Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05-11-2023

5th NOVEMBER, 2023

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No.107255

Unlocking new opportunities

- single-mother of two embarks on new, fruitful journey as contractor - praises gov’t for opportunities and the ability to grow as a business owner

Thousands flock GDF’s farmers’ market

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Saturday morning visited the GDF’s farmers’ market at Base Camp Ayanganna (Office of the President photo)

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday night attended a welcome reception for the new U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole D. Theriot. The event was attended by Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, the press, business executives and other officials (Office of the President photo)

Guyana to export fresh fruits and vegetables to Barbados SEE PAGE

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- 283 black belly sheep expected from Barbados by the first quarter of 2024

Mahdia Fire Station boosted

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Unlocking new opportunities

- single mother of two embarks on new, fruitful journey as contractor - praises gov’t for opportunities and the ability to grow as a business owner

By Trina Williams THE drive to keep on pushing no matter how gloomy it might seem is what made Tamasa Jones, a single mother of two boys, the woman she is today.

For this single mother, there wasn’t a bridge that she wouldn’t cross in order to put her kids first and despite the challenges, Jones has managed to come out on top and even become a business-owner in the male dominated field of construction.

In an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Jones stated that she was surrounded by primarily masculine personalities as a child and that she was driven to follow in her father's footsteps after becoming interested in the trade of construction.

However, while the single mother found a job, she found it difficult to make ends meet.

“You got to pay rent, your

Tamasa Jones and Vladim Persaud, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works kids have to go to school, you have to find snacks and even food for yourself… it was very challenging.”

After realising that she

could not stay at a job that is barely cutting it, she decided to start her own business.

“I said, ‘you know what, I am going to go about and

find out how I could become a contractor’… So, in February 2021, I decided to get up and make a move,” she proudly remarked.

After obtaining all of the documents, Jones said she did not even sit down and wait for the opportunity to present itself but instead she decided to create one.

The single mother told this publication that she visited the Ministry of Public Works to find out how she can bid for a contract.

It is for this reason she extended her gratitude to the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government for providing small contractors like herself with the opportunity to flourish.

She lauded the fact that Government Officials are always on the ground and meeting with the people in order to get a better understanding of their lives and their environment.

“I feel wonderful. I feel blessed because with the previous government, you couldn’t go out and meet ministers to get help.

“You have to book an

appointment [and] when you make these appointments you hear she/he is in a meeting.”

The single mother of two explained how difficult she found it to develop her business under the previous A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) administration.

But, today, Jones is participating in the tremendous development ongoing in Albouystown and surrounding communities.

Last month, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said that job creation had exceeded expectations. Since assuming office in 2020, more than 50,000 people have become employed.

With this goal coming sooner than expected, it marks a tremendous accomplishment for the PPP/C government, which, in its 2020-2025 Manifesto, promised to provide 50,000 new jobs by the end of its first term in office.

Guyana to export fresh fruits and vegetables to Barbados

- Agriculture Minister says - 283 black belly sheep expected from Barbados by 1st quarter of 2024

By Cindy Parkinson WITH Guyana setting the standard for agriculture in the Caribbean, regional leaders and their delegations continue to flock the oil-rich nation to engage in discussions and seek help/advice from government officials on how they can develop the agriculture sector in their respective regions.

In an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, explained that he met with the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and National Security of Barbados, Indar Weir, and his team to discuss updates on several collaborative initiatives between Guyana and the Island of the Flying Fish.

“The meeting that I had with the Barbados delegation was a fruitful one, where we followed up on issues that we have had over time. Some of those

issues are at a technical level, but I have a full team from the Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana and Barbados that is working to ensure that we remove any barriers so that we can have a smooth flow in accomplishing our goals.

“Guyana is currently helping Barbados with the shade house programme, and I am pleased to say that we have already supplied them with 12 shade houses so far, and very soon we will be supplying them with an additional 35 shade houses. Some of our technical people from Guyana will be going to Barbados to set it up for them and to also examine the types of crops that they will be planting.”

After meeting with the Barbadian Agriculture Minister and his team, Minister Mustapha said that he will be coordinating with them and assisting them to set up the programme to ensure that the island and their

people successfully benefit from it. Mustapha also added that the Barbados Aquaculture Programme, which was started a few months ago, was set up by the Guyanese team, led by Mr. Simon Shaw.

“We have also discussed the black belly sheep programme, and I am pleased to relate that I was told by the delegation that we will receive another 283 black belly sheep from them by the first quarter of next year. That will bring the count to 1,000 black belly sheep received from Barbados. The programme will be rolled out shortly, physically, so that we can increase the number of sheep and create that brand that both President Ali and the Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, would have wanted us to work on,” Minister Mustapha stated.

He also noted that arrangements are in place with the Guyanese farmers to ensure that a variety of

fresh fruits and vegetables will be exported to Barbados. The agriculture minister explained that Guyana currently exports small quantities of fruits and vegetables to Barbados now; it will be done on a much larger scale.

While Guyana is helping Barbados in this sector, the Agriculture Minister said, “We are leading the charge in the Caribbean when it comes to agriculture, and we are working with the leaders of many of these islands to ensure that we assist them to develop their sector.”

Meanwhile, Mustapha further added that Guyana has been working with Trinidad and Tobago to help them resuscitate their rice industry. He also added that they are looking to help them with their shade house programme as well as aquaculture. Upon his recent visit to Guyana, Minister Mustapha said that the Prime Minister of

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, and the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and National Security of Barbados, Indar Weir St. Lucia, Philip Joseph Pierre, requested their help in developing the agriculture sector in his territory.

“Guyana is not only discussing and working with Barbados; we are working with all of our CARICOM countries,” he related.

Additionally, the agriculture minister said that, under the previous administration, Guyana had lost its leading position to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the sector. However, he explained that it is because of President Ali’s leader-

ship and commitment to bringing people together under the One Guyana and One Caribbean umbrella that the country has once again made its way to the top.

"Today, under President Ali’s leadership and believing in a One Guyana and One Caribbean lifestyle for all, we are a shining light in CARICOM, and they are looking forward greatly to Guyana's leadership towards reducing the food bill,” he added.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Ukraine war: Zelensky says Israel-Gaza conflict taking focus away from fighting

(BBC) - The Israel-Gaza war is "taking away the focus" from the conflict in Ukraine, the country's President Volodymyr Zelensky has admitted. He said this was "one of the goals" of Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

And he denied that fighting in Ukraine had reached a stalemate, despite a recent assessment to this effect by the country's top military general. Ukraine's counter-offensive in the south has so far made little headway.

This has prompted fears of war fatigue among Kyiv's Western allies, with suggestions of growing reluctance

in some capitals to continue giving Ukraine advanced weapons and funds.

In a separate development on Saturday, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that Ukrainian soldiers from 128th Mountain Assault Brigade "Zakarpattia (Transcarpathia)" were killed, ordering a "full investigation in what he described as a "tragedy".

He did not say how many soldiers died in what Ukraine's military said was a Russian missile strike in the southern Zaporizhzhia region on Friday. Reports in Ukrainian media and among Russian military bloggers earlier said more than 20

Ukrainian service personnel were killed during an award ceremony in a village close to the front lines.

Ukraine's military also said that on Saturday it successfully hit "sea and port infrastructure" of a shipbuilding plant in Crimea Ukraine's southern peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

Russia's defence ministry was later quoted by the country's state-run news agencies as saying that 13 out of 15 Ukrainian missiles fired on the plant in the city of Kerch, eastern Crimea, were shot down, but a Russian ship was damaged. Speaking at Saturday's briefing in Kyiv with visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Mr Zelensky said: "It's clear that the war in the Middle East is taking away the focus" from Ukraine.

He said Russia wanted

President Volodymyr Zelensky this focus to be "weakened", ions," Mr Zelensky replied, but stressed that "every- adding: "But this is not a thing is in our powers". Mr stalemate."

Zelensky was also asked to He admitted that Russia comment on this week's assessment by Ukraine's chief was "controlling the skies" military commander Valery and that Ukraine urgently Zaluzhny that the war was needed US-made F-16 warnow moving to a "positional" planes and advanced anti-airor static stage, and this would craft defences to change the benefit Moscow by "allow- situation.

The Ukrainian leader reing it to rebuild its military called that last year, there power".

"Everyone is getting tired had also been a lot of talk and there are different opin- about a stalemate on the vast battlefield in Ukraine - but he pointed to Kyiv's subsequent major military victories in the north-eastern Kharkiv region and Kherson in the south.

Mr Zelensky also rejected media reports that he was coming under growing pressure to consider negotiations with Russia.

"Today, no-one among EU, US leaders and others our partners - is putting pressure for us to now sit down to negotiate with Russia, and give away something to it.

This will not happen."

Moscow on Thursday also commented on Mr Zaluzhny's assessment, with Russian President Vladimir

Putin's spokesman saying the current battlefield situation was not a "stalemate".

"All the [war] goals that were set must be achieved," Dmitry Peskov said, adding that Ukraine must realise that "even talking about any prospects for the Kyiv regime's victory on the battlefield is absurd".

President Putin has repeatedly claimed that Ukraine's counter-offensive had failed, while his Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said this week that Kyiv was losing the war despite supplies of new weapons from Nato allies. Meanwhile, the UK defence intelligence said in its latest report on Saturday that Russia "has likely lost around 200 armoured vehicles during its assaults on the Donbas town of Avdiivka" in eastern Ukraine.

"It is plausible that Russia has suffered several thousand personnel casualties around the town since the start of October 2023.

"Russia's leadership continues to demonstrate a willingness to accept heavy personnel losses for marginal territorial gains," the report said.

M o s c o w h a s i n re cent weeks been trying to advance in eastern and north-eastern Ukraine but Ukraine's military says all the attacks have been rebuffed. The claims by the two warring sides have not been independently verified.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Spotlight Initiative’s impact on gender-based violence in Guyana discussed at ministerial forum THE just-concluded Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Inaugural Ministerial Forum on Gender Equality and Empowerment focused heavily on the impact of the Spotlight Initiative on Guyana’s efforts to eradicate gender-based violence.

To this end, UN Resident Coordinator Yesim Oruc underscored that “Spotlight has helped catalyse in some places national ownership, and in others has been able to support the lead of national drive towards gender equality and eradicating violence against women.”

She was speaking on Friday at the closing of the forum at the Mariott Hotel, Georgetown.

Government officials, regional delegates, and advocates were urged to continue building partnerships and budgetting for gender response, including programmes and ministerial operations that focus on service delivery.

The Spotlight Initiative aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through its six pillars: Legislation, institutional

UN Resident Coordinator Yesim Oruc

strengthening, prevention, services, data and women’s rights and civil society.

Presenters highlighted noteworthy Spotlight Initiative programmes and interventions that are aligned with these pillars. Initiatives to strengthen gender response in Guyana included training 2,000 police officers, equipping community members to spot gender-based violence, and providing technical and vocational skills training to vulnerable women and girls.

