Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 07-02-2024

WEDNESDAY 7th February, 2024

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‘Less talk, time for action’

No.107347

–– President Ali tells business community; urges stakeholders to reorient their operations to deal with the scale of investments coming

–– highlights opportunity for establishment of national distribution company, potential for eco-tourism as a luxury product

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Adequate Housing Programme: $950M in infrastructural projects ongoing along EBD corridor

With more than $950 million in ongoing infrastructural projects across six communities along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD): Peters Hall, Providence-Phase Two (North and South), Perseverance, Herstelling, Farm-Phases One and Two, and Covent Garden, the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP) is catalysing positive transformation.

This substantial investment translates into the construction of a total of 8.43 kilometres of road upgrades, along with 2043 metres of reinforced concrete drains and sidewalks, strategically enhancing access within these communities and fostering development around community grounds.

The initiative also includes the construction of a total of six culverts at Providence, Farm, and Covent Garden. These infrastructural projects are currently 60 per cent complete and are being executed by seven contractors, who are being monitored by technical staff attached to CH&PA’s Projects Department. (Sydel Thomas, CH&PA PR Department photos)

GTU’s actions fail to address longstanding concerns of teachers –– create divisiveness among educators, stymie delivery of education, senior educators say

–– call for constructive dialogue; signal support for gov’t interventions to improve the sector

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ongoing for Education Ministry discontinues ExxonMobil reaffirms 20 Negotiations massive French vessel to deduction of dues for GTU 15 commitment to Guyana patrol Guyana’s waters13 PAGE

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–– says illegal strike action is ‘wholly politicised’

–– Routledge says contracts ‘valid,’ nation’s offshore oil prospects remain priority

–– as part of efforts to improve Guyana’s response to illegal fishing, President Ali says

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Chief Justice throws out case challenging extension of ‘Top Cop’s’ tenure 16 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

‘Less talk, time for action’

- President Ali tells business community; urges stakeholders to reorient their operations to deal with the scale of investments coming - highlights opportunity for establishment of national distribution company, potential for eco-tourism as a luxury product

By Feona Morrison PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has said that there needs to be less talk and more action within the business community.

The President, during his address at the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Corporate Dinner on Monday night, called on private sector stakeholders to reposition their businesses to deal with a wide array of investment opportunities coming to Guyana—the fastest-growing economy in the world.

Dr Ali offered this advice regarding the investment opportunities the government is trying to create for local businesses over the next five to 10 years.

“I want you guys to understand the scale of development and investment that is coming our way. And to reorient your businesses to

President, Dr Irfaan Ali holders and the prospects are competitive loss in the cost of energy now. Do not expect bright.

Providing some insight those fiscal incentives to reon that company’s inten- main the same when the cost tion, the Guyanese leader of energy comes down by 50 revealed: “They are coming per cent.”

For Guyana's energy secback on stream and the type of numbers you will hear an- tor to flourish in the future, nounced soon would tell you developing alternative rethat we may very well have, newable energies including from what we are seeing, a solar, wind, hydropower, mine once again the size of and biomass technologies is still a top priority for the Omai.”

the government is spending a lot of money marketing the nation now that it has a draw factor; investors are coming from all over the world and it is featured prominently in major newspapers, magazines, and newscasts.

President Ali stated that the Punta Cana International Airport and a group from the United Kingdom (UK) have submitted ideas to the government about marketing Guyana as a luxury travel destination similar to that in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (DR).

“That is the market we want to attract. It is going to take some time, but this is where we are heading. We have to think big and act big.

There is no shortcut to this.

We have to bite the bullet.

And we are going to have incentives…,” Dr Ali posited.

He continued: “And our luxury market is not Dubai luxury. We’re [not] bringing

have developed our own eco brand here in Guyana, one that speaks to a number of issues such as climate and the environment.”

With the intention of stimulating the hospitality industry even more, stakeholders are about to begin building a large, luxurious hotel on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown. Together with state-of-the-art meeting and entertainment facilities, it will have a contemporary boardwalk along the seawall.

“We have people who are designers, and we have people in the interior who do specific crafts, more local types of products. We have to get the larger companies to adopt these small innovators and bring them into their business model, and help them to push their products.

The tourism sector has major opportunities. We need the private sector to move into that direction and invest in

ter to the needs of the entire Caribbean region, he proposed that the private sector undertake a trial project to establish a distribution hub that would source goods from northern Brazil and meet regional demands.

“Let us build our own food distribution hub from Guyana by the Guyanese private sector so we can get our food into the diaspora market, and into the Caribbean market. We have to move to the position of, when we have excesses, we move to do the processing and the pulping of fruits and all of these things.

“You all need to come together, create a national distribution company that brings all the produce, integrate with northern Brazil.

We are ready to embrace and support this,” the Head of Sate said.

He predicted that by 2026, Guyana would be com-

Scenes from the Private Sector Commission’s Corporate Dinner at the Marriott Hotel on Monday evening deal with that scale,” the Head of State said.

He emphasised: "I think there is much more synergy we can get through with more forward-looking approaches, even though the government is pleased that local investors made up 60 per cent of the total investment agreement signed by the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest).”

Apart from the oil and gas industry, which the President predicts "will build its own momentum," he mentioned other lucrative commercial prospects that are about to arise.

Regarding gold mining, President Ali disclosed that he recently met with stake-

There will also be opportunities in the transportation and logistics industry, with "enormous" spinoffs expected, the Guyanese leader pointed out. Aside from that, he said there are a few other items the government is currently closely scrutinising.

With the exception of energy costs, President Ali stated that Guyana is competitive in every area.

Due to the high cost of energy, he said the nation is unable to develop a manufacturing sector that is competitive.

He added: “As a result of the cost of energy there are some fiscal incentives that are given to make up for that

government. Over the next few years, the government has pledged to cut the cost of electricity by at least 50 per cent.

LUXURY ECO-TOURISM Outside of manufacturing, according to the President, hardly any money was spent in the past on tourism because people did not know much about Guyana.

“We did not capitalise on the opportunity because we did not have the type of resources to market our country. Our country was very little known, we did not have a natural pull factor into the country,” Dr Ali said.

He said, however, that

you here with hotels and the best shopping experience and so…”

According to him, Guyana’s market is the “luxury of being at one with nature,” a different luxury that the market badly wants.

“So, when I speak about luxury here is eco-luxury,” he said, adding that the private sector has to look at investing heavily in tourism.

The Head of State went on to say: “I want to see the local private sector investing in tourism because we will back the investment with marketing, infrastructure, and fiscal incentives as a government. This is an important feature for us. We

this sector,” President Ali said.

AGRICULTURE The President then addressed the agricultural industry, reminding everyone of the government's intention to establish Guyana as a regional hub.

“The government is already putting resources into the establishment of a regional food hub. But why can’t the private sector come together and say, ‘We are going to start by being the major buyer and distributor of all the produce in Guyana?’” he asked.

Acknowledging that Guyana presently lacks the production capability to ca-

pletely self-sufficient.

President Ali said by the end of this year, Guyana should be able to produce all of its red beans and black eye peas locally, and after that, should be able to tap into the Jamaican and other markets.

Additionally, the Head of State said that agro-processing and packaging are also important parts of the equation.

He said too that an agro-chemical plant will be built in Guyana by the end of 2025 as part of the first gasto-shore project.

Dr Ali assured attendees that the government is willing to co-invest in establishing this facility.

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GTU’s actions fail to address longstanding concerns of teachers GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

- create divisiveness among educators, stymie delivery of education, senior educators say - call for constructive dialogue; signal support for gov’t interventions to improve sector

By Clestine Juan

IN a decisive move amidst the ongoing strike led by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) two senior educators have voiced their disapproval of the GTU's leadership and strategies.

They argued for a return to negotiations with the government and constructive dialogue to ensure that the educational needs of the nation's children are met without further disruption.

The Headmaster of Essequibo Islands Secondary School, Sheikh Ahmad and Headmistress of The Bishops’ High School, Shandrina Welcome-Lee, have publicly questioned the GTU's credibility and leadership amidst the strike.

During a sit-down on Tuesday, the educators voiced their concerns, highlighting a deeper rift within the education community, touching on issues of union transparency, governmental support for education, and the moral imperative to prioritise students’ welfare above all.

With a career spanning over a quarter of a century and rooted in a deep family history of trade

Essequibo Islands Secondary School Sheikh Ahmad, and Headmistress of The Bishops’ High School Shandrina Welcome-Lee addressing the Guyana Teachers Union’s (GTU) illegal strike unionism, Ahmad brought a unique perspective to the current education crisis.

His decision not to participate in the strike was based on a holistic view of his responsibilities as an educator, the significant progress and support provided by the government, and a critical view of the GTU's actions, especially during the pandemic.

Ahmad reminisced about his decision not to strike in 2018, a choice he repeated in 2024,

emphasising the importance of teachers presence during critical examination periods for students.

“In 2018, I didn't strike and in 2024 I'm not striking, primarily because...I consider my charges, my students, of paramount importance,” Ahmad said, highlighting his results-driven approach and the significant role of educators in the lead-up to exams such as the CSEC and NGSA. The headmaster presented a direct comparison of his salary increments as evidence of government support, contrasting this with his view of the absence of the GTU's substantive support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ahmad's salary saw a sig-

nificant increase, which he perceived as a reflection of the government's commitment to education, stating, “ M y ne t ta ke -home is 259,000...an increase of over 42,000...about 19 per cent. And that's the largest single increase in my entire career,” he said.

Further, Ahmad criticises the GTU's response during the pandemic and its approach to unionism more broadly.

“We never saw GTU...with a mask, cleaning agent, or anything,” he remarked, questioning the union's use of membership fees and its lack of visible support for teachers during a critical period.

Reflecting on the 2018 strike and the unresolved issues of teachers’ compensation, Ahmad suggests that the GTU's current actions fail to address longstanding concerns effectively.

He advocated for the union to engage more directly with educators at the grassroots level, highlighting the need for realistic and constructive dialogue about the challenges facing the education sector.

“We recognise that there needs to be an increase in uniform allowance...But GTU's issue is that they need to speak to teachers. You need to go at the grassroots level,” Ahmad insisted, highlighting the disconnect between union leadership and the everyday realities of

teachers.

In his call for a return to classrooms and for continued negotiations, Ahmad underscored the importance of prioritising the education needs of the nation's children over industrial action.

Ahmad also advocated for a more inclusive, and a dialogue-driven approach to addressing the sector's challenges, since the strike is not the way forward, and a broader conversation is needed about the most effective ways to advocate for and support educators in Guyana.

On the other hand, Welcome-Lee focused on practical enhancements in educational delivery and infrastructure, thanks to government’s initiatives and investments.

