Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05-12-2023

President Ali: Narrative coming out of Venezuela will not be taken for granted

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Guyanese economy triples in size from 2019-2023

— IMF commends government for economic management — acknowledges commitment to fiscal discipline; says outlook for Guyana’s growth in the medium-term better than ever before

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Improved drainage, garbage collection on the PG 9 cards for Eccles — President Ali affirms

Leaving no inch of Guyana out of the massive developmental plan, and always staying engaged with the people, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has yet again echoed his commitment to bettering the lives of all Guyanese (Office of the President photos)

‘We will defend our country by all means necessary’

— Vice-President Jagdeo emphasises; says Guyana will not let its guard down, given Venezuela’s unpredictable actions

Guyana to champion action on sustainable ‘green’ cover, biodiversity for Commonwealth

— to lead efforts across 56 member countries

Guyana, Brazil expand strategic military cooperation

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PG 15

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

‘Narrative coming out of Venezuela will not be taken for granted’ 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

— President Ali affirms; says Guyana will continue to work closely with its partners

GIVEN Venezuela’s aggressive rhetoric and reckless actions, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has affirmed that Guyana will not be taking anything for granted, and will continue to work with its development partners.

The Head-of-State, during a BBC interview, said: “I’m concerned that Venezuela can indeed follow up their rhetoric and the narrative, and act in a reckless manner. And this is concerning because, already we have a dangerous situation in Venezuela where the people are suffering as a result of the type of governance; where the respect for the Rule of Law, where the respect for democracy and all these things are threatened.”

Although not taking Venezuela’s actions for granted, President Ali stressed that Guyana will always take the path of peace.

The President also appealed to Venezuela to abide by the International Court of Justice (ICJ)’s recent ruling

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President Dr. Irfaan Ali during the BBC interview

on Guyana’s request for provisional measures and to refrain from any action to annex Guyana’s territory.

The decision was handed down by the President of the ICJ Justice Joan E. Donoghue at the Peace Palace in The Hague, in The Netherlands.

The court ordered that, pending the decision of the substantive case, Venezuela shall refrain from taking any

action that would modify the situation that currently prevails with the territory, whereby Guyana administers and exercises control over the Essequibo.

“Our response has always been one that respects international law, one that respects the dignity of people and one leads to the continuation of peace within this region, that is why we went to the ICJ for provi-

sional measures in relation to this referendum,” Dr. Ali said, while explaining that the goal was never to stop the Spanish-speaking country’s referendum, since that is an internal issue for them.

He said that Venezuela’s referendum, however, posed five questions to their voters, among which were two which have attracted global condemnation. One of those questions asks whether the

citizens agree to annexing Guyana’s Essequibo region and converting it into a Venezuelan state.

Touching on the ruling handed down by the ICJ, the President said that the judgement bars Venezuela from acting on those questions, regardless of the outcome of the referendum.

“The ICJ made it very clear that Venezuela is not to act upon the outcome of

these two questions, or upon the outcome of the referendum, and that Venezuela must respect the status quo as it exists today, and that is, Essequibo belongs to Guyana…,” he said.

President Ali said, too, that Venezuela should abide by international law and the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Despite regional and international pleas for the Venezuelan administration to abide by international law, the Spanish-speaking country defied these calls and went full speed ahead with its full referendum, and has been peddling false and aggressive narratives.

“So, as a country, we are not taking this for granted; we are not taking the narrative [coming] out of Venezuela for granted, that is why we’ve been working with our [partners],” Dr. Ali said, while reflecting on the support echoed by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Commonwealth.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Guyana to champion action on sustainable ‘green’ cover, biodiversity for Commonwealth — to lead efforts across 56 member countries

GUYANA will champion the Commonwealth Living Lands Action Group on sustainable green cover and biodiversity, committing itself to lead coordinated efforts across the 56 Commonwealth member countries.

The announcement comes after a Commonwealth event in Dubai on December 3, 2023, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).

During the event, the Commonwealth Secretariat launched a new implementation framework to facilitate coordinated action among the 56 Commonwealth countries on land, biodiversity and climate challenges, directly impacting a quarter of the world’s land area.

The launch comes after extensive consultations with Commonwealth countries since the adoption of

the Living Lands Charter last year.

Speakers, including Prime Minister Robert Abela of Malta and Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), expressed their support for the framework during the event.

‘AN URGENT PRIORITY’ Speaking at the event,

Prime Minister Abela said: “The world is experiencing a planetary crisis, addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity, and nurturing ecological restoration of our land has become an urgent priority for all Commonwealth members.

“We are here to renew our commitment to work together towards the same through the Living Lands Charter. We hope that our experience inspires Commonwealth countries facing similar tough challenges.”

The Commonwealth Sec-

retary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, said: “Our Commonwealth encompasses a quarter of the world’s land area and is home to a third of the world’s mega-biodiverse countries. More than 400 endemic species are found in our small island states.

“The impact of climate change is increasingly severe across our countries. Food insecurity is increasing. Soil is depleting. The sheer scale of these challenges compels us to lead with bold action.”

She added: “With this

implementation framework, we are taking a giant leap forward. It will leverage the combined strength of the Commonwealth through thematic action working groups – learning from each other and spurring one another on towards systems change and a better future for all.”

The framework takes a system-wide approach towards implementing the Living Lands Charter through five thematic action areas: climate-resilient agriculture for food security; soil and water conservation; sustainable green cover and biodiversity; carbon neutral and climate-resilient livestock rearing and animal husbandry; and indigenous and local people for climate-resilient development.

CHAMPION COUNTRIES Countries have stepped forward to lead on priority areas of action: Guyana will champion action on sustainable green cover and biodiversity; Kenya will lead action on climate-resilient agriculture for food security; and Malta will spearhead the conservation of soil and water.

Within each thematic area,

the Commonwealth will offer extensive support to countries to achieve their commitments.

This support entails mobilising resources for implementation, conducting analyses for policymaking, facilitating institutional governance, offering capacity-building assistance, and generating knowledge for member countries.

The implementation framework has been developed in response to a mandate from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in June 2022.

The Secretariat for the three Rio Conventions welcomed the framework and expressed confidence in its ability to help countries achieve targets set out in the Paris Agreement, the Global Biodiversity Framework and the UNCCD Strategic Plan for Land Degradation Neutrality.

The framework’s launch coincides with the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

‘We will defend our country by all means necessary’ — Vice-President Jagdeo emphasises; says Guyana will not let its guard down, given Venezuela’s unpredictable actions

RESPONDING to the smokescreen of propaganda and false narratives being put forward by the Nicolas Maduro administration in Venezuela, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, firmly said that Guyana will not let its guard down and will continue to enhance its defence cooperation.

In an interview with the News Room, on Monday, Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the duplicitous nature of the Venezuelan government and the Spanish-speaking country’s referendum that was held on December 3.

While the Venezuelan government has claimed that it will not invade Guyana, Dr. Jagdeo reflected on the recent chain of events emerging from the country that have been in contradiction of their utterances.

Jagdeo said: “The leadership in Guyana cannot just take assurances from the Maduro government, that they will not invade the country, even if that is so, we have to prepare for any eventualities. And we must not let our guard down....

We have to be very vigilant in this upcoming period

because the Venezuelan leadership has shown itself to be very unpredictable.”

The Vice President did not mince his words when he said that because of the unpredictable nature of Venezuela, Guyana has been working with its allies to ensure defence cooperation is enhanced, in order to protect its territorial sovereignty.

Dr. Jagdeo affirmed: “… should the worst outcome happen…we can defend our country by all means necessary.”

He also reiterated that Guyana is a peaceful country but: “That doesn’t mean should they [Venezuela] defy the International Court of Justice or the consensus in the world, that we will just sit down and accept it.”

HAVE NO FEAR The Vice President also urged Guyanese to not fall prey to Venezuela’s attempts to instill fear into the population.

He was referring to the misleading video circulating on social media, depicting the hoisting of a Venezuelan flag, purportedly replacing the Golden Arrowhead

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

along Guyana’s western border in Essequibo.