Human Services Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud, in her closing remarks at the forum extended heartfelt gratitude to members of the Caribbean delega-

tion for their participation. “This could not be what it was without the invested participation of CARICOM brothers and sisters. I thank you, because it is not only the conversation that we had; the shared experiences that meant so much to each one of us that we learnt from

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud addressing delegates at the Ministerial forum

it, but what came out of it was the united and formidable front that we will now work with our own energies for the wider benefit of our Caribbean families,” she expressed.

Presentations were

made by the European Union, ChildLink, Guyana Liaison Office, UNICEF and UNDP among several other organisations.

The final day also saw the delegates visiting some of Guyana’s

key facilities such as the Learning Lab, and Hope and Justice facility, as well as the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). (DPI)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Making a Difference CITIZENS of Georgetown have grown tired of empty promises made by the APNU-dominated City Council to address a number of burning issues affecting them. Among these are the removal and disposal of garbage on a timely manner, clogged up drains and patchy roads.

The once beautiful garden city of Georgetown has been reduced to a garbage city, thanks to decades of incompetence and neglect by the PNC-dominated City Council.

As the country's modernasition program picks up momentum, the full impact of such transformation is stymied by the ineptitude of the Mayor and City Council which appeared clueless and visionless on how to deal with the myriad issues facing

the citizens of Georgetown.

This sordid state of affairs has not gone unnoticed by the PPP/C administration which has, from time to time, been injecting millions of dollars to bring some measure of relief to the citizens of Georgetown.

Georgetown, after all, is the capital city and pride of all Guyanese. Its beautiful blend of European and local architecture makes it unique and a marvel to behold. The parallel roads and streets lined with trees give the city a distinctive appearance. The City Hall, currently under rehabilitation thanks to funding from central government is arguably one of the most architecturally elegant structure in the Caribbean.

Yet the full beauty of Georgetown is masked by the decades of neglect inflict-

ed by the PNC-dominated City Council which shamelessly continue to neglect the city and by extension the concerns of its citizenry.

This state of affairs is about to change. During a recent impromptu visit to the Kingston community by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, he assured residents that the city cannot wait on the City Council any longer.

He promised to put together a group involving the Ministry of Public Works and City councillors to bring about meaningful changes to the city, including the clearing of alleyways and drains. In addition, defects on roads will be patched and street lights installed where needed.

This is indeed a commendable gesture on the part of President Ali whose

proactive leadership style has resulted in significant improvements in the quality of life of Guyanese throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

It is an unfortunate fact of our post-independence history that economic and social progress has been stymied by the incompetence and dictatorial policies of the PNC regime. Put in another way, whatever progress has been made is attributable to the sound and people-oriented policies and programs of the PPP/C administration.

It is indeed unfortunate that the city of Georgetown has been held politically hostage by the PNC which seem both incapable and unwilling to manage the city in a manner that is satisfying to the needs of the

citizens. The good thing is that such dynamic is likely to change as the ruling PPP/C administration has been making incremental but significant political gains in the governance of the city. This auger well for the citizens of Georgetown who have long dreamt of a return to the status of a Garden City.

President Ali has committed to the transformation of the city and the restoration of its past glory.

He pledged to work with the citizens of Georgetown to bring about positive change to the city. Already, the face of Georgetown is undergoing significant changes through a number of central government interventions and First Lady Arya Ali's beautification programs.

Georgetown has a special place in the developmental agenda of the PPP/C. This is manifested in the 'Operation clean-up' led by President Ali. But as pointed out by President Ali, “the responsibility resides in all of us to make the difference and we are starting from the city itself.

What you are seeing here is just the tip of the iceberg.”

The City Council, for its part, need to rise above partisan politics and work together with the central government to bring about meaningful developments. It has to stop shifting blame on others including the government, private sector and the taxpayers of Georgetown for the current deplorable state of Georgetown.

Where will Guyana draw the line between treasonous expression, free speech?

Dear Editor, Where will Guyana draw the line between treasonous expression and free expression? This question is of greater import for Guyanese now as Venezuela has become alarmingly aggressive in pursuit of its border claim against us.

In terms of abstract doctrine, Title 20, Article 318 of our laws say treason condemns anyone who owes allegiance to the State who, whether in Guyana or elsewhere, who adheres to Guyana’s enemies by giving them aid or comfort shall be guilty and liable to suffer death by hanging.

In my opinion, the harshness of the penalty works against the intent of the law as only the harshest of persons would wish to see someone put to death for talking

without thinking of the consequences, or worse as in the case of the ‘influencers’, unable to comprehend the gravamen of their words and actions.

Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis wrote “Parliament meeting to discuss Venezuela’s saber rattling must also discuss the idea floated by Bharrat Jagdeo to give Venezuela passage to the Atlantic, via Guyana’s territory that country is coveting.”

This is Lewis’ xenophobic (understandably) interpretation of what Jagdeo said; what was being shared did not originate with Jagdeo but has been a bone of contention long before Jagdeo was born.

The overlapping Economic Exclusive Zones of Guyana, Trinidad, and Barbados, effectively left Venezuela without a right to a sea lane

to the Atlantic.

In 1990, Trinidad signed a treaty, a delimitation of marine and submarine areas, which some experts say has implications for Guyana and Barbados. There have been numerous meetings between Guyana and Venezuela on the Geneva Agreement, at these talks much had been made of Venezuela’s ‘landlocked’ status. When Jagdeo said ‘we’ in the context of border discussions, Jagdeo was referring to Guyana and to negotiations that occurred when he was in primary school; all of these discussions are part of the records held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as these talks were conducted by our diplomats.

As President, in 2004, Jagdeo invoked the UNCLOS mechanism and took Suriname to the United Nations

Tribunal of the Law of the Sea which led to our current maritime boundaries being settled in our favour at the Arbitral Tribunal in Hamburg, in 2007.

My main issue with Lincoln Lewis is his timing and motivation; he is using the current tension along the border to take a jab at Jagdeo and, I would ask what would be the outcome if we all behave with such selfishness at a time of national crisis?

Should I try to score points against Burnham for signing the Geneva Agreement? Was it not Burnham’s greed for power at any cost that made him sign us into this quagmire? Why would Burnham have acknowledged a border dispute that was settled before he was born? And, I can point to the turning point in the relations between

the two countries when David Granger called Venezuela “a monkey on our backs.” That idiom was not well received by the nation that was our largest aid partner at the time (PetroCaribe).

When Granger decided on the ICJ route, he received full public support from the PPP/C and all right-thinking Guyanese; no one chose to play petty politics. Lincoln Lewis has cost thousands of Guyanese jobs with his bluff and bluster. Rusal, who Lewis said could not live without our ‘black gold’ variety of Bauxite pulled out of the country because of Lewis; 800 jobs gone, Troy Resources, 375 jobs, Alcoa 3000+ jobs. The only people he never had a problem with were Omai, who gifted him a car.

Editor, we cannot make

the words and actions of the less thoughtful or capable treasonous, we must however seek a balance that curtails the amount of comfort they give to the enemies of our nation. I have not given examples from the ‘influencers’ who have moved from being panty models to making pronouncements on matters of state because they are beneath our dignity, ignorance from the ignorant. I hope someone can share this simple message with them, “Now is not the time to try to score petty points and give even the slightest bit of joy to our country's enemies.”

Failure to comprehend may one day force even the most liberal of us to rethink what can/should be allowed as ‘free speech.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Are the Palestinian people actual humans?

I TAUGHT philosophy to students for 26 years at UG. One of the philosophers that was a recurring name on the course outline was Arthur Koestler (Koestler did not study philosophy at the university level). In describing the innate flaws of Homo Sapiens that make humans far more dangerous than lower animals, Koestler argued with a passion that life will forever be violent because an evolutionary line fault in the cerebral structure of Homo Sapiens makes their inclination to violence indissoluble.

Koestler may have been influenced by one of the 18th century great philosophers, Thomas Hobbes who believed that humans are inherently flawed and see violence as natural act. But Hobbes argued that society has a way of repressing that natural instinct. He explained that since humans have to live in community, then community can make rules that stultify the path to natural aggression. Hobbes called such mechanism, the “social contract.”

Hobbes wrote in the 18th century and so he did not have access to the volumes of facts on evolutionary biology that Koestler did, so there was no mention of evolutionary biology in Hobbes’ book.

Koestler on the other hand no doubt drew on the findings of evolutionary biology. But Hobbes still has the distinction of being the first modern philosopher to argue that humans will never be peaceful souls.

Sigmund Freud never mentioned Hobbes in his superlative philosophising on the human mind but one wonders if Hobbes did not have an influence on the way Freud saw the natural faults of Homo Sapiens and what could be done to suppress those congenital psychological defects. Freud’s genius lies in the designs he invented to dissolve the inherent genetic weaknesses of the natural, violent propensities of Homo Sapiens.

In so doing, so you see shades of Hobbes but Freud never ever mentioned Hobbes. Freud arrived at the same gateway as Hobbes. They both invented programmes from

within civilised living to curtail and extirpate the natural deficiencies in the human mind.

Koestler of course read both Hobbes and Freud but he differed fundamentally with them on how Homo Sapiens can be saved. He believed they could not be saved. He believed so because he knew he couldn’t control his own prediction for violence. Koestler was a serial rapist and one of his victims was the wife of one of the most left wing leaders British politics produced, Labour Party leader, Michael Foot. Koestler committed suicide in later years.

One of the world’s great evolutionary biologists, Harvard Professor E.O. Wilson took Koestler ’s theory to its logical climax.

Wilson argued that one of the genetic traits of Homo Sapiens in xenophobia.

When American students demonstrated against Wilson and threatened to harm him, Wilson said all he did was to discover a scientific fact that society cannot wish away.

In my teaching of Koestler and Wilson, the innate violence of Homo Sapiens

was always presented to students. I always dissect the two worst aspects of the flaws of Homo Sapiens in the history of civilization –slavery and the Holocaust. Every year, in class, I showed the film, “Schindler’s List” about the Holocaust and asked students to pay special attention to a particular scene.

The maid of the sadistic Nazi commander of the death camp was a Jewish woman. One night, he felt the need for sex and pulled the maid close to him, then, in a fit of rage, he threw her violently against the wall with the exclamation that she was naturally dirty because she was a Jew. That scene graphically showed that the Nazis did

not consider the Jews to be humans.

The Nazi regime considered Jews to be below normal people and committed genocide against them. Were Koestler and Wilson right? Important global leaders are describing what the Israeli government and army are doing in Gaza as genocide. They include top United Nation experts, and the President of Brazil. One director of the UN Human Rights Commission resigned categorising Israeli mass murder in Gaza as genocide.

It is possible in human society for the victims of xenophobia and genocide to become perpetrators of genocide themselves?

One senior army official has called the Palestinian

people human animals.

But isn’t this the way Nazi Germany saw the Jews, and tragically murdered six million of them, a crime we must never forget?

As someone trained in philosophy and who has studied the Holocaust and taught it at the university level, (my first essay as a UG freshman in 1974 in the philosophy class of Sister Mary Noel Menezes was on the Holocaust), I would say Israeli destruction in Gaza constitutes genocide. If were to teach philosophy again, I would tell my students that the Jews who were victims in the Holocaust are now performing another Holocaust; this time against the Palestinian people.