DIVISIVE NATURE She criticised the strike's divisive nature within the teaching community and stressed the importance of personal choice and professional integrity in these challenging times.

Welcome-Lee's plea for unity and professional respect among educators underscores a critical need for a cohesive approach to addressing certain issues.

Both educators applauded the government's initiatives, such as simplifying administrative processes for teachers, giving direct financial grants to schools, and significant investments in educational technology and resources.

These measures, they argue,

have directly benefitted students and teachers alike, enhancing the quality of education across Guyana.

As the strike continues to stir controversy and debate within the education sector, Ahmad and Welcome-Lee called for dialogue and for negotiations to continue.

According to them, there is a shared goal among educators, unions, and the government to foster an educational environment that prioritises the well-being and future of Guyana's children.

Their statements serve as a rallying cry for educators to reconsider the impact of the strike on the nation's progress in education and to seek a resolution that balances the needs of teachers with the imperative to educate and nurture the next generation.

A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Member of Parliament Coretta McDonald, serving as General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), is at the forefront of the strike.

McDonald has stated that potential salary deductions for participating teachers would not pose a problem, as "corporate sponsors" have committed to reimbursing affected educators.

However, specifics regarding these sponsors, the total funds pledged, and the planned distribution method remain undisclosed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Trinidad and Tobago’s judiciary takes issues with Transparency International report

THE Trinidad and Tobago judiciary says it wishes to “record its strong objection to the broad, sweeping, and totally unsupported claims” made by German-based Transparency International (TI) and “echoed” by the Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute (TTTI) regarding the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).

“The 2023 CPI lumps all judiciaries across Latin America and the Caribbean into one category. It makes no effort to back up the far-reaching and contemptuous allegations that seem to be bereft of supporting data and lack understanding of the varying constitutions under which judiciaries operate. It also does not appreciate the differences in common and civil law jurisdictions, and worsens the very perception it sets out to analyse,” the ju-

diciary said in a statement.

In its report released late last month Transparency International says only Guyana and the Dominican Republic in the Americas have improved their Corruption Perception Index (CPI) scores over the past decade, while the others have either stagnated or significantly declined.

The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, according to experts and business people on a scale of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (above board). It analyses how injustice and corruption impact one another around the world.

Transparency International said in Latin America and the Caribbean the lack of independence and transparency of the judiciary promotes corruption and the undue influence

of political and economic elites.

“This renders many justice systems across the region incapable of applying the law effectively in an impartial manner or exercising their function as a check on other branches of government, which is fundamental for all well-functioning democracies,” it said.

It ranked Barbados as the highest among Caribbean Community countries with a rank of 24 and a score of 69.

Trinidad and Tobago had a ranking of 76 with a score of 42.

In its statement the judiciary said the TTTI report on the 2023 CPI indicates, among other things, that “this year’s results focused on the failings of the judiciary to fulfill its role as ‘crucial check on other branches of government’.”

“The TTTI has surely not reviewed the several public law de-

cisions of our courts.

Moreover, the judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago, by its very independence and given its role of dispensing justice unequivocally, may be perceived one way or another depending on the responses of the recipients of its decision making, but it cannot be aligned with the report of TTTI which also indicates that: “A country’s failed judiciary, entrenched in corruption, negatively impacts the quality of life of its citizens as persons are hesitant to avail themselves of its services for fear of retributions. Therefore, under an ineffectual judiciary, corruption will continue to thrive, thus devastating the country as a whole.”

The judiciary said the TTTI report goes on to indicate that, “One of the many challenges facing the Americas and the Caribbean region is a lack of independence

of the judiciary, and this undermines the rule of law and promotes impunity for the powerful and criminals.”

“Catch-all statements such as these can be taken out of context if not properly ‘ring fenced’. Even if jurisdiction A or B may be faced with a problem, not all jurisdictions can be painted with the same brush as the 2023 CPI report has done; creating discord in its wake.

“Such statements, which can be described as irresponsible and gratuitous, can easily have a destabalising effect on a democracy and we must be appalled and disappointed that such an effect could be ignored by an organisation which purports to aid appropriate transparency and support democracy.

“Statements such as these are also exceedingly dangerous as they can give succour to emotionally unsteady litigants aggrieved with decisions of the court which have gone against them,” the T&T judiciary said.

It said the media reporting on the TTTI report locally, in some quarters, “is equally jaundiced as it too did not seek to analyse the claims in the report and reported the CPI findings as applicable wholly in Trinidad and Tobago.

“The judiciary calls on the TTTI to indicate clearly to the public of Trinidad and Tobago that the global 2023 CPI report does not refer to Trinidad and Tobago specifically, and to be transparent and scientific with its data collection

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Shared values and future collaboration

IN recent diplomatic engagements, Guyana and India have showcased their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and fostering collaboration across various sectors. Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips’ current visit to New Delhi, India, underscores the mutual desire to strengthen ties and explore opportunities for co-operation in key areas.

Over the past year, the trajectory of bilateral engagement between the two nations has seen significant momentum, with visits from high-ranking officials, including President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. These interactions have laid the groundwork for substantial discussions and concrete steps towards enhancing co-operation.

Building on the foundation established during President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo's visit to India in early 2023, both countries have initiated joint efforts through the establishment of eight Joint

Working Groups.

These groups cover diverse domains such as agriculture, health, infrastructural development, energy, and defence, aiming to leverage each nation's strengths for mutual benefit.

A notable aspect of this burgeoning partnership is Guyana's interest in acquiring defence capabilities from India, reflecting the imperative to safeguard its maritime boundaries and oil and gas industry.

Discussions during visits

by India's External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, further solidified diplomatic ties and underscored shared perspectives on global challenges.

Prime Minister Phillips, with his background as Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, brings strategic expertise to the discussions, particularly concerning defence co-operation. His visit to India signifies a mutual commitment to strengthening multifaceted relationships and people-to-people linkages between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Governance

and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira, has reaffirmed the country's dedication to enhancing friendship and collaboration with India. She lauded India's contributions to global development and highlighted the enduring principles of democracy and unity that unite Guyana and India.

Her address, at the recent reception commemorating India’s 75th Republic Day Anniversary at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, served as a poignant reminder of the enduring friendship and collaboration between India and Guyana.

She reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to enhancing ties with India, recognizing India’s pivotal role on the global stage.

Minister Teixeira lauded India’s significant contributions to global development across various domains, acknowledging its profound influence worldwide.

She emphasized India’s geopolitical and strategic significance in Asia and beyond, underscoring its formidable

presence in international affairs and multilateral platforms.

Highlighting the strong historical and cultural ties between Guyana and India, Minister Teixeira commended the vibrant co-operation programme between the two nations, which has yielded numerous beneficial projects for Guyana. She praised India’s steadfast commitment to democratic governance, pluralism, and the rule of law, highlighting these as core strengths contributing to its global stature.

Acknowledging India’s diverse economy and innovative prowess, Minister Teixeira expressed Guyana’s appreciation for India’s rich cultural history and its role in strengthening bilateral ties through educational and cultural exchange programmes.

She outlined various areas of collaboration between Guyana and India, including infrastructure, agriculture, climate adaptation, and defence co-operation.

High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. Amit

Telang, echoed Minister Teixeira’s sentiments, celebrating India’s journey over the past 75 years and its remarkable achievements. He emphasized India’s collaborative spirit and dedication to universal values, which have guided its domestic policy and international outreach, including its relationship with Guyana.

Dr. Telang underscored the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between India and Guyana, nurtured by shared values and historical ties. He highlighted the multifaceted nature of the India-Guyana partnership, emphasizing co-operation in education, capacity building, and skill development.

In addressing global challenges such as climate change, Dr. Telang pointed to India’s leadership in promoting renewable energy sources and sustainable lifestyle solutions. He extended gratitude to the Government of Guyana and all Guyanese partners for their co-operation and support, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening

the bilateral relationship.

As India and Guyana celebrate their shared values and vision for peace, prosperity, and development, the reception served as a testament to the enduring friendship and collaboration between the two nations. Moving forward, India and Guyana are poised to deepen their ties and explore novel partnership opportunities for the benefit of both countries and their people.

Dr. Amit Telang celebrated the stable partnership spanning nearly six decades and highlighted India's proactive approach to global challenges such as climate change.

As Guyana and India continue to explore opportunities for co-operation, their shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and development serves as a firm foundation for future collaboration. The multi-faceted relationship between the two nations is poised to flourish, driven by mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a brighter future.

Strike action undermines, interrupts the education of our children

Dear Editor, I AM writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent decision of the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU) to call for a strike.

As a concerned citizen and a parent, I find it disheartening that the very institution responsible for shaping the future of our nation's children has chosen to engage in actions that direct-

ly undermine their education.

It is essential to acknowledge the pivotal role teachers play in the development of our society. They are entrusted with the responsibility of molding young minds and preparing them for the challenges of the future. However, the recent actions of the GTU have not only betrayed the trust placed in them but have also jeopardized the educational well-being of our

children.

Resorting to strike action at this juncture is an irresponsible and counterproductive way to address these issues.

The strike not only disrupts the continuity of education but also sets a detrimental example for the very students teachers are meant to guide and inspire.

Education is the foundation of a nation's progress, and any hindrance to

the smooth functioning of schools directly impacts the future of our country. The GTU should prioritise the interests of the students over their own and seek alternative means of resolving their concerns without resorting to actions that violate the law.

It is my sincere hope that the Guyana Teachers' Union reconsiders its stance and adopts a more responsible approach to address the is-

sues at hand. Open dialogue, negotiation, and collaboration should be the pillars guiding the resolution of disputes within the education sector.

By doing so, we can ensure that the education of our children remains uninterrupted, fostering an environment conducive to their growth and development.

I trust that your esteemed publication will shed light

on this matter and encourage a constructive dialogue between the concerned parties.

It is in the best interest of our nation to resolve these issues amicably and safeguard the educational rights of our children.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours respectfully, Brian Azore

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

The seemingly permanent fall of Western journalism

IF I am on the operating table in a hospital, I will ask the surgeons to delay their work, so I could listen to the presentations by the diplomatic envoys of the West in Guyana on World Press Freedom Day which is observed across the world.

The shameless bias in reporting in the Western press of the death and destruction and committal of genocide in Gaza by the Israeli army on the instruction of its government is beyond belief.

No journalist in the Third World or developing world or Global South (which ever typology you prefer) should ever in their career look up to the Western press as the standard bearer of professional journalism. Perhaps permanently, the genocide in Gaza has killed off the credibility of Western journalism in the eyes of the world.