This Guyana Defence Force (GDF), in a statement, debunked the false image painted by the Maduro administration.

In situations like these, the Vice President said: “Don’t get caught up in this incessant almost traumatic experience of worrying unnecessarily and sharing things that may not be the truth.”

Despite Venezuela’s intimidation tactics, Dr. Jagdeo said that transformation is still ongoing in every corner of Guyana, and the nation has the right to develop its natural resources.

He said: “We have not changed or slackened the pace in any of our development programmes.”

Guyana’s confidence and commitment to the Rule of Law and development of its people remain intact despite Venezuela’s malicious referendum on Guyana’s Essequibo.

“We’ve seen the Maduro government proclaim victory after the referendum.

I believe that the consequences are disastrous. The outcome is disastrous for Maduro. We knew that once the referendum went ahead that they will succeed in getting a yes vote,” he said, adding that the false claim

by the Spanish-speaking country was implanted into their population.

Highlighting the fact that many Venezuelans are not even siding with Maduro, Dr. Jagdeo reflected on the Spanish-speaking country’s opposition parties questioning the referendum.

He then touched on Maduro’s claim that there was a 50 per cent eligible voter turnout: “We know that that figure is a rigged figure” while highlighting the Latin American press, among other entities revealed the sham.

Owing to the low voter turnout and Maduro’s misleading nature, Dr. Jagdeo said it is clear that the Venezuelan President rigged the election and is hiding his major defeat.

Asserting that Venezuela will not succeed in its efforts, the Vice-President said: “We believe [that] we have a strong case. Venezuela will have a very hard time proving the 1899 Arbitral award was flawed, and we believe that we [will] have [an] entirely positive ruling once the substantive matter is concluded.”

ICJ RULING Despite regional and international pleas for the Venezuelan administration to abide by international law, the Spanish-speaking country defied these calls and went full speed ahead with its full referendum.

The ICJ, last Friday, granted Guyana provisional measures to prevent any action by Venezuela that could lead to the annexation of Guyana’s territory.

The decision was handed down by the President of the ICJ, Justice Joan E. Donoghue, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.

The court ordered that pending the decision of the substantive case, Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently prevails with the territory, whereby Guyana administers and exercises control over the Essequibo.

As an additional measure, the court also ordered that “both parties refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

The world is watching

VENEZUELA’S President Nicolás Maduro's recent attempt to consolidate support for his government through a controversial referendum on December 3 has ended with many questions over the truth behind the results, according to credible international reports.

The referendum posed five questions to the Venezuelan electorate, two of which directly threatened the territorial sovereignty of Guyana by suggesting the annexation of the Essequibo region.

It was reported by The UK Guardian that according to the Venezuelan government, over 10.5 million

people cast ballots in the referendum, which is more than the number of votes cast in 2012 to re-elect Hugo Chávez, Maduro's more well-liked predecessor.

Due to "massive participation", the voting session was extended on Sunday evening, according to Venezuela's electoral administration.

The Guardian reported that because observers claim that the government’s data does not match what they saw at polling places, they have come under intense scrutiny.

A screenshot that appeared to have been widely circulated and then removed

by Venezuela's election au-

thorities featured a table with around two million votes for each of the five questions, indicating that the public relations fiasco was orchestrated by tallying the votes rather than the voters.

Despite Venezuela's aggressive rhetoric and propaganda, the referendum’s outcome underscores a lack of popular support for Maduro's territorial ambitions.

The territorial controversy over the Essequibo region dates back to the late 19th Century when an arbitral award in 1899 defined the borders between Venezuela and British Guiana, now known as Guyana.

However, Venezuela, after accepting and acknowl-

edging the award for more than six decades, contested its validity. Fast forward to 2018, Guyana, acting on the advice of the United Nations Secretary-General, took the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is tasked with ruling on the validity of the 1899 Award.

Despite the judicial process, Maduro, on December 3, went ahead with a referendum. Guyana was, however, able to secure provisional measures from the ICJ before this referendum. The court ordered that, pending the decision of the substantive case, Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently

prevails with the territory, whereby Guyana administers and exercises control over the Essequibo.

The remarkably low voter turnout, as reported, signals a lack of enthusiasm or endorsement for the Venezuelan government's aggressive posture. This low participation undermines the credibility of the referendum, and suggests that the Venezuelan people might not be overwhelmingly supportive of such confrontational tactics.

The international community, already concerned about Maduro's authoritarian rule and Venezuela's regional ambitions, is closely monitoring the situation. His

attempt to use a referendum to validate his government's aggressive stance on the Essequibo controversy has backfired.

Guyana, together with the international and regional community, continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution to territorial issues, emphasising the importance of diplomatic solutions and adherence to international legal processes.

The world will be watching Maduro’s administration, and paying close attention to the smokescreens his administration puts up to mask the economic hardships in the country.

President Ali, PM Phillips, and VP Jagdeo have displayed immense patriotism

Dear Editor,

No one can dispute the fact that the Guyana -Venezuela border controversy is weighing heavily on the minds of most Guyanese; however, the profound and authentic assurances given to them by His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo have helped to relieve their stress and comfort them.

Our leaders have told the nation that the government and the opposition are fully united in their resolve that the 1899 Arbitral Award is the “full, final and perfect” settlement of the matter, and that they are confident that the border controversy will be settled peacefully at the ICJ. They have reassured the citizens that the 1899 Arbitral Award cannot be annulled by the Venezuelan referendum,

or by that nation’s bizarre and baseless claims to Essequibo, which is two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.

Such assurance is based on the exemplary, outstanding, and diligent work by President Ali and Prime Minister Phillips, to inform and gain the unwavering support from several countries including the United States and South America’s economic and military powerhouse, Brazil, and from regional, hemispheric, and global organisations such as CARICOM, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth of Nations.

As Venezuela intensified its claims to the Essequibo, which is contrary to international norm and laws, Prime Minister Phillips called on the nation to display loyalty, and devotion to country to repel Caracas’ illegitimate and perverted claim.

He has reiterated the call

for vigilance, unity, and patriotism in the face of Venezuela’s threat not only to the peace, security, and stability in Guyana, but also the entire Caribbean region which has been designated as a zone of peace.

In his address to the OAS a few weeks ago, Prime Minister Phillips made it abundantly clear that Guyana is a peaceful nation, and that the Maduro regime’s unfounded and spurious claim of Essequibo has no validity, bearing, or standing in international law.

Similarly, in an extraordinary and important sitting of the National Assembly on Monday November 6, 2023, the Prime Minister, in the presence of members of the diplomatic corps, emphatically stated that considering the unfounded claims and bullying tactics from Caracas, the people and government of Guyana have remained resilient and assertive, and

will not yield or surrender a square inch of Guyana’s territory to Venezuela much less the largest county of Essequibo.

Brigadier (Ret’d) Phillips has forthrightly told the National Assembly that the time for negotiation is over, and there will be no dialogue or meeting between President Nicholas Maduro and President Ali. He insisted that the Government of Guyana remains committed to the legal process to resolve the border controversy to secure and protect the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that Essequibo, which is rich in natural resources and minerals is integral to the development of Guyana.

President Ali has so far spared no effort to promote Guyana at international forums and in informing the world of Maduro’s irrational and outrageous threats and saber-rattling to wage a war

against Guyana.

At the (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties, COP 28, held in Dubai on December 1, 2023, and attended by more than 100 countries, President Ali notified world leaders including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, among others, about the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy.

On the issue of climate change, President Ali accentuated the need for pragmatic solutions and urged a shift from divisive debates to collaborative efforts, recognising the current realities, especially energy production and demands in developing countries.

His Excellency highlighted the necessity of a balanced approach in the growth and demand for energy while advocating for measures such as the reduction of fossil fuel production. It cannot be disputed that President Ali has

been working tirelessly and energetically to make sure that Guyana’s interests, including the border controversy are fully recognised and represented at the regional, hemispheric, and international forums. And so far, he has done a superb job.