GECOM’s continuous registration process comes to an end soon

Dear Editor, MORE than 20,000 transactions are expected to be completed during the present continuous registration process.

This will ensure GECOM’s readiness to produce a Register of Registrants which will facilitate the production of a voters list to hold General and Regional Elections in 2025.

At the end of October, 14,500 transactions were completed. The process is ex-

pected to gain some momentum as the closing date on the 30th November approaches.

Significantly, more than 14,000 took the opportunity to get registered, while more than 2,000 requested changes and corrections and 1,700 requested transfers.

It is indeed most encouraging to see our people, particularly our young people, showing genuine interest to get registered and be prepared for the up-coming elections. Meanwhile, GECOM

is calling on all Guyanese who applied for Identification Cards to ensure that they collect their cards.

GECOM must be commended for providing the nation with regular updates since the continuous registration process started on the July 4, 2023. The permanent registration offices in the 10 administrative regions are functioning very effectively, and the different political parties have paid scrutineers working in

all the offices to verify all transactions.

The Guyana Government must be complemented for their genuine effort to provide our people with a genuine ID card. A reputable international organisation, Veridos, a leading global provider of integrated identity solutions was offered a contract to produce a digital identity card.

In August, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips presented the Digi-

tal Identity Card Bill to the National Assembly. This genuine exercise will consolidate the biometric data of each citizen into one card with multiple security features which will certainly offer greater protection against fraud.

The new identification card will be comprehensive, it will include person’s name, place of birth and photo or facial image satisfying the requirements for a photo-

graph. There will be an identification number, sex, citizenship, fingerprints and signature. This card is indeed a benchmark of Guyana’s explosive development as we stride boldly along the path of 21st century technology.

The PPP/C Government is consistently doing their best to hold free and fair elections.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

A glimpse into Guyana’s future: Oil production to propel Guyana’s economic growth beyond 2030

BY 2030, Guyana is likely to witness remarkable economic transformation with its thriving oil and gas industry. The country’s natural resources hold the power to transform all sectors and propel the nation and its citizens to unprecedented heights of prosperity.

The current production from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity FPSOs sits close to 400,000 barrels per day (bpd). With the Prosperity FPSO coming on stream later this year an initial 220,000 bpd is expected to be generated, catapulting Guyana’s overall production number to about 600,000 bpd in 2024.

Furthermore, with Yellow-

tail and Uaru expected to start up by 2025 and 2026 respectively, more oil will be produced for the country. By then, production is expected to ramp up to over 1 million bpd. The vision for Guyana is to have as many as 10 FPSOs in operation eventually.

If six FPSOs are projected to produce at least 1.2 million bpd, 10 will take Guyana to even greater heights of production, contributing to massive economic growth for the country.

So far, the revenue generated from oil exports has enabled the government to invest in critical sectors such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and agriculture. In 2022, the

national budget was supported by 23 per cent of oil revenues while budget 2023 received up to 26.7 per cent.

This reflects a consistent increase in oil and gas revenue being used to support the national budgets over the last few years. The upcoming fiscal year is expected to be bigger and better with another massive increase and benefits for all Guyanese. This is anticipated to result in increases in cash grants, bigger pensions and improved wages and salaries. Going on the current trajectory, it is expected that more funds will be allocated towards healthcare services expansion and education reforms, leading to improved

access to quality education and healthcare facilities.

According to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the projected revenues from oil will be an astonishing US$10 billion annually by the end of 2030. He said, “Our Natural Resource Fund is growing and we are looking to the modernisation of our country; health, education, agriculture, and the expansion of the economy with revenues from the oil and gas sector.” The trend shows advancements in the country with more money being added every year to the Natural Resource Fund.

The country’s infrastructure is expected to undergo

significant improvements by 2030 with the support of oil revenues. There are already ongoing upgrades in transportation networks which include roads, ports, airports and railways to facilitate trade activities both domestically and internationally.

Funds will also be plugged into other sectors.

The discovery of substantial oil reserves has undoubtedly attracted global attention to Guyana’s potential for economic growth.

By 2030, it is anticipated that Foreign Direct Investment in various sectors such as the tourism and manufacturing industries and technology will increase significantly due to the stability

provided by the country’s newfound wealth.

With proper management and governance, the country can continue to utilise its oil funds to drive economic growth, promote sustainable development, enhance social welfare, improve infrastructure and attract even more Foreign Direct Investment. However, Guyana must ensure transparency and accountability in managing these funds to avoid pitfalls that have plagued other resource-rich nations. By doing so, Guyana can pave the way for a prosperous future that benefits all Guyanese.

call Jimbo Bridge, in Grove.

He was unable to complete the maneuver and the car was hit by an oncoming truck.

Four passengers in the car – all members of the same family – died, including a pregnant woman, but the drivers of both vehicles survived, as did two children.

Co-incidentally, the family of the deceased lived directly opposite our house in Grove and so I went to pay my respects. Then I learned that the folks who died were on their way to pay a visit and the car driver, who was unfamiliar with area, missed the turn, leading to attempt the U-turn further up the road.

Apart from my sorrowful realisation that while tragedy had just struck me, it had devastated and indeed decimated this family, I began to wonder about the two drivers. What was happening to them?

The driver of the car was apparently at fault for attempting such a turn on a major road, but I felt sure the truck driver, even if blameless, would surely feel the trauma of being involved in the death of so many.

I was shocked to later hear emotional members of the public, declaring the truck driver responsible, had dragged him out of his vehicle and beaten him badly. I became even more concerned about the mental state of this young man and equally so about the driver of the car who would no doubt be feeling responsible.

Too often we pursue the legal angle to cases like these, and those involving gender-based or domestic violence, and pay insufficient attention to the mental state of all the parties concerned.

In the case of the motor accident, especially given the horror of it, the family and both drivers should receive counselling in order to process their trauma. Regardless of where blame lies, everyone involved would need the guidance of a mental health professional to help them navigate through the veritable forest of conflicting emotions which would undoubtedly be assailing them.

Likewise in interpersonal and domestic violence cases, both the victim and perpetrator need professional help to stem what often turns into a circle of violence, with the victims being drawn into other abusive relationships and the abusers continuing their violent ways.

At its fundamental level,

counselling is simply a means of helping people overcome obstacles and personal challenges they are facing.

Professional counselling is defined by the American Counselling Association as “…a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education and career goals.”

It seems to me, therefore, that we all at one time or another in our lives, needed counselling though in previous years much of it may have been done informally.

And while we do not have a culture in this country of going for counselling, now, in these changing times, where

professional help is available, we should not feel reticent nor ashamed to seek it.

The professional counsellor works with families, groups or individuals helping them to cope with thoughts, feelings and behaviours. They help clients work through issues related to parenting, substance abuse and various mental illnesses such as depression and suicidal thoughts.

They provide a safe and confidential space where an individual can discuss freely whatever is bothering them, without fear of criticism or judgement and help point clients in positive directions, informed by what they themselves have to say.

Getting help

SHORTLY after my twin son died in a car crash last August in Diamond, there was a horrendous accident close to our home in Golden

Grove on the East Bank of Demerara.

Apparently, the driver of a car was attempting a U-turn in the vicinity of what locals

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Apoteri Amerindian Village advances low carbon development with carbon credits

THE Government of Guyana is resolutely advancing with the implementation of the national carbon credit credits programme under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. This includes the implementation of low carbon projects at the village level in Amerindian villages across all regions of Guyana.

The Amerindian Village of Apoteri in Region Nine is

for other resources, the Minister also mentioned that the 242 Amerindian villages have already benefitted from them and are implementing many projects on social upliftment, economic ventures, and food security.

He also urged the village of Toshao to optimise using the funds on low-carbon economic business ventures that will generate income in the community for all villagers.

at the village level at a time when many climate-related impacts are affecting villages.

In one of his press conferences earlier this year, the Vice President of Guyana, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, related that the village councils in the Amerindian communities are actively working on several developmental projects that are supported by funds from the national carbon credits programme.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, during his visit to Apoteri demonstrating rapid progress in its implementation efforts.

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, who visited the community last month, was provided an update by the village on progress on low-carbon projects, and Minister Bharrat gave a detailed overview of the government’s goals for national development during his visit.

According to the Minister of Natural Resources, “This is the first payment.

Next year, there will be another payment, and your village will receive continuous, predictable financing to sustain low-carbon development projects. This will still not be the end because you will be benefitting from this programme at least for a period of 10 years.”

Noting that these payments are not a substitute

He explained, “This money is going to be added to what you are already receiving. Like the presidential grant, the capital grant, money from the budget, and other programmes that have been implemented by the government to support you financially.”

Minister Bharrat expects Guyana to undergo a significant transformation through government investments.

“The future ahead of us is a bright one. Ten years from today, Guyana, including the village of Apoteri and other villages, will not be the same. We will all be experiencing major success,” he stated.

The Toshao of the village, Ozias James, also expressed his appreciation to the government on behalf of the people of Apoteri and recognised the importance of low-carbon investments

According to Dr. Jagdeo, Guyana received a payment of US$22 million, which represents 15 per cent of carbon credits totalling GYD$4.7 billion, that is being disbursed towards economic development and the upliftment of the Amerindian population.

The Vice President explained, “We anticipate that by the end of the year, most of it will be expended. If you listen to the Toshaos, you will hear about how transformative these funds have been in their communities; apart from the support that they have received directly from the government through tractors and all of that, these funds alone have made a huge impact in these villages.”

At the 2023 National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, Toshaos presented transformative proj-

ects that are ongoing in their villages, including in agriculture, eco-tourism, infrastructure, and income-making projects for vulnerable groupings, among others.

“Next year, these communities will get another $2.6 billion because we will receive $87 million. This will go up to 2030; every year they will get these funds, and this is only for 30 per cent,” Dr. Jagdeo added.

When the remaining 70 per cent of carbon credits are sold, there would be significant additional resources available for villages and communities across Guyana. While 15 per cent of carbon credit revenues are going directly to Amerindian villages, the remaining 85 per cent is also invested in projects that benefit com-

munities all across Guyana at the national and regional levels.

Although the government-conceptualised initiative has resulted in significant benefits to Amerindian villages, Dr. Jagdeo highlighted that a Georgetown-based Non-Governmental organisation has attempted to block the funding by writing the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) Secretariat, but there has been no support by villages to block crediting or funding that can come to them.

Vice President Jagdeo also reminded us that “in 2009, when we launched the first Low Carbon Development Strategy and when the Guyana Norway Agreement was implemented, the APA

tried to block the funds coming to Guyana and, by extension, Amerindian villages.”

Importantly, based on detailed consultation reports published on the LCDS website, there has been well-documented reporting of detailed stakeholder engagement across Guyana. The LCDS 2030 and the carbon credits programme continue to make a transformational impact in villages like Apoteri in Region Nine and villages all across Guyana.

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

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Mahdia Fire Station boosted A firefighting tool

THE Mahdia Fire Station in Region Eight has received new fire prevention equipment to boost its capacity, Officer in Charge Ryan Scott said in a recent interview.

