Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 06-08-2022

SATURDAY 6th August, 2022

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No.106806

Guyana ready for Cricket Carnival traffic, says Civil Aviation head

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Open-field trial for wheat 03 set for September ––– Agriculture Ministry collaborating with EMBRAPA to test six varieties

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Global food commodity prices decline in July 02 PAGE

All EEPGL permits covered by insurance PAGE

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President, Dr. Irfaan Ali says that the Government of Guyana is committed to supporting the Global ‘Save Soil’ Movement. The President gave this assurance during an engagement with world-famous yoga guru and spiritual master, Jagadish Vasudev, known as Sadhguru, at State House on Friday. The President told Sadhguru that Guyana is willing to work towards becoming the home of the ‘Save Soil’ Movement, and is committed to providing land to start a pilot project. Sadhguru was accompanied by world-renowned Soca artiste and ambassador of the Movement, Machel Montano. The Movement aims to inspire people to support policy redirections to safeguard, nurture and sustain soil, and drive national policy changes in 193 nations towards raising and maintaining the organic content of the soil to a minimum of three to six per cent. Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; and Director of Projects at the Office of the President, Mrs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma were also at the engagement (Office of the President)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

Global food commodity prices decline in July

— prices for wheat declined by as much as 14.5 per cent THE benchmark for world food commodity prices declined significantly in July, with major cereal and vegetable oil prices recording double-digit percentage declines, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) reported on Friday.

T h e c l o s e ly-watched FAO Food Price Index averaged 140.9 points in July, down 8.6 per cent from June, marking the fourth consecutive monthly decline since hitting all-time highs earlier in the year. The Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a basket of commonly-traded food commodities, nevertheless, remained 13.1 per cent higher than in July 2021.

“The decline in food commodity prices from very high levels is welcome, especially when seen from a food access viewpoint; however, many uncertainties remain, including high fertiliser prices that can impact future production prospects and farmers’ livelihoods, a bleak global economic outlook, and currency move-

The decline in food commodity prices from very high levels is welcome, says FAO Chief Economist, Maximo Torero (Outlook India photo)

ments, all of which pose serious strains for global food security,” said FAO Chief Economist, Maximo Torero.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index decreased by 19.2 per cent in July from June, marking a 10-month low. International quotations for all oil types fell, with palm oil prices declining due to prospects of ample export availabilities out of Indonesia, those of rapeseed oil responding to expectations of ample new

crop supplies, and soy oil prices down due to protracted sluggish demand.

Sunflower oil prices also dropped markedly amid subdued global import demand despite continued logistical uncertainties in the Black Sea region. Lower crude oil prices also pressured vegetable oil values down.

The FAO Cereal Price Index dropped by 11.5 per cent in the month, while remaining 16.6 per cent above its July 2021 val-

ue. Prices of all the cereals represented in the index fell, led by wheat, for which world prices declined by as much as 14.5 per cent, partly in reaction to the agreement reached between Ukraine and the Russian Federation to unblock exports from key Black Sea ports and partly to seasonal availability from ongoing harvests in the northern hemisphere.

World coarse grain prices declined by 11.2 per cent in July, with those of maize

down by 10.7 per cent, also due in part to the Black Sea agreement as well as increased seasonal availabilities in Argentina and Brazil. International rice prices also declined for the first time in 2022.

The FAO Sugar Price Index fell by 3.8 per cent from June amid concerns over demand prospects due to expectations of a further global economic slowdown, a weakening Brazilian real, and lower ethanol prices resulting in

greater sugar production in Brazil during the month than previously expected.

Indications of greater exports as well as favourable production prospects in India also contributed to the decline in world sugar prices, while hot and dry weather in the European Union spark concerns on sugar beet yields and prevented sharper price declines.

The FAO Dairy Price Index decreased by 2.5 per cent from June, amid lacklustre trading activity, but it still averaged 25.4 per cent above its July 2021 value.

Prices of milk powders and butter declined, while those of cheese remained stable, buoyed by demand in European tourist destinations.

The FAO Meat Price Index was also down in July, by 0.5 per cent from June, due to weakening import demand for bovine, ovine and pig meats.

By contrast, international poultry meat prices reached an all-time high, underpinned by firm global import demand and tight supplies due to Avian influenza outbreaks in the northern hemisphere. (FAO)

Open field trial for wheat set for September

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 6, 2022

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–– Agriculture Ministry collaborating with EMBRAPA to test six varieties

By Naomi Parris

and soya, if we can grow all those berries, then our food import bill will reduce tremendously.”

Prices for wheat have skyrocketed globally due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Russia and Ukraine account for approximately 30 per cent of the world’s traded wheat.

WITH much focus being placed on reducing Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, is optimistic that with the introduction of new crops, wheat being one of many, the agriculture goal will be met.

Mustapha, speaking on the sidelines of an event on Friday, said an open field trial for wheat has been scheduled to commence by September month-end at Santa Fe, North Rupununi, Region Nine.

“I’m mostly interested on when we will start the open field trial, we have already visited the area in Santa Fe, Region Nine,” Mustapha told reporters, adding: “I am hoping that at the end of September we can have less rainfall and commence the open field trail.”

For the open trial, the minister stated that Guyana will be partnering with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EM-

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha BRAPA) to see the project. wheat can grow in Guyana “We are having co-op- in the open field,” he said, eration from EMBRAPA; adding: “Generally, we can it’s like the research insti- harvest [wheat] with a comtute that we have like NA- bine and we have a flour REI [National Agricultural mill in Guyana already so Research and Extension that won’t be a problem Institute]. The director who for us.” specialises in tropical wheat He reiterated that continproduction has visited Re- ued diversification and ingion Nine.” troduction of new crops will Six varieties will be test- help the country in reducing ed during the open field trail its food import bill. and once completed and suc“We know for a fact that cessful, the ministry will this will help us to reduce move to produce wheat on a the food import bill. If we larger scale. can grow our own wheat, if “I’m very optimistic that we can grow our own corn

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, says the government remains strongly committed to advancing the national energy transition agenda including through promoting the use of renewable sources of energy, including solar energy.

Dr Singh was, at the time, speaking at the Fourth Regional Committee Meeting for the Latin America and Caribbean Region of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Friday.

Solar energy, the minister said is playing an important role in achieving

energy inclusivity, particularly through the deployment of solar solutions in hinterland and remote communities.

The minister reminded those at the meeting that Guyana has an off-the-grid population with these persons residing in hinterland and outlying areas.

As such, he posited that “with the support of the Indian Exim (Export-Import) Bank, we have already concluded a project to procure and deploy 30,000 household solar units to bring solar electricity to 30,000 homes.”

The minister added: “Even though our energy transition might not comprise solar as the bulk

To ease the negative economic impact felt locally, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, in March, had announced that Guyana is exploring the possibility of sourcing a variety of wheat for local production.

“Soon, we are going to work to see whether we can

find a variety of wheat that we can plant in Guyana, so that we can fulfill even our local requirement,” President Ali had said earlier this year.

He added: “We are learning important lessons now that we must not leave unanswered for future generations.”

30,000 households to soon benefit from solar energy producer to the grid, solar energy is playing a tremendous role in achieving energy inclusivity because even though it is at a small level, at the community level, from that one project, 30,000 households which did not have electricity will now have electricity. They were too far away from the grid to be able to connect but 30,000 households are now going to get electricity for the first time ever and similar solutions can be deployed for other remote areas.”

Minister Singh re-emphasised that the Government is open to exploring various renewable energy resources and he also outlined its commitment and

focus on ensuring that the administration achieves all of its goals in relation to its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) as contained in its manifesto.

The release noted that key to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development agenda is clean energy.

“Government intends to utilise its access to low carbon development energy resources (solar, hydro, wind, biomass and natural gas) as a means of decoupling its economic growth from using fossil fuels for electricity.

This will ensure that the rising demand is met and greenhouse gas emissions are kept low,” the release concluded.

Minister Singh speaking at the Fourth Regional Committee Meeting for the Latin America and Caribbean Region of the International Solar Alliance

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 6, 2022

Nandlall: Guyana going through best period in history

WITH mounting investments in almost every sector across the country, Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall has contended that Guyana is currently going through one of the best periods in history.

The Attorney-General made these remarks during his weekly show ‘Issues in the News’, where he addressed claims by Opposition members that Guyana

is going through a “crisis”.

“Guyana is going through the best period of Guyana’s history perhaps since its discovery,” he said while noting the numerous transformative endeavours and investments currently taking place. The country has never had so many investors flocking at once, along with so many projects of a transformational nature happening, he said.