Every Guyanese regardless of their ethnicity, race or party affiliation should commend President Ali; Prime Minister Phillips and VP Jagdeo for their spirited, cogent, and strong-willed approach in defense of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the confrontational threats by the Maduro regime.

Such a grand display of patriotism, courage, dedication, and steadfastness by His Excellency, the Prime Minister and the VP is a testimony of their genuine and devoted leadership.

Sincerely, Asquith Rose

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Developing countries unable to access adaptation funds in a timely manner — Vice-President Jagdeo says

By Naomi Parris DEVELOPING countries across the world depend on adaptation financing to mitigate the effects brought on by climate change, but those funds are not being released in a timely manner, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference/Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 28) in Dubai, Guyana’s Vice-President told BBC News that the funding to support developing counties is “not at scale”.

The Guyanese leader further said that many countries have not been able to fully access and utilise the funds from the climate adaptation fund.

According to Dr. Jagdeo, some $30 billion was raised to support developing countries, however, in the past ten years, just about $2.3 billion was disbursed to support climate adaptation initiatives.

“We believe that the adaptation money is not at

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (COP28, UAE Photo)

scale, and the process of intermediation has been too to slow,” Dr. Jagdeo said, adding: “We believe that putting loss and damage funds through the World Bank will cause a sloth. The World Bank is not intermediating these funds at the pace they are needed in the developing world.”

GUYANA’S ADAPTATION EFFORTS

Meanwhile, Guyana has been able to generate its own finances to support climate adaptation.

Back in 2009, the country had launched the first Low-carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) from a developing country, setting out a vision for inclusive, sustainable development, while simultaneously maintaining the country’s forests.

This saw the country signing its first deal, where

it was able to earn some US$250 million to keep its forest intact.

This further paved the way for the country to tap into the carbon-credit market, thereby allowing it to earn money for the carbon dioxide trapped by its standing forest.

Just recently, the country was awarded the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) issued the world’s first TREES credits to Guyana.

This marked a milestone, as it was the first time a country was issued carbon credits specifically designed for the voluntary and compliance carbon markets for successfully preventing forest

loss and degradation, a process known as jurisdictional REDD+. Following this, Guyana was able to enter into an agreement to sell its carbon credits.

“In our case, 100 per cent of all the money we earn for forest, 85 per cent of it will go to adaptation measures, and 15 per cent will go to indigenous people. We have 242 Amerindian villages, and they’ve already received 15 per cent of the funds, and they are now implementing 500 projects from those funds,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Popular ‘activists’ are silent amidst threats to Guyana’s sovereignty

On the eve of a visit of former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo to Guyana in September 2020, a number of organisations and a group of individuals, consisting mostly of women activists published a letter in the Stabroek News of September 17, 2020. The correspondence had two parts.

They embraced a call from the Guyana Human Rights Association (the world’s most invisible civil society organisation) for Guyana not to be part of US’ plans to interfere in Venezue-

lan politics, and to reject any interference by countries in the internal affairs of Venezuela.

The other aspect of the missive was a call to ensure that in the context of Mr. Pompeo’s visit that Caribbean people must ensure there are no machinations (my word) to endanger the Caribbean as a zone of peace.

The letter from these individual and groups came less than a month after the Caribbean as a zone of peace, was in danger of imploding because of five months of election rigging in Guyana.

If the rigging was successful, there would have been two disastrous consequences – CARICOM would have seen such much pressure piled on it that it would have broken up and the international sanctions on Guyana would have destabilised the region. The zone of peace in the Caribbean would have evaporated.

The list of names below did not publish one word in condemnation of five months of a colossal attempt to rig the election. With Venezuela threatening to annex 70 per cent of Guyana’s territory,

the silence of the names below is reverberating all over Guyana, as it did in 2020. The Venezuelan president held a referendum last Sunday which Venezuela’s electoral council claimed was approved by voters.

That referendum seeks to destabilise the Caribbean through Venezuela’s aggression against Guyana yet after the announcement of the referendum and now with its completion, there has not been one spoken or written word of condemnation by any of the names listed below.

There has to be an explanation as to why the names below would voice concern for Venezuela’s sovereignty in 2020 but not Guyana’s sovereignty in 2023.

Here is my explanation.

As in the case of GHK Lall for which I have done two columns (Saturday and yesterday), the names below cannot and do not want to separate party politics in Guyana from the existence of the country itself.

For these people, the Botanical Gardens, Water Street, the NIS, the Providence Stadium, UG, etc…, are not national properties that belongs to all Guyanese and will be national property long after the PPP as a party is gone, they are PPP’s properties. For the names below, the PPP is Guyana and Guyana is the PPP. So, it is not in their interest to condemn Maduro because the PPP is in power and they do not like the PPP. Remember the names outlined below and expose at all times their hypocrisy. I’m not finished with them. Watch me! Here is the list: Caribbean Women’s Regional Network Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and

Action (CAFRA TT) Women Against Rape (WAR), Antigua and Barbuda Beverly Bain, (Canada & TT), Womantra R e v. D r. R a c h e l e ‘Evie’ Vernon O’Brian Linnette S. Vassell (Jamaica) Community Development and Gender Specialist Honor Ford-Smith – Caribbean Women of the Diaspora Rosina Wiltshire (Barbados) Judith Wedderburn (Jamaica) Caribbean Women’s Network Maziki Thame (Jamaica) Opal Adisa Palmer Audrey Roberts (Bahamas & Jamaica) Peggy Antrobus (Grenada) Caribbean Women’s Network Vanda Radzik (Guyana) Caribbean Women’s Network Alissa Trotz (Canada, Guyana) Caribbean Women’s Network Rawwida Baksh Danuta Radzik Red Thread Karen de Souza Wintress White Halima Khan Joy Marcus Patsy Lewis (Grenada) Josephine Whitehead Hollis France Kamala Kempadoo (Canada/Barbados/US) Stephanie Leitch (TT) Sherlina Nageer (Guyana) Pauline Melville Nan Peacocke (SVG) Nesha Haniff Gender Consciousness Project, University of Michigan Jenny Jones (Jamaica) Asha Kambon (TT) Hazel Brown (TT) Louise (Lana) Finnikin (Jamaica)

Sistren Theatre Collective Denise Harris Rev Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, Guyana Presbyterian Church Jacqui Burgess Network of NGO’s for the Advancement of Women TT Zakiya Uzoma-Wadada Emancipation Support Committee TT Women Working for Social Progress Millennium Sistahs TT Immaculata Casimero (Indigenous leader) Michelle Asantewa (UK) Delores Robinson, GROOTS TT Raquel Thomas (Guyana) Alicia Roopnaraine Jocelyn Dow Equality Bahamas Vanya M. David, President, Dominica National Council of Women Gabrielle Hosein, TT Roshini Kempadoo (UK) A l e x a n d r i n a Wo n g , (CARIWA) Angelique Nixon (TT & Bahamas) Amina Doherty (Antigua & Barbuda) Beverley Mullings (Canada-Jamaica) Bonita Harris Pauline Bullen, Director, Institute of Gender Studies, UG SASOD (Guyana) SWAG (Guyana) Jasmine Thomas-Girvan (TT & Jamaica) Foundation Ultimate Purpose, (Suriname) Maggie Schmeitz, Suriname, Caribbean Women’s Network PROJEKTA, Foundation for Women & Development (Suriname) Monique Essed-Fernandes (Suriname) Guyana SPEAKS Policy Forum Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Improved drainage, garbage collection on the — President Ali affirms cards for Eccles

By Trina Williams

LEAVING no inch of Guyana out of the massive developmental plan, and always staying engaged with the people, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has yet again echoed his commitment to bettering the lives of all Guyanese.

This time around, he answered the call of residents of Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), who were facing a few challenges.

During an impromptu visit to the community on Monday, President Ali addressed a number of issues, ranging from drainage to littering.

As he interacted with residents one-by-one in order to understand what was bothering them, he unearthed massive drainage issues within the community. As a result,

Leaving no inch of Guyana out of the massive developmental plan, and always staying engaged with the people, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has yet again echoed his commitment to bettering the lives of all Guyanese (Office of the President photos)

he told his skilled team what course of action they should take to give Eccles a facelift.