In its Sunday, February

4, 2024 edition, the UK Guardian has run an account of the shameless level the CNN administration has descended to in directing its journalists to slant their reporting to give coverage to the Israeli pronouncements and to avoid giving coverage to the Palestinian explanations.

The story is headlined, “CNN staff says network pro-Israeli slant amounts to journalistic malpractice.”

Every citizen in the Third World must read this journalistic piece in the Guardian and I will quote from it. Do not rely on my quotes. You have to read the account to understand what the Gaza genocide has done to the image of Western journalism I quote: “CNN is facing a backlash from its own staff over editorial policies they say have led to a regurgitation of Israeli propaganda

and the censoring of Palestinians perspectives in the network’s coverage of the war in Gaza. Journalists in CNN newsrooms in the US and overseas say broadcasts have been skewed by management edicts and a story-approval process that has resulted in highly partial coverage of the Hamas massacre on 7 October and Israel’s retaliatory attack on Gaza.”

But don’t rush to assign your anger to the CNN only.

The Western media gave extensive coverage to a fiction deliberately planted on the world by the Israeli government that in their incursion into Israel on October 7, 2023, Hamas militants behead over 40 babies. It was Israeli propaganda to acquire global sympathy and paint Hamas fighters as uncivilised.

The beheading of babies never occurred and Rami

Khouri of the American University of Beirut wring an opinion piece for Al Jazeera on the nasty and gutter Israeli propaganda about beheaded babies, titled his article, “Watching the watchdogs: Babies and truth die in Israel-Palestine.”

He noted that when a wild, rightwing zealot in the Israeli army reserve published the fiction, “the gruesome news spanned the world’s media in hours.”

What happened to fact-checking that is so sacred to journalism? In the Guardian’s piece on CNN’s unscrupulous reporting on the Israeli committal of genocide, it was revealed that a senior CNN official who, when previously headed a top international organisation, had behaved the same way and was purportedly biased towards Israel and sought to get a reporter in Jerusalem removed. Very

unflattering things were said by the journalistic staff about senior persons at CNN. From every Western country in the world, the reporting on the death and destruction in Gaza by the media is given an Israeli slant. And this ironically includes the very Guardian that has now exposed CNN. After 40 years of service, the Guardian has fired its cartoonist for his drawing of Netanyahu.

When a long serving media operative could be dismissed by one of the world’s most liberal newspaper, then surely, Western journalism died in the genocidal destruction of Gaza. Even MSNBC, another left-liberal media house got into the act by removing non-Caucasian reporters and anchors with Arab heritage from reporting on the Israeli mission to destroy Gaza.

There is a group oper-

ating in the world named Reporters Without Borders (RWB) based in France.

Its annual report, like the annual report of Transparency International based in Germany, delivers condescending evaluations about press freedom in the Third World. To date, RWB has said not one word about the degradation of journalism in the print and electronic media in the entire Western World.

But if you are a betting person then you will win millions if you wager that in its annual report RWB will not utter one word of condemnation of the vulgarisation of journalism in the Western media which we are seeing on a daily basis. Why? Because in the West, the media is not seen as unprofessional as in the Third World. What do you call this thinking? Is this racial superiority?

The needs of teachers must be balanced with national development priorities

Dear Editor, THE strike by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) must not be viewed with myopic lenses. While the demands for better pay and improved working conditions are being made, it is essential to view these needs not in isolation, but as part of a broader spectrum of national priorities.

The government's holistic plan of leveraging the oil revenues, promises substantial benefits across multiple sectors, necessitating a balanced approach to resource allocation.

In essence, the government's strategy lies in its

comprehensive vision for national development, one that equally considers the advancement of education, healthcare, infrastructure, social services, national security and economic growth.

This vision acknowledges that the newly acquired oil wealth presents an unprecedented opportunity for transformative development across Guyana. However, it also requires prudent management and equitable distribution In this context, the teachers' strike raises complex questions about how best to integrate these demands within the national

development agenda. The government is tasked with the delicate balance of addressing the needs of all public servants and not just teachers, while also laying the groundwork for longterm prosperity that will ultimately benefit all Guyanese, including educators.

It should be noted that oil revenues are only now beginning to flow into government coffers.

The government must ensure that solutions provid-

ed to teachers do not compromise the ability to invest in other vital sectors. The interconnectivity of sectors means that advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and economic policies are inherently linked to the quality of education.

The government has so far managed to strike a delicate balance between the promises that oil wealth brings with the responsibility to use these resources wisely, ensuring

that the benefits are felt across all sectors.

Sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Agriculture Ministry sets record straight on Liliendaal Pump Station

The following is the full text of a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture: “THE Ministry of Agri-

culture once again finds it obligatory to correct what is either willful misrepresentation at best, or inept reporting, regarding one of

several pump stations currently under construction.

The Liliendaal Pump station was featured in your columns for the first time on March 14, 2023, and never again until February 6, 2024.

During this period, the works on the pump station progressed ahead of schedule, with several key elements such as the deep foundation, toe and tanking piles, and all major concrete works being completed. Re-

grettably, modern journalism has devolved to the extent that it is now indistinguishable from sensationalism, and serves only to bolster newspaper sales.

While we appreciate and acknowledge the role of the fourth estate, it is necessary also for media outlets to conduct themselves in a manner befitting of the title.

The Ministry of Agriculture must therefore clarify that works on the new pump

station have reached a stage where three critical activities are occurring off-site: (1) the overseas construction and subsequent delivery of the pump units, (2) the fabrication of the discharge pipes which will transmit the drainage load from the pump station to the outfall and (3) the structural elements for the pump house are being fabricated.

The Supervisory Consultants hired to manage the implementation of the project remain attentive to the progress of the works and have adequate monitoring systems in place to properly manage both the schedule and cost components.

It is not certain to what

extent efforts were made by Stabroek News to contact the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, but it is certain that should any official communication have been sent, this update would have been provided, and the attempt made to sensationalise and misrepresent the efforts of the government to alleviate the flooding woes, could have been avoided.

The Government of Guyana remains committed to transparency and accountability, and we continue to work towards the improvement of the drainage systems all across Guyana.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

FAO Food Price Index down again in January - led by lower wheat, maize prices - coarse grain production on track to hit all-time high, pushing up overall supply and trade prospects

THE benchmark for world food commodity prices fell further in January, albeit slightly, led by decreases in the prices of cereals and meat, which more than offset an increase in the sugar prices, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported recently.

The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 118 points in January, down one percent from December and 10.4 percent from its corresponding value a year ago.

T h e FA O C e r e a l Price Index declined by 2.2 percent from the previous month.

Global wheat export prices declined in January driven by strong competition among exporters and the arrival of recently harvested supplies in the southern hemisphere countries, while those of maize fell sharply, reflecting improved crop conditions and the start of the harvest in Argentina and larger supplies in the United States of America.

By contrast, price quotations for rice rose 1.2 percent in January, reflecting a strong export demand for Thai and Pakistani higher quality Indica rice and additional purchases by Indonesia.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index rose marginally by 0.1 percent from December - but was still 12.8 percent lower than a year earlier - reflecting moderate increases in international palm and sunflower seed oil prices offsetting declines in the prices of soy and

rapeseed oils.

Wo r l d p a l m o i l prices were driven by seasonally lower production in major producing countries and concerns over unfavourable weather conditions in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, increased import demand slightly pushed up sunflower seed oil prices. By contrast, international soy and rapeseed oil prices declined on account of prospects for large supplies from South America and lingering ample availabilities in Europe, respectively.

T h e FA O D a i r y Price Index remained virtually unchanged from its revised December value, standing 17.8 percent below its value a year ago. In January, international price quotations for butter and whole milk powder increased largely due to higher demand from Asian buyers, nearly offsetting declines in those for skim milk powder and cheese.

T h e FA O M e a t Price Index declined for the seventh consecutive month by 1.4 percent from December, as abundant supplies from leading exporting countries drove down international prices of poultry, bovine and pig meats. By contrast, international ovine meat prices increased on high global import demand and lower supplies of animals for slaughter in Oceania.

T h e FA O S u g a r Price Index in January was up 0.8 percent from the previous month, underpinned by concerns over the likely impact of below-average rains in Brazil on sugarcane crops to be harvested from April, coupled with unfavourable production prospects in

Thailand and India.

RECORD CEREAL OUTPUT IN 2023 World cereal production in 2023 is seen on track to hit an alltime record high of 2 836 million tonnes – up 1.2 percent from 2022, according to new forecasts in the latest Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, also released today.

The global coarse grain output is now pegged at an all-time high of 1 523 million tonnes, following a 12-million-tonne upward adjustment this month. The bulk of the revision reflects new official data from Canada, China (mainland), Türkiye and the United States of America, where a combination of higher yields and larger

harvested areas than previously expected has led to higher maize production estimates.

World cereal utilisation in 2023/24 is now forecast at 2 822 million tonnes, up 8.9 million tonnes from the December forecast and surpassing the 2022/23 level by 1.2 percent, led by greater-than-earlier

anticipated feed use, especially in the European Union as well as in Australia and the United States of America.

Consequently, the 2023/24 global cereal stocks-to-use ratio is forecast at a comfortable level of 31.1 percent, exceeding the 2022/23 level of 30.9

percent.

Global trade in cereals in 2023/34 is now forecast to reach 480 million tonnes, up by 0.8 percent from the preceding year, led mostly by larger traded volumes foreseen for coarse grains while world trade in wheat and rice could actually contract. (FAO)

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Region Five gets further health boost with $79M X-ray department at Mahaicony Hospital

HEALTHCARE in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) has been further improved with the establishment of an X-ray Department at Mahaicony Hospital.

This development represents an investment of over $79 million. At the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony disclosed that the retrofitting of the X-ray department cost more than $30 million, while the X-ray machine itself cost $49 million.

The X-ray machine is manufactured by Siemens, one of the leading X-ray machine manufacturers. Dr Anthony noted that the hospital had previously experimented with different brands and found Siemens to be more reliable for imaging purposes.

“In the past, we had used

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Healthcare in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) has been further improved with the establishment of an X-ray Department at the Mahaicony Hospital Siemens at the Georgetown Public Hospital and they lasted for 10 years…So what you have now, is a good type

of equipment,” the minister stated.

He noted that similar types of X-rays are available

in other hospitals, including Suddie, Linden, New Amsterdam, Mibicuri, and Port Mourant.

Additionally, he highlighted that the digital X-Ray system enables faster access to results from anywhere

within the local system.

“The exposure of patients to radiation is far less, and so you don’t have that fear that you used to have before that you would have a lot of radiation, the radiation is far less in exposure to patients and the person who is doing the image,” he stated.