Scott was accompanying a Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) team that was inspecting several facilities in the region. The team included Chairman Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh, Attorney-at-Law Kim Kyte-Thomas, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council

Derrick John, Secretary of the Commission Javed Shaddick, and Attorney-at-Law Keoma Griffith.

Scott stated, “We acquired a cutter, power saw, small and big sledgehammers, and fireman axe. Those are parts of the equipment we need to use for breaking in… in terms for when you meet a fire scene, if you need to enter the building. That is for easier access, so you can use that as break-in tools or if there is a vehicle accident, you could use that to extract

Officer in Charge at Mahdia Fire Station Ryan Scott and Chairman, Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh with others persons from.”

In light of recent upgrades, officials questioned whether the fire station is now better equipped to respond swiftly to emergencies, including incidents sim-

ilar to the Mahdia dorm fire.

Given that the trenches are dried up during dry season, Scott recommended that a well would be useful to replenish water for fire-

fighting. He explained that the team is always prepared to respond to any type of fire, “and everything is based on time consumption. No two fires are the same…

What we do is continuous training. So, in the case there is an emergency, we would respond.”

(DPI)

Swan Primary School extension almost complete - Grade Six pupils to be comfortably accommodated

EXTENSION of the Swan Primary School on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway is nearing com-

pletion, and will soon accommodate more pupils.

Toshao of the village, Finton Ragonaught made

the disclosure on Thursday as the village received a number of solar panel units through the govern-

ment’s Solar Home Systems Project.

Grade Six pupils could not be accommodated at

The Swan Primary School which was commissioned in November 2022

the school, so the Toshao requested an extension from Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who approved it.

“I want to assure you that the school is almost completed right now, and we have enough space for our children in the new term to come. We also have a nursery school that will be built here soon,” Ragonaught told villagers.

The Swan Primary School, the first in the village, was commissioned in November 2022. The school was a significant step in improving access to quality education in small communities. The children had to travel to the neighbouring schools at Kuru Kuru and Yarrowkabra.

With the extension, the Grade Six pupils will have a comfortable space to prepare for the National Grade Six Assessment.

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

pointed out that the sale of carbon credits has seen the village benefitting from some $24 million, a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to providing valuable resources for the community’s well-being.

Through the new and expanded Low-Carbon Development Strategy 2030, the government committed to ensuring that 15 per cent of all revenues earned from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits would go to Amerindian communities in both forested and non-forested areas.

“This is on top of the Presidential Grant that you get annually. This $24 million is outside of the millions spent on the roads; outside of the cost for the extension of the school, and in addition to the cost for the health centre. And you see the investment that we are making in you, the people of Swan,” the minister noted. (DPI)

11

Six new TVET centres to be opened soon – Min. Manickchand

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

AS the government continues to place heavy emphasis on technical education, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand highlighted that six new Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) centres will be opened soon.

The centres will be built in Mabaruma, Region One, Fellowship in Region Three, Beterverwagting in Region Four, Hopetown in Region Five, Bartica in Region Seven, and St. Ignatius in Region Nine.

On Thursday’s episode of the Guyana Dialogue, Minister Manickchand underscored: “This will ensure that service is accessible all around. Technical educa-

tion is getting a lot of attention. We believe that skill is wealth. We believe that the country is in a place where the thrust is going to see a need for a large number of skilled persons, where we need them to develop and earn a sound and solid living by utilising the skills that they gained at these facilities.”

Last month, the $220 million Ken Subraj-Zara Technical Centre was commissioned at the Government Technical Institution (GTI).

Of the $2.5 billion budget, $1 billion was used for the TVET programme in the first half of 2023, benefitting about 4,158 trainees.

Minister Manickchand

also explained that a number of dormitories are being repaired in accordance with minimum standards recommended in the ministry’s report.

“Right now, we have either finished or are finishing off the repairs of those dormitory facilities in Santa Rosa in Region One; Anna Regina, Aurora, Wakapoa and Charity in Region Two… Skeldon in Region Six; Aishalton in Region Nine; and Linden Foundation in Region 10,” she stated.

In October, female and male dormitories costing some $75 million were commissioned at Leonora Secondary School in Region Three. Minister Manick-

chand noted that the construction of schools is an investment in the children and the future of Guyana.

There are approximately 14 hinterland secondary schools and in three years, government has opened six new secondary schools countrywide.

“We are about to build six massive primary schools with the IDB right now…

All across the country, you will see schools going up. We are pretty good with primary [schools]. We need some more nursery and secondary schools,” the minister stated.

Among the areas to benefit from the construction of the schools are RechtDoor-Zee, Tabatinga, and

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand Tuschen. In addition, 19 Regions One, Seven, Eight schools will be upgraded in and Nine. (DPI)

CEO of Guyanese digital company striving to bridge digital divide - calls for more regional partnerships

AS the journey continues to form more regional partnerships and bridge the digital divide, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Precision Media Althea Hoodith, has noted that her collaboration with Jamaican company, Next Step Digital Solutions (NSDS) is one key component in achieving this goal.

According to a press release, the partnership between the two companies serves as a vehicle to strengthen the business of Precision Media.

Hoodith said: “This agreement is not only a symbol of regional integration and solidarity within the Caribbean community but also fosters a sense of unity and cooperation, paving the way for the development of stronger economic ties between the two countries.”

With Guyana being the world’s fastest-growing economy and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealing

year, Chief Visionary Officer at NSDS, Mohan Beckford is convinced that now is a good time to do business with Guyana.

CEO of Precision Media, Althea Hoodith

that the economy grew by 62 per cent in 2022 and is expected to add another 38 per cent this

bean countries and coupled with the country’s modernisation plans and their unmatched oil industry in the Caribbean,

Chief Visionary Officer at NSDS, Mohan Beckford

“Guyana is a wellspring of potential. Their economy continues to outperform other Carib-

they are poised for significant growth,” Beckford said.

Beckford, who is

passionate about digital transformation in order to promote business growth, maintained that a robust digital strategy will assist micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSME) across the region to survive economic shifts.

“The pandemic unveiled the fragility of MSMEs within the global marketplace. With the unpredictable factors and heavy uncertainties that economies face, especially the Caribbean because of our own vulnerabilities, it is important that MSMEs can survive within the digital marketplace. This was the foundation of our digital transformation programme which we are expanding to other territories,” he related.

NSDS, in its pursuit of collaborating with regional partners, has opted to expand its regional

strategy to cater to the increasing demand for digital transformation and according to Beckford, the regional expansion strategy aims to facilitate their digital transformation programme with stakeholders in the region.

Also, he said that the move is necessary to encourage greater collaboration among regional technology companies.

“Our competitiveness within the global marketplace depends on our ability to collaborate as a region to stimulate our economic development. The partnership with Precision Media broadens the gateway for companies within Guyana and Jamaica to benefit from our shared expertise and increases our capacity to grow our businesses,” he remarked.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

‘I spent three years on the streets of Georgetown’

- Salvation Army councillor shares his story of overcoming drug addiction

By Trina Williams “I SPENT three years on the streets of Georgetown” are not the typical words you’d expect to hear from anyone. However, these are just the opening lines of 51-year-old Eric Cummings' story of how

substance abuse started.

After approximately six attempts, Cummings managed to kick his addiction. With life seeming to be back on track, he started a relationship. But it ended after six years, and he returned to his old habits.

According to him, at

frustrated with the endless cycle. However, one day, his aunt, June Ann-Taylor, reached out to the rest of his relatives, in order to come together and send him to the rehabilitation centre at the Salvation Army.

HAPPINESS Asserting that it is

Eric Cummings in his office at the Salvation Army

Eric Cummings during his addiction (left) and after he won the battle (right) he overcame his battle against substance abuse.

In an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Cummings, who is a now a residential councillor at the Salvation Army, recollected his childhood and how safe and loved he felt.

He migrated to the United States with his mother at just 19 years old and although everything was going well for him, his life changed when he learned of his father's passing.

The 51-year-old man said that his mood swings caused his connection with his mother to dissolve, plunging him into a deep depression.

Having no one to turn to at such a tender age, Cummings said that someone who posed as a parental figure came into his life but instead of piloting him, they misled him. And at the age of 25, a life of

that time, he was unable to handle the flood of emotions that took over.

As the word “destroy” continued to echo throughout his mind and him having no clue how to cope, Cummings said he went back to the only way he knew how to live. And that was by using drugs.

Looking back at his decision and the way he succumbed to the life he tried to escape from, the father said: “It was a big mistake. I should’ve found some other way to deal with my problems but all I knew was that [using drugs].”

He spent three years roaming the streets of Georgetown in search of ways to fund his addiction.

“I struggled with where I was. I wanted help,” Cummings said as he recalled his strenuous battle with addiction.

While his family wanted to help him, they were

never too late, Cummings, who was 46 at the time, overcame his addiction and changed his life.

“Well one of the things that made a difference with this particular treatment is that I knew what it was like to live a life of sanity,” Cummings said as he underscored what it was like to have something and then lose it all in the blink of an eye.

Tired of how his life was and how badly his addiction consumed him, Cummings said he was happy that his family decided to help him despite it seeming to be hopeless.

“I was living really terrible, sleeping on the pavement and eating out of the garbage. So, when the offer came, I was already ready,” he told this newspaper.

After six months of treatment and the will to win the fight, Cummings

said that he returned to his normal self.

Now that he was on the right path, he made the decision to look for employment. However, he said that he felt out of place in the call centre where he was working.

According to Cummings, he pursued two social work courses

at the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) after deciding to complete his studies.

He was ecstatic about all of his achievements and claimed that meeting Yonette John and being a father had bettered his life.

Moreover, he applauded President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s move to roll out a special

programme in 2024to directly tackle social issues.

Seeing the need to clamp down on issues such as drug use in schools, Cummings stated that it is essential that youths understand the realistic nature of substance abuse and he hopes he can share his story with all.

Eric Cummings and his daughters

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Promise fulfilled: Solar panels distributed to Region 10 communities

FOLLOWING President Dr Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to the residents of De Veldt, Gateroy, and Fort Nassau, the Minister of Public Works, and the government’s parliamentary representative for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Juan Edghill distributed 178 solar panels to each home in the aforementioned communities.

During an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, the Public Works Minister explained that the availability of solar panels was a critical step forward in a world where renewable energy was increasingly being pushed as a means of addressing the challenges of climate change.

“Solar panels are especially important in the world in which we live today, particularly in the hinterland communities. Our government is committed to bringing relief to all our

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, distributing solar panels to residents of De Veldt, Gateroy, and Fort Nassau in Region 10 people, and that includes is beautiful. Because of their have sought to bridge that those in rural / remote com- location, which is historical- gap and create a new sense munities as well. De Veldt, ly closer to Region Six (East of belonging amongst the Gateroy, and Fort Nassau Berbice-Corentyne) and far people of those communiare the three last villages in off from Region 10, they ties and our regional offithe Berbice River that bring have not always been ade- cials,” Minister Edghill told an end to Region 10. quately served. However, this newspaper.

“Upon arriving there, the since the People’s ProgresHe added, “We had the feeling of gratitude from the sive Party Civic (PPP/C) regional officials visit, enpeople in these communities came to office in 2020, we gage with the people, and

resolve the necessary issues that they had within the communities. The officials also enlightened them about all the various programmes that the government is offering in health, education, and other sectors.”