“We have never had the amount of money flowing

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in this economy, we have never had the amount of job creation opportunities that are available, we have never had the magnitude of investments taking place right before our eyes, we have never had the type of collaborative arrangements with international companies,” the Legal Affairs Minister said.

To this end, he contended that those persons claiming that the country is in crisis mode are out

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of touch with reality and reminded that all the transformational projects and investments, inclusive of international collaborations are taking place before their eyes.

“If you look at the legal sector alone, the number of laws that we are passing, the number of courthouses that we have built. If you go into the infrastructure, you look at the amount of roads and bridges that we have built, Demerara Har-

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bour Bridge, new bridge, and any other sector; agriculture we have never had a more aggressive Agri agenda than we have now,” the minister said.

According to the Attorney-General, the government has been on alert since entering office two years ago and since then, every aspect of human life in the country has been positively impacted over the period as never before.

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Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall S.C.

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Survey to enable targeted investments for farmers

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 6, 2022

By Naomi Parris

IN a bid to improve its efforts in meeting stakeholder demands and making profitable investments, the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Sustainable Agriculture Development Programme (SADP) on Friday launched an agriculture survey at the Regency Suites Hotel.

The $20 million project, which is being funded by the Inter Development Bank (IDB), will see the collection of data from approximately 4,000 farmers residing in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six East Berbice-Corentyne), and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Some 100 enumerators are expected to be trained to conduct the survey.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, in brief remarks, explained that the pilot project will

see the creation of a register of farmers, inclusive of what they produce, where they are located, and how much they are producing.

“This will help us to know who are the farmers of our country; to know where they are located, and the amount of crop they are producing,” Minister Mustapha said, adding that the data being collected will also assist the government with crafting realistic policies and targeted projects to further develop the sector and the

country.

“When we set programmes, especially in the agriculture sector, we have to be more realistic, because we are dealing with food and food security, and today, when the world is at a food crisis in terms of food security, we have to be accurate in setting goals and setting our programmes,” the minister said.

He said the project is long overdue, because the ministry has not conducted such surveys in years.

because when our country is at the verge of diversifying its agriculture sector [in] consolidating and diversifying our traditional sector… this information will help us tremendously in deciding where to diversify, where to consolidate and where to expand.”

Mustapha disclosed that once the pilot project is completed, the ministry will be looking to expand it further to ensure that all farmers are registered.

Meanwhile, Lorena

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

: Some of the enumerators at the launching of the survey and training session (Adrian Narine photo)

Acting IDB Country Representative Lorena Solorzano-Salazar

Minister Mustapha further explained that without the proper data, the ministry is unable to establish and create targeted projects to assist stakeholders, and as such, the survey is of much importance.

“Without proper analysis, knowledge and proper survey, I don’t think we can set a realistic programme; a programme that is accurate enough, so that we can capture all the activities that people are doing,” he said, adding: “It is also important to us,

Solorzano-Salazar, acting Country Representative for the IDB, said the project marks a significant undertaking in the country’s agriculture sector.

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“This is important because we need the information of where we are in

the agriculture sector.…

It’s a milestone for the sector to start this survey aligned with our IDB mission 2025, along with the agenda for promoting actions and knowledge in climate change and maximising the growth production and fostering investments,” Solorzano-Salazar said.

Once collected, the data will also be used to improve Guyana’s national agricultural statistical system in order to provide an updated description of the structural characteristics of the agriculture systems in the targeted regions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

Using social media responsibly

THERE’S an inherent danger that comes with social media usage without understanding the real offline implications of online actions. Every social media user ultimately becomes a publisher because they have the capacity to share content publicly to multiple subscribers.

While that dynamic is not the subject of this editorial, it’s important to note that there are US lawmakers actively working to amend Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (1996) which gives immunity to companies behind internet-based platforms like Facebook for the things published by users. “Community Standards” are the compromise.

More to the subject of the editorial, it must be acknowledged that online activism has been essential to changing many of the cultures that have made the world less safe for social groups considered as marginalised.

It is through these media that we’ve heard the stories of survivors of gender based violence, learned from the communities directly about the nuances within language that needed deeper inspection and changing where necessary, and also used these exchanges to mobilise for positive transformation at the ideological, institutional, interpersonal and individual levels.

These platforms, most notably, relieve activists and advocates within those unrepresented and underrepresented social groups from having to acquire large amounts of cash for advertising through traditional publishing methods like newspaper, radio and television.

Since the explosion of social media in Guyana in 2009, the culture of engagement via the platforms, particularly Facebook, has changed. This is also true for the rest of the world as Facebook’s user interface and algorithm make conflict easier.

Facebook’s algorithm is geared

to increase and sustain user engagement.

Since it is virtually impossible to see the content of all 2,000 Facebook friends at the same time, it is the algorithm’s duty to prioritise content for users’ newsfeeds based on criteria which include the users’ interests (based on previous posts interacted with), and posts that have larger amounts of engagement, among other things.

We have seen activists take to social media to highlight and denounce human rights concerns. There is, however, a degree of care, recognised equally in justice and activism, that has to be taken to do no harm.

Despite best intentions, there are persons who have access to social media platforms, who have large followings, who are regarded as publishers by the standard outlined previously, but who have not exercised a degree of care to do no harm in what they feel was the best decision in the moment. We have

seen this happen, especially, with matters relating to sexual offences. It is no secret that there were significant institutional changes which had to be made to improve the experiences of sexual violence survivors in Guyana.

It is also no secret that sexual violence in Guyana is at crisis level. In 2020, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) handed down a significant judgment on a child rape sentencing appeal in the matter of Pompey v Director of Public Prosecutions of Guyana (DPP) [2020] CCJ 7 (AJ) GY. In that decision, the President and Justices of the CCJ noted that in 2019 there were 648 indictable sexual violence cases from Guyana set down for trial in the Magisterial District of Demerara alone.

A deeper analysis of the data revealed by the CCJ recorded that sexual violence cases constituted 54 per cent of the total number of criminal

cases in Demerara for the years 2014 to 2019. In the Berbice Magisterial District, 38 per cent of all criminal cases between 2014 and 2019 were sexual offences. Meanwhile, for the Essequibo Magisterial District, 56 per cent of all criminal cases for the years 2014 to 2019 were sexual offences.

In all three Magisterial Districts, sexual offences against minors, as a percentage of overall sexual offence cases at any given period, were between 70 per cent and 100 per cent.

Guyana’s Sexual Offences Act (2010) is one of the most progressive in the Caribbean.

With that said, it should be recognised that there is a process for reporting and receiving support for sexual violence matters including rape and sexual assault, which results in an official institutional record. It would be naïve to conclude that there weren’t barriers to reporting sexual offences which are both cultural and institutional.

It should be acknowledged that since Guyana instituted the Sexual Offences Act in 2010, and the Sexual Offences Court later, there has been noticeable increase in successful convictions for sexual offences. Much work is still being done, and still must be done to address the cultures that create and ‘prop up’ sexual offences.

While there is value in raising awareness to identify the prevalence of rape culture and address consent as a lesson that should be learned by all, there is a level of care that must be taken to ensure that the survivor is not re-victimised, especially with the advent of cybercrime legislation in Guyana. There is a lot of work still to be done. Survivors of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, can contact the 24-hour emergency hotline number for the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security at 914.

No disparity but equality in distribution of benefits Dear Editor,

TWO years ago, the Ali administration was finally sworn into office after a five-month impasse during which, the then President Granger led APNU+AFC Administration held this country under siege and had their knees on the necks of Guyanese, refusing to demit office even after a recount of the votes by international observers proved that the PPP/C Party had won the March 2020 general elections with a majority of 33 seats. Only after the US had imposed visa sanctions and the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had called President Granger to “step aside,” then the legitimate PPP/C Party was legally allowed to take their rightful seats as the rec-

ognised government, voted in power by the Guyanese electorate, not selected or installed by any regime.

Plagued with economic, social and psychological instabilities, including floods, COVID-19, poverty, bankruptcy, crime, drugs and unemployment, the new government had preplanned with foresight and the answers to most of the problems, were outlined in their manifesto.

Good things certainly come to those who wait, for, “patience is virtue.”

From day one, for the reinvigorated PPP/C Party, there was no turning back, stalling for time or uncertainty about the next move, as the fresh and energised President Ali led his team of dedicated players to pioneer this exciting nation through unchartered water,

engineered by the potential of the promising oil and gas industry. This industry had started off on a wrong footing because of the lopsided oil agreement signed by the APNU+AFC Party and ExxonMobil. Facing the heat now to renegotiate the contract, the PPP/C Government is being bombarded with intolerable accusations and insults. “Do nothing, fear nothing.” This saying helped guide the young administration to throw away the key of fear to pursue policies and principles based on fairness, equality and not discriminative.