Minister Anthony also highlighted the developments in the health sector over the past three years, and the opportunities for training, infrastructure development, and service provision.

He noted that in Region Five alone, approximately $300 million has been allocated over the last two years to support the upgrade of health infrastructure, with provisions for additional support this year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Abandoned Enmore sugar estate to be converted into refinery

PRESIDENT, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said that hundreds of jobs will soon be created in the revived sugar industry through the establishment of a sugar refinery at Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

The Enmore estate was one of the several sugar estates that were closed down by the previous APNU+AFC government, leaving thousands of workers without a source of income, and causing a major dive in the economy during that period.

The revitalisation of the sugar industry is another commitment that the PPP/C government has been bringing to fruition through a range of measures.

These measures propelled a breakthrough recently with the reopening of the Rose Hall Sugar Es-

tate, East Berbice Corentyne, after more than six years out of operation, employing more than 1,000 workers.

Since 2020, over 4,000 new employees have been employed in the industry.

President Ali, in his address at the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) annual corporate dinner on Monday evening at the Marriott Hotel, said that the government will continue to invest in building the sector, as it is a vital facet of Guyana’s economy.

“We are going to invest in GuySuCo because GuySuCo can be made profitable. We have an investor who is in the final stage of an investment decision soon to convert the Enmore sugar estate that is now scrapped into a sugar refiner to refine the brown sugar there,” he told the

gathering of private sector representatives.

He said that the government is working on a plan through which the industry can produce 100,000 tonnes of sugar this year.

With the proposed Enmore sugar refinery expected to refine 180,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually, President Ali said that the government may be looking at importing more.

“Whatever we can supply, we’ll supply then we’ll have to fill the gap so refining will occur here,” he said.

He said that the private sector is expected to play an active role in spurring this progress, as the refinery will present additional demand for transport and logistics services to fuel its operations. (DPI)

Guyanese urged to take precaution as more Sahara dust reaches shores

THE following is the full text of a statement from the Environmental Protection Agency: THE Environmental Protection Agency hereby issues an update on Guyana’s air quality. All air quality sensors are reporting concentration levels in the ‘moderate’ zone with

unaffected visibility.

However, Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) News forecast another wave of Saharan dust will reach Guyana tomorrow evening with concentrations gradually increasing until Saturday, 10th February, 2024.

This forecast is subject to change without

notice. For further information, visit the website: https://www.cbsnews. com/miami/tropics-saharan-dust/, as such, the EPA encourages the public to take the necessary precautions with the elderly, children and persons with respiratory and skin conditions.

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Jagdeo calls out Norton for misrepresentation of IMF report GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has blasted Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton for blatantly misrepresenting data published in an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report.

During his budget debate presentation last week, the Opposition Leader quoted the report which highlighted that

Guyana lost 41 per cent of its economy as a result of inefficiency.

“He then goes on to say calculate how much of the economy we are losing through inefficiency. So, he says, the IMF says that we are losing 41 per cent through inefficiencies and therefore added a figure nearly $200 billion, we are losing because of inefficiency,” Dr Jagdeo told reporters at his weekly press

conference at Freedom House on Thursday last.

Dr Jagdeo clarified that this report was published in 2017, a period during which the APNU+AFC was in office.

The IMF conducts public investment management assessments (PIMAs) for individual countries. In 2017, the IMF undertook a PIMA, which estimated that despite a relatively high cap-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

ital stock, Guyana has an estimated efficiency gap of 41 per cent.

The IMF had said that this is much higher than the average for Latin America and the Caribbean at 30 per cent and 27 per cent in the Emerging Market Economies.

As such, this “inefficiency” identified in the report spoke to the policies implemented by the former APNU+AFC Coalition government.

The report also highlighted several measures

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

that should be put in place to alleviate the inefficiency gap, which included a rule-based fiscal framework, establishing a policy framework for public-private partnerships, and improvements in project preparation.

The General Secretary said that the PPP/C government has implemented many of these measures, so the report is no longer relevant to Guyana’s economic state of affairs.

“We have done feasibility studies on almost all

of these and almost every road project, every big project that we have had.

We have had to go through an efficiency assessment for it. So, this has come down significantly,” he noted.

The General Secretary continued: “And this was a 2017 report assessing APNU’s operation.

At that time, we knew what was happening because there was nothing. So again, he misrepresents what’s in the IMF report.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Negotiations ongoing for massive French vessel to patrol Guyana’s waters –– as part of efforts to improve Guyana’s response to illegal fishing, President Ali says

THE Government of Guyana is in talks with French officials to have a large ship stationed in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone to prevent the loss of hundreds of

of security, President Ali said that the government is working on further fortifying Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and negotiations are ongoing with the French to

President, Dr Irfaan Ali (Office of the President photo) millions of dollars due to illegal fishing.

This was according to President, Dr Irfaan Ali, during his remarks at the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC’s) corporate dinner at the Marriott Hotel, on Monday evening.

Addressing the issue

have a large ship here.

“There is one ship that is coming in very shortly, then we have negotiations going on now with the French to have a mothership established in our EEZ,” he said.

This, the Head of State related, comes at a high

cost, but one that has to be incurred as the country is losing some hundreds of millions of dollars as a result of illegal fishing in that zone.

“What is told to us, we are losing hundreds of millions of dollars from illegal fishing from our EEZ, that is boats coming in within our EEZ,” President Ali remarked.

Late last month, VicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo said that Guyana will significantly increase investments in its defence capa-

bilities.

He indicated that more must be spent on defence to ensure that the capability grows to protect the country.

At that time, the VicePresident noted that one of the key drivers behind increased investment in defence is the protection of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Jagdeo said that officials found out that Guyana is losing over $100 million per year in illegal fishing in the Ex-

clusive Economic Zone.

As such, he indicated that commitments were made to ensure that

Guyana could procure radar capability and interception capability among others.

Prime Minister Phillips –– to boost bilateral ties arrives in India 14

PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips arrived to a warm welcome in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, in a bid to enhance bilat-

eral relations and propel key areas of cooperation.

The visit will further strengthen multifaceted relationship and unique people-to-people linkages

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

that both countries share.

The trajectory of bilateral engagement between India and Guyana has been on an upward curve, marked by substan-

PM Mark Phillips arrived to a warm welcome in New Delhi tial visits from President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and other high-ranking officials over the past year.

Building on the discussions during President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo’s visit to India in January and February 2023, both countries have taken concrete steps by establishing eight Joint Working Groups.

These groups encompass a wide array of domains including agriculture, health, infrastructure development, energy, Ayurveda, technology innovation, defence, and human resources and capacity building. This holistic approach aims to fortify cooperation and leverage each nation’s strengths for mutual gain.

A pivotal aspect of the burgeoning partnership is Guyana’s expressed

interest in procuring defence capabilities from India. This initiative stems from Guyana’s imperative to safeguard its maritime boundaries, exclusive economic zones, and burgeoning oil and gas industry from potential threats, notably illegal fishing activities.

Last year, visits by India’s External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, to Guyana, culminating in a Joint Commission meeting with Guyanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Hilton Todd, further cemented the diplomatic ties between the two countries. Discussions during the meeting underscored shared perspectives on global challenges and opportunities for collaborative solutions.

Prime Minister Phillips who assumed office in August 2020, takes a wealth of experience to the

discussion table.

His background as the Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force lends a strategic edge to the discussions, particularly concerning defence cooperation.

In a recent celebration of India’s 75th Republic Day at the Indian High Commission in Georgetown, Guyana’s Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira, commended India’s pivotal role in the global community.

Minister Teixeira specifically lauded India’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance, pluralism, and the rule of law, recognising those as integral strengths that underpin its status as the world’s largest democracy, fostering stability and resilience.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Education Ministry discontinues union dues deduction

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–– says illegal strike action is ‘wholly politicised’

THE Ministry of Education has said that it will no longer operate as a gracious agent for the collection of union dues that are remitted to the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).

The Education Ministry informed the GTU in a letter dated February 6 that this decision was made in compliance with the ruling made by the Honourable Chief Justice Ian Chang in the Guyana Public Service Union v.

Nanda Gopaul (number 584W/2000-Demerara).

The ministry made this announcement as the strike action moved into its second day.

According to the GTU, it is pursuing this action because the government would not meet with the union on several issues, including negotiations on wages, salaries, allowances, and other benefits for teachers. This is despite the fact that discussions between the Education Ministry and the union are ongoing, and the ministry has already satisfied more than half of the GTU’s 41 requests in just three years.

Despite the union’s demand for a strike, a majority of educators across the country showed up for work on Monday and Tuesday, according to the ministry.

While there are thousands of teachers in Guyana, less than 100 of them staged a protest in front of the Education Ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown headquarters on Monday and Tuesday.

Led by GTU’s President Dr Mark Lyte, General Secretary of the GTU, Opposition Parliamentarian Coretta McDonald, the striking teachers are demanding salary increases

and more benefits, including duty-free concessions.

There were also small groups of protesters around other parts of the country, many of whom were not teachers but traditional supporters of the APNU+AFC who would usually be on the frontline for the party.

Through its Facebook page, the Education Ministry shared updates on the industrial action, stating that 95 per cent of the teachers at various schools showed up for work.

Further, the Education Ministry in its February 6 missive, reiterated that the strike action is unlawful and has “become wholly politicised.”

The Ministry of Labour has advised the Education Ministry that conditions for strike action have not been met as a result of which any such strike would be illegal and unlawful.

Moreover, McDonald has faced backlash after revealing that a “corporate sponsor” is offering to reimburse striking teachers’ potential salary deductions.

“If they decide that they are going to deduct monies from our teachers’ salaries… that’s good news for us, because corporate sponsors out there have already pledged that they will reimburse our teachers,” McDonald stated.

She did not disclose the sponsor’s identity and the specifics of the agreement.

BARRAGE OF THREATS “The barrage of threats disseminated by GTU across the country, as well as the racist sentiments and ethni-

cally divisive rhetoric will never be tolerated by this government as we continue to build our beautiful One Guyana,” the Education Ministry’s letter added.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said it has received reports pertaining to the teachers’ strike action, indicating that persons are being intimidated and threatened.

The GPF said it takes these reports seriously and will investigate them.

The duration of the strike is unknown, but the Education Ministry has issued a warning that headteachers are not permitted to lock down schools. Following reports of teachers being refused access to school compounds, this warning has been issued.

According to the ministry, the closing of schools is the responsibility of the Chief Education Officer (CEO), not a head teacher or representative of the GTU. “Any head teacher who is found to be in breach of these rules will be held accountable and will be referred to the Teaching Service Commission/ School Boards Secretariat for disciplinary action,” the ministry said.

The Education Ministry thanked all educators on Tuesday, for continuing to be present at work and for ensuring that every child in the country gets the education they so well deserve.

