Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08-02-2023

Full steam ahead

GECOM approves work plan for Local Government Elections

APNU+AFC commissioners refuse to participate in voting process

President Ali expresses sympathy to Türkiye, Syria after devastating earthquake

I am deeply saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake that struck Kahramanmara and neighbouring provinces, leaving a trail of fatalities, injuries, and destruction in its wake.

On behalf of the Government and people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, I would like to express my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Your Excellency, the Government, and -the People of the Republic of Türkiye.

Our hearts go out to the bereaved families and all who have been affected by this immense tragedy. We are confident in the Turkish people’s strength and resilience to overcome this horrific disaster.

Please accept, Excellency, the solidarity and prayers of the people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

I am deeply saddened by the news of the devastating earthquake that struck northern Syria, causing numerous fatalities and injuries, and extensive destruction near the country’s border with the Republic of Tiirkiye.

On behalf of the Government and people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, I express my deepest and heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency, the Government, and the people of the Syrian Arab Republic. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families, and all affected by this tragedy. This is a terrible disaster for your country and for the Region.

Guyana extends its solidarity to the people of Syria as they begin the process of recovery and reconstruction. The people of Syria have demonstrated a remarkable resilience and resolve to overcome tragedies and to rebuild their lives.

Please accept, Excellency, my heartfelt condolences and best wishes for the Syrian Arab Republic's recovery efforts.

GDF Coast Guard rescues fishermen after vessel sinks

wPAGE

(GDF photo)

STATEMENT S BY PRESIDENT, DR IRFAAN ALI:

Landmark dairy project closer to fruition

--as DDL finalises project components with Israeli group

SENIOR officials from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs met recently with Demerara Distillers Limited’s Chairman, Komal Samaroo and his delegation, who are visiting Israel to finalise a project with the LR Group for the establishment of a dairy farm in Guyana.

Michal Gur-Aryeh, Director of Department for Economic Relations with Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “We welcome this project, which will be the first state-of-the-art dairy farm in the Caribbean and will make a significant contribution to food security in the region. Israel is a world leader in dairy farming and other agricultural technologies. We look forward to enhancing our economic cooperation with Guyana.”

Yosef Levi Sfari, Director of the Department for the Caribbean in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said too:

“Israel is seeking to deepen its relations with Guyana. We are pleased that Ambassador Itai Bardov will be presenting his credentials to President Irfaan Ali in the coming weeks.”

Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited, Komal Samaroo, said that he was pleased to collaborate with the LR Group of Israel on the development of this transformational project which is a significant investment in pursuance of DDL diversification strategy.

He related: “The LR Group brings to this Joint Venture expertise and experience in implementing similar projects in Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Angola, and Philippines among others countries.”

Samaroo welcomed the expression of support for this project by the Government of Israel through its Foreign Ministry.

Ami Lustig, Founder and CEO, LR Group, said: “LR

Group is honoured to form a joint venture with DDL, one of Guyana’s leading companies, for the development of a 500-milking cows dairy farm and the transfer of modern

Israeli agro-technologies and know-how.

“We are excited at the launch of this project, which LR Group regards as the first step towards broader coopera-

tion with Guyana, in the areas of commercial agriculture, water supply, renewable energy, healthcare and more.”

It was reported last year that DDL in partnership with the LR Group is considering a location at Moblissa, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, for the establishment of the much anticipated state-of-theart dairy farm operations.

The operation is designed to supply DDL’s TOPCO milk plant with fresh cows’ milk for pasteurisation and packaging, and will produce over four million litres of fresh milk per year when operationalised.

The multimillion-dollar project would require approximately 600 acres of land, create dozens of jobs and see the importation of 500 pregnant heifers to supply the milk production.

The project is seen as an important part of the national and regional food security

mechanism currently taking centre focus in CARICOM.

It will play a role in assisting to decrease the importation of dairy products and be part of CARICOM’s goal of 25 by 2025 (reducing the region’s food-import bill from extra regional sources by 25 per cent by 2025).