There was much to be done with limited time and a craving expectation from a yearning population, all operative in a devastating vacuum left by the previous, devious and defiant APNU+AFC administration.

A raped treasury and unaccountable records provided the dismal task of grasping in the dark with only the dim light flickering from a match stick and not the luxury of a fluorescent tube.

A peeved nation filled with anxiety, expected the new government to revolutionise the country overnight and implement changes to satisfy the needs of each individual.

Such was the horrendous and improbable task lying ahead for this fearless team, but, guided with the principle of “where there is a will, there is a way,” Dr. Ali and his ministries have withstand the test of time, tactics and temerity.

To compound the issue, political instability executed and instigated by the defeated party, certainly did not help any smooth transitioning and the pleasure

of getting comfortable in any cushioned seats. The Granger/ Harmon-led racist insinuation contributed to the West Coast Berbice uprisal and the violence which spurred Afro Guyanese to retaliate against Indo Guyanese to leave a sour and bitter taste in the mouth. This effect was again replicated recently at the sad Mon Repos incident. The perverse Coalition party meant to play havoc with the lives of the PPP/C Government and their supporters, but instead, included their electorate constituent also, not caring or being concerned about who lie in their path in order for them to succeed with their willful and mischievous plan to derail the peace, progress and prosperity of this nation at any cost. “Waste not, want not,” meant nothing to the blind leadership of a rudder-

less Coalition party.

President Ali recently remarked, “All of our programmes have accelerated development.” Undaunted by all the trials and tribulations, hurdles and impediments, the negativity of all the naysayers and the unplanned stumbling blocks, a resilient PPP/C Government paved its way through muddy water and foggy atmosphere to overcome all the hurricanes, tornedos, earthquakes, storms and hails, weathering all of manmade pessimism and nature’s gifts, to calmly manage the affairs of the nation, efficiently and effectively, bringing the economy back to a blossoming flower by yanking it from the jaws of death. As patient as David but passionate as Goliath, the gentle lamb of the government, gentlemanly eroded Continued on page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

Part 3: An Updated Outlook of Guyana’s Take from Liza 1, 2, Payara and Yellowtail SCENARIO 2 In the second scenario, the financial forecast model assumes an average price $70 per barrel while the assumptions for the other variables remain the same as in the base case scenario. The results, as demonstrated in the graph below; gross revenue is forecasted at $205B of which government’s take is approximately $63.4B or 31 per cent up from the $48B or 28 per cent in the base case scenario and the oil companies’ take is an estimated $55.2B or 27 per cent.

Therefore, the higher the price and lower the operating cost which is very possible outcomes given Guyana’s low-cost operating environment, the higher would-be Guyana’s Take as well as the net take for the oil companies.

Explanation of the Base Case Scenario Financial Model Assumptions The base case scenario of the analysis conducted herein takes into consideration the project economics of the four approved projects separately, then the findings were amalgamated.

• Fiscal framework in the PSA: • Royalty: two per cent of gross revenue • Profit Oil: 50 per cent • Allowances: • Capital expenditure (CAPEX) depreciation: 3.4 per cent straight line method • Cost Recovery Ceiling: 75 per cent • Profit Oil = Gross Revenue – Cost Oil (OPEX + Capital Cost Recovery) • Profit oil split between the government and the oil companies are as follows: • Total Government Take = two per cent of gross revenue + 50 per cent profit oil.

OTHER ASSUMPTIONS • The average price used in the base case scenario is $60.

• Operating expenditure (OPEX) for Liza 1 using FY 2021 actual figures was 42 per cent.

• OPEX for the other projects is likely to be relatively constant at 30 per cent (maximum) or 12 per cent (minimum) throughout the productive life of the projects.

This is on account of a relatively low-cost environment owing to Guyana’s light and sweet crude coupled with the technology employed by the oil companies that aid in achieving greater efficiency.

• A discount rate of eight per cent representing ExxonMobil’s weighted average cost of capital (WACC).

• As the Development / Capital Cost is recovered, Guyana’s Take as a percentage of the gross revenue is expected to increase from 14.5 per cent to 37 per cent.

• The 75 per cent cost recovery ceiling is split 30 per cent for OPEX and 45 per cent for recovery of capital cost.

• To determine the payback period for the invested capital using the rate of capital cost recovery, the payback method formula was used in the calculation.

BENCHMARKING OF THE INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN FOR GUYANA’S OFFSHORE PRODUCTION The IRR is the discount rate that makes NPV of a project zero. It is the expected compound annual rate of return that will be earned on a project or investment.

The base case financial forecast model across the four approved projects for Guyana generated an average IRR of 22 per cent. Comparing this with the average IRR for oil and gas fields in the US for 2019, the average IRR with subsidies for oil and gas fields is around 40 per cent as illustrated in

the graph below, and without subsidies the average IRR is approximately 25 per cent. In both cases (with or without subsidies), the IRR is higher in the US than the average IRR for Guyana.

The reality is such that, however, given that in the US oil and gas activities are heavily subsidised, it is therefore prudent for the purpose of this comparison to look at the average IRR with subsidies which is substantially higher (by 18 percentage points) than the average IRR for Guyana. This is an extremely important perspective to consider contextually against the notion that Guyana’s PSA is overly favourable towards the oil companies and less favourable to Guyana.

Impact of subsidies on Internal Rate of Return of new oil and gas fields in the United States in 2019, by location

Benchmarking Guyana’s Share of Profit Oil Relative to Public Companies’ Corporate Taxes Measured as a Percentage of Revenue

Having established that the Government’s share of profit oil at a rate of 50 per cent is also a form of tax paid to the State and wherein it was shown that the corporate tax rates for companies under the regular taxation regime is lower than the 50 per cent profit oil for Guyana; it is worthwhile to test this notion by way of a comparative analysis.

With this perspective in mind, table 2 above illustrates a comparison of the corporate taxes paid by three of the largest publicly traded companies in Guyana (two local companies and one regional financial institution) relative to their gross revenue, namely: Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), six per cent; Banks DIH Limited, eight per cent and Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, 17 per cent.

In the case of DDL and Banks DIH, the corporate taxes paid by these companies represent six per cent and eight per cent of revenue respectively, which is less than the 12.5 per

cent Government’s Take from the oil revenue. And as for RBL, eventually when the capital costs are fully recovered, Government’s Take in profit oil will be much higher than 17 per cent.

The comparison demonstrated in this section is merely to contextualise and validate the argument that Guyana’s 50 per cent profit share from the oil revenue is much higher than the corporate taxes paid by any local or foreign companies operating Guyana that are subject to the regular corporate tax rates.

CONCLUDING REMARKS The analysis conducted herein under a conservative base case scenario shows that Guyana is poised to earn close to US$5B annually when the four approved projects are producing concurrently by 2025 through 2030 at 810,000 boe/d across the four projects. Further to note, Guyana’s Net Take in royalty and profit oil is higher than the oil companies after capital costs are fully recovered and operating expenses deducted / recovered. Guyana’s share of profit oil will also increase relative to the gross revenue when the capital costs for all of the developments are fully recovered owing to relatively low operating costs of 12 per cent- 30 per cent of revenue.

Yours sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin

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No disparity but equality ...

From page 6

the Godzilla Coalition to evoke their promised manifesto and implemented their plans strategically, after presenting the biggest budget in the history of Guyana. This paved the way to unleash a series of humungous projects to metamorphose the new landscape of Guyana with massive infrastructure, ingrained in streets, roads, highways, culverts, kokers, bridges, water stations, pumps, wells, streetlights, airports, waterways, buildings, hotels, hospitals, houses, markets, schools, sports complexes, etc. “Seeing is believing,” but the diaspora returning home after a prolonged absence, cannot believe their eyes and are bedazzled on arrival.

The President did say, “Together, we have already accomplished a lot.” In its first two years, the PPP/C Government has accomplished more than what the

APNU+AFC Government did in their last five years of governance. The government brought tremendous relief to the entire Guyanese population via, increases in social and security services, tax relief, school grants, flood grants, COVID-19 relief grants, hampers, old age pension, bonuses, allowances, disability grants, agriculture grants, fishing grants, minimum wage, etc., all amounting to billions of dollars. There was no disparity but equality in the distribution of benefits and the meek call for discrimination practice from the baffled few are weak and unfounded, lacked any proof and used as a desperate means for political survival. The PPP/C Government’s “proof is in the pudding.”

