is all smiles after her historic performance at the Commonwealth Games

CPL tickets for finals in Guyana go on sale today Story on page 23

Fans are urged to purchase tickets early

President Ali promises more funds for completion of synthetic tracks

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has promised that more funds will be allocated for the completion of synthetic tracks at the Bayroc Community Centre ground in Wismar, Linden and Burnham Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

President Ali made the affirmation while speaking at an Emancipation Day celebration in New Amsterdam.

“Before the end of this year - we’ve already met for the supplementary (funds) you will see, at both tracks, work commencing to give you a final product that you deserve,” the President told the Berbice gathering.

In October 2018, BK International Inc. was awarded

President Dr Irfaan Ali

the contract for the Region Six track, to be built at Burnham Park to the tune of approximately $141M. Builders Hardware and General Supplies was given the nod for the facility at Bayroc Community Centre ground

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

to the tune of $179M. There were 14 tenders for the Region Six project and 12 for Region 10.

Currently, there is only one synthetic track in Guyana, located at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. | FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022