“While we designed a facility to package juice, Guyana was importing most of its milk at a significant cost, so we decided to build in the features to be able to pack [the] milk and supply the domestic market. As an interim measure, we are reconstituting powdered milk but the goal has always been to integrate backwards into the domestic dairy sector,” Samaroo noted.

The dairy farm project will be utilising a zero grazing system, which means that the animals would be enclosed in their shed in cooling environments, and not be grazed outdoors.

Senior officials from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs met recently with Demerara Distillers Limited’s Chairman, Komal Samaroo and his delegation, who are visiting Israel to finalise a project with the LR Group for the establishment of a dairy farm in Guyana

GECOM approves work plan for LGEs

APNU+AFC commissioners refuse to participate in voting process

BY way of a majority vote, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), on Tuesday, approved the work plan for the conduct of Local Government Elections (LGE).

Guyana Chronicle understands that the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) commissioners opted to withhold their votes. However, it was the decisive vote of GECOM Chairman, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh that paved the way for the approval of the work plan.

The secretariat will now proceed with the full implementation of the relevant statutory and administrative activities to ensure the successful conduct of the elections in the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) countrywide.

In a release, GECOM said that its Secretariat will immediately move to roll out a robust civic and voter education programme, appoint electoral registrars and assistant electoral registrars, and extract the Preliminary List of Voters (PLV).

These activities are directly linked to the preparation of registers of voters for each of the 80 Local Authority Areas.

“Preparation for the conduct of Local Government Elections commenced in 2022.

“In this regard, the GECOM Secretariat had already completed the training of management and polling day staff for all of the Local

Authority Areas, and the receipt of applications for and approval of symbols submitted by political parties, voluntary groups and individuals who intend to contest in the elections,” the release said.

Following Tuesday’s statutory meeting, People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) commissioner Sase Gunraj told reporters that the three APNU+AFC-nominated commissioners: Vincent Alexander, Desmond Trotman and Charles Corbin, withheld their vote for the LGE work plan.

“... We’ve had issues in relation to the support of the commissioners, even after the work plan was interrogated by opposition commissioners, and, even after what I believe to be all the queries raised by them in relation to the work plan, they opted not to vote, either in favour of or against the work plan,” Gunraj told reporters.

With the “major issues” being dealt with on Tuesday, the GECOM chairman will notify Minister of Local

GDF Coast Guard rescues fishermen after vessel sinks

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard launched a twoday search and rescue operation Saturday last, following a distress report which indicated that a fishing vessel had lost propulsion in the vicinity of Iron Punt in the Atlantic Ocean.

According to a release from the GDF, three vessels were deployed around midday in an effort to locate the vessel in distress. During the search, debris, including the icebox from the vessel

was seen at the foreshore of Iron Punt, hence, it was suspected that the vessel had sunk.

The Coast Guard ranks continued their search on Sunday with the assistance of a civilian vessel and later rescued six fishermen, who were able to swim to shore and were subsequently rescued some 20 miles west of the wreckage site.

The fishermen related that the vessel sank on Thursday February 2, 2023, and they supported each other as they swam ashore.

The men were taken care of, transported to Coast Guard headquarters and were all received by their families at 04:00 hours on Monday February 6, 2022.

“The Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard takes this opportunity to remind mariners to make every effort to ensure that their vessels and engines are inspected and serviced before going out at sea and to be sure to render assistance to any vessel in distress, as mandated by law,” GDF said.

Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, of the commission’s readiness by mid-March 2023.

Minister Dharamlall will then decide and announce the date for the LGE.

LGE was legally due in 2021 and funds were budgeted to facilitate this; however, several issues facing GECOM at the time prevented the holding of the elections, including the non-appointment of a chief

election officer (CEO).

The LGE could not be held in the absence of a CEO, a position which was later filled by Vishnu Persaud.

Last October, Minister Dharamlall wrote Justice Singh, informing her of the date for LGE.

As part of the government’s commitment, some $2.9 billion has been allocated to GECOM for preparatory works to ensure the successful planning and

execution of the elections. Later, Nomination Day was set for December 12, 2022. This, however, had to be pushed back by GECOM for the hosting of another round of “claims and objections” for a new register of voters to be produced.