The residents, however, did not hesitate to warmly welcome President Ali, who

took the time to listen to their concerns before he shared his message of the government’s eagerness to work with them to find long-term solutions

Maduro’s plan to claim Guyana’s territory backfires as Venezuelans stay home

— turnout was minimal in vote on referendum intended to rubber-stamp Venezuela’s claim to Essequibo region

A REFERENDUM intended to rubber-stamp Venezuela’s claim to about twothirds of Guyana seems to have backfired.

Nicolás Maduro had hoped to leverage his country’s century-long claim to the Essequibo region to mobilise public support, but word is that voting stations across the country were largely quiet on Sunday, as most voters shunned the issue.

The turnout appeared so underwhelming that the Venezuelan Government has been widely accused by analysts of falsifying the results.

“The Venezuelan people have sent Maduro a very strong message, and I do hope that Maduro has taken note of what they’ve said,” said Robert Persaud, Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, on Monday.

Guyanese officials would not comment directly on the results, but sources close to the government told the UK Guardian they were “relieved” by the surprisingly poor turnout.

Venezuela has laid claim to the oil-rich Essequibo region ever since it gained independence from Spain in 1811, alleging that its borders were drawn up unfairly in an act of international collusion.

The controversy is being reviewed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but Maduro had pleaded for weeks on TikTok and national TV for the Venezuelan public to back the government to take matters into its own hands.

Among the five questions asked on Sunday were whether Venezuela should ignore the international arbitrators in The Hague, grant Venezuelan citizenship to Essequibo’s English-speaking inhabitants, and convert the 160,000 sq km of territory into a new Venezuelan state.

But voting stations across the country were largely empty, both national and international media reported.

“I have seen no independent reports of queues anywhere in the country. It looked like a normal Sunday in Caracas,” says Phil Gunson, analyst at International Crisis Group, an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation committed to preventing and resolving deadly conflict. “It was a resounding failure for Maduro,” Gunson added.

Nonetheless, Maduro was quick to hail the vote, in which 95 per cent of those who voted yes to the government’s five questions, as

a victory.

Venezuela’s government has said that more than 10.5 million people voted in the referendum, which would be a higher number than those who voted to re-elect Maduro’s more popular predecessor, Hugo Chávez, back in 2012.

Venezuela’s electoral authority said it had extended the voting window on Sunday evening due to “massive participation”.

The government’s figures have been widely scrutinised, however, given what analysts say, they do not correspond with the scenes at voting stations.

“They haven’t admitted it explicitly, but it’s obvious [they rigged the results],” Gunson said.

An image purported to have been shared and later deleted by Venezuela’s electoral authority showed a table with about two million votes for each of the five questions, suggesting that they tallied the number of votes rather than voters to spin the public relations disaster.

The Venezuelan government has not published any detailed or regional results, adding to doubts about their validity. (The UK Guardian)

to the issues that plague their community.

Disappointed with the state of the community, the president told residents that imminent works are on the cards to not only better drainage within the community but also clean up the excessive amount of garbage littering the streets.

“We got to start this work

by Friday,” the president said out loud, while urging the councillors within the community to get their act together.

“I’m concerned with the whole of Eccles. The drainage situation, I think it’s ridiculous; we have to deal with it,” the Head of State said.

Dr. Ali said that while a community can be gifted with state-of-the-art developmen-

tal works, residents, too, have a responsibility to maintain these initiatives.

“You have a lot of irresponsibility from residents themselves. You know, development has to involve everyone; everyone has to take responsibility. You can’t be dumping old cars in the drains; you can’t be destroying reserves,” he said, while highlighting that responsibility lies on everyone’s shoulders.

Also accompanying the Head of State were Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy; Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha; and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar.

Just last month, Dr. Ali made several visits to various communities. For instance,

some of these impromptu visits were to the Kingston community and the Alberttown/Queenstown areas.

While addressing the residents, President Ali expounded on the scope of work to be done within the area, and pressed for youth involvement in these projects.

With regard to drainage and irrigation, road works and security, the Head of State gave his commitment that the community will see brighter days. He told the residents that works will commence in the next 12 days.

As a result of this visit, the Special Projects Unit of the Ministry of Public Works completed road rehabilitation works (paving) at New Garden Street, Georgetown, between Lamaha and Church Streets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Trinidad and Tobago maintains support for Guyana in border controversy

TRINIDAD and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Affairs, Dr. Amery Browne has reaffirmed his nation’s support for Guyana in the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

In an interview on the sidelines of an event, the minister was asked whether his country is an ally of Venezuela’s, to which he replied, “Trinidad and Tobago’s position is identical to the position of the Caribbean Community.”

He also said that another statement from CARICOM

will be rolled out soon. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) last Friday granted Guyana provisional measures to prevent any action by Venezuela that could lead to the annexation of its territory.

The decision was handed down by ICJ President Justice Joan E. Donoghue at the Peace Palace in The Hague, seat of administration of The Netherlands.

The court ordered that pending the decision of the substantive case, Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently prevails with the territory

Trinidad’s Minister of Foreign and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Affairs Dr. Amery Browne

involved in the controversy, whereby Guyana administers and exercises control over the Essequibo.

As an additional measure, the court has also ordered that “both parties refrain from any action which might aggravate

or extend the controversy before the court, or make it more difficult to resolve.”

CARICOM has called on Venezuela to respect the ICJ’s order, which bars it from taking control of Guyana’s Essequibo region by any means.

“Venezuela cannot, by a referendum or otherwise, violate international law and disregard the Order of the world’s highest Court.

“CARICOM expects Venezuela to uphold the ICJ’s Order of 1 December, 2023.

It also insists that Venezuela complies with international law in all respects, and the Charter of the United Nations, and, in this connection, calls on it to take no actions in violation of them,” CARICOM said in a statement.

CARICOM has also demanded that Venezuela pursue its claims within the law and the legal process.

The Commonwealth has

also offered its “full support” to Guyana in the wake of the ICJ’s ruling granting Guyana provisional measures regarding the Bolivarian Republic’s action.

Commenting on the court’s ruling, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC., said that the body “offers its full support” to Guyana which is a “valued Commonwealth member” and is encouraged by the support also shown by its brothers and sisters in CARICOM, and by many other states.

She said that the Commonwealth reiterates its “collective faith in due process, respect for national territorial sovereignty, international law, global order, peace and security and cordial international relations in the Caribbean and the Latin American region.”

Guyanese economy triples in size from 2019-2023 — IMF commends government for economic management — acknowledges commitment to fiscal discipline; says outlook for Guyana’s growth in the medium-term better than ever before

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its 2023 Article IV Consultation report published on Monday has commended the Government of Guyana for its economic management, including the implementation of policies and initiatives geared at transforming Guyana’s economy.

The findings were published following an official IMF mission visit to Guyana in September. The IMF, in its findings, has highlighted that Guyana’s real GDP is expected to continue to grow rapidly, adding that Guyana achieved the highest real GDP growth in the world in 2022 - 62.3 per cent.

The Guyanese economy has tripled in size since the start of oil extraction (end2019), from one of the lowest GDP per capita in Latin America and the Caribbean in the early nineties.

It is estimated that Guyana’s economy should record a 38.4 per cent real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate this year, while the country’s growth should continue with an expansion of an expected 26.6 per cent in 2024.

Oil production is growing, with a third oil field – Payara – coming online, and growth in the non-oil sector is supported by the implementation of a fastpaced public investment

programme focused on providing transportation, housing, and flood management infrastructure, and raising human capital. Moreover, spinoffs from oil and construction are supporting growth in the services and supplies sectors.

Meanwhile, in relation to inflationary pressures, the IMF noted that the government introduced a suite of measures in 2022 and 2023, which has contribContinued on page 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Guyanese economy triples in size...

From page 10

uted to a decline in the inflation rate in 2023. The external current account recorded a large surplus in 2022, of 23.8 per cent of GDP, and another large surplus is expected in 2023.

The IMF reported, too, that banks in Guyana are well capitalised, and continue to improve their loan portfolios.