Damage control was a priority on the government’s “to do list” and Dr. Irfaan Ali has established Guyana’s name on the tongue of all the world

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

leaders and brought international fame by his many visits and participation on the global scene. He is renowned and well respected, having received accolades and applauses from all the international and regional heads of governments as a key player in world affairs. Through

his astute leadership, his service and loyalty, his commitment and dedication to Guyana, the neighbouring countries, CARICOM and the world at large, he is opening doors for Guyana and Guyanese and all the major business entities want to come to Guyana to set up business.

This is only the beginning of the transformational development by the PPP/C Government, trading under a “One Guyana” motto, for, “In unity, there is strength.”

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday morning was updated on preparations for Cricket Carnival 2022 by the organising committee.

Cricket Carnival runs from September 16 to October 2 and coincides with the Guyana leg of the Caribbean Premier League 2022, including the semi-finals on September 27 and 28 and the Finals on September 30 (Office of the President)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

Richest nations locked down in logjam between inflation and recession

IF anyone had doubts that the so-called Free Enterprise System is in a free-fall crisis that’s simply not freefor-all, just look at how the UN Secretary-General is condemning massive profit-making by the world’s major oil companies in the middle of the current world food and fuel crisis, how the world’s major currencies are tumbling over each other, how the economies of the G-7 (the world’s richest countries) are grinding and grounding under unprecedented and unparalleled pressures – and how central bank chiefs are inventing words to not admit that inflation rates are bordering on recession in major nations heading into elections.

The UK and US face their worst recession since 1992 and 2008, respectively, the Bank of England yesterday issuing its bleakest projections for 13 per cent inflation due to high fuel and food prices and

the US reporting surprising job creation numbers, while housing prices in New York reached $5,000 monthly for the first time – and the White House had to declare Monkeypox a public health emergency in New York and New Jersey.

The IMF has also predicted the UK will experience its slowest growth among G-7 nations (the world’s richest), while Europe’s strongest economy, Germany, has been forced to seek private sector help to buy oil on the international market to make-up for less-than-expected Russian supplies ahead of a bad winter with little or no heat.

The crises are causing changes so fast that ex-Fed chiefs in the USA are also now going over each other to admit and explain why they “got it wrong on inflation” while in office.

The Free Enterprise system was heralded in its heyday with movies like ‘The Firm’ (starring Michael Douglas, whose gospel was

“Greed is Good!”) and more recently by IT startups like Facebook that grew into juggernaut global corporate giants beyond the reach of governments and regulators, always settling where the nest is best for paying the less taxes possible.

Bill Gates and his earlier Microsoft and Apple ilk been boosted lately by the likes of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos competing for the rotating title of ‘World’s Richest Man’, the Musk and Bezos their money fights to flights into outer space, each with companies aiming at opening space to millionaire tourists.

The COVID crisis only added to their respective billions as the world’s richest found and exploited smart ways to stretch money and grow wealth – and outbid each other with super yachts and personalised jet planes while spending hundreds of millions to prevent workers from forming or joining trade unions.

In the 22nd Year of the 21st Century, workers in countries where these goliath businesses operate, everything is done to prevent workers from becoming unionised, even though it’s an established and protected right fought and paid for with the lives, blood and sweat of workers of the world as far back as the late 19th Century.

The socialist system was always decried, even though

its best features were quietly adopted and adapted in and by the major capitalist governments because of how they directly benefit masses of people, like medical care and housing, education and implementation of social programmes that improve lives in communities.

The Cold War that followed World War II offered stiff competition and clear examples of the differences (positive and negative) be-

tween Socialism and Capitalism as the world’s two driving economic systems, but after the fall of the Soviet Union (USSR) in 1991, capitalism has roamed free and wild worldwide as the dominant economic model.

But for some time now – over a decade – telltale signs of capitalism’s imbedded crisis started to emerge as economists on both sides Continued on page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

Richest nations locked down in logjam...

From page 9 started pouring watering holes into the use of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to measure economic success.

The dominant system’s failures started to show up in different ways, all driven by the ultimate objective of every enterprise being to make maximum profits for as long as possible, without blinking an eye or giving a hoot about anyone or anything else.

The combined effects of accumulated and accelerated

international crises have led to unforeseen and unprecedented national economic, social and political crisis for countries that never dreamed of declining so fast, as in Sri Lanka, with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) flashing early warning signals that at least another dozen countries worldwide will fall along the same route.

The Free Enterprise system encourages greed and exploitation of opportunities

as positive characteristics of the true modern entrepreneur, but is also structured to grind even the most successful to the ground if and when they fall out-of-grace or favour with those who control the multifarious systems globally.

Over five months after Ukraine, economic sanctions against Russia have not yielded the desired or expected effect, with the ruble outperforming all other competing international

currencies since the Ukraine war started, Moscow earning at least one billion US dollars per day from European nations tied to Russian oil and gas.

Russia, which has also been a Free-Market capitalist economy since 2001, seems to have better understood the workings of the capitalist economy than its Chinese counterparts, even with Beijing holding America’s biggest international debt in its back-pocket.

And the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) last month quietly established a new gold and natural resources-backed international currency to compete with the US dollar on the global capital market.

Capitalism has reigned free and unbridled in the last three decades while insatiable greed and opulence have increased alongside increasing poverty and hunger worldwide, giving rise

to the bitter finding that the world’s richest one percent is countless times richer than all the rest.

Food, energy and house rent prices are at their highest and more British people have to rely on soup kitchens and donations, while BP (British Petroleum) registered over US $8 billion profits in the second quarter of 2022 and over $14 million in the first half of the year.

50 Guyanese agro-processors to benefit from training, interest-free financing

THE US Agency for International Development (USAID)/Eastern and Southern Caribbean (USAID) and !nnovate Guyana (!G) are elated to announce the return and evolution of the Economic Development Accelerator (EDA) programme, which will benefit more than 50 Guyanese agro-processors.

According to a release, the EDA was designed in 2021 specifically to enhance commercially viable existing agro-processed products in order to prepare them for the export market.

In collaboration with international partners, 15 of 43 applicants were shortlisted and benefitted from training sessions and hands-on technical assistance. In the end, five awardees were afforded non-reimbursable grants to invest in their export-ready products.

The return of the EDA this year, however, saw a shift in its focus, moving from supporting exports, to supporting Guyanese food security locally.

The release noted that, being cognisant of the fact that food security is a national issue due to a significant amount of Guyana’s food being imported, and especially in an economy recovering from the global pandemic, USAID, together with !G, is addressing this and lending its support through the EDA collaboration.

As such, the aim now is to enhance local agro-processed goods manufacturing and distribution, preparing the products for local shelves for Guyanese consumers to benefit.

This, the release said will be done through nine months of intensive training and

The Economic Development Accelerator (EDA) programme was designed in 2021 to enhance commercially viable existing agro-processed products in order to prepare them for the export market

coaching of agro-business owners, plus technical support to elevate their business acumen, and access to working capital recoverable grants to invest in the growth and expansion of their businesses.

Oslene Carrington, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Economic Development Trust, the initiative under which !G operates, outlined that these US$5,000 working capital reimbursable grants and the evolution of this programme will enable a larger number of agro-businesses to benefit.

Carrington said that, rather than investing in five businesses, it would be measurably more beneficial to spread the resources to assist more growing companies.

“Our new focus on supporting food security, and strategically distributing the resources, enables more micro businesses that would in no way, shape or form be able to qualify for traditional financing, to benefit. There are a lot of micro-businesses who aren’t able to functionally operate or expand due to lack of access to finances,

because, in order to access, they’ll have to pledge collateral they don’t have – so we’re the alternative to that,” she said.

USAID/ESC supports this approach to addressing food security. Regional Representative for USAID/ Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Clinton D. White, said, “The mission prioritises support for economic growth in Guyana and the region through robust accelerator programmes like the EDA which offer world class business training and technical support. The programme further allows access to financing to facilitate growth and improved export potential for MSMEs. We look forward to building on the already impressive results coming out of this programme and the positive impact this is having on food security as part of the agri-value chain.”

The application portal (https://innovateguyana. org/grow/) is now open for agro-processors countrywide that have been operating for more than one year.

Applications close August 31, the release said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

President wants GDF Air Corps to become the best in the Region President Ali with members of the Air Corps at Timehri (Office of the President)

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali said he wants the Guyana Defence Force’s Air Corps to become the premier Air Corps in the region, by leading by example and by reflecting the best standards.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces made the statement, on Thursday afternoon, while interacting with Air Corps ranks at the Air Corps Hangar in Timehri.

“I want Air Corps Guyana to be the premier Air Corps in the region. This must be the go-to Air Corps for any country in the region seeking training or seeking to build their capacity.”