The continuous registration exercise is scheduled to conclude on May 31, 2023. This will affect the holding of the elections which was initially set for March 13, 2023.

APNU+AFC nominated GECOM Commissioners: Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman

PPP/C Commissioner, Sase Gunraj

The rescued fishermen (GDF photo)

Rescuers dig through rubble as TurkeySyria quake death toll passes 7,800

THE death toll of a devastating earthquake in southern Turkey and Syria jumped to more than 7,800 people on Tuesday as rescuers worked against time in harsh winter conditions to dig survivors out of the rubble of collapsed buildings.

As the scale of the disaster became ever more apparent, the death toll looked likely to rise considerably. One U.N. official said thousands of children may have died.

Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces. But residents in several damaged Turkish cities voiced anger and

despair at what they said was a slow and inadequate response from the authorities to the deadliest earthquake to hit Turkey since 1999.

“There is not even a single person here. We are under the snow, without a home, without anything,” said Murat Alinak, whose home in Malatya had collapsed and whose relatives are missing. “What shall I do, where can I go?”

Monday’s magnitude 7.8 quake, followed hours later by a second one almost as powerful, toppled thousands of buildings including hospitals, schools and apartment blocks, injured tens

of thousands, and left countless people homeless in Turkey and northern Syria.

Rescue workers struggled to reach some of the worst-hit areas, held back by destroyed roads, poor weather and a lack of resources and heavy equipment. Some areas were without fuel and electricity.

With little immediate help at hand, residents picked through rubble sometimes without even basic tools in a desperate hunt for survivors.

Aid officials voiced particular concern about the situation in Syria, already afflicted by a humanitarian crisis after nearly 12 years of civil war.

Erdogan declared 10 Turkish provinces a disaster zone and imposed a state of emergency for three months that will permit the

government to bypass parliament in enacting new laws and to limit or suspend rights and freedoms.

The government will open up hotels in the tourism hub of Antalya to temporarily house people impacted by the quakes, said Erdogan, who faces a national election in three months’ time.

The death toll in Turkey rose to 5,894, Vice President Fuat Oktay said. More than 34,000 were injured. In Syria, the toll was at least 1,932, according to the government and a rescue service in the insurgent-held northwest.

‘EVERY MINUTE, EVERY HOUR’

Turkish authorities say some 13.5 million people were affected in an area spanning roughly 450 km (280 miles) from Adana in the west to Diyarbakir in the east,

and 300 km from Malatya in the north to Hatay in the south.

Syrian authorities have reported deaths as far south as Hama, some 250 km from the epicentre.

“It’s now a race against time,” World Health Organisation Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva. “Every minute, every hour that passes, the chances of finding survivors alive diminishes.”

Across the region, rescuers toiled night and day as people waited in anguish by mounds of rubble clinging to the hope that friends, relatives and neighbours might be found alive

In Antakya, capital of Hatay province bordering Syria, rescue teams were thin on the ground and residents picked through debris themselves. People pleaded for helmets, hammers, iron rods and rope.

One woman, aged 54 and named Gulumser, was pulled alive from an eight-storey building 32 hours after the quake.

Another woman then shouted at the rescue workers: “My father was just behind that room she was in. Please save him.”

The workers explained they

could not reach the room from the front and needed an excavator to remove the wall first.

More than 12,000 Turkish search and rescue personnel are working in the affected areas, along with 9,000 troops. More than 70 countries offered rescue teams and other aid.

But the sheer scale of the disaster is daunting.

“The area is enormous. I haven’t seen anything like this before,” said Johannes Gust, from Germany’s fire and rescue service, as he loaded equipment onto a truck at Adana airport.

Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority said 5,775 buildings had been destroyed in the quake and that 20,426 people had been injured.