Guyana is poised for continued rapid expansion, with on average growth of 20 per cent per year during 2024-28. IMF projects that non-oil GDP growth will be sustained at 5.5 per cent, as the government continues its plans to address the country’s developmental needs.

Recently, at the IMF and World Bank Annual 2023 Meetings in Marrakesh, Morocco, Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said: “[The government] is using this period to make the strategic investments that are necessary to ensure that in the medium to longer term Guyana is not an economy that is solely dependent on oil. We want to make sure that we have a growing, globally competitive non-oil economy so we are using this

period to invest in things like infrastructure to improve connectivity with our neighbours, increase the economic space in which we are operating, and therefore lay the foundation for more trade’.

Guyana’s favourable outlook, IMF notes, is accompanied by upside and downside risks. On the upside, additional oil discoveries would continue to improve growth prospects.

Growth in the construction sector, alongside strong public investment could support higher than expected short-term non-oil growth but may also lead to inflationary pressures and the appreciation of the real exchange rate. Furthermore, the IMF highlighted that adverse climate shocks, and volatile commodity prices have the potential to negatively impact the economy.

The IMF reported that Government’s current expansionary fiscal policy stance is appropriate, given the country’s development needs and is appropriately balanced by monetary policy.

FISCAL DISCIPLINE The IMF commended Government’s commitment to fiscal discipline,

which allows for a balanced growth path, with the moderation of fiscal impulses over the medium-term projected to achieve a zero overall fiscal balance by 2028. This will allow for an expansion of the economy without creating macroeconomic imbalances.

At the meetings in Marrakesh, Dr. Singh had explained that “we come from a time when Guyana was once one of the most heavily indebted poor countries in the world. There was a time when Guyana’s debt to GDP ratio was more than 600 percent and it took hard work to get us from where we were as a Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) with debt to GDP exceeding 600 percent and debt service to revenue exceeding 100 percent to bring us to a point where our debt to GDP ratio was about 60 percent and that is before we started producing oil”.

GOVERNMENT COMMENDED The NRF Act, amended in 2021, enhanced transparency and accountability of the use of oil revenues.

The IMF highlighted that governance of the NRF was strengthened in 2022 with

the appointment of three critical bodies: the NRF Board of Directors, the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, and the Investment Committee.

The year 2022 was also the first year that oil revenues were transferred from the NRF to the national budget.

In addition, notification of all receipts is published.

This process continued in 2023.

The Government also made progress in implementing the recommendations of the 2019 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

The IMF noted that the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act was modernised and approved by parliament in August 2023, improving the regulation of exploration and production of oil, and further paves the way for developing the oil and gas industry. Further, a new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) has been designed, which will increase the government’s share of oil profits.

CLIMATE EFFORTS The IMF highlighted that Guyana has made significant progress on climate actions, with Guyana becoming a world leader in forest conservation and supporting global climate change mitigation.

The Government of Guyana successfully reestablished the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), combining the utilisation of natural resources in a sustainable manner to combat climate change with the monetisation of these efforts.

In 2022, after being awarded the first jurisdiction scale certification of carbon credits, Guyana sold 37.5 million carbon credits for US$750 million, to be paid during 20222032 (a third of the credits Guyana will receive over 2016-30), one of the largest transactions in the world.

The LCDS allows for the utilisation of these funds for flood management, diversification of the energy matrix, and the provision of resources for Amerindian

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communities.

The IMF supports the Government’s enhancement of the LCDS to LCDS 2030, launched in July 2022, which expands the focus of nature conservation to include biodiversity conservation, watershed management, and the ocean economy, both for protection and by receiving payments for these efforts.

The Government of Guyana’s intention is to continue to manage the economy in a prudent, sustainable manner to continue the success through among other approaches, creating a successful diversified nonoil economy.

IMF Article IV missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources, as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

A sea of unity witnessed across Guyana — as country stands together to resist Venezuela’s actions

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, speaking to Essequibians on Sunday

By Cindy Parkinson GUYANESE stood together in a peaceful but strong display of unity last week, as the nation reaffirmed its position in the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

The display of national unity unfolded across the country leading up to the December 3 Venezuelan referendum on Guyana’s Essequibo.

While the Government of Venezuela conducted its referendum which included questions that threaten Guyana’s territorial integrity,

Guyanese maintained the position of peace and commitment to the Rule of Law but stood together to debunk Venezuela’s unfounded actions.

In Region Two, the Anna Regina car park became a symbol of tranquility and optimism, with religious leaders offering prayers and President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali delivering a passionate speech. Against a backdrop of a faint drizzles, President Ali reassured the nation of its firm commitment to the Rule of Law, emphasising the collective strength of the Guyanese people.

The Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill (second from right), with the Minister of Sports, Charles Ramson (extreme left), next to Minister of Health, Frank Anthony, and the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, with several Guyanese showing their patriotism in Georgetown, Guyana

“We are all together under the one banner of humanity, and we are all together under the one banner of Guyanese.

Whether we are from Essequibo, Berbice, or Demerara, we are cemented together under that one beautiful concept that we are Guyanese,” President Ali said.

The President highlighted the resilience of Guyanese, expressing confidence that the nation would face and overcome any challenges.

“Essequibo belongs to Guyana, and it belongs to every single Guyanese,” he asserted, emphasising the

nation's foundation of truth, honour, and dignity.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, echoed sentiments of national pride and unity, emphasising the peaceful display of patriotism.

He reassured the populace, stating, “We may have our differences, but at the end of the day, we are One People, One Nation, and One Destiny, and we will always be proud of that.”

Regional leaders across the country echoed similar sentiments, commending the bravery and commitment

The Circle of Unity formed in Region One on December 3

displayed by citizens.

Regional Chairman of Region One, Brentol Ashley, described the events as a "tremendous success" and emphasised the unity that prevailed throughout the region.

He said, “Our people displayed a true sense of bravery and commitment towards defending their nation, and we saw how patriotic they were. It was a calm and beautiful day, filled with love and unity, and we intend to keep it that way, with our president's leadership and our people standing with him.”

The unity displayed last

week reflects a collective spirit of patriotism and resilience among the Guyanese people in the face of external challenges.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), on Friday, ordered that pending the decision of the substantive case regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently prevails over the territory in dispute, which Guyana administers and exercises control over.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Guyana, Brazil expand strategic military cooperation

IN a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties between Guyana and Brazil, Chief of Staff Brigadier Omar Khan recently met with Chief of the Joint General Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces Admiral Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, and Chief of Strategic Affairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Brigadier Walcyr Josué de Castilho Araujo.

According to a press release from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the meeting, held as part of the ongoing efforts to expand strategic relations, underscored the commitment of both nations to foster cooperation in various domains, including defence and strategic affairs.

“This meeting marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing diplomatic efforts between Guyana and Brazil, reflecting a shared vision for a secure and cooperative future. The Guyana Defence Force remains dedicated to advancing regional collaboration, and contributing to the broader objectives of peace and stability,” the GDF said.

GDF intensifies search for missing fishermen

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard Search and Rescue teams are actively increasing their daily sea patrols as part of a dedicated effort to locate a fishing vessel 'ASEYAH One' and its four-man crew, which went missing over two weeks ago.

The fishermen Worrin Yipsam, Cecil Persaud, Vickram Singh and Hazrat Razack were last seen alive on November 16, 2023, as they were heading out to sea to assist a distressed vessel.

The distressed vessel has since safely returned to port.

A press release from the GDF on Monday stated that operations have been concentrated within Guyana's mar-

itime space, spanning from the Demerara River to the Waini River mouth, covering the maritime boundary in the North West Region.

Vessel operations have also extended to target the shoreline within our territorial waters.

“To date, the vessel patrols have covered an extensive area, a little over 9,000 square nautical miles. Concurrently, the Coast Guard has alerted its Caribbean counterparts through the Regional Security System (RSS) to be vigilant for any possible sightings.