“So today is about working to get to those standards. It’s about understanding each of you and what you’re thinking, how you’re thinking because, frankly speaking, we can’t make this investment if people are not ready to invest their future with us too. It’s a two-way street.

So we have to understand the gaps and we have to

work on filling those gaps so that we are going to come up with an action plan today.”

While President Ali spoke about the importance of identifying and addressing gaps, which will allow the Air Corps to transcend to the highest level, he pointed to the pillars needed.

High on the agenda, he explained, was the establishment of an academy and development programme, which can be integrated with a scholarship programme as well as the national training programme and eventually with the regional programme.

“So I must go to the Heads of Government and say to them that we have a one-year plan on bringing our Air Corps to this level and I want the commitment that you’re going to use us for all your training.”

The President spoke about the possibility of having a military-operated commercial arm of the unit and about the equipment needed for such a directive.

He also noted that discussions were ongoing as to what equipment to invest in while revealing that the Air Corps will be getting a second chopper. The effective deployment of the chopper was being examined.

“This is about us making some important decisions as to where we want to position Air Corps. In my mind, I want to position it as the best Air Corps in the region and we are already making the investments in human resources.

We’re spending a lot of money.”

In the discussions forward, President Ali urged those present to share their ideas and to be honest, open, and frank in their dialogue.

National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia; Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Godfrey Bess and other Government officials and senior ranks and officers of the GDF and Air Corps were also at the event.

(Office of the President)

President Ali in discussion with members of the Air Corps at Timehri (Office of the President)

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IICA forms partnership to foster sustainable water resource management

THE Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Spanish company, Agbar Agriculture have signed a technical co-operation agreement to foster the development of joint initiatives and projects in relation to smart and sustainable water resource management in the agriculture sector of Latin America and

the Caribbean (LAC).

The initiative will have an initial four-year duration and its primary objective will be to optimise water use, by improving processes, as well as to identify alternative resources to be implemented in countries in the region selected by both organisations.

The agreement will prioritise co-operation areas such as natural resource man-

agement, climate change and the bioeconomy; rural development, productivity and competitiveness; information technology and social innovation.

IICA Director-General, Manuel Otero and the Agbar Chairman, Ángel Simón signed the agreement in an official virtual ceremony, which was also attended by Alexandre Barbosa, CEO of

Above: IICA Director-General, Manuel Otero and Chairman of AGBAR, D. Ángel Simón Grimaldos.

Below: CEO of AGBAR Agriculture S.A.UD, Juan Antonio Guijarro (IICA photo)

B2 International Consulting, who was instrumental in strengthening linkages between IICA and Agbar and will be involved in the formulation of joint products.

The head of the hemispheric agricultural and rural development organisation remarked that, “The most important aspect of the agreement is what we do tomorrow and how we translate it into actions and projects that will eventually improve the standard of living of people in our region and the world. We are experiencing serious water

stress problems. Now is the time to move from diagnosis to action and to translate this into strategic projects, ever mindful of the human face of the agriculture sector and the fact that it should be seen as part of the solution.”

On the other hand, Ángel Simón indicated that, “In view of current global challenges, such as climate change and water scarcity that are seriously affecting agricultural activity, Agbar is looking to partnerships and technological innovation to optimise water use efficiency

and the sustainability of the sector. We believe in the agriculture of the future, aiming to accelerate the ecological transition and to improve the quality of life of people.”

Under the partnership, the two entities will exchange experiences and knowledge, offer direct consultancy services and provide technical and scientific input, among others activities, in preparing and implementing projects related to the main objective of the agreement. (IICA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 6, 2022

8,000 bags of sugar in bonds –– says GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer

THERE are over 8,000 bags and 7,000 bales of sugar in the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)’s bond ready to be sold.

This is according to Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Sasenarine Singh who told the Guyana Chronicle that there should be no complaints about sugar, as it is available.

Singh explained that while there was a minor issue at the Uitvlugt Estate during the first crop, the problem there was fixed, using technology from the United States.

This, he said, has been working favourably, and

GuySuCo CEO Sasenarine Singh Uitvlugt became the first plant to begin grinding sugar, and has been doing so consistently.

“So, because of this situation at Uitvlugt, we have more than adequate sugar for the local market.

Right now, I can tell you as we speak, we have 8,000 bags of sugar in our bonds and 7,000 bales of Demerara Gold in our bonds, ready to sell,” said Singh.

The public is being asked to contact the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) if they cannot get in contact with GuySuCo directly, to purchase sugar.

With that, he noted that the target for the second crop of 2022 is 40,000 tonnes, and thus far, some 13,052 tonnes have already been achieved. However, this has not come without challenges.

According to the CEO, the major challenge that the corporation is experiencing is inconsistent sunlight, which is necessary for the crop and for production.

Currently, he said, GuySuCo is harvesting, and thus far, they are ahead of schedule.

Though the weather predictions may forecast rains between now and November, Singh said GuySuCo is expecting to leverage all periods within that time to do plowing and planting.

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‘Improved drainage in the works’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 6, 2022

–– Agriculture Minister tells Region Six farmers

By Nafeeza Yahya

IN a meeting with rice farmers on Wednesday, at the New Market Primary School in No. 63 Village, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha committed to having all dams fixed, and canals assessed and improved to ensure farmers are protected during the rainy seasons.

“I want to commit this afternoon that we will fix all the dams, which will happen very soon,” Minister Mustapha said.

He, however, cautioned farmers to be cognisant that the dams are meant to be accessible by all farmers, and that they need to consider how they use them so everyone can benefit.

Minister Mustapha proposed a hybrid system of awarding the contract to farmers possessing the means to fix the dams, as well as contractors outside of the sector. He

the government to help the sector realise its full potential.

“The agriculture sector is continuing to move forward, and when you look at what is in store, the future looks bright; but all of us have to work together, because it is not a one-way street, and not only the government will have to deliver.

“We must form that partnership to work with you, the farmers,” Minister Mustapha charged.

years.

“Previously, we were getting an average of seven to eight inches of rainfall, with a maximum of 12 inches per month in the rainy season; now, in two hours, we are getting seven to eight inches in just two hours, and the water is so much, it puts a strain on the systems in place. Even as we put measures to complement them, it is not enough.

“All sluices around the country must have a pump when the tide comes back;

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha addressing farmers at the New Market Primary School on Wednesday

Some of the farmers that were at the meeting on Wednesday at New Market Primary School, in Number 63 Village

A farmer raising some of his concerns at the meeting asked, instead, that committees be set up to monitor the work so that value-for-money could be achieved.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the distribution of fertilizer vouchers, the Agriculture Minister said this would be available within the next week.

The delay, he said, was caused by persons trying to dupe the system, which resulted in a further verification process being needed.

A committee comprising 28 persons in Region Six vetted and verified the names on the list, and will also assist in distributing the fertilizers when they become available.

To combat this unscrupulous behaviour, the minister has ordered a ‘Farmer’s Register’ to be created.

Persons have already been trained, and will be travelling across Guyana to commence the registration process for the Register.

Turning his attention to the future of

agriculture in Guyana, Minister Mustapha highlighted that while the prospect may look bright, rice farmers need to work alongside

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to the sector by highlighting the budgetary allocations to the industry over the past three budgets, which has continued to grow since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) returned to government in 2020.

Minister Mustapha also stressed the need to request an additional $1.2 billion in supplementary funding to address critical drainage and irrigation issues plaguing the nation.

He explained that the ‘proof is in the pudding’ regarding climate change, as the nation is now experiencing a prolonged rainy season with high-intensity rainfall that shatters the monthly average for previous

A large number of farmers turned up at the meeting held at the New Market Primary School

there is a pump to complement the drainage of those areas,” Minister Mustapha said.

To this end, the Minister said that by the end of 2022, an additional 11 drainage pumps will be added to the drainage system.

There is also work being done to secure another 40 drainage pumps to be spread across the country to help combat the heavy rainfalls.

In light of the foregoing developments, the minister disclosed that a massive permanent drainage infrastructure is on the cards, and that it should come on stream early next year.

“We want to create independent drainage infrastructure for independent drainage, so we can drain the backland water right out to the Atlantic [Ocean] rather than using the domestic drainage system that we have that drain the cultivation and the housing area.

“So, I’m very optimistic that in the new year, we will have those works commence.

And, in Region Six alone, we have about five of those infrastructures that will be built.

“We have already had the study done; we had the consultation at various levels, and we are working to do the design. So, hopefully, we can have permanent drainage systems very soon,” Minister Mustapha noted further.

Additionally, the minister announced that the region will soon benefit from a grader.

Farmers from all across the region had the opportunity to raise issues that are affecting them, and they were immediately addressed by the Agriculture Minister.