The government “will continue to work tirelessly towards improving the conditions of all teachers across this nation,” the ministry pledged.

The strike actions come when students are preparing for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), the

Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate

(CSEC) examinations and the Caribbean Ad-

vanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Chief Justice throws out case challenging extension of 'Top Cop’s' tenure ACTING Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, on Tuesday dismissed APNU member Carol Joseph’s application challenging the President’s authority to keep the acting Commissioner of Police in office beyond the retirement age of 55.

The case, which was filed on August 22, 2023, by the Dexter Todd and Associates Law Firm, contended that President Dr. Irfaan Ali lacked the legal authority to prolong the term of acting ‘Top Cop’ Clifton Hicken.

Hicken turned 55 on July 22, 2023 and, by a later dated July 21, 2023, the Head of Sate extended his term in office indefinitely.

The crux of Joseph’s challenge was that only the tenure of a substantive Commissioner of Police could be extended, and that since Hicken was acting in the position, the extension granted

by President Ali was unlawful, unconstitutional and ultra vires.

A statement from the Attorney General’s Chambers following the dismissal of the case, stated that the President extended Hicken’s term based on the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) recommendation under section 2(b) of the Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act, Chapter 27:12.

This provision reads: “The…Commissioner of

Police shall vacate their respective offices on attaining the age of … fifty-five years respectively: Provided that – 1 (b) the President, acting on the recommendation of the Police Service Commission may permit a Commissioner of Police who has attained the age of fifty-five years to continue in office until he has attained such later age, not exceeding sixty years, as may (before the Commissioner of Police has attained the age of fifty-five years) have been agreed with the Commissioner of Police…”

Moreover, Joseph’s counsel Dexter Smartt, according to the statement, also argued that having attained the age of 55 years, Hicken was now

a civilian and no longer a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). As such, he sought an order requiring the Court to direct Hicken to vacate the office.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, SC, rejected Joseph’s contention, stating, among other things, that a Commissioner of Police, as mentioned in the Constitution’s Articles 211(2) and (3) and in section 2(b) of the Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act, is intended to serve as both an acting and substantive appointment.

He further cited Article 232(2)(b) of the Constitution which expressly and unambiguously provides that “a reference to the holder of the office by the term designating his or her office shall be construed as including a reference to any person for the time being lawfully acting in or performing the functions of that office.”

Nandlall further argued that no evidence was produced to challenge the President’s compliance with both section 2 (b) of the Constitution (Prescribed Matters)

Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

Act and Article 211 of the Constitution, and the burden to do so was squarely placed on Joseph.

After reviewing written submissions and oral arguments from both sides, the Chief Justice agreed with the AG’s arguments and ruled, among other things, that the framers of the Constitution envisioned that the statutory provisions that are applicable to a substantive Commissioner of Police would also apply to an acting Commissioner of Police, the Attorney General’s Chambers statement continued.

The Chambers said the

Chief Justice found that section 2 of the Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act, which speaks to a “Commissioner of Police,” applies to both an acting and substantive appointee.

“As such, there being no substantive Commissioner of Police, the extension granted by virtue of the Constitution and the Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act to the acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hicken, was lawful,” the missive added.

After dismissing the application, Justice George made no order in respect of cost.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Over 1,500 inmates to benefit from skills training in 2024

WITH the objective of promoting seamless reintegration into society, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) will embark on the training of inmates in a range of technical and vocational skills throughout the country.

In accordance with the Prison Service, the training of 1,500 inmates is in line with the government’s pledge to promote prison reform, giving inmates the opportunity to

Sixteen hundred prisoners will benefit from basic skills training programmes through government’s fresh-start initiative (GPS photo) acquire essential income-generating skills and enhance their education while serving their sentences.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, highlighted, in his 2024 budget debate contribution the ambitious agenda for inmate rehabilitation, underscoring the significance of equipping them with the necessary resources for a successful reintegration into society.

He outlined the blueprints for constructing new vocational schools within the prison system and proposed training programmes designed to equip prisoners with valuable skills that foster their successful reintegration into society.

Additionally, the Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, stated that the decrease in recidivism in 2023 can be attributed to the enhanced rehabilitation programmes and improved support systems provided to inmates upon their release.

“The period of imprisonment is used to ensure, as far as possible, the reintegration of such persons into society upon release so that they can lead a law-abiding and self-supporting life,” the Prison Director explained.

Furthermore, the Director of Prisons highlighted the ongoing commitment of the Prison Service to actively involve institutions such as the Government Technical Institute (GTI), Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), and New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) in delivering accredited technical training.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Port Mourant O&G training centre to be commissioned soon – says Routledge

By Clestine Juan

THE President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, announced that the commissioning of the

Port Mourant National Oil and Gas Training Centre, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at strengthening Guyana’s position in the global energy sector, was

imminent.

He made that announcement during a press conference at the company’s Kingston, Georgetown, headquarters on Tuesday.

Routledge highlighted the centre’s innovative approach to training, emphasising its simulation capabilities.

“It’s a facility simulator, it simulates being on a live

plant, whether that is offshore… it enables training technicians to practise what they learn in the classroom, practise what they learn in the laboratory on a plant,” he stated.

This hands-on experience, he said, aims to accelerate the apprentices’ development, preparing them for offshore responsibilities more rapidly.

The training centre, situated near the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Estate in Port Mourant, is part of a broader initiative to equip young Guyanese with the necessary skills for the burgeoning oil and gas sector, as well as the hospitality industry for tourism.

The project, officially named the Guyana Technical Training College, is under the directorship of Professor Clement Sankat, a distinguished Guyanese, and former Pro-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies.

Constructed with an investment of approximately US$100 million, the facility is a collaborative effort between the Guyana government and ExxonMobil.

It represents a significant step towards realising the government’s vision of transforming the region into an educational and investment hub, contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

Routledge further elaborated on the comprehensive nature of the training programme, mentioning the current class of 25 students who have completed basic training and are now ready to utilise the facility.

He also explained that the facility was gearing up to welcome individuals from across Guyana, irrespective of their geographical location.

“We are also breaking ground on the rest of the training campus. The classroom, dormitory and so on [will] ensure that the facility is open for trainees, whether they live in Region Six or Region One or wherever in the country…,” he said.

Routledge explained that it is not just about preparing them for the oil and gas industry, since the skills they develop will be highly transferable to other sectors as well.

“Very soon, we will be commissioning that first facility,” he added, underlining the imminent operational status of the centre.

The establishment of the

Port Mourant National Oil and Gas Training Centre aligns with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities in Guyana.

The Port Mourant National Oil and Gas Training Centre represents a forward-thinking approach to workforce development, aiming to fast-track the professional growth of its trainees.

By combining rigorous academic training with practical, real-world applications, the centre is set to play a pivotal role in preparing Guyana’s youth for the challenges and opportunities of the global oil and gas industry.

Announced in April 2022, the construction of the facility, alongside a hospitality institute, underscores the government’s effort to prepare its youth for key roles in driving forward the nation’s oil and gas industry and beyond.

Senior Petroleum Coordinator, Bobby Gossai Jr., had previously explained that, because of the enormous opportunities that exist in the country’s growing oil-andgas sector, young people must upskill themselves in the crucial areas so that they can earn and contribute to the development of the industry and the country.

“For five to eight years, we’ve all seen the transition from traditional jobs to new areas and new industries and new sectors and sub-sectors that are opening up. Key industry opportunities for employment that were not clear are now here. And as we move forward into the next eight years, there is going to be more opportunities for the employment of our young people,” he said.

He related that, over the last few years, traditional jobs in areas such as mining, agriculture, and the services industry have transitioned into the energy sector.

However, he acknowledged that one of the serious impacts of that was a gap between the need for skills and the availability of same.

The coordinator said that the government has been working intensely to build capacity over the next couple of years to fill that gap with many incentives, such as constructing the GTTC at Port Mourant, which will be the premier institution offering oil-andgas training.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

CDB, ‘Agri’ Ministry launch programmes to enhance traceability, market access

THE Guyana Livestock Authority, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, has initiated two projects with financial support from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB):- the Enhancement of Surveillance Programmes for Bovine Tuberculosis and Bovine Brucellosis in Guyana, and the Establishment of a Traceability System for Pineapples and Leafy Greens in Guyana.

During Tuesday’s launch, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, informed officials that Guyana’s agriculture sector is currently experiencing a swift transformation.

Minister Mustapha revealed that a substantial amount of $72.6 billion was allocated to the Agriculture sector in 2024, with the aim of fostering the development of agriculture at both local and regional levels.

The minister highlighted the fact that Guyana is currently in a phase of immense excitement as the entire agriculture sector undergoes a transformative process.

The Minister elaborated on the strategy for advancing the CARICOM agriculture food system agenda, which entails fostering strategic partnerships and regional collaboration among government, international partners, and the private sector. This aligns with the objective of reducing the food import bill by 25% by 2025.

“We are pleased to undertake these two projects, which will enhance our agricultural capacity, with the support from the Caribbean Development Bank and facilitated by the European Union Economic Partnership Agreement, CARIFORUM, and the CARICOM Standby Facility. The first project, the Development of a Food Products Traceability System for Pineapples and Leafy Greens in Guyana, is a transformative initiative that underscores our commitment to ensuring quality and safe food. A traceability system in the agriculture and food sector is particularly important and an effective one can promptly identify, single out, and remove unsafe food products from the market. Food traceability is a requirement for access to specific regional or international markets. For Guyana to become a major exporter of agriculture products we are ensuring that systems are in place for us to meet all the requirements,” the minister explained.

While speaking about the second project, Minis-

ter Mustapha said that this project will address critical issues impacting Guyana’s livestock industry.

“The second project, Bovine Tuberculosis and Bovine Brucellosis to Improve Market Access in Guyana, will address critical issues impacting our livestock industry. These diseases not only pose significant health risks to our cattle population but also hinder market access for our farmers. By addressing these challenges head-on, we are not just protecting the livelihoods of our farmers but also fortifying Guyana’s position as a reliable supplier of high-quality livestock products,” Minister Mustapha added.

EPA and CSME Standby Facility’s Project Manager, Cyril Gill, while giving an overview of the projects, said the projects were based on developing a strategy towards eradicating tuberculosis and brucellosis in bovine as well as establishing a food traceability framework.

In its pursuit to become the livestock capital of the Region, Guyana emphasises the importance of implementing systems to protect against diseases like bovine tuberculosis and bovine brucellosis, according to Director General at the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj.

He stated, “the surveillance system is important to expand market access for cattle, because it helps to ensure the cattle from Guyana are healthy and clean from diseases that may pose a risk to human development.”