Edghill’s visit to the communities on Wednesday last was to ensure that the President’s commitments were fulfilled.

“My agenda was at a higher executive level to ensure that the promised delivery of solar panels to every household was fulfilled. I am happy to relate that 178 panels were distributed, and the people of these communities were very pleased and excited that they received what was promised to them.

“They were also happy for the panels, knowing that it would go a long way in making their lives better, and the representatives from all three communities expressed their thanks and gratitude to the government

of Guyana.”

In addition to the solar panels, the minister also explained that each home in the three communities received a fan to cope with the oppressive heat.

Meanwhile, as part of the government's continued drive to provide photovoltaic (PV) systems to the people of the hinterland, last Tuesday, the Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, and his team distributed more than 788 solar panels to homes in different communities within the Moruca sub-district of Region One (Barima Waini).

Upon completion of the exercise, the region should have a total of over 8,500 solar panels. 261 panels were sent to Kwebanna, 30 more to Seven Miles, 196 to Waramuri and Para, more than 80 to Huradiah, 120 to Santa Rose and Islands, and 102 to Cabora.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Female engineer sets the bar high

By Faith Greene

WOMEN continue to dominate almost every field they get into, whether it’s law, medicine, the culinary arts, journalism, or even engineering.

In Guyana, women continue to push the boundaries and succeed at more than just the traditional roles of nurturing, making a home, teaching, nursing or performing secretarial duties in an office setting.

Today, they pursue the careers in the armed forces, can be in Parliament, and have dedicated time to learning in the fields of technology and engineering.

In Guyana, there are many women in the field of engineering, one of them being Niebert Blair. In 2005, she graduated as the top student from the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Technology and has represented Guyana in the field of engineering for several years, attaining a noble reputation for herself.

Born in Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice, Niebert grew up repairing items around the home, sometimes unscrewing the screws on her grandmother’s radio, and at some point, even tried to repair her bicycle. She loves working with her hands and before even thinking about a career as an engineer, Niebert wanted to be a doctor.

Through her mother’s continued push and encouragement, Niebert successful-

ly wrote her examinations at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute and the GuySuCo Training School.

“I haven’t regretted it.

It’s a good choice, it’s always something exciting, and I do think she was right, so the reason I’m an engineer is through the guidance of my mom,” Niebert told the Sunday Chronicle.

From then, she went on to pursue studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Guyana and later worked at Demerara Distillers Limited in manage-

Mechanical Engineer, Niebert Blair ment training, and as a plant ribbean Community (CARengineer and subsequently, a ICOM) Secretariat.

Niebert continued to plant manager.

“I left there and I worked study and went on to read and I studied at Cambridge for her PHD in Mechaniand I did a masters in indus- cal Engineering where she trial systems, manufacturing specialised in developing and management. After leav- power systems for remote ing Cambridge, I returned to communities.

“I spent three years doGuyana worked for a bit and then I went on to work with ing that and my intention Belize electricity limited, of doing that, after working and then that’s where I con- both in Belize and Guyana tinued to specialise in my ca- (specifically during her time reer as an energy engineer.” at CARICOM) was to find She returned to Guyana a way to understand how to and worked at the Guyana make a power system more Power and Light and the Ca- efficient, as well as to look

at the economic and social impacts these will have,” she added.

After completing her PHD in 2020, Niebert started to work with the GIZ, (a German Development Corporation), on projects within the Caribbean. She is still an employee there.

Currently, she works in areas of capacity building, as well as energy and transports, while also looking at immobility strategies among six member states of which Guyana is a member.

In addition to being an

one of the second videos as part of this shows model and social media personality, Kristal Inshan, explaining as she appears on camera in support of her gay friend and confidante, Avinash Narine.

Narine, known as Nash, is a fashion designer and the Chief Executive Officer of Burning Desire Designs.

Inshan explained that it is important for her to be an ally, even as it was noted that the video debuted

on national television and other social media platforms to promote inclusivity.

According to the release, the feedback since the campaign’s launch and debut of the first video has been largely positive.

Upon its launch in September, the campaign embodied a grassroots public education initiative with the objective of quantifiable enhancing acceptance and respect for LGBT+ in-

engineer, she also began her career as a part-time lecturer at the University of Guyana at the Faculty of Technology.

In her first trip out of Guyana Niebert visited Johannesburg, South Africa, with international organization, Council for World Mission. While there, she was able to see where world renowned Nelson Mandela lived, his prison cell and other places he would have walked. This trip, she said, was an impacting one.

“So, I pretty much enjoy working in engineering.

The most challenging aspect would be where I knew I really had to leave my family.”

Outside of engineering, Blair admitted to being a cricket player for most of her time overseas and at university, basketball during her time in Cambridge and New Zealand.

Apart from sports, Blair said she loves art and music.

“Sometimes I might take time and just play music, even if it’s by myself. I love playing music by myself.”

When asked for any advice she would give to young women interested in engineering, she said, “It’s fun.

That’s the first thing. If you want to do something that’s fun, do engineering.

“Engineering allows you to think, and be analytical, especially if you’re a natural analytical thinker.

At the end of the day, it’s a profession, or some persons call it a vacation as well, and you have to like what you do.”

Video campaign promoting LGBTQ tolerance underway

‘GUYANA TOGETHER’ has commenced a video campaign to raise awareness about the importance of being an ally to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community.

The Guyana Together campaign, which was launched in September, aims to encourage tolerance and acceptance of Guyana’s LGBT population.

According to a release,

dividuals within a defined timeframe.

The first phase of this campaign, which began developing in April 2021, is projected to extend over a period of about two years.

The campaign aims to enhance the experience of members of the LGBT community and will prioritise the expansion of allies in Guyana who are breaking their silence to advocate for respect towards the community.

‘We made a commitment to the citizens in Georgetown’

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

- Dr. Jagdeo says in response to gov’t still doing City Hall’s job STILL burdened with City Hall’s responsibilities, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, said that his government will continue to assist Georgetown residents because of the promises made.

“We made a commitment to the citizens in Georgetown,” he said during a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday last.

Dr. Jagdeo also stated that central government cannot control City Hall and thus, damning allegations will continue to emerge from the organisation.

“So, we can anticipate that they will continue to do the same thing that they did in the past - pay no heed to the citizens of Georgetown.

We can't allow the city to languish,” he remarked.

From road works, to drainage and irrigation, Dr Jagdeo, who is also the country’s Vice President, underscored that central government even built a garbage site outside of Georgetown and City Hall’s only responsibility is to collect the garbage.

Moreover, he spoke on the number of infrastructural works that the PPP Government is carrying out through the length and breadth of

Guyana.

Minister of Local Government, Anand Persaud, requested information from the Town Clerk after learning of the proposed tax amnesty.

Asserting that he hopes the amnesty is watched with “hawk’s eyes,” Dr. Jagdeo stated that it has been the source of corruption in City Hall.

Earlier this week, Attorney General, Anil Nandlall,

during his ‘Issues in the News’ programme, said Minister Persaud sought to determine if the amnesty complies with financial regulations governing the council.

However, Mayor Alfred Mentore has accused the government of trying to bankrupt the city council and purportedly sell city properties to government supporters.

Nandlall dismissed the claims as “asinine” and “divisive,” labelling them baseless as he criticised the mayor for making such allegations.

The AG said the government was seeking full compliance in accordance with the law.

Mentore threatened to take the Central Government to court for obstructing the amnesty that the municipality had hoped to

use to raise funds to pay off income tax debts owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

GDF hosts successf

16

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, hosted a farmers’ market on the lawns outside of Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown on Saturday.

Although the market opened at 05:30hrs, scores of shoppers were lined up before to catch the early bargains.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

President Dr. Irfaan Ali had a chance to tour the farmers’ market, after which he engaged media operatives, stating that the Army created an atmosphere that goes beyond the market.

“It is an atmosphere in which Guyana, the food basket of the region, is projecting itself in a very beautiful environment,” the Head of State said, adding that this

initiative also encourages agro-processors to become more involved.

“It is helping the consumers; it’s helping the farmers, and it’s creating a great connection between the market and the consumer. It also encourages non-traditional purchase, especially on agro-processing commodities,” he said.

According to President

Ali, what he enjoyed most was seeing the high presence of families.

Further, President Ali remarked that bringing the entire family out for market day, especially children, to interact with farmers and agriculturists raises a child’s level of awareness.

“It makes them inquisitive, and they themselves are encouraged to agriculture

through these initiatives.”

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha noted that Saturday’s farmers’ market is a continuation of the initiative to bring low-cost produce to consumers. The agriculture minister said that this farmers’ market is the 14th one for this year.

The ministry is working towards ensuring there is one in each region on a monthly

The GDF’s farmers’ market saw hundreds of consumers purchasing fresh produce (Office of the President photos)

basis.

Meanwhile, Chief of Staff of the GDF Brigadier Omar Khan said there were approximately 500 ranks from the Joint Services who participated in the activity. He noted that this is an environment in which they are promoting Guyana and a relationship between vendors and shoppers.

ful farmers’ market SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

17

Schengen visa a hindrance to free travel

18

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

— EU Ambassador hopes issue will be resolved soon

THE European Union (EU) is looking to strengthen its connectivity with Guyana, however, the Schengen visa, which is a shortstay visa that allows a person to travel to any member of a European state, could hinder this.

At a press conference on Friday, EU Ambassador to Guyana, René van Nes acknowledged that improved connectivity between Guyana and European states could see great opportunities unfolding, however, it is difficult for Guyanese to acquire the Schengen visa that is issued in Suriname.

“If you want to work

EU Ambassador to Guyana, René van Nes (right) and Javin Singh, the EU’s Press and Information Officer

together, it's important that you can visit each other and the fact that it is so difficult for people to get a Schengen visa is certainly a hindrance,” the Ambassador told reporters at his Brickdam, Georgetown office.

The Schengen visa is the most common visa for Europe. It enables the holder to enter, freely travel within, and leave the Schengen zone from any of the Schengen member countries.

The Ambassador explained that the process of acquiring the visa is a tedious one and will need to be co-signed directly by member states.

“You need individual European member states that want to promote this case …you need people in Brussels who are going to plead your case and it’s not easy.”

With an economic trade mission soon to visit, the Ambassador is hopeful discussions can be held to examine the matter further.

“When they [trade mission] meet, will they meet with your Presi-

dent, your Minister of Foreign Affairs…they will all get the same message; the government is very clear, your President is the strongest supporter of solving this issue.

“It is an important issue and I do hope that we can track the solution,” the diplomat said.

Back in June of this year, President Dr Irfaan Ali said that at least five EU countries have agreed to sponsor Guyana’s bid for Schengen visa-free travel.

“In terms of the removal of the visa, you have to have sponsoring countries, and I’m very pleased to tell you that we have at least five countries that have agreed to sponsor us to begin the process within the EU itself. But there’s a bigger issue that we have to address, and this is our passports and what is required for future travelling,” Dr. Ali said following his return from the European Union and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (EU-CELAC)

summit in June.