All EEPGL permits covered by insurance

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 6, 2022

–– coverage provides for US$600 million per occurrence of a spill event, says EPA

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has described claims in a release issued by the Alliance For Change (AFC) on insurance and liability coverage in the eventuality of an oil spill as inaccurate.

The EPA, in a statement, said the claims made by the AFC parrots statements made by former EPA head, Dr Vincent Adams.

According to the EPA, it is guided first and foremost by the Environmental Protection Act and its suite of regulations and where the risk of oil spills is concerned, financial assurance is provided for in sections 30 and 31 of the Environmental Protection Act. “It must be made clear that only Liza One permit issued in 2017 did not have a specific requirement for insurance coverage. Whilst the insurance requirement was introduced in Liza Two, it was only in the Payara, Yellowtail and the recently renewed Liza One permits were the requirement for insurance coverage and parent guarantee clearly defined,” the release said.

It noted that in the Yellowtail Permit, it is ensured

that Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is held liable for all costs associated with clean up, restoration and compensation for any pollution damage which may occur as consequence of the project.

The EEPGL is also required to have financial assurance which includes a combination of insurance which must cover well control, and/or clean up and third-party liability on terms that are market standard for the type of coverage.

The EPA said it is in receipt of insurance policies from EEPGL for all permits

issued, namely Liza One, Liza Two, Payara and is currently awaiting Yellowtail’s insurance policy.

“Each of these insurance policies has been executed and has coverage of a total of US$600 million per occurrence of a spill event.

This per occurrence value covers third party liabilities, clean up and well control.

“None of the insurance policies provided has US$2.5 billion coverage for oil spill as is purported by the former EPA Head,” the release said The EPA also noted that it was presented with a draft parent company/affiliate

Canje estate worker reportedly drowns after falling into canal A FIFTY-nine-year-old man lost his life after reportedly falling overboard at a pump station behind the Rose Hall Estate, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six. Dead is Aangraj Kumardeo Indrapal, called “Charles” of Lot 940 New Area, Canefield Settlement, East Canje.

Daughter of the deceased, Roshnie Indrapaul, 28, said her father left home on Thursday around 16:00 hours for work. She said he was not due to work the shift but was asked to fill in for another worker.

Roshnie related that early Friday morning, her family received a call, indicating that

Dead: Aangraj Kumardeo Indrapal her father could not be found.

They went to his work place to seek more information and found his belongings, including his bag and boots but he was nowhere in sight.

A search party was

formed by workers attached to the estate and around 09:00 hours on Friday, his body was found submerged near the pump station. The elderly man, who worked as the service person/watchman, was on duty with the pump attendant at the Number Three Pump Station.

Based on information received, the pump attendant recalled that around 03:00 hours, Aangraj took a break to relieve himself at the pump station. A post-mortem examination is expected to be done early next week.

Aangraj, a father of two, was described as a caring and hardworking individual who had a passion for his job.

guarantee and is engaging EEPGL on its proposed total guarantee of US$2billion from an affiliate company in the event EEPGL and its co-venturers default.

The environment body added that it is ensuring that the circumstances under which the affiliate guarantee will be operationalised and the specific obligations covered are clear and acceptable.

“The EPA in the Yellowtail and renewed Liza 1 permits require that a Parent Company/Affiliate Guarantee Agreement is provided which indemnifies and keeps indemnified the EPA and the Government of Guyana in the event EEPGL and its co-venturers fail to meet their envi-

ronmental obligations under the permit. Further, the EPA required that the financial assurance (US$2 billion) provided must be guided by an estimate of the sum of the reasonably credible costs, expenses, and liabilities that may arise from any breaches of this permit. Liabilities are considered to include costs associated with responding to an incident, clean-up and remediation and monitoring. It is also ensured that this value can be renegotiated to cover for increasing risks in the Stabroek block as a result of increasing projects,” the release said.

It noted that the requirement for insurance and parent guarantee and the terms and conditions for each of these were strengthened in

the recent permits issued namely Payara, Yellowtail and renewed Liza One in late 2020, and 2022 respectively.

The EPA also said that it is not in possession of any documentation that indicated any commitment by EEPGL to the former head to provide US$2.5 billion in insurance coverage.

“If this is available, the EPA humbly asks that Vince Adams provide a copy to the EPA and/or the public.

A draft Parent company/Affiliate Guarantee received in 2021 and offering guaranteed coverage of US2 billion is being negotiated by the EPA at this time,” the release concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

Guyana ready for Cricket Carnival traffic – Civil Aviation head says

WITH the expected traffic increase in September due to Guyana hosting its inaugural Cricket Carnival, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has already put measures in place to handle the increased traffic.

This is according to Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Egbert Field, who said his agency is looking forward to the increase.

“I know that the management at the airport has been preparing for the increase and from the CAA’s part, the airport is ready and capable of handling the increase in traffic,” Field said.

For the first half of

the year 2022, a total of 145,654 passengers were seen entering the country through CJIA. These numbers were predicted to increase in the second half of the year.

The 11th Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which is scheduled to be here for two weeks in September, promises to be an attractive affair, considering the level of preparation, increased private sector engagement, and meaningful inclusion of stakeholders in Guyana and across the Caribbean.

This year, Cricket Carnival will be a fusion of sports and culture.

With Guyana boasting a unique ‘eco-tourism’ package, the country’s re-

sorts and main tourist sites, like Kaieteur Falls, will also see increased traffic.

Guyana’s hosting of the regional event comes at a time when the country will also be celebrating Amerindian Heritage Month.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Tourism, along with the Ministry of

Home Affairs are already in action, as they are in preparation for this ‘Mega’ event.

With the capacity of Guyana’s aviation sector being significantly enhanced through the expansion of the boarding corridor at the CJIA, the updated facility will feature two boarding bridges

which can facilitate D and E type aircrafts.

The D and E type aircraft are the wide-body vessels that are used in transatlantic flights. These planes, according to Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, could carry more than 300 passengers at a time.

In noting that this type of infrastructural upgrade was important for the future of Guyana, Minister Edghill, following a tour of the airport recently, said that this corridor will provide tremendous benefits to Guyanese, mainly through reduced airfares for travel and export.

He said that this type of expansion will allow Guyana’s booming tour-

ism sector to benefit from an influx of visitors.

This is the case because the new air bridges will allow larger planes to arrive in Guyana, affording persons from other continents, such as Europe and Africa, easier access to Guyana.

“Passengers could get cheaper airfares because you could have wide-bodied aircrafts, and in the economies of scale, airlines could start bringing in bigger aircrafts.

“It could also benefit the movement of products out of Guyana [and] the cost of airfreight could go down because the wider body aircraft could carry more produce,” Edghill said. (Cassandra Khan)

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West Indies wary of series loss threat

(CMC) – West Indies are hoping a change of scenery results in a change of fortunes, when they clash with India in the crucial fourth Twenty20 International of the five-match series at the Central Broward County Park Stadium, Florida here today.

The hosts flopped spectacularly in the opener at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, losing by 68 runs before drawing level in the first of two T20Is at Warner Park in St Kitts, winning by five wickets last Monday.

India pulled ahead with a seven-wicket win in the

second game of the doubleheader 24 hours later and West Indies are cognizant another defeat will condemn them to fifth series loss on the trot to the Asian powerhouses.

The Caribbean side have not won at the United States venue in six years, losing four of their last five T20 Internationals here with the other game finishing in a no-result.

But captain Nicholas Pooran said his side were looking forward to a series-levelling win at what was a “beautiful” venue.

“It looks really good, to be honest. The pitch looks nice to bat on; there’s a nice wind factor as well,” Pooran

told media on the eve of the game in south Florida.

“It’s a bit hot but I guess we’re accustomed to the sun now, but the venue is beautiful.

“We just need to continue doing what we have been doing in the first couple games, finding ways to win and just understanding when we are in those moments, just fight it out a bit more especially with the bat and the ball.

“I think we have been moving forward but unfortunately we haven’t been consistent in terms of wins.”

West Indies lost back-toback T20Is to India here in 2019 and also tasted defeat in a similar double-header

Arsenal seal opening victory over Crystal Palace

MIKEL Arteta said his Arsenal side look “hungry” after getting their campaign off to the perfect start with victory over Crystal Palace in an entertaining 2022-23 Premier League curtain-raiser at Selhurst Park.

The Gunners maintained their impressive pre-season form with an energetic performance that was rewarded when Gabriel Martinelli nodded in a 20th-minute opener from new-signing Oleksandr Zinchenko’s headed assist.