Additionally, he emphasised that food security in Guyana has been given considerable importance due to the focus on food and nutrition. The implementation of the Food Products Traceability System for Pineapples and Leafy Greens in Guyana will enable the prompt removal of unsafe food from the market Ramraj pointed out that the government, with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, is steadfastly committed to the sustainable transformation of our agriculture sector.

His comment highlighted that Guyana possesses the potential to serve as the main agricultural producer for CARICOM and beyond.

It has been reported that the agriculture sector witnessed a 7 per cent expansion in 2023 and is projected to grow by 10.4 per cent in the current year.

“The growth of the livestock industry by 12.7 per cent, and the crop industry

by 4.4 per cent, is a testament to the projects and initiatives that are being implemented with the support of our international partners and agencies, like

the Caribbean Development Bank, that is playing an integral role in the execution of these projects being launched today,” he said.

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Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

ExxonMobil reaffirms commitment to Guyana –– Routledge says contracts ‘valid’, nation’s offshore oil prospects remain priority

By Clestine Juan

PRESIDENT of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge has voiced the oil giant’s confidence in the validity of its contracts and operations within the country and reaffirmed

the company’s commitment in light of the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

Last December, Guyana’s western neighbour had increased its aggressive claims to two-thirds of the country’s Essequibo region, a region

rich in oil, timber, and other natural resources.

Venezuela had threatened that companies operating in the vast Essequibo region should withdraw their operations. Venezuela has since committed to maintaining peace as part of the landmark

Argyle Declaration.

Routledge, on Tuesday, during a press conference at the company’s Georgetown office, expressed that despite the rhetoric and nervousness caused by the controversy, especially in the last quarter of 2023, ExxonMobil re-

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge mains assured of its standing.

“We believe that the contracts we have with the country are valid under the local law, but also under international law,” Routledge said, highlighting the company’s rights to operate in specific blocks.

He further mentioned the importance of resolving issues between countries through government negotiations, applauding the diplomatic progress made with the Argyle Declaration.

The Argyle Declaration, an outcome of a meeting facilitated by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, and observed by Brazil, CARICOM, and a UN Under-Secretary-General, marked a significant step towards peace.

Both Guyana and its neighbour committed to resolving their differences without the threat or use of force.

“We’re very thankful to hear that,” Routledge added, reinforcing ExxonMobil’s dedication to Guyana and its development commitments.

On the topic of Guyana’s global engagements and its burgeoning role as an energy provider, Routledge acknowledged the country’s increasing prominence.

“Guyana is on the Global Map… For the last five-10 years, Guyana has become more significant to the world it’s becoming a source of… diversity to the world which needs to secure lower emission sources of energy and Guyana is becoming a provider…. I think the collaboration that we’ve seen for Guyana with other countries on the military front, as well as on the diplomatic and economic front reflects that…it’s healthy… it’s good for the Western Hemisphere that we see those kinds of cooperation,” he said.

Guyana has been actively working with its international partners, a major one being the United States, to boost its defence and diplomatic capabilities to respond to security threats and also contribute to broader regional security.

ExxonMobil’s Chief Executive Officer, Darren Woods had previously said that Guyana isn’t standing alone.

Woods, during an interview on CNBC, said while the controversy is between the two nations, Guyana is supported by many international partners and is engaging the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“I’m not sure Guyana is standing on its own. We have all seen what happens when nations’ sovereignties are challenged, and unilateral actions are taken. The world and the outside communities have grown pretty sensitive to that, so my expectations are there is broader support in the international community to make sure that the right process is followed [to] resolve this dispute [controversy],” he said.

In December, owing to the growing tensions, CARICOM and CELAC had undertaken to broker a meeting between Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and Venezuela’s President, Nicolas Maduro to address matters consequential to the border controversy.

The meeting was held at the Argyle International Airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where there was a mutual commitment to peace.

The meeting was facilitated by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, and was observed by Brazil, CARICOM, and UN UnderSecretary-General.

This historic meeting culminated in what is now known as the “Argyle Declaration,” an 11-point agreement which addresses matters consequential to the border controversy, including the fact that Guyana holds firmly to its position that the substantive case is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

President Ali has always maintained that Guyana will not retreat from its position that the border controversy with Venezuela is properly before the ICJ.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Credit Union donates $1.8M to fire-affected prison wardens

PRISON Service Credit union donated funds to support affected wardens of the fire which destroyed the Prison Service’s Bachelors’ Quarters on Parade Street, Kingston, Georgetown, on February 2.

The affected Prison Officers received a donation of approximately $1.8M from the Prison Officers’ Co-operative Credit Union, as reported by the Guyana Prison Service.

Nicklon Elliot, the Director of Prisons who also serves as the Chairman

of the Credit Union, affirmed that the Union steadfastly upholds its dedication to embodying its motto of ‘Caring and Sharing’. This is why immediate action was taken.

Additionally, he stated that the Committee of Management of the Credit Union played a crucial role in approving this intervention, which will undoubtedly provide significant assistance to the officers who are still struggling with their losses.

The government-owned two-storey structure was completely

destroyed by fire. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

Prior to the occurrence of the fire, the building was occupied by no fewer than 30 Prison Officers.

On February 2, Director Elliot informed media operatives that the Prison Service has successfully arranged temporary accommodation for the impacted officers.

The construction of the living quarters for Prison Officers was initiated in 2011, under the direction of former Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee.

Some of the affected prison wardens who received cash donation and fans from their Co-operative Credit Union

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

New productive forces reshape China’s economic landscape

(Xinhua) State-of-the-art intelligent connected vehicles, bleeding-edge quantum computers and futuristic industrial robots -- these are some examples of where China aspires to seek new sources of growth amid economic challenges.

Developing new productive forces, a recent catchphrase in China's policy-making, is among the priorities for this year's economic work mapped out by a tone-setting conference held last December.

By underscoring this concept, China aims to foster advanced productivity through revolutionary technology breakthroughs, innovative allocation of production factors and deepened industrial upgrading.

With the rapid development of strategic emerging industries and future industries such as new energy and quantum technology, along with traditional industries becoming smarter and more innovative, China's economic landscape is shifting.

"China has immeasurable potential and strong competitive edges in developing new productive forces, which could become a new growth pole of the Chinese economy in the near future," said Ming Ming, chief economist at CITIC Securities.

CHASING NEW GROWTH High-tech industries have become a focus of local governments' efforts to bolster the economy as authorities eye new growth engines amid domestic

and external uncertainties.

In early January, east China's Hefei city launched its first group of major projects for this year, with over 80 per cent of the total 36.7 billion-yuan (about 5.2 billion U.S. dollars) industrial investment going to new energy vehicles (NEVs), new-generation information technology and photovoltaic sectors.

In central China's Henan Province, contracts worth nearly 600 billion yuan were signed at the start of the year for projects in advanced manufacturing and strategic emerging industries.

In Xiamen city of east China's Fujian Province, new energy, new materials and biomedicine projects were among the 53 billion-yuan industrial projects launched for the new year.

Yuhan Zhang, a political economist at the University of California, Berkeley, wrote in an article in the Financial Times that the local investment projects launched at the start of 2024 have a distinctly scientific flavour, focusing on new-generation information technology, biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence and low-carbon energies.

"This suggests an ambition to ascend the value chain and develop new growth engines," Zhang wrote.

Developing new productive forces has become the theme of economic development in 2024 for many local governments,

which put sci-tech innovation high on their agenda during the local "two sessions", said Zhao Gang, an analyst at the Beijing-based consultancy firm CIO Manage.

Shanghai has announced it will accelerate its bid to become an international centre of sci-tech innovation this year.

Liaoning Province will support the development of new materials, aerospace, low-altitude economy and robotics industry.

Beijing plans to advance major integrated circuit projects and high-end medical equipment development, as well as other tech-intensive industries.

BROAD PROSPECTS Nationwide, China has demonstrated "strong momentum and broad prospects" in the development of new productive forces, the backbone of which are strategic emerging industries and future industries, said Cai Wei, chief strategy officer of KPMG China Advisory.

The share of strategic emerging industries, such as new energy, high-end equipment and biotechnology, in China's gross domestic product (GDP) rose to over 13 per cent in 2022 from 7.6 per cent in 2014, Cai said, citing official data. China plans to raise that ratio to over 17 per cent by 2025.

Cai believes new productive forces are likely to see larger-scale expansion and innovation in the coming few years, noting particularly strong

performance from the new energy, information technology and biological industries.

China has revved up financing and improved the business environment to spur sci-tech innovation, which is key to the cultivation of new productive forces.

China ranked 12th place in the 2023 Global Innovation Index, and became the country with the largest number of top 100 sci-tech innovation clusters in the world for the first time, according to the latest ranking by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

The country saw 3.33 trillion yuan poured into research and development (R&D) in 2023, accounting for 2.64 per cent of the GDP, up from 1.91 per cent in 2012. Fixed-asset investment in high-tech industries last year recorded double-digit growth, well above the total investment growth.

In the January-August period of 2023, more than 90 per cent of the 243 newly-listed firms on China's A-share market were engaged in strategic emerging industries, mainly new-generation information technology, high-end equipment manufacturing and new materials, according to KPMG research.

The country is also beefing up support for future industries integrated with advanced technology such as metaverse, brain-computer interface and

quantum information.

A batch of incubators and pilot zones for future industries would be built by 2025, while breakthroughs would be achieved in about a hundred core technologies in key fields, according to a recent guideline released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and six other ministries and agencies.

Traditional industries are being upgraded for smarter manufacturing at a fast pace.

China has built 62 "lighthouse factories", accounting for 40 per cent of the global total of such factories selected by the World Economic Forum as representing the highest level of global intelligent manufacturing.

LARGE TALENT POOL The expanding new growth momentum derives from China's strengthening of human capital and its increasing status in the global value chain, said Cai. The number of full-time equivalent R&D personnel in China nearly doubled from 3.247 million in 2012 to 6.354 million in 2022 to rank the first in the world, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The international academic influence of China's top scitech talent has continued to grow. The number of Chinese scientists added to the global list of highly cited researchers increased from 111 in 2014 to 1,169 in 2022, ranking second

globally.

"Sci-tech innovation ultimately depend on talent, and China's increasing quantity and quality of sci-tech talent will provide strong support for fostering new growth engines," said Yuan Lei, deputy chief of the Institute of Economics of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The advancement of new productive forces signifies that China has made positive progress in replacing its old growth drivers with new ones, laying solid foundation for sustained and healthy development of the economy, said Cai. The dynamism of the new sectors is attracting an influx of foreign investments. In 2023, high-tech industries drew foreign direct investment worth 423.34 billion yuan, accounting for a record-high 37.3 per cent of the total, data from the Ministry of Commerce show.