The President related that for Guyana to be fully equipped to gain Schengen visa-free travel, the country’s passport must be improved and upgraded.

“You know biometrics and e-passports are very critical for global travellers. So, we have to now work expeditiously on having our system transformed so that we can have ease of movement and ease of travel,” the Head of State said.

In addition to obtaining visa-free travel status, President Ali also noted that Guyana is working on having the Schengen visas processed more efficiently in Guyana. This, he explained, is an immediate need, and Guyana has received strong commitments.

However, during Friday’s press conference, the EU ambassador explained that the Schengen visa requirement will not be automatically waived when Guyana upgrades its passport.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Water Scarcity: How is Guyana handling this threat to food production?

By Naomi Parris

WATER scarcity is threatening food security in the America’s and according to regional agriculture officials, if action is not taken at the policy level swiftly, food production could decrease severely.

In Guyana, however, efforts have begun to introduce climate smart practices to farmers to bolster this emerging threat to food production.

The country’s Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha at recent event held to commemorate World Food Day, revealed that climate smart practices such as drip irrigation and water harvesting is being introduced to farmers.

“The Ministry of Agriculture has been proactive in dealing with the potential challenges for agriculture on our water resources. The ministry has undertaken several initiatives to promote sustainable water use and management for agriculture,” he said.

While these measures were introduced to bolster the effects of the El Nino weather pattern, the intent is to have long term solutions.

Drip irrigation is among some of the solutions; it is a type of micro-irrigation that reduces water wastage by delivering water directly to the root zone of the crops. This can either be done above the soil surface or buried below the surface.

Meanwhile, water harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater, rather than allowing it to run off.

“These initiatives aim to improve irrigation practices on water efficiency and ensure the long-term viability of the agriculture sector,” the agriculture minister explained.

Another measure is mulching which is the process of adding a layer of material to the surface of soil to retain moisture.

Aside from these initiatives, Guyana’s Agriculture Ministry has invested in improving the drainage and irrigation infrastructure in the country. To this end, GY$26 billion has been expended in upgrading the drainage and irrigation systems for the year 2023.

“This commodity [water] is not infinite and all of must ensure that we use it in a sustainable way.”

Further speaking on the issue of water scarcity and the effects of the extreme dry

Guyana has an abundance of fresh water sources. Pictured is Canje River located on Guyana’s coastland (Delano Williams photo)

weather, Mr. Mustapha in an interview with this publication revealed that fresh water was being conserved to assist cash crop farmers.

“We are working together to monitor the situation. We are trying to maximise the use of water… I am hoping that with the plan we have, we will not run out of freshwater,” he said.

He maintained that the country has enough water to last through the dry spell.

In fact, water levels at a conservancy in the country currently stands at 56.60 GD and is satisfying the irrigation needs in farming area.

HOW DOES WATER SCARCITY THREATEN FOOD SECURITY? The scarcity of water, its improper use and the impact of climate are seriously threatening agri-food systems, according to the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) representative to Guyana, Wilmot Garnett.

Garnett, who also spoke at a recent event, shared that in order for food systems in the region to remain resilient, agriculture officials must

develop and implement innovative production systems that prioritise water use.

If action is not taken, food production in the region could decline by more than 25 per cent by 2025, Garnett explained.

The demand for water could also increase.

“The growing demand for food due to changing consumption habits, the demand for water for energy production, the effects of climate change and the inefficient use of water management, if substantial changes are not made in agriculture colleagues, the demand for water for agriculture water use will increase between 70- 90 per cent by 2050,” the IICA representative said.

He believes water productivity and efficiency should be the focus now especially since the region has been pushing for more food production and within this conversation water security must be a pivotal topic.

“This is not an automatic process …this requires special policies, we need to have the political will and the incentives we need to ensure Continued on page 20

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Water Scarcity: How is Guyana handling...

that we engage our users not only the farmers but users in general.”

Currently, agriculture accounts on average for 70 per cent of all freshwater withdrawals globally and an even higher share of consumptive water use.

Although Guyana has abundant fresh water, which is ideal for food production, changing weather patterns and the effects of climate change can pose a threat to the country’s agriculture sector, Food and Agriculture Representative FAO to Guyana, Dr. Gillian Smith said.

Dr. Smith, during a recent interview, shared, “In Guyana, different from many of the Caribbean countries there is quite a surplus of water but there are also times when there is no water and we are reminded of that.”

Further referencing the current weather condition in the country she said, “We

Lettuce being cultivated at a hydroponic farm established by the government

are also in the middle of El Nino and one of the things that happen with El Nino is the patterns change dramatically and we experience more drought and this is an important time to remind us

sometimes we have a lot of water and we also have to plan and be prepared for the times for when there is not so much.”

SMART AGRICUL-

TURE, SMART PRACTICES In promoting efficient water use and more climate smart practices in agriculture, both farmers and agriculture officials in Guyana have been pursuing the science of growing food with less water through hydroponics.

This a technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil.

With this technique plants can grow using less water than traditional field crop watering methods, Linden farmer, Winton Camacho, explained.

“Hydroponics and aquaponics are highly efficient in water usage compared to conventional soil-based farming. In hydroponics, plants are grown in a soilless medium and receive nutrient-rich

water directly to their roots.”

Camacho, 23, studied aquaponics and hydroponics in Trinidad and Tobago and Australia.

In an interview with this publication, he explained that hydroponics and aquaponics play significant roles in combating water scarcity and promoting climate-smart practices.

These innovative farming methods he noted offers sustainable solutions to traditional agriculture, which often consumes large amounts of water and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

He explained that the closed-loop system used in hydroponics recirculates the water, resulting in significant water savings. Aquaponics, a similar technique to that of hydroponics, uses fish waste to provide nutrients to plants to conserve water.

This combines hydroponics with aquaculture, this integrated approach reduces water consumption by up to 90 per cent compared to traditional agriculture.

“Hydroponics and aquaponics offer year-round pro-

duction and increased crop yields due to optimal growing conditions,” he said.

These methods he explained allows for local food production, reducing reliance on imported produce and enhancing food security by providing fresh, nutritious food consistently.

In fact he said: “By promoting water conservation, climate resilience, land optimisation, reduced environmental impact, and improved food security, hydroponics and aquaponics systems are valuable tools in combating water scarcity and implementing climate-smart practices.”

At the policy level here in Guyana, the government has embarked on a multi-million dollar project to promote hydroponics country wide.

Several shade houses and hydroponics farms have already been established. These projects are overseen mainly by youths and sees the production of high valued crops such as lettuce, carrots, cauliflower and other leafy vegetables.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

From cricket pitch to construction site: Joshua Persaud’s inspiring journey While the journey has been slow, Joshua Persaud's optimism and determination shine through. He hopes that his name will become synonymous with construction excellence in the near future.

As Guyana undergoes rapid development, Persaud believes the construction sector will continue to thrive.

Despite being awarded smaller contracts to paint and clean buildings and offices, he aspires to

A current contract being executed by Joshua’s Construction Sussex Street Walk Over Bridge

By Michel Outridge

JOSHUA Persaud, a national cricketer, has embarked on a unique journey, one that takes him from the cricket pitch to the bustling world of construction.

This young and ambitious sportsman turned contractor is making strides in both fields, showcasing his determination and passion.

Growing up, Joshua Persaud's passion for construction was ignited by his family members who worked in the field.

He dreamt of owning his own construction business while pursuing a career in cricket.

Starting cricket at the tender age of 12, Persaud quickly fell in love with the sport after his cousin introduced him to it.

He played for clubs such as the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) and the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), eventually earning a spot on the Guyana and West Indies under-19 teams.

Today, at just 23 years old, he has also competed in the National League.

But Persaud's story isn't just about his cricketing success; it's also about his transition into the world of construction.

BUILDING A CON-

Joshua Persaud

STRUCTION BUSINESS Last November, Joshua Persaud decided to take a leap of faith and established “Joshua's Construction,” a general contracting small business.

He now balances his passion for cricket with a growing career in construction. His journey hasn't been without its challenges, but he remains resolute in his goal to make a name for himself in both fields.

Currently, Persaud is working on his third government project, a concrete walkover bridge in Sussex Street, Albouystown.

He employs more

than a dozen individuals, aiming to create employment opportunities and be a role model for his peers and siblings.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Persaud expressed his confidence in his abilities to succeed in the construction industry, citing the strong support system he has in his family.

“I am confident I will be successful because I have what it takes to make a name for myself in general construction, and with the support system I have, my family, I can do it,” he said.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

expand his construction company further.

“Honestly, it is a good feeling to start something from the ground up and keep building it, as in construction it all starts with a solid foundation, and that is what I am all about,” he shared.

As a youth who came from humble beginnings, Persaud emphasises the importance of staying rooted in tradition, humility, and treating others with dignity and respect.

He encourages others

to explore entrepreneurship and experience the transformative power of starting a business.

Joshua Persaud's story is a testament to the power of ambition, hard work, and the pursuit of dreams on and off the cricket field.

With a strong foundation in both cricket and construction, he is poised to leave a lasting legacy in Guyana's sporting and construction industries.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

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Alleged robbery suspect shot dead by ‘cops’

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

POLICE, early Saturday, shot and killed a 23-year-old man who was allegedly wanted for a series of armed robberies between Annandale and Non-Pareil, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is Joseph Fiffee of Buxton, East Coast Demerara. The incident occurred about 08:45 hrs. He was shot

by Anti-Crime Patrol Ranks from Regional Police Division 4C. According to Police Headquarters, an unknown caller contacted Vigilance Police Station and reported that Fiffee was seen riding a bicycle at Annandale.

As a result, the ranks responded and as they approached Annandale Cross Street, Fiffee was seen riding a red bicycle with a cutlass between the bar.

“On seeing the Police vehicle, he began to ride faster and turn into a street that runs North to South. The ranks gave chase, and he pulled out what appeared to be a handgun, and two loud explosions were heard.

“The ranks took cover, and one rank discharged a round in Fiffee’s direction, who by this time had dropped his bicycle and jumped a fence, where

Joseph Fiffee

he collapsed,” the Police report noted.

Fiffee was picked up and upon examination of his body, what appeared to be a wound was seen on his lower back. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was pronounced dead at 09:44 hrs.

Police said they recovered two .25 spent shells, along with a .25 Pistol (without serial number) and a magazine containing three rounds, in a drain next to the fence where Fiffee had jumped.

The firearm, spent shells and ammunition

were lodged.

Police said that between October 21, 2023 and November 3, 2023, Fiffee and another male, it is alleged, were involved in seven robberies between Annandale and Non-Pareil, East Coast Demerara.

“During the spate of robberies, Fiffee would have wounded most of the victims, one of whom is presently hospitalised.

Fiffee was previously charged on 23rd April with Robbery Under Arms, and he was released from prison on the 30th August 2023.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Defending champions England knocked out as Australia march towards semi-finals

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Everything that, for eight heady years, had been taken for granted about England's whiteball batting has vanished without trace, as if some Hollywood baddy had pinched a sports almanac(k) from the future and set the dials on the team's Delorean for the 2015 World Cup. We've re-entered an epoch of endless, desperate failure - the miracle of 2019 lost forever to some branch-line of the spacetime continuum.