Two U.S. Agency for International Development teams with 80 people each and 12 dogs are set to arrive Wednesday morning in Turkey and head to the southeastern province of Adiyaman to focus on urban search and rescue.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told reporters in Geneva that the earthquake “may have killed thousands of children.” (Reuters)

Increased recovery rate, value-added production in forestry sector

MINISTER of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, on Tuesday emphasised the importance of an increased recovery rate, value-added production, utilisation of wood waste and promoting lesser-used species, during a meeting with the Board of Directors of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

Owing to the marked progress of the forestry sector last year, the minister commended the GFC and encouraged the directors to continue the developmental work this year.

Bharrat reiterated the commitment of the Government of Guyana to grow the non-oil economy in which the GFC has a significant role.

In addition, he said that it is critical for the ministry and by extension, the board, to increase awareness of the work and positive role of the Guyana Forestry Commission.

Stakeholders were encouraged to utilise the $900

–– among priority areas for this year, Minister Bharrat says

Head of State said.

The forestry sector is estimated to have expanded in 2022, growing by 13.4 per cent. It is estimated that approximately 441,000 cubic metres of timber products were produced in 2022, largely on account of growing demand from the construction sector.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, on Tuesday emphasised the importance of an increased recovery rate, value-added production, utilisation of wood waste and promoting lesser-used species, during a meeting with the Board of Directors of the Guyana Forestry Commission million revolving fund implemented by President Dr Irfaan Ali, to boost production in the forestry sector.

The President had introduced the fund during a stakeholder meeting at the Guyana Forestry Commission in October 2022.

President Ali had said that the fund will create room for a significant increase in production, thereby further building the market.

“We are now going to unleash $900 million to the market to step up production, so that we can meet the

demand, especially for the valued-added product, and to give this sector a real boost, because we are very con -

cerned about the production level, and where it should be to meet our demands in the market we are building,” the

It was reported that the government, in 2023, anticipates issuing 15 new small concessions to enhance the sector’s output. Additionally, loggers will be supported through the government’s rehabilitation of the Linden to Mabura road networks, as well as the Puruni road, through improved access to current and new lands within the sector.

Disrupting the Peace

THE acting top cop, Clifton Hicken, has urged members of the public to desist from acts that are considered ‘unlawful’ such as blocking roadways, burning tyres and disrupting traffic flow.

As noted by the Police Commissioner (ag), it is not uncommon for persons to be intimidated or robbed during such actions, therefore, persons who are involved in such unlawful actions will face the full force of the law.

The warning came in wake of recent attempts by some residents of the Buxton community to block the roads which momentarily halted the flow of traffic on the main corridor. And, as if that were not enough, a lorry was set on fire resulting in millions of dollars of losses to the owner.

Luckily, the driver of the vehicle escaped unhurt. Apart from the inconvenience, there is also the agonising fear and trauma that the commuting public

is subjected to during such unlawful actions.

Blocking the roadways and setting fire on public roads are not only illegal, but it also poses a threat to public safety.

According to a recent police release, such behaviour is unlawful and will not be tolerated and persons who are held accountable will face the full brunt of the law.

According to the police, the force will have “a zero tolerance approach” to ensure that laws are adhered to throughout the country.

It is not without significance that these disruptions to public safety are taking place at a time when the country is making great strides in terms of its international profile as a tourist destination.

In fact, at the time of the blocking of the roads and the burning of tyres on the Buxton road, the country was host to Letitia Wright, who is a Guyanese-British actress of international acclaim.

She came to the country on the invitation of President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali following her outstanding acting performance in the internationally acclaimed movie ‘Black Panther.’

Not without significance also is the fact that the protest actions took place at a time when the country was presented with one of the largest national budgets in the country’s history, in the sum of $789.1 billion; this is aimed at bringing further benefits to the Guyanese people from all walks of life and from right across the political and ethnic spectrum of the country.

One is left to wonder whether there are more to these so called “protest” actions than is meeting the eye, and whether there may not be some hidden agenda by those who have, as it were, their own political axes to grind.

How else can one explain the fact that the recent fiasco on the Buxton roadways, according to police reports,

resulted from attempts by law enforcement agencies to go after alleged drug traffickers, who were actually found at the time of their arrest with a sizeable amount of illegal substance?

For sure, the vast number of citizens of the Buxton community are law-abiding and would under no circumstance encourage nor tolerate