In just two and a half years, Volkswagen Group has built a hub of intelligent connected vehicles in Hefei of Anhui Province, covering the complete value chain from R&D to manufacturing, sales and services, with total investment exceeding 30 billion yuan.

"We are specifically utilising new technologies and the outstanding infrastructure of Anhui," said Erwin Gabardi, CEO of Volkswagen Anhui.

"We will also benefit from this innovative strength."

the country’s per capita grain stockpiles stood at more than 490 kilograms, far exceeding the international food security benchmark of 400 kg.

The country’s food inventory-to-consumption ratio was also far higher than the safety level of 17 to 18 per cent set by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, he said.

However, a range of global factors, including extreme weather events, increasing protectionism, regional conflicts and a drought-induced export ban by India, pushed rice prices to a 15-year high.

In contrast, China’s food prices remained stable in 2023, with the domestic rice procure-

ment price in September just 0.7 per cent higher than in January.

Johan Swinnen, Director-General of the International Food Policy Research Institute, said the world had witnessed an undoing of improvements in food supply since 2015.

“If you look at, for example, the period from 1985 to 2015, there have been very significant improvements in the world in terms of hunger and malnutrition. And so, food security improved, and poverty went down,” he said.

Then, around 2015, “everything stopped and now it’s going the other way around”. “That is really very, very worrying,” he said.

Swinnen said that climate change was part of the reason.

But regional conflicts played a disproportionate role in fueling homelessness and hunger.

“Before 2015, for almost 20 years, there were about 40 million people in the world who had to leave their homes. That’s a lot of people. But that has gone up within seven years or so to 100 million,” Swinnen said.

He praised China’s recent efforts to wean itself off reliance on food imports by boosting

domestic production, and said that an international food price hike around 2008 had served as a wake-up call for countries that used to be comfortable being dependent on food produced overseas.

“The price hike triggered a lot of concern in many countries,” he said. “In China, it really woke up the government.

There is no guarantee that we’re going to have food at low prices all the time.”

Officials said last month that China’s grain imports rose 11.7 per cent year-on-year in 2023.

According to the General Administration of Customs, soybeans accounted for more than 60 per cent of grain imports last year, and officials said that a major factor was animal feed producers’ high demand for soybean meal, a byproduct of soybean oil extraction.

Agricultural authorities said they are working to revamp animal feed formulas to use the protein-rich raw material more efficiently.

China has long relied on imported soybeans in order to create more growing areas for wheat and rice and to ensure the

absolute security of staple food provisions.

More recently, the central authorities have worked to bolster domestic soybean supply to shield the country, which is the world’s largest food importer by volume, from external factors ranging from trade protectionism to logistics woes caused by regional conflicts.

Deng Xiaogang, vice-minister of agriculture and rural affairs, said recently that the planting area for soybeans reached 10.4 million hectares last year, with a record yield of 20.84 million tons.

Kevin Chen from the International Food Policy Research Institute said that China’s strategy of increased dependence on soybean imports to make way for staple food production had worked quite well in recent decades, and the adoption of a technology-driven approach to bolster self-sufficiency in recent years will provide a boon not only for the country but also for the entire world.

“China is so big. If we want to have global food security, we want to make sure China’s food is secure,” he said.

China praised for efforts to ensure food security

CHINA’S increased grain output and stable food prices in recent years, a result of the country’s policy arrangements and decadelong preparations, stand out brightly against the bleak scenario of rising hunger and malnutrition worldwide, experts said.

“China must have done something very right,” said Kevin Chen, a senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute, based in Washington, DC, the United States, when asked to comment on recent Chinese data showing a bumper harvest despite adverse factors.

He said that the country’s adoption of technologies and flexible use of policy tools have incentivised food production and helped to build a food supply system that is resilient to the turmoil unfolding in the global food supply system.

China’s overall grain output was a record 695 million metric tons last year, a year-on-year increase of about 1 per cent, despite heavy rains, floods and droughts in some regions across the country, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

To ensure absolute security, food supply was listed as one of the two redline requirements for rural-related work by the central authorities in the annual No 1 Central Document, which was released on Saturday.

The document is the first policy statement released each year by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council.

An indicator of government priorities, the document said that this year’s focus will be on improving farmland productivity while keeping the growing area stable.

Chen Bangxun, head of the ministry’s development and planning division, said at a news conference last month that

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Beijing, Washington in talks to stabilize economic ties THE latest meeting in Beijing between high-ranking Chinese and United States officials indicated that the two countries are continuing joint efforts to stabilise bilateral economic and trade ties through a pragmatic approach and candid communication, experts said on Tuesday.

This has sent positive signals to market watchers, said the experts, who also expected the two countries to deepen cooperation in areas including macroeconomic policy coordination and multilateral governance, in order to benefit

world economic growth.

Their remarks came as China and the US convened the third meeting of the China-US economic working group in Beijing on Monday and Tuesday, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to address economic concerns and foster constructive dialogue between the two nations.

At the same time, Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who is China’s lead person for China-US economic and trade affairs, met on Tuesday with a delegation led

by Jay Shambaugh, undersecretary for international affairs at the US Department of the

Treasury, who was in Beijing for the meeting of the economic working group.

During the meeting, the vice-premier emphasized the need for both sides to leverage the channels provided by the China-US economic working group to deepen exchanges, build consensus and foster stable economic relations, with the goal of ensuring mutual benefits for the businesses and people of both nations.

“The meeting and the smooth running of the China-US economic working group mechanism established last year showed that the two

countries have both realised the importance of maintaining communication and deepening co-operation,” said Lu Feng, a professor of economics at Peking University’s National School of Development.

“Both sides have expressed their concerns while seeking co-operation and improvement to bilateral economic and trade relations during recent talks, which at least will reduce misunderstanding or wrongful judgment,” Lu said.

Cui Fan, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that better

Sino-US trade and economic relations will be beneficial for both countries as well as the world.

The two countries are expected to strengthen communication to better deal with challenges and pressures facing the whole world, such as climate change and the debt risk of some developing countries, Cui said. The two countries can also work together more on taxation in the digital economy under the framework of the G20, Cui added.

Lu said the academic community hopes that the world’s two largest economies will

strengthen communication on economic situations and expand co-operation on macroeconomic policy co-ordination, in order to bring more positive factors to the global economy.

In addition, he said he believes that the two countries can work more closely together on multilateral governance in areas such as climate change response, debt issues of some developing countries and multilateral financial institutions.

Furthermore, China is capable of playing a bigger role in international financial institutions, Lu added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Labour Ministry investigates fatality at John Fernandes wharf

THE Ministry of Labour has launched an investigation into a tragic incident that occurred at the John Fernandes Limited Port Facility on Water Street, Georgetown, on Tuesday morning, around 07:38 hours, resulting in the death of 64-year-old Trevor Jones, a stevedore foreman of Mandela Avenue, East Ruimveldt.

According to initial reports, Jones was walking behind a super reach stacker as it was reversing when he was struck by the counterweight at the rear of the vehicle.

Subsequently, he fell to the side and was fatally injured

(At left) OSH Officers, Ms. Neza King; (third from left) OSH officer Ms. Johana Vaughn along with John Fernandes Limited Port Facility staff at the scene of the tragic incident on Tuesday morning by the rear right wheel of the machine.

Upon receiving the report, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Officers, Ms. Johana Vaughn and Ms. Neza King, promptly visited the scene to conduct a preliminary investigation. It was determined that the accident occurred between the facility’s main entrance and the wharf, after Jones had completed his 12 midnight to 06:00 hours shift.

Expressing deep concern, the Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, emphasised the importance of worker safety.

He articulated that when individuals leave their homes for work, there is an inherent expectation, among their families, that they will return home safely afterward.

Minister Hamilton extended sincere sympathy to the grieving relatives, co-workers, and friends of the deceased, acknowledging the profound impact such incidents have on families and communities.

The Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health department has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Efforts are underway to ascertain the root cause of the incident and identify any lapses in safety protocols or procedures.

As investigations continue, the Ministry remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of workers across all sectors.

Measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, with a focus on enhancing workplace safety standards and enforcement mechanisms.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

West Indies humiliated as Aussies whitewash tourists

CMC – West Indies were jettisoned in record time when Australia, inspired by a Player-of-the-Match performance from rookie pacer Xavier Bartlett, galloped to an eight-wicket win in the third Oneday International and wrapped up a clean sweep of the series.

Left-hander Alick Athanaze, opening the batting, hit the top score of 32 – but Bartlett, playing in only his second ODI, snatched four for 21 from 7.1 overs, and the Caribbean side collapsed to 86 all out in 24.1 overs after they were put in to bat at Manuka Oval in the Australian capital.

West Indies’ pride took a further dent when the Aussies needed only 6.5 overs to complete their shortest men’s ODI win on home soil, with Jake Fraser-McGurk slamming 41 off only 18 balls and sharing 67 for the first wicket with fellow opener Josh Inglis, not out on 35, to set them on course.

The defeat of the visitors in 186 balls of the 600 available was the sixth fewest for any completed men’s ODI, and the fewest for an ODI (excluding overs-reduced matches) staged in Australia.

The previous shortest

completed ODI in Australia lasted 199 balls, also played between Australia and West Indies, 11 years ago in Perth.

“Our batting let us down,” West Indies captain Shai Hope said. “It did for the entire series…

We need to do some real soul-searching to understand what’s needed in certain conditions… I can’t really put my finger on any one thing; it comes down to mindset.”

The Caribbean side limped to 36 for one at the close of the first Power Play, but their batting collapsed spectacularly under the weight of disciplined, if not menacing bowling from the Australians on a helpful pitch.

After opener Kjorn Ottley was lbw to Bartlett for eight in the third over, although TV replays showed he got an inside edge and he failed to review, Keacy Carty joined Athanaze and batted resolutely through the remainder of the first Power Play with little or no incident, but they were only in survival mode.

Carty, the most prolific West Indies batsman in the series with scores of 88 and 40, was spectacularly caught at backward point off pacer Lance Morris in the 11th over, and the vis-

itors lost wickets in each of the next two overs and slumped to 44 for four.

Hope was lbw to Sean Abbott for four in the 12th over, and former West Indies Under-19 captain Teddy Bishop, on his ODI debut, was beaten for pace and bowled by Morris for a six-ball duck in the 13th over.

Athanaze stuck around long enough to carry West Indies past 50, and they were 71 for four when he was caught inside the fine leg boundary, top edging an ill-advised sweep at a delivery from leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

Two wickets in three balls left the Caribbean side in tatters when Romario Shepherd was caught behind off Bartlett for one, and Matthew Forde was run out for a duck after a comical mix-up with Chase in the 21st over – and there was token resistance from the rest of the batting.