It took Palace most of the first half to adapt to the visitors’ tempo, but once they did Odsonne Edouard forced Aaron Ramsdale into a save after Joachim Andersen’s header found him in the six-yard box.

Buoyed by a vibrant home crowd, the Eagles poured forward in search of a leveller but it was Arsenal who found the net again, Marc Guehi inadvertently heading Bukayo Saka’s fierce cross into his own goal late on.

“I have had this feeling for the first few weeks since the boys started pre-season.

They are ready, they look hungry, with that mentality that they really want to win,” Arteta told Match of the Day. “The team came here to play the way we wanted to play - we were dominant, we were a threat, we were really lively and sharp from the beginning.

Then when we felt under pressure we coped with that with resilience.”

to Bangladesh the previous year.

All told, they have won only 14 of 34 T20Is over the last 20 months, failing to find consistency as the side have undergone an overhaul, especially since the T20 World Cup last October.

Pooran said he expected performances to improve as players became more knowledgeable about each other.

“The more games we play as a unit the more it’s going to get better. You see Kyle (Mayers) is scoring half-centuries, (Brandon) King is scoring half-centuries, I make some runs sometimes as well but everyone is playing a role in

the team,” he explained.

“And it’s not about individuals, it’s about everyone doing exactly what the team requires in that moment and I think we have been doing that.

“Again, unfortunately we haven’t been getting the wins, but winning and losing is contagious and we know as a team we’re doing a lot of right things, and hopefully eventually we will start to win games.”

The game bowls off at 10:30hrs Eastern Caribbean time.

SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Nicholas Pooran (captain),

Rovman Powell (vice-captain), Shamarh Brooks, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr. INDIA – Rohit Sharma (captain), Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, S h re y a s I y e r, D i n e s h Karthik, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh.

RACING PAGE English Racing Tips Ascot 08:00 hrs Amanzoe 08:35 hrs Epsom Faithful 09:10 hrs Arceibo 09:45 hrs Super Superjack 10:20 hrs Chargin Thunder 10:55 hrs Muntassib 11:30 hrs Hamaki 12:05 hrs Admirald Haddock 09:50 hrs Nine Dragons 09:25 hrs Electrical Storm 10:00 hrs Grocer Jack 10:35 hrs Oscula 11:10 hrs Playday 11:40 hrs Whitebeam 12:15 hrs Above It All Newmarket 08:20 hrs Elegant Charm 08:55 hrs Kodi Dancer 09:30 hrs Fearless Bay 10:05 hrs Falling Shadow 10:40 hrs Lakota Sioux 11:20 hrs Love De Vega 11:51 hrs Bay Of Honour Irish Racing Tips Curragh 08:30 hrs Al Riffa 09:05 hrs Hardly Likely 09:40 hrs Beauty Crescent 10:15 hrs Dubawi Legend 10:45 hrs Tanoobi 11:15 hrs Shartash 11:55 hrs Superior Force

12:25 hrs Measure Of Magjc American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Alexis Zorba Race 2 Afilada Race 3 Khali Magic Race 4 Founder Race 5 Public Sector Race 6 Disarm Race 7 War Like Goddess Race 8 Saint Tapit Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Body Of Law

Race 2 Souper Sunday Race 3 Dixiewish Race 4 Classic Qzeen Race 5 Bedazzle Me Race 6 Miss Marie Race 7 Livin On Love Race 8 Souper Hoity Toity South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:25 hrs Raiseahallelujah 09:00 hrs Ocean Warrior 09:35 hrs Mill Queen 10:10 hrs Mama Quera 10:45 hrs Fortune Fightet

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday August 06, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Lord’s, 2009 (2) Rohit Sharma & Lokesh Rahul Today’s Quiz: (1) Against which team did the WI play a T20 Int’l game?

(2) Which nation was India’s first T20 Int’l opponent?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

CMC Reliable Security partners with GGA/Nexgen Golf REEMA and Vishal Mohan of CMC Reliable Security Inc. and C. Mohan & Sons Contracting Guyana Inc. joined a growing number of major companies throwing their support behind the development of the first-ofits-kind golf course being built by Nexgen Golf at Vreed-en-Hoop in Region Three.

The multinational company, based in Guyana and Canada, sees the benefits that Nexgen Golf has brought to Guyanese, especially for young women and children and definitely wants to be a part of the sport that is sweeping the nation.

Ms Mohan said “This is our way of ensuring that we are contributing to President Ali and First Lady Arya Ali’s vision in Region Three of creating fun and family-oriented activities to Guyanese and through our companies we plan to do as much as possible to help realise those goals.

“We are excited about the potential that this new model of golfing is bringing to the West Coast and will support it as much as possible.”

CMC Reliable Security is a leader in the industry and provides every service from 24 hours’ monitoring, cash in transit and personal security protection.

The company understands that many expats play

golf and as such, they’re ready, willing and able to secure the facilities during tournaments and after hours, so that players can relax in a safe and secure environment.

C. Mohan Contracting is no stranger to sponsoring the development of sports in Guyana and sees joining forces with Nexgen Golf and the Guyana Golf Association as simply another step in providing as many opportunities for aspiring athletes to gain national recognition.

According to the company “We have the capability to help develop this project so it was a no-brainer to get involved. Golf has captured the attention of thousands in a short time and we believe that we can play a role in its development in Guyana.”

President of the Guyana Golf Association, Aleem Hussain, said he was extremely grateful to the Mohan family and companies for their support, “This means a lot to our efforts to develop golf facilities for the students in this region who plan to take golf at CSEC. Once large companies such as these are involved, it will make the growth and access to the sport for everyone a lot easier.”

Hussain is the first Guyanese golf course designer and he has created a unique design that will change the way the sport is played in the

GGA partnered with C. Mohan & Sons Contracting Guyana Inc./ CMC Reliable Security Inc. recently

years ahead.

As he explained, golf, like cricket, is due for a makeover and without a new generation of players and a change in layout, the sport

will not grow. “We are the 20/20 format of golf, and as you know, the old 5-day Test matches are no longer popular.”

The Nexgen Golf Acad-

emy is hosting its Third Annual Golf Camp at the Scouts Association Ground on Woolford Avenue, from August 15 to 28.

Players will be able to

participate in golf, archery, soccer, self-defence and learn first aid, while parents are treated to massages, tea parties and wine-tasting while they wait.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

Chanderpaul misses halfGFF appoints Joseph as acting Technical Director century against Bangladesh A

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has promoted Assistant Technical Director and former senior men’s national team player, Bryan Joseph, to the position of Technical Director (acting), in recognition of his strong record of implementing results-driven youth development programmes across Guyana.

Joseph has previously worked as GFF Youth Development Officer and coached various national youth teams. One of three Guyanese coaches with a valid CONCACAF ‘B’ Licence, he is currently training for an ‘A’ coaching qualification facilitated by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association.

“Bryan has been instrumental in the great strides we have made, developing sustainable development programmes across Guyana for boys and girls,” GFF president Wayne Forde said.

“His appointment underlines our long-term commitment to up-skill and empower Guyana-based talent across the spectrum of our activities.”

“As part of GFF’s commitment to Bryan’s longterm development, he is actively working his way through the CONCACAF coaching licence pathway, in addition to further up-skilling opportunities through our partnership with UEFA

Assistant Technical Director Bryan Joseph is the new acting Technical Director of the GFF

Assist and the Danish Football Association,” he added.

“All this is geared towards ensuring that Guyana produces an eminently qualified Technical Director in the future.”

Joseph rose through the ranks at the GFF to serve as Assistant Technical Director under former Technical Director Ian Greenwood, who had been charged with designing and orchestrating capacity-building across GFF’s national technical and coaching structure. Since 2015, the GFF has facilitated official coaching certification at various levels for more than 70 home-based coaches.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to further serve Guyana’s football in this capacity,” Joseph said. “It is another step in working

towards my dream. I am committed to ensuring that the development curve of Guyana’s football remains on the incline as I look to further strengthen the existing programmes that are working well for us, as well as to design and implement new programmes to take us even further.”

“I am happy that my commitment and hard work over the years have been recognised by president Forde and the executive committee,” he added. “They’ve invested tremendously in my professional development over the years and I will do everything within my power to ensure that the rewards match that investment.

“I look forward to the usual support of the stakeholders in the game as we push forward collectively.”

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

(CMC) – Test hopeful, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, missed out on a half-century as West Indies A took command of their opening four-day ‘Test’ against Bangladesh A here yesterday.

At the close on day two at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, the hosts were well placed on 165 for three, requiring only three further runs to overhaul Bangladesh A’s first innings of 165.

The left-hander Chanderpaul, the son of Test legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul, struck 49 while West Indies white-ball player Keacy Carty stroked 36 and opener Jeremy Solozano, 32.