England's sixth defeat - by 33 runs in Ahmedabad - in seven games was in turn Australia's fifth win in five, with which they have marched clear of a hard-chasing pack to tighten their grip on a semi-final berth. It was marginally less supine than some of England's losses - thanks to another spirited bowling display led by Adil Rashid and Chris Woakes, who also rallied gamely at the death with the bat, and another compelling but alltoo-brief sighting of Ben Stokes in #HeroMode.

But with Adam Zampa surging to the top of the tournament wicket-charts with an outstanding haul of 3 for 21 in ten overs, Australia's apparently middling target of 287 was never realistically challenged - especially after another abject powerplay in which Joe Root, one of England's indisputable greats across formats, produced an innings of such awfulness it truly deserves to be his last in coloured clothing.

England versus Australia always tends to exist outside of context, but not

Mitchell Starc picked up the first two England wickets quickly (Associated Press)

on this occasion. Australia's victory has brought closure to everything England's barely-lessthan-non-existent hopes of a top-four finish; their claim on the so-called #MoralAshes, especially after Marnus Labuschagne's Test-tempo 71 proved to be the decisive score of the match; and maybe even their hopes of playing in the 2025 Champions Trophy, if other results go against them in the coming days.

The only thing that must limp on, ironically, is England's World Cup campaign itself. Netherlands are up next for an unlikely shot at European Championship glory, before Pakistan - fuelled by qudrat ka nizam after their astonishing win in Bengaluru - rock up in Kolkata with a chance to make their 1992 comeback seem like a standard day in the life.

Just as had been the

case in their 100-run loss to India in their previous outing, England played a pretty canny game for the first 50 overs of the match, as they bowled Australia out for 286 after winning the toss, hoping - then as now - that the onset of evening dew might even out a two-paced wicket and allow the ball to skid onto the bat more freely.

But, even if that did eventually prove to be the case, England's desperate lack of batting form had long since sunk any hopes of making the depth of their line-up count. The nadir arguably came when Jos Buttler, their captain and white-ball GOAT, skimmed the first ball of Zampa's fifth over to Cameron Green at longoff to trudge off for 1 from six balls - leaving England in the soup at 106 for 4 at the half-way mark of their chase - but the omens had been grim from the very start of an angsty chase.

The England of old could take mishaps in their stride - take Jason Roy's mighty white-ball record, for instance; that had been pockmarked by countless first-over dismissals, including to the very first ball of his career, but this trait was factored into his willingness to have a go in the first place, safe in the knowledge that his team-mates would close ranks around him.

By contrast, when Jonny Bairstow flicked at an innocuous leg-side loosener from Mitchell Starc to leave England 0 for 1 after one ball of their innings, the groan of recognition was palpable from dug-out to press-box to the armchair of every England fan. Starc's reaction was sheepish in the extreme. Nevertheless, after going wicketless for the first time in his World Cup career against New Zealand last week, Starc

IRISH RACING TIPS CURRAGH 08:10 hrs Chantilly 08:40 hrs Bug Gossey 09:15 hrs Frazil 09:50 hrs Stag Night 10:25 hrs Grey Leader 11:00 hrs Falcon Flight 11:35 hrs Hans Anderson 12:10 hrs Queenstown CORK 08:20 hrs Jasmin De Cotte 08:55 hrs Showman 09:30 hrs Abi's Champ 10:05 hrs Solitary Man 10:40 hrs Letsbeclearaboutit 11:15 hrs History Of Fashion 11:50 hrs Como Park SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS FAIRVIEW 08:20 hrs Blackberry Malt 08:55 hrs Flower Of Saigon 09:30 hrs Han Solo 10:05 hrs Khava's Hope 10:40 hrs Path Of Choice

was back on the board at the earliest opportunity, and Australia were surging back onto the front foot in their favourite rivalry.

What followed, from an England perspective, was gory and uncomfortable viewing. Though Dawid Malan hunkered down for the long haul with his familiar sang froid, Root's equilibrium endured another thorough rinsing. His second-ball drive for four was as good as his night would get. In the space of his next 15 balls, he survived an lbw appeal from Starc by the skin of his leg bail, a bad drop by Marcus Stoinis at point, and an edged drive off Josh Hazlewood that eluded second slip.

ENGLISH RACING TIPS LINGFIELD 08:25 hrs Neptune Legend 09:00 hrs Indelible 09:35 hrs Fred Bear 10:10 hrs Golden Arrow 10:45 hrs Sir Rodneyredblood 11:20 hrs Lion King 11:55 hrs Intoxicata HUNTINGDON 08:30 hrs Foveros 09:05 hrs Burdett Road 09:40 hrs Mofasa 10:15 hrs Miss Oreo 10:50 hrs Forget The Way 11:25 hrs Top Cloud 12:00 hrs Blazing Court CARLISLE 08:50 hrs Johnny who 09:20 hrs Trelawne 09:55 hrs Malangen 10:30 hrs Mahaler Mission 11:05 hrs Fingal's Hill 11:40 hrs Laskalin 12:15 hrs Mister Meggit

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

COP Inter-Branch T20 cricket…

Benn’s 5-for propels Officers into final against TSU

DESPITE Berbician Kedar Amsterdam’s entertaining 72, it was the 55 from Ronald Ali, and 5-14 from the versatile Troy Benn that propelled Officers to a 41-run victory over ‘B’ Division from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) in the second semi-final of the Commissioner of Police Inter- Branches and Divisions T20 cricket tournament.

The win, achieved in sweltering heat at the Eve Leary Ground on Friday, means that Officers will now

face-off with the Tactical Services Unit on Wednesday in the final from 13:00hrs after the third-place play-off.

Region Six won the toss and chose to bowl on the fast and parched outfield led

by Ronald Ali’s 55 runs off 44 balls, with six fours and three sixes, while Kwesi Gravesande contributed 44 off 37 balls, aided by two fours (4s) and three sixes.

Ivor Trots blasted a cameo 17 runs off five balls with two three boundaries, which included two sixes (4), as Officers made 168-9 off 20

Overs.

Irwin Barton had 3-28, Paul James 2-35, and Kareem Mentore took 2-31 for the ‘B’ Division side, which was dismissed for 127 off 18.5 overs.

Watched by a raucous gathering, Amsterdam played some glorious shots in his 72, which lasted 50 balls, and was decorated with four fours and five sixes, and kept the Cops from Berbice in the hunt, but once he was caught, only Travis Withright, with run-a-ball 26 runs with three fours and six, of-

fered resistance before their ammunition ran out.

Troy Benn, who also wicket-keeps, followed up his 53 from the previous game, grabbing 5-14, while Ivor Trots supported with 2-31.

Tr e v o r B e n n , w h o toured with the Guyana First-Class team before being replaced by Christopher Barnwell without playing a match, bowled with lively pace, and took 1-4 in three miserly overs.

(Sean Devers)

(BBC) - Red Bull's Max Verstappen drove to a comfortable victory in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix sprint race after passing Lando Norris' McLaren at the start.

third on the first lap behind George Russell's Mercedes but re-passed him on lap five.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez recovered from dropping behind Russell and team-

third on the grid, losing out to Russell at the first corner and then being passed by Hamilton around the outside at Turn Four.

Perez re-passed Hamilton at Turn Four for fourth and

ton on the first lap around the outside of Turn Four.

But two laps later, Perez made a move stick into Turn One and was able to secure third place.

Russell hung on to fourth

then set off after Russell.

They exchanged places twice on lap eight, Perez passing Russell into Turn One and then Russell retaking the position, like Hamil-

place, his pace fading as the race ran its distance, but Hamilton, also struggling, slipped behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who took fifth with three laps to go.

Ronald Ali scored 55 in the Officers’ win on Friday

Verstappen wins Sao Paulo sprint

Max Verstappen passes polesitter Lando Norris into Turn One at the start of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix sprint race

Ve r s t a p p e n ' s b e t t e r launch secured him the inside line for the first corner and he controlled the race from there.

Norris slipped back to

mate Lewis Hamilton to finish third.

The Mexican, under pressure after a series of difficult races, dropped to fifth on the first lap from

Hamilton then had to take on Alpha Tauri's Yuki Tsunoda, who passed the seven-time champion for sixth place with two laps to go and set off after Leclerc, crossing the line right on the Ferrari's tail.

Behind Hamilton, five seconds adrift of Tsunoda, Ricciardo in the second Alpha Tauri chased Ferrari's Carlos Sainz across the line, the Spaniard securing the final point.

Verstappen said: "Initial getaway wasn't that fantastic but the second bit was very strong and I could get alongside. Twenty-four laps around here is all about tyre management. Just incredibly difficult around here. Last year we were struggling with that already in the sprint and that's why I was a bit careful."

Norris said he had been "caught napping" by Russell, adding: "He was pushing quite hard in the first few laps but then was suffering a lot later on.

"It's a tough circuit. You don't feel like you can push anywhere. You do two laps and then you have no grip.

You're managing, you have

one little wheelspin and it costs you 0.2-0.3secs.

"But it's a positive race.

We weren't expecting to be anywhere close to the Red Bulls here. Today we were good compared to everyone except Max." There were gripping battles throughout the field, with Hamilton holding up a train of cars for the first few laps as up to 10 drivers at times battled behind him.

One of the drivers creating entertainment in the second half of the field was Fernando Alonso, who fought up from 15th on the grid, after being hit by Alpine's Esteban Ocon in qualifying, to finish 11th, battling for 10th on the last lap with McLaren's Oscar Piastri.

Alonso passed both Haas drivers and Alpine's Pierre Gasly but just failed to overtake Piastri after some clever defence from the rookie Australian at the first corner.

Sunday's main grand prix is at 17:00 GMT with world champion Verstappen starting on pole position as he seeks a record-extending 17th victory of the season.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Hikers Demerara Mutual 7-A-Side Mixed Hockey Festival is back

THE Hikers Hockey Club has announced the return of the Hikers Demerara Mutual 7-A-Side Mixed Festival.

This exciting event, now in its 3rd edition, will take place on Monday, November 13, 2023, at the Everest Sports Ground in Eve Leary, starting at 10:00hrs.

Nine teams, generously sponsored by a diverse group of companies, will

converge for a one-day tournament.

Demerara Mutual takes pride in its place as the Gold Sponsor, while loyal partners, Germans Restaurant, INET Communications Inc. and Jai Signs and Auto Designs, make a triumphant return. Additionally, we welcome new sponsors to the fold, including Cole’s Screen Printers, Dyrock Construction, Muse Sports

Bar, Hoyte Logistics, Sensodyne, and Brand It Apparel Company. The unwavering support of Ramesh Trophy Stall and Guinness as a sponsor adds to the event's success.

What sets this tournament apart is its unique style of hockey, characterised by two key features. Teams have ten players, requiring a minimum of two women.

Moreover, these teams must

include players from various clubs across Guyana.

Expect a thrilling and competitive tournament featuring national male and female players who have proudly represented Guyana at the highest levels of the sport. Their skills will be complemented by the energy of other enthusiastic players. This form of hockey fosters camaraderie among players who may

not typically play together, but must unite as a team to achieve success.