“In a collaborative effort, vessels operating in the region, including the Transport and Harbour Department MV

Barima (North West Ferry), have been placed on high alert to keep a watchful eye for the missing vessel,” the release said.

The GDF further said that it remains dedicated to the search and rescue mission, deploying all available resources and collaborating with regional partners to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated effort. Regular updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.

The release noted that in consonance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the Coast Guard's highest priority is the safety of the crew aboard the missing vessel.

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GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Omar Khan with Chief of the Joint General Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces, Admiral Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire (right), and Chief of Strategic Affairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Brigadier Walcyr Josué de Castilho Araujo (left)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Guyanese in Canada voice support for nation’s territorial integrity

By Frederick Halley

GUYANESE turned out in their numbers at the Windies Restaurant in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada, on Sunday, to show their patriotism, as the Guyana Consulate held a “Day of Unity and Patriotism” to support local efforts to preserve the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The event coincided with the rally held at the Guyana National Stadium, where President, Dr Irfaan Ali addressed a mammoth crowd

to affirm the nation’s position regarding the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

Organised by the One Guyana Forum, the occasion attracted Guyanese from all walks of life who were all in unison that “Guyana belongs to Guyanese.”

In brief remarks via Zoom, Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, thanked the Guyanese at home and Canada for their outpouring of support and solidarity.

The minister emphasised

that Guyana will continue to follow a peaceful path and that Essequibo will remain a part of Guyana.

Honorary Consul General Mani Singh, in an emotional address, related the old saying: “It matters not where we roam, there’s no place like home.”

According to Singh, despite the internal differences among Guyanese, the people of Guyana are known for working together when it comes to defending the nation in every way.

“We are a resolute people and the Venezuelans must understand that all of Guyana belongs to Guyanese. We stand in solidarity with our brothers back home. We will defend our country in a very peaceful way,” he said.

The genesis of the border controversy goes back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the land boundary between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.

Despite the historic arbitration, tensions have persisted, with Venezuela repeatedly challenging the validity of

the award.

In 2018, Guyana took a decisive step by approaching the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking affirmation of the award’s legitimacy.

Venezuela, taking a defiant stance, initially claimed that the ICJ lacked jurisdiction, a contention flatly rejected by the World Court in a crucial ruling in December 2020. The door was thus opened for the ICJ to delve into the case’s merits.

Attorney-at-law Selwyn Pieters, in his remarks, said: “Venezuela accepted and honoured the border determined by the 1899 Arbitral Award for more than half a century.”

In light of Venezuela’s heightened aggression over its claim to Guyana’s territory, the Attorney-at-law said: “We as Guyanese have to stay woke and stay engaged. This is the time for all Guyanese to support our government in its fight against this existential threat from Venezuela and its President, Nicolas Maduro.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

IDB introduces ‘One Caribbean’ programme to boost climate resilience, promote integration

DURING the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) presented “One Caribbean”, a new regional flagship programme that aims to promote the sustainable development of the Caribbean with a sharpened focus on high-impact initiatives.

Caribbean countries are among the most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, threats to agriculture and biodiversity, and more intense and frequent hurricanes and tropical storms.

The IDB’s "One Caribbean" programme includes four pillars: Climate adaptation, disaster risk management and resilience; citizen and business security; sustainable development through private sector engagement; and food security. Also, institutional strengthening and digital

transformation are cross-cutting areas of work.

The goal of “One Caribbean” is to promote integration and resilience across the region through the support of projects and partnerships that can have a regional impact.

The programme proposes establishing a Project Preparation Facility (PPF) along with a strategy for partnerships and resource mobilisation with financial innovation at its core. Additionally, it seeks to generate investment scans that will lead to national digital and resilient investment plans.

A panel discussion brought together the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley; IDB President, Ilan Goldfajn; Jamaica’s Minister

of Finance, Nigel Clarke; the Secretary General of Caricom, Carla Barnett; and the President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Gene Leon.

President Goldfajn said: “The IDB is fully committed to supporting the Caribbean.

With One Caribbean the IDB is putting forward a regional programme that aims to support the Caribbean in becoming a more resilient and competitive region that can overcome the challenges posed by climate change.”

The IDB and the CDB also reinforced their collaboration towards the Caribbean during COP28, by signing an addendum to the 2020 Mutual Cooperation Agreement.

This new action plan

strengthens activities aimed at addressing climate change resilient –physical and digital - infrastructure, project preparation and execution in priority areas, private sector productivity and development, and exposure exchange agreements and other financial products, among others.

The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean

are a critical part of the solution to global climate change challenges.

In the IDB Pavilion of the Americas at COP28, the Bank is hosting more than 30 events with international leaders and experts to showcase initiatives on climate action, from cutting-edge financial instruments to the conservation and sustainable

use of natural resources, the Amazon, a just economic transition and more.

Journalists covering COP28 on site are welcome to visit the pavilion, with no registration required. Consult the event schedule here.

For journalists covering COP28 remotely, register to access broadcasts of selected events. (IDB)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Every avenue must be exhausted to restore voting rights

Dear Editor

THE recent decision by the Electoral Committee to debar four affiliate members of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) from participating in Saturday’s Electoral Congress must be challenged vehemently.

Every avenue available must be exhausted by the Franklin Wilson-led slate to ensure that the injustice meted out to the four members is highlighted and their voting rights restored ahead of the upcoming Congress.

The Electoral Committee headed by Marcel Bobb decided on the final day for submission and eligibility of the electorate to exclude the four members based on their ‘not being in good standing’.

The deliberately delayed disclosure only served to confirm why the sport is in such disarray under the present administration, since all the steps should have been taken

to apprise the four affected members of their status, and allow them the requisite time to fulfill the obligations to be in ‘good standing’.

Instead, the Electoral Committee, by its delay, only served to validate the suspicion of the opposing slate and many members of the public that it is in cahoots with the incumbent.

The other harm that was done was to provide supporters of the sport with more evidence of why the game has not progressed following two full terms of Wayne Forde at the helm.

It clearly shows that the current executive, though profiting from a huge increase in FIFA funding, is either downright uncaring about the sport’s development locally or simply unqualified for the task.

They seem to be more focused on international participation, since it allows them to travel extensively

MITCHELL Johnson has questioned whether former Australia teamm a t e D a v i d Wa r n e r should be given "a hero's send-off" in the Test series against Pakistan.

Warner, 37, has been named in Australia's squad for the first Test, which starts on 14 December in Perth.

Johnson pointed to Wa r n e r ' s p o o r r e c e n t form, and his central role in 2018's 'sandpapergate' ball-tampering scandal.

The former fast bowler queried why Warner appeared to have been able to "nominate his own retirement date".

Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine said Johnson had made "great points" about Warner's form, but Australia batter Usman Khawaja defended

Warner, saying, "No-one's perfect".

Warner indicated in June that the three-Test Pakistan series, which ends at his home ground in Sydney, would be the last in a 12-year Test career.

The opener has scored 8,487 runs at an average of 44.43 in 109 Tests, but he has averaged less than 30 over the past two years, and has made only one Test century since 2021.

"As we prepare for David Warner's farewell series, can somebody please tell me why?" wrote Johnson in The West Australian.

"Why a struggling Test opener gets to nominate his own retirement date.

And why a player at the centre of one of the biggest scandals in Australian cricket history warrants a

and mask their ineptness at the administrative level.

Nothing of consequence has been achieved in eight years of Wayne Forde’s stewardship. Instead, there was a rapid decline in local competitions, very little infrastructural development, a huge dip in referees officiating in regional and international competitions, and the list goes on.

The fixation of the Goal Project is a FIFA-approved developmental plan for all affiliated members, and even that has failed to be completed by its intended timeline.

Forde has become the impediment to the development of football in Guyana; there is little if any success to point to, and, truth be told, he has hampered the careers of many ambitious young ball weavers.

All Guyanese must understand the tactics of this official, so that an informed judgment can be made on

Saturday.

Just to allow the readers the opportunity to understand his deceit, the four debarred members were all permitted to vote at Congress for the past four years; they participated in the recent exercise to amend the Constitution to support a three-term bid, while they were also allowed to play in the Elite League currently ongoing.