Tevin Imlach was unbeaten at the end on 23 and was partnered by captain Joshua

Da Silva on 14.

Earlier, fast bowler Marquino Mindley added a further two wickets to his tally to end with five for 59 as Bangladesh A, resuming from their overnight 135 for six, lost their last four wickets cheaply.

Captain Mohammad Mithun, unbeaten on 42, was first out for exactly 50, striking eight fours off 85 deliveries in a shade over 2-½ hours.

Fast bowling all-rounder Justin Greaves added another wicket to his collection to end with three for 26.

In reply, the 26-year-old Chanderpaul anchored an opening stand of 78 with Solozano, facing 120 balls in just over three hours at the crease and striking five fours

and a six.

Solozano, also left-handed, counted five fours in his 99-ball knock before becoming the first casualty of the innings, bowled by 22-year-old seamer Rejaur Rahman Raja.

Chanderpaul then added a further 42 for the second wicket with Carty before finally perishing via run-out with his landmark in sight, stranded mid-pitch in a mixup over a second run.

Carty faced 62 deliveries and counted five fours before falling with 15 runs added to leave West Indies 135 for three, but Imlach and Da Silva saw out the day safely in an unbroken 30-run, fourth-wicket stand.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

Cummings/Edghill Guyana’s last hope at Table Tennis at Commonwealth Games … Players make call for support and funding

By Rawle Toney in Birmingham (Team Guyana Press Attaché) THE pair of Natalie Cummings and Chelsea Edghill remain Guyana’s last hope at a podium finish in table tennis at the Commonwealth Games, following their Women’s Doubles Round-of-32 victory over South Africa.

Cummings and Edghill seemed like the perfect pair, showing unmatched co-ordination as they battled hard to a 3-1 win (11-3, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8).

They will progress to today’s Round-of-16 to face New Zealand’s Chunyi Feng and Yangzi Liu. When the two Guyanese take to the Table Tennis Hall at the National Exhibition Centre today, it will mark the first time Guyana’s females are featuring in the Doubles Round-of-16 at the Commonwealth Games.

Things didn’t go so well for Christopher Franklin and Shemar Britton in the Men’s Doubles Round-of-16.

Franklin and Britton held their own against Nigeria, but lost 1-3 (6-11, 6-11, 11-9, 5-11). It was also the country’s first time in the Men’s

ExxonMobil School Boys and Girls U14 Football

Tournament commences today at MoE ground

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

Double Round-of-16.

Meanwhile, Cummings’ exceptional run in the Women’s Singles in Birmingham, came to an end yesterday when she was defeated by Wales’ 16-year-old prodigy, Anna Hursey 0-4 in the Round-of-16.

Cummings, following her breathtaking seven-set thriller in the Round-of-32 against Mauritius’ Ruqayyah, became the first Guyanese, male or female, to advance to the singles Round-of-16 at the Commonwealth Games since table tennis was added in 2002.

Reflecting on her historic win on Thursday evening, Cummings said she owes it all to her teammates that pulled her through.

Making her third Commonwealth Games appearance, Cummings believes that the 2022 event is their best performance.

“As a team, we gel well together, we support each other. We struggle together, win together. The little camps that we had (back home) … we kept pushing each other; so I’m pleased with everyone who came here (to the Commonwealth Games),” Cummings said.

Coach Idi Lewis bemoaned the lack of funding for the sport, and believed that if they were given enough resources to properly prepare, things would have been better. Cummings wholeheartedly agrees with that.

Olympian Chelsea Edghill at the Commonwealth Games

“Funding! We keep saying it. Funding is so important … equipment on time … better facilities. We need a home for table tennis. For me, setting a benchmark .., top 16 … I don’t think is the best we can do, but it sets a precedent that we can do better,” the candid ‘lefty’ stated.

Cummings added, “If we’re at home training and we got this far, much-less more support thrown towards us, I think we can do much better.”

“As Idi said, we’re not supposed to be here, but we’re here showing everyone, showing Guyana that, just give us the opportunity and we’re going to do things,” Cummings said.

THE highly anticipated ExxonMobil School Boys and Girls Under-14 football competition commences today at the Ministry of Education ground.

A march past will kickstart things after which the Girls’ competition gets going.

From 10:00hrs, New Campbellville Secondary will play Leonora Secondary on pitch ‘A’ while Dolphin Secondary and Lodge do battle on pitch ‘B’.

At 10:50hrs West Ruimveldt Secondary meet Ann’s Grove Secondary while Charlestown Secondary take on Tucville.

The female competition will then take a break for the male segment to commence from 11:40hrs with La Venture Secondary and Cummings Lodge clashing in one match and Charlestown Secondary and Ann’s Grove competing in the other.

At 12:30hrs, Dolphin Secondary and St Cuthberts

do battle while on the ‘B’ pitch New Campbellville face Patentia Secondary.

The matches at 13:20hrs will see Lodge Secondary and Plaisance Boys Orphanage clash, while East Ruimveldt Secondary and Leonora Secondary will play on pitch ‘B’.

At 14:10hrs, female action returns as East Ruimvedlt meet New Campbellville while Ann’s Grove Secondary oppose Tucville.

At 15:50hrs New Central High and West Ruimveldt Secondary meet.

Male action returns for its second stint at 16:40hrs when Freeburg Secondary play Houston Secondary and Westminster Secondary confront North Ruimveldt Secondary.

The final matches of the day will feature New Central High versus West Ruimveldt Secondary while St Winefride’s Secondary challenge Tucville Secondary.

‘Dim’ night for Bright in Triple Jump finals at Commonwealth Games … Abrams, Phillips out at semis

By Rawle Toney in Birmingham (Team Guyana Press Attaché) CHANTOBA Bright had a Season’s Best 12.97 metres, but it was never going to give the Kansas State University athlete a chance at a podium-finish on another shivering-cold night of Track and Field at the Alexander Stadium.

Jamaican Shanieka Ricketts, 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medallist, was first of the 13 jumpers to the pit and the 2022 World Champion-

ships runner-up placed the entire competition on notice with a leap of 14.94m.

Ricketts’ jump became the new Games record in the Women’s Triple Jump.

With the night already cold, it added further chills to her competitors.

Dominica’s Lafond Thea, bronze medallist at the 2018 Gold Coast Games, was second (14.39m) and England’s Naomi Metzger settled for bronze with a Personal Best 14.37m.

Jamaica’s Kimberly

Williams, the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games champion, settled for fourth (14.25).

Meanwhile, Aliyah Abrams and Kenisha Phillips ended their campaign at the Commonwealth Games after exiting in the semi-finals of the Women’s 400m and 200m respectively.

Abrams crossed the finish line sixth, with a time of 52.82s. Her performance was certainly not the result she was hoping for.

“I think my body is at that point. It’s the only way I can describe it,”

Abrams stated, pointing to her showing at the World Indoor Championships this year, where she was fifth in the finals, and followed that up with a semi-finals appearance in Oregon.

“I give it all that I had; I don’t know. It’s cold, but everybody has the same conditions, so I just had to make the most of it,” Abrams said following her run.

For Phillips, yesterday’s run of 24.39s in Heat Two of the 200m brought the curtain down on her season.

“I’m just grateful to God. I had a long season and I’m thankful that it’s finally over and I was healthy from January to now,” Phillips said, while adding that she’s not used to competing in cold conditions.

It all comes down to the Men’s 4x100m relay team of Noelex Holder, Emanuel Archibald, Arinze Chance and Akeem Stewart to salvage some pride for the Guyanese track team in England’s second largest city.

“We’re very comfortable in the 4x100m,” a

confident Stewart said. “I mean, our team brought back a bronze medal after two bad legs at the South American games; I think we’re capable of running 38 seconds.”

Guyana’s last three medals at the Commonwealth Games came from Track and Field.

In 2002, in Manchester, Aliann Pompey won gold in the Women’s 400m and returned in 2010, in Delhi, to clinch silver.

At the 2018 Games in Australia, Troy Doris won the Men’s Long Jump.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 6, 2022

Cummings/Edghill Guyana’s last hope at Table Tennis at Commonwealth Games … Players make call for support and funding Story on page 31

Guyana’s Natalie Cummings in action against Anna Hursey of Wales in the Women’s Singles Round-of-16

‘Dim’ night for Bright in Triple Jump finals at Commonwealth Games Story on page 31

Chantoba Bright takes flight in the Women’s Triple Jump at the 2022 Commonwealth Games (Getty Images)

West Indies wary of series loss threat Story on page 28

The West Indies team get into a huddle at training (Associated Press)

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| SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2022