Despite its relatively small size, the Guyanese hockey community is vibrant. Hockey is recognised as one of the 12 core sports to be taught in schools by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, reflecting a commitment to nurturing the sport's growth.

The Guyana Hockey Board

wholeheartedly supports this tournament, sharing the vision of expanding the reach and impact of hockey in the country.

All patrons are free to attend, as, while the focus is on hockey, it is a festival, and fans are encouraged to come early, watch good hockey, eat, drink and have fun in a hockey-driven atmosphere.

GT Beer East Coast 5/5 Tapeball bowls off in Enmore today NINETEEN (19) teams will vie to outdo each other over the course of November and be crowned East Coast Demerara champions of the GT Beer seven-a-side 5/5 Tapeball competition, sponsored by Banks DIH Limited.

After launching a similar tournament in Essequibo, the beverage company has zoned on in East Coast, with three match days slated for the Enmore Community Centre Ground.

The first set of games will be played today from 09:30h, followed by the final group of round-robin matches on November 19, and the knockout games and final on November 26 under lights.

Over G$400,000 in cash and prizes are at stake, with the champion team guaranteed G$200,000. The losing finalist will collect

GT Beer Brand Manager Dwain Bristol (seventh left), and Key Accounts Manager of Banks DIH Limited Shameer Shahib (centre) with some representatives after a team briefing G$100,000, third G$40,000, and fourth G$20,000.

All cash prizes will be accompanied by trophies.

There are also several individual awards in the form of cash and trophies up for grabs.

Teams will be awarded

two points for a win, and one point for a tie or no-result.

Admission to the games is free, and apart from the on-field action, there will be several family-oriented activities beyond the boundary.

GT Beer Brand Manager Dwain Bristol said there is

the bonus of the champion side representing East Coast Demerara in a national playoff featuring the winning teams from other districts.

“We’re looking forward to the games being played in the right spirit. I know we’re all competitive and

want to win, but just come out and have fun and make it a tournament to remember,” Bristol told team representatives during a briefing.

He went on to explain that at the end of the Essequibo and East Coast legs of the event, action will resume in

other areas in January 2024.

Key Accounts Manager of Banks DIH Limited and one of the coordinators Shameer Shahib said the ultimate aim is to cover eight catchment areas around the country, with the winners meeting in the national playoff.

The specific areas and competition dates are to be finalised.

Shahib encouraged the teams to stick to the rules of the competition, and play within the spirit of the game while having fun.

He noted that GT Beer, and by extension Banks DIH Limited, is committed to community development by investing in grassroots activities like Tapeball Cricket, which has been growing not only in players’ participation, but viewership at the venues.

Team Mohameds resets South Dakota track record Provisional Pole for Seejatan; Nobrega and Mark Vieira

By Stephan Sookram The stage is set for what is expected to be an intense day of motorsport in the ENET Caribbean clash of champions, with Team Mohamed’s again setting the bar.

An overall lap record aboard the bikes is what the team achieved on a pristine day for racing at the South Dakota Race track.

The team’s James West-

moreland with a 1:15.798 blitzed in the superstock class to take the outright fastest lap of the track and pole; his teammate Daniel Linfoot (1:16.397) second and Lee Jackson (1:17.089) in third.

Elsewhere, Heernand (Nicholas) Boodram provisionally heads the superstreet pole with a time of 1:22.710 ahead of Allain Hopkinson and Dowayne Caesar.

Mark Vieira defended home turf against the in-

vading teams for his provisional front row start with a time of 1:16.596l Just over two-thousands of a second gap to Trinidad’s Franklyn Boodram (1:16.769) and Vishok Persaud (1:17.006).

Group three has Danny Persaud provisionally starting on pole ahead of Anand Ramchand and Mahendra Boodhoo with Shan Seejatan (1:26.973) starting on provisional pole for the Prem’s Electrical Group two.

Team Mohamed’s James Westmoreland with a 1:15.798 blitzed in the superstock class Neil Persaud (1.27.257) and Mohamed Shiaraz Roshandin (1.27.257) will start second and third on the grid

provisionally.

Steven Nobrega (1:25.095) will line up on the front row provisionally

for the BM Soat Renegade Starlet cup ahead of Anand Ramchand and Nyron Maraj.

Azaad Hassan took Sport Tuner provisional pole from Adrian Fernandes and Ryan Rahaman while Zafiro Ramierez took street tuner provisional pole ahead of Vickey Persaud and Paul Jiwanram.

Tariq Baijnauth will provisionally start on pole for the rookies ahead of Mohamed Ashad Ali and Shawn Sattaur.

Today’s event begins at 11:00hrs

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

GCA Pepsi 50-over Cricket…

Massacre at Bourda as Wade & Dindyal hit tons; GDF beat GNIC at Everest

By Sean Devers

It was a massacre at Bourda, as the home team amassed an imposing 461-4 and collected an additional 20 penalty points because Everest failed to complete their 50 overs in the allotted time.

They then dismissed Everest for 103 to win their GCA Pepsi 50-over First-division encounter by 378 runs.

Wade, dropped thrice, hit 13 fours and 11 sixes from 118 balls in his 183 and shared in a 241-stand with teenager Mavindra Dindyal after Navindra Persaud (17) was removed by left-arm spinner Javid Rasheed at 72-1.

Dindyal followed up his 117 against DCC with a second consecutive ton; scoring 132 with 12 fours and five sixes from 105 balls on a track with some bounce and a parched outfield.

Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed then hit two fours and 11 six-

es in a destructive 25-ball 79 as GCC registered their highest total in a 50-over game.

Wade hit sixes for fun in brutal exhibition of power hitting while the elegant Dindyal played several imperious cover drives as the West Indies U-19 batter played the supporting role.

The 100 came up in 21 overs while the 200 was posted in 33 overs.

The second wicket partnership continued to flourish with Wade being the butcher and Dindyal being the surgeon as the runs flowed.

Wade galloped to his maiden century from 83 balls while Dindyal reached his ton from 92 balls.

It rained sixes as Wade, built like a light heavyweight boxer, decimated the depleted attack, missing Pestano, Paul, Motie, Sinclair, Joseph and Looknauth.

The 300 was posted in 40 overs before Wade, hoping to join Azemul Haniff (234) as GCC’s last batter to score a double hundred in a 50-over

Mavidra Dindyal scored his second consecutive ton yesterday at Bourda game, was bowled by Rasheed before Dindyal skied a catch to the Keeper to leave GCC on 365-3.

Ali Mohamed deposited spinner Steven Mangal for 2 sixes in an over before racing to his fifty from just 18 balls.

Joshua Wade scored 183 for GCC yesterday at Bourda as Everest suffered a big loss (Sean Devers photo)

He them clobbered Denise Mangal for consecutive sixes in the final over to bring up the 450 before being caught at long-off.

Rasheed had 2-52 for Everest who were bowled out for 103 in 20 overs despite an

attractive 45 with three fours and four sixes from Ushardev Balgobin.

But only Varun Mangal (12) of the other batters reached double figures for the Camp Road team as Devon Lord (3-6), Aryan Persaud (3-

31) and Laurel Parks (2-27) took the wickets for GCC. Meanwhile, at Everest, GDF defeated GNIC by six wickets after scoring 184-4 in 28.5 overs in reply to the 183 all out made by GNIC in 44.4 overs.

Ovid Richardson continued his good form with 55 from 71 balls with six fours and a six before he fell to Delshawn McDonald but only Jason George, who scored 43 from 36 balls with three fours and two sixes and Javin Collins, who made19, reached double figures.

Joshua Jones (3-33), Keith Sampson (2-22) and McDonald (2-26) were the main wicket takers for the soldiers.

Quincy McPherson scored an entertaining 20ball 65 with five fours and three sixes while Damion Waldron made an unbeaten 38, Keith Simpson scored 21 and Raquel Reddy with 19 not out saw GDF to victory with 21.1 overs to spare.

Agreement finalised for 2023 Inter Guiana Games in Suriname

On Thursday, November 2nd, the official signing of the protocol agreement took place in Paramaribo, Suriname, marking a significant step toward hosting the 2023 Inter Guiana Games (IGG).

The directors of sports from the three participating nations gathered for a formal meeting to make this event possible.

This agreement, which finalizes the event's confirmation, coincided with an official inspection of the sports facilities and accommodation arrangements. Guyana's Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, was accompanied by Christy Campbell, Vice President of the Guyana Olympic Association and a board member of the National

Guyana’s Cristy Campbell (left) and Steve Ninvalle (next) after the signing of the protocol agreement Sports Commission during this visit.

In a post-signing press conference, Director Ninvalle expressed his enthusiasm for Guyana's participation in the IGG, emphasizing the importance of the bonds and friendships that will be fostered during

the event. He noted that the IGG is not just about one country's victory but about the unity and camaraderie that will be cultivated among the nations.

Ninvalle also suggested the idea of creating a common logo and flag for the IGG to strengthen the sense

of unity. He envisioned that the IGG would continue to bring the three nations closer together, especially as the event has now surpassed 50 years of tradition.

He shared his hopes for a competitive and friendly atmosphere in the 2023 IGG and expressed the desire for

even more impactful games in the future. This sentiment echoed the wishes of Guyana's Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. Guyana Olympic Association Vice President, Campbell, echoed the spirit of unity, emphasizing that the IGG is about embracing sister countries, not domination. She emphasized the importance of fair play, mutual respect, and the fostering of good relations.

The 2023 IGG is scheduled to take place from November 17th to 19th, after a delay due to financial constraints in Suriname, the host nation. The event was initially planned for October 26th to 31st.

The IGG will feature eight disciplines: chess,

futsal, football, lawn tennis, swimming, basketball, volleyball and athletics. Two sports -- table tennis and badminton -- were removed from the list due to scheduling conflicts with other international competitions in the same timeframe.

Delegations are expected to arrive on November 16th and depart on November 20th. The IGG, first held in 1967, was recently revived following a five-year hiatus during which the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. It serves not only as a platform for young athletes but also as a cultural and educational event, promoting unity, trust, and understanding among the Guianas' people.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 5, 2023

Team Mohameds resets South Dakota track record SEE PAGE

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Provisional Pole for Seejatan; Nobrega and Mark Vieira

Team Mohamed’s James Westmoreland with a 1:15.798 blitzed in the superstock class

Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Football Tournament...

St. Pius are champs!

St. Pius celebrate becoming the champion of the 2023 Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Tournament

St. Pius Primary School added another Pee Wee title to their already impressive trophy cabinet when they defeated Redeemer Primary School in the final of the Courts Optical Under-11 Schools Football Tournament, yesterday at the Ministry of Education Ground.

The new champion made their way through the campaign as the 2022 runner-up, after they narrowly missed out on the title a year ago.

Their Most Valuable Player (MVP) and captain, Aaron Vasconcellos, was once again instrumental in their triumph and ended the tournament as the highest goal scorer.

More details will be available in tomorrow’s issue.

This tournament is sponsored by Unicomer through their Courts Optical Brand, organised by the Petra Organisation with support from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Guyana Football Federation, Sterling Products Limited and MVP Sports.

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

| SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2023