It simply means that they had to be in good standing to be eligible for all these GFF-approved activities, so how now are they being deemed persona non grata for such an important endeavour.

Many believe that because Wilson’s slate enjoys the approval of all four, his chances of winning the election look good.

There is no other way to interpret the illegitimate actions of the Electoral Committee, and that is why many concerned supporters of the sport are calling on the op-

posing slate to utilise every arm of the sport, including the CFU, CONCACAF, and even FIFA to address the issue.

Every entity that governs the sport should be apprised of this illegal act that has complicity, partiality, and total disregard for good governance written all over it.

We seem to be heading back into the dark days of football, and this always occurs because of the greed of administrators and their thirst for power.

They are all the same; they preach about volunteerism and how much time it demands them to be away from family, but when the time comes for them to demit office, it is always selfish reasons that take precedence over sensible judgment.

They would rather see the game descend into disrepute than walk into the sunset with their heads held up high.

There is no apparent concern

for shame and tarnish of name; those stigmas are relegated to the past.

This peculiar conduct is rampant in Caribbean sports associations, and one would have thought previous examples of administrators being punished for acts of misconduct might have deterred them, instead, they continue to operate unbothered by the possibility of imminent consequences.

The possibility of Guyana’s football coming under the scrutiny of the world governing body once again is not farfetched, if the concerns of the disqualified members are not satisfactorily resolved.

It is hoped that better sense prevails, and the four members benefit from the restoration of their voting rights, so that the result will not be tarnished by claims of an unfair process.

Yours Truly, A Football Fan

since re-established himself as a key member of the team, and is also part of the 14-man squad to face Pakistan.

"Warner and Smith are heroes in my mind," Khawaja said.

"They missed a year of cricket through dark times.

No-one's perfect; Mitchell Johnson's not perfect.

"What they have done for the game; how they have grown the game far outweighs anything else they have done.

"To say Dave Warner or anyone else involved in sandpaper[gate] is not a hero. I strongly disagree, because they have paid their dues. A year out of cricket is a long time."

'He's in our best 11 players' Australia chief selector George Bailey said War-

ner warranted his place, but would not be drawn further on Johnson's comments.

"Ultimately, we still think he's in our best 11 players to win the first Test," Bailey said.

Paine, who stood down as captain in 2021, said: "David hasn't been playing well, and would other people be getting the run he's getting now? Probably not.

"But, in my opinion, he's got credits in the bank, because he is one of the all-time greats.

"You can read between the lines that him (Johnson) and Davey don't get along."

The second Test in Melbourne starts on 26 December, and the third at the SCG on 3 January.

(BBC Sport)

Mitchell Johnson questions David Warner's 'hero's send-off'

Mitchell Johnson and David Warner spent four years playing together in the Australia Test team, from 2011 to 2015

hero's send-off?

"It's been five years and David Warner has still never really owned the ball-tampering scandal."

'Warner and Smith are heroes' - Khawaja Johnson took 313 wickets in an eight-year Test career that ended in 2015, three years before the ball-tampering scandal that rocked the Australia

squad.

Warner was banned from cricket for a year, and stripped of the vice-captaincy for his part in the ball being rubbed with sandpaper on the tour of South Africa.

Captain Steve Smith also received a year-long suspension, and Cameron Bancroft was banned for nine months. Smith has

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

ECB introduces independent regulator for cricket

THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has introduced an independent regulator in response to a damning independent report into the game.

The report, published in June, said racism, sexism, classism and elitism are "widespread" in cricket.

The regulator's remit will include safeguarding, anti-corruption, anti-doping and anti-discrimination.

ECB chief executive Richard Gould said it was important cricket had "the best processes in place".

Former police officer Dave Lewis has been appointed as interim director, and will help set up the regulator's framework before a

permanent director appointment is made in 2024.

The regulator will be overseen by a new independent cricket regulatory board, and ring-fenced from the rest of the ECB. "The team and I are clear about the importance of meeting high standards in ensuring people across the game know what is expected of them, and having the best procedures in place to protect and promote the good of the game and everyone involved," said Lewis.

The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) delivered its findings in June following a two-year investi-

gation.

In a damning 317-page report called, Holding Up A Mirror To Cricket, it made 44 recommendations, including that the ECB makes an unreserved public apology for its failings.

In its response, the ECB said it accepted "most" of the ICEC's recommendations, including a regulator, saying it wants "to change the game".

In September, it announced a £2m investment in programmes designed to encourage participation from ethnically diverse communities, state schools and people with disabilities.

MIAMI, Florida, (CMC) – Jamaica’s Reggae Girls missed out on a spot in next year’s CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Guatemala, in a must-win qualifier on Sunday.

Playing in Guatemala City, the Jamaicans fell behind to Ana Martínez’s tenth-minute penalty, and found themselves trailing by the same scoreline at the break.

Davia Richards responded with the equaliser in the 66th minute, but with time ticking down in the 90th, watched as goalkeeper Alexia Estrada saved her 25-yard free kick.

The result meant Jamaica finished bottom of Group B of League A with three points, Panama ending top on seven points, and Guatemala second on five.

“I think it was a tough game. I didn’t think we executed as best as we could and should have, especially in the first half,” said head coach Xavier Gilbert.

“In the second half, we were a lot better; more aggressive, and played with a sense of purpose [after] we got that goal.

“It’s unfortunate we couldn’t advance but nevertheless, I’m proud and happy about the way we executed in the second half,” Gilbert said, adding: “It’s a learning curve for all the players, young and inexperienced at this level, but I think they gave it their all, and I’m proud and happy with the way they executed.”

Jamaica had the worst possible start at the Estadio Nacional Doroteo Guamuch Flores when Lauren Reid clipped Martínez in the box, and the 33-year-old subsequently sent the resulting spot-kick wide of goalkeeper Serena Mensah’s reach.

It was Mensah, however, who kept Jamaica in the contest when she tipped Andrea Álvarez’s 30-hard drive over the crossbar in the 35th minute, as the hosts continued to hunt for a second goal.

When Richards poked

home a loose ball from just inside the box following a defensive mistake, the Reggae Girls seemed in with a shout, but the 19-year-old forward then failed to beat Estrada with her late free kick.

In League B, Guyana thrashed Antigua and Barbuda, 3-0, in Paramaribo to finish top of Group A with 15 points, and advance to the Gold Cup preliminaries.

Dominica, meanwhile, suffered a 11-0 annihilation at the hands of Suriname at the same venue in the same group, Katoucha Patra netting a hat-trick, and Cady Chin-See-Chong adding a brace.

Grenada were also in winners’ row in Group C of League C, Melania Fullerton (65th) and Roneisha Frank (79th) scoring in the space of 15 minutes in the second half to lift them to a 2-0 win over US Virgin Islands in St. Croix.

The win was Grenada’s fourth in as many outings, leaving them top of the group on 12 points.

The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket received more than 4,000 responses to its call for evidence

GCOS donates to trackReggae Girls bow out and-field athletes at after Guatemala draw the ‘Nationals’

ON the 61st Anniversary of the Guyana Teachers Union Schools Athletic and Field and Swimming championship, the Guyana Committee of Services has once again made its presence felt by donating several running shoes, stopwatches, and gift vouchers to be distributed to the outstanding and promising athletes as part of its mandate.

Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones (right) presents a donation to the athlete Javon Roberts on behalf of GCOS

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Championships…

Pepsi Hikers take Men’s title, GBTI GCC Tigers are Women’s Champions

Pepsi Hikers are the Diamond Mineral Water Men’s Champions

By Sean Devers PEPSI Hikers squeezed past ‘Saints’ on a penalty shoot-out in the exciting men’s final of the Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Championships on Sunday night at the National Gymnasium after the game ended in a 3-all draw.

Devon Munroe scored

in the 4th minute for Pepsi Hikers, but that was the only goal scored in the first half, as the defence of both teams looked sound.

Jabari Lovell levelled the score in the 14th minute when he beat custodian David Williams, while in two minutes Shakeem Fausette found the back of the net to give Saints a 2-1 lead.