None of the West Indies bowlers did their reputations any favours, and the Aussies streaked to their 12th consecutive ODI win after they won the first ODI by eight wickets in Melbourne and the second ODI by 83 runs in Sydney.

Alzarri Joseph got McGurk caught at mid-on in the fifth over, and fellow

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fast bowler Oshane Thomas got Aaron Hardie caught behind for two in the seventh over, but neither could save the Caribbean side from a chastening defeat

with 259 balls remaining.

It was the widest margin of defeat in terms of balls for West Indies in men’s ODIs, and they are still without an ODI win

against the world champions in Australia for 22 consecutive matches, their last win coming 27 years ago.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Mashramani Street Football C/ship…

Trophy Stall, Cedric Imports on board

CEDRIC Imports and Trophy Stall, on Tuesday, ensured that the hype and swagger surrounding the much-anticipated Mashramani Street Football Championship will continue, when they handed over the second and third place trophies respectively.

The Championship that has announced a new format, dubbed "one big night", has been garnering the attention of major stakeholders as it continues to dribble its way to its Sunday February 18th goal at the National Park.

Popular dancehall queen and Ambassador for the Street Football Showdown, Samarca Evelyn, collected the trophies and indicated that, based on her knowledge of what is planned for the event, fans and enthusiasts will be captivated on the night.

She said that full details will be disclosed at the upcoming launch of the event.

Who will win the 2024 Edition?

Judging from the upsets and surprises being witnessed in the ongoing

Cedric Payne (left) of Cedric Imports and Ramesh Sunich (right) of Trophy Stall flank Brand Ambassador, Samarca Evelyn at the Trophy Stall in Bourda Market

street football which is being played at Back Circle in East Ruimveldt, the tournament, slated to be staged on February 18, at the National Park, is shaping up to be an explosive

showdown for the title.

With prize monies more than $1million up for grabs, the talk in all the participating communities is one of excitement and anticipation so already

fans are being assured of a high quality of football, while the battle for the ultimate prize is well and truly on.

The winning team will cart off $500,000 and tro-

phy, while second, third and fourth place runners-up will take home $250,000, $150,000 and $100,000 along with trophies respectively.

The recent performances of some of the new teams in the format have been so impressive that many pundits have agreed that at this point there seems to be no clear-cut favourite since all teams are exhibiting fine form ahead of the big one-day event.

Defending champion Back Circle knows fully well that they will have to be in top form to retain the title, while teams such as Sparta Boss, Gold is Money, North East La Penitence, Bent Street and Festival City, undoubtedly some of the more established teams, will have to be in similar form to stave off the new upstarts.

Teams such as LA Ballers, Team Cruel, Ballerz Empire, California Square and Lodge All Stars are all loaded with players skillful enough to spring upsets.

The format has become so exciting and must see that promoters and organ-

isers are being bombarded with requests from teams as far as Bartica and other outlying areas for invitation to participate.

Organiser Edison Jefford said it is becoming increasingly difficult to turn down the request of some teams but reminded that because of the rising costs of hosting the event he has had to be truthful to some of the teams and apologise for the disappointment of them not being able to make the cut.

“I’ve had to tell some teams that we cannot accommodate them this time around and the mere fact that I’ve had to say so to them is truthfully disappointing, but just the reality,” Jefford said.

Meanwhile, the fixtures have been released and they are as follows: Back Circle vs. Family; California Square vs.

Agricola; Gold is Money vs. Lodge All Stars; Stabroek Ballers vs. Ballerz Empire; Sparta Boss vs.

Unstoppable; Festival City vs. LA Ballers; Bent Street vs. Team Cruel and North East La Penitence vs. Team Xtreme.

Petra urged to unearth five ‘Shemar Josephs’ - 10th edition of Milo Schools Football launched

CHIEF Executive Officer of Massy Distribution Guyana Inc., Navindra Thakur, has urged the Petra Organisiaton to unearth five talents in the footballing world akin to recent west indies star, Shemar Joseph.

Joseph, the shining light of the West Indies win in the final test in Australia earlier

this month, has been making waves since returning home.

And Thakur, a sportsman himself, was speaking at the Launch of the 10th edition of the prestigious schools U18 football championship at the sponsor’s Montrose facility when he made the call.

The outspoken CEO was clear on the challenges set

out to the youth football organisers, saying “We would want to have about 5 Shamar Joesphs coming out in football. I challenge the Petra organisation to do this.”

Expected to start on February 18 at both the NIS and Ministry of Education grounds, the 10th edition of the tournament will fea-

ture 24 teams in round-robin knockout action, a figure which will be trimmed from over 50.

Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca, told the media that, “As we speak, there are teams who are engaging in practice matches. I don’t think there is a high school student who isn’t talking about this tournament.”

He noted that they are

planning to have the final aired on regional television network Sportsmax.

Meanwhile GFF representative, Dion Innis, said, “There is no doubt hands down that this organisation [Petra] has been in the vanguard in organising male and female tournaments of this kind.”

Ministry of Education Allied Arts Head, Nicholas

Frazer, also praised the body, saying, “In terms of where the tournament began and where it is today, it’s a good day to celebrate this tournament.”

The winner of the tournament will guarantee their school $300,000 towards a project or equipment of their choice while second, third and fourth place will cart off 200,000, 100,000 and 75,000 respectively.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Phagwah horse racing set for March 17

HORSE-RACING action will return to Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club, Bush Lot, East Berbice, on Sunday March 17.

Six races are on the provisional Phagwah race programme with the feature race being the C1 &

Lower one-mile race. The top horse will be rewarded with one million dollars.

Other races on the card includes G1 and Lower, J&K Class, and threeyear-old Guyana-bred horses, which will all run at a distance of six furlongs.

The ‘L’ Class Open and L Non-winner races which will run at five furlongs, concludes the provisional programme for the meet.

These races will be run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority.

In the event that there are less than five horses entered for any event, the club reserves the right to cancel or reframe the said event or reduce the prize money after consulting with the horse's owners.

Owners of horses must pay at least $5,000 for

each horse at the point of entry. If not paid the horses names would not appear on the official programme and the horse would not be permitted to run.

Five horses to start before a third prize is paid. Seven horses to start

before a fourth prize is to be paid.

If only four horses start, the prize money will be reduced by 25%.

If only three horses start, the prize money will be reduced by 40%. No late Entry will be accepted.

West Indies Championship opens today in St Kitts - Guyana Harpy Eagles to open against Trinidad Red Force

CMC – This year’s West Indies Championship opens on Wednesday in Jamaica and St Kitts with a view towards identifying competent and consistent performers to help build on the success of the West Indies Test side on their tour of Australia earlier this month.

The four-day, first-class tournament offers followers of the sport in the Caribbean a welcome break from the surfeit of white-ball matches in recent months, and a chance for the authorities to find players that could help fortify the Test side with a tour of England carded for July this year.

Under a new format, two territories – St Kitts and Jamaica – will stage the first rounds of matches in the tournament.

In St Kitts, defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles face Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at the Conaree Cricket Centre on the outskirts of the capital of Basseterre, and hosts Leeward Islands Hurricanes will battle the Cricket West Indies Academy a stone’s throw away at Warner Park in the heart of the city.

In Jamaica, hosts Jamaica Scorpions meet Windward Islands Volcanoes at Sabina Park in the capital of Kingston, and on the outskirts at Chedwin Park in Spanish Town, traditionally strong Barbados Pride, led by West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite, play against a Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners squad packed with no less than eight Barbadians.

The Harpy Eagles, to be led by emerging batsman Kevlon Anderson, will be looking to secure their seventh title in the Professional

Cricket League era of the tournament.

They start the season without three of their recognised players – left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, all-rounder Romario Shepherd, and wicketkeeper-batsman Tevin Imlach – because of West Indies white-ball

overcome the lack of experience and lift the title again.

In that regard, they will be boosted by the return from Australia of the West Indies Test pair of off-spin bowling all-rounder Kevin Sinclair and left-handed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of former Guyana and West

been included in the squad for the match against the Harpy Eagles.

Left-handed batsman Kirk McKenzie will be part of the Scorpions line-up for the first elite-level match in his homeland for close to two years.

Pacer Akeem Jordan and

the authorities envisage.

The Marooners were formed 16 years ago under the umbrella of the University of the West Indies, and they played in the tournament for seven seasons, winning 17 matches during that period.

They beat all comers, except the Scorpions, against whom they played in the final of the 2011 tournament,

best tri-series last year, and a strong performance in the West Indies Super50 Cup. They will again be led by Barbadian all-rounder Nyeem Young and include three players who have played in the tournament previously – left-arm pacer Ramon Simmonds and left-handed opener Rashawn Worrell for Pride, and former West Indies Under-19 captain Ack-

The Guyana Harpy Eagles team arrived in St Kitts on Monday duties in Australia.

The Harpy Eagles were forced into a couple more changes before the team departed Georgetown this week with all-rounders Neiland Cadogan and Richie Looknauth taking the place of injured pacer Niall Smith and batsman Akshaya Persaud, who will be playing for the Marooners.

It means that the squad is topped up by five uncapped players, and they will be hoping that they could emulate the West Indies Test side and

Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Brathwaite, Sinclair, and the younger Chanderpaul are three of the members of the West Indies Test squad that were part of the Tour of Australia that have returned to the Caribbean and will be taking their places in their respective territorial franchises.

Test wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva will lead the Red Force, and injured pacer Jayden Seales, who missed that trip, has also

opener Zachary McCaskie, two members of the Test squad in Australia who did not play in the series, will also be part of the Pride squad, which also welcomes back former West Indies Under-19 pacer Chemar Holder from a career-threatening shoulder injury.

The decision to allow the return of the Marooners to the tournament, and the entry of the CWI Academy will be under scrutiny to determine if they bring the kind of value and talent that

before they were excluded from the 2014-15 season onwards as part of a series of changes to the tournament.

This year, they are led by former Pride batsman Jonathan Carter, and they have been boosted with the presence of discarded Test batsman Shamarh Brooks, while former West Indies Under-19 World Cup-winning batsman Kirstan Kallicharan has also found a place in the squad.

The Academy is all set to make their debut in the tournament after they won the Headley-Weekes best-of-the-

eem Auguste for Volcanoes.

With eight teams in the tournament, there will be seven rounds of matches with the first three taking place between February 7 and 24, the fourth and fifth rounds between March 13 and 23, and the final two rounds between April 10 and 20.

The tournament will feature a significant increase in prize money with the champions receiving U.S. $250 000, while the runners-up will pocket U.S. $100 000.

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