SHAI Hope sealed a dramatic victory for his West Indies side over England with three sixes in four balls off Sam Curran in Antigua on Sunday, then called upon his players to back up their performances next week as they look to clinch a series win.

Hope’s unbeaten 109 off 83 balls was his 16th ODI century, and the fastest of his career. He brought it up with a flurry of sixes to take West Indies over the line, belting a Curran full-toss over wide long-on, pulling a shorter ball over deep midwicket to bring up three figures, and repeating the shot to complete a four-wicket win with seven balls to spare.

“A very, very famous person, MS Dhoni – we had a chat a while ago, and he was saying, ‘You always have a lot more time than

you think,'” Hope said at the post-match presentation.

“That’s one thing that has stuck with me throughout the years I’ve been playing ODI cricket.

Speaking to CWI’s inhouse channels, he added: “The dimensions of the field and then the wind factor there, I thought the best thing to do was to target that particular over. We knew it was a challenge to score from the other end, especially going against the breeze… Regardless of what happened, I was going to try and take down that secondto-last over to give us the best chance of winning the game.

“After the second [six of the 49th over], I knew we pretty much had the game in the balance. If we had that over to finish the game, I always try to finish

GBTI GCC Tigers are Exxon Mobil Women’s Champions

Shomere Garnett scored in the 32nd minute to widen the lead for Saints to 3-1, before guest player Trinidadian Akim Toussaint and Skipper Robert Fernandes scored in the space of three minutes as the game ended 3-3, to take the contest into a penalty shootout which Pepsi Hikers won 2-0.

In the Exxon Mobil

Women’s final, GBTI GCC Tigers got the better of the Trinidad and Tobago Policewomen, 6-2, after leading 5-nil at halftime.

National player Abosaide Cadogan scored her first goal in the 2nd minute of the game before beating the goalie on two more occasions to register a hat trick, while Sonia Jardine scored twice as the

Abosaide Cadogan (right) scored a hat- trick in the Women’s final (Sean Devers photos)

Guyanese ladies dominated their Trinidadian counterparts in the first half.

Skipper Brittney Hingh netted in a brace as the Police team from Trinidad and Tobago fought back.

However, Jardine completed her hat trick when she got the ball past Goal-Keeper Lorna Cooper in the 39th minute to help the Bourda

Girls to an emphatic win.

Antonio’s Hikers beat GCC the Sequel in a thrilling penalty shootout in the Republic Bank over-35 final, while a brace from Roger Daniels led Trinidad and Tobago’s Over-45 Masters to a 2-1 against GCC Vintage, whose goal came off the stick of Dwayne Scott.

batter of any nationality to reach the landmark, behind Babar Azam (97) and Hashim Amla (101), and level with Viv Richards and Virat Kohli.

“It was in a winning cause, and that’s all I play for,” he said. “The stats will come as a bypass [sic], but my aim and my thing is to win games… It feels good, man; it contributed to a win, so I’m just happy that the guys got over the line.”

Hope also hailed the contribution of Romario Shepherd, who made 48 off 28 balls during an 89-run stand for the sixth wicket. “He was amazing,” Hope said.

“He’s one of those guys you can depend on, and he’s continued to show his worth at this level… We’re starting the series on a high, and the aim is to repeat this in the second game [on Wednes-

day].”

West Indies’ run chase, their second-highest in men’s ODIs, was set up by Alick Athanaze and Brandon King’s 104-run opening stand. “They’re both quality players,” Hope said, adding: “Again, it’s about how you can continue from this position. You want some consistency, not just a oneoff to show the world you can do something.

“Whatever is on the board, we have to chase it.

If you want to win games, we can’t only win games when we’re bowling teams out for 160 or 150. We’ve got to win from any position; that’s the belief that we need to have in the dressing room. I’m going to be pushing that, regardless of what’s going on.”

(ESPNcricinfo)

Hope reveals Dhoni inspiration after finishing chase in style

MS Doni (left) and Shai Hope

the game with one over to spare, if I can. I don’t want to leave it to anyone else, so the aim was to finish off at the back end.”

Hope took over as West Indies’ full-time ODI captain earlier this year, and while he oversaw an unsuccessful attempt at World Cup qualification in Zimbabwe, he has thrived with the bat since taking on the role.

He has moved down to No. 4 after spending much of his career opening, and there has been a notable improvement in both his average and strike rate, compared to his overall record.

He also became the 11th West Indies batter to reach 5,000 runs in men’s ODIs, during what was his 114th innings in the format. Hope was the joint third-fastest

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Guyana’s Lady Jags top group to qualify for Women’s Gold Cup ‘prelims’ Wickham, Bishop ensure series win for CWI Academy

Kevin Wickham completed an unbeaten century

Lady Jags celebrating their victory on Sunday night

GUYANA secured first place in Group A of League B of the Concacaf Road to W Gold Cup tournament, and, by virtue of winning their group, the Lady Jags have qualified for the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup ‘prelims’.

On Sunday, Guyana won 3-0 against Antigua and Barbuda at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Annalisa Vincent struck with a back-heel in the 39th minute to put Guyana in front. The play developed

quickly from an Otesha Charles cross to the left side to a pass in the box by Shanice Alferd before Vincent got the final hit.

Charles put her name on the scoresheet with a header in the 63rd minute by connecting with a cross from Brianne Desa, before Neema Liverpool put the finishing touch on a Guyana corner kick in the 85th on a second assist from Desa.

It was Guyana’s fifth victory in six matches in Group A, ending on 15 points, three ahead of Suriname (four

wins, two losses). The other teams in the group - Antigua and Barbuda and Dominicaended on four points each, with identical records of one win, one draw and four losses.

The Lady Jags started with a 2-1 loss to Antigua before trouncing Dominica 5-0 and 9-0, and prevailing 1-0 over Suriname on two occasions before Sunday’s final game.

President of the Guyana Football Federation Wayne Forde hailed the historic success of the team.

COOLIDGE, Antigua, (CMC ) – Kevin Wickham’s unbeaten hundred and Joshua Bishop’s four-wicket haul combined to inflict Emerging Ireland with a heavy 432run defeat inside three days here Monday.

Well placed on 176 for four in their second innings overnight, Cricket West Indies Academy piled up 321 for eight declared, with Wickham carving out a superb unbeaten 105 off 108 deliveries, his second first class hundred.

Set a mammoth 579 runs for victory, the visitors collapsed in a heap for 143 all out, Bishop claiming four for 36 with his left-arm spin to finish with match figures of eight for 54.

Liam McCarthy struck

a top score of 35 not out from 32 balls, with halfa-dozen fours at number nine, while opener Stephen Doheny got 23, but they were the only two to pass 20.

The victory gave CWI Academy a clean sweep of the two-match first class series played at Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Resuming the day on 17, Wickham dominated the Emerging Ireland bowling, striking half-dozen fours and five sixes.

He reached his fifty off 74 deliveries with a sweetly-timed six over long on off left-arm spinner Mike Frost (2-136) before bringing up three figures off 105 deliveries with a streaky boundary to a fine third man off seamer Tom Mayes (5-75), who picked

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up another five-wicket haul to end with match figures of ten for 139.

Along the way, Wickham put on 78 for the sixth wicket with captain Nyeem Young (32), and a further 50 for the eighth wicket with McKenny Clarke (22).

Beginning their second innings after lunch, Emerging Ireland found themselves immediately in strife when James McCollum perished to the third ball for two, nicking a defensive prod at Clarke behind after being dropped the previous delivery.

Clarke, who finished with two for 16, also knocked over Cade Carmichael for 14 at 22 for two, the right-hander slapping a long hop to cover.

W h e n Ti m H e c t o r drove at seamer Kelvin Pittman and edged high to second slip without scoring, Emerging Ireland were tottering on 36 for three, and never recovered.

With his side teetering on the brink on 108 for nine, McCarthy ensured the tail wagged in a 35-run last-wicket stand with Matthew Foster (2), before fast bowler Isai Thorne put the latter out of his misery.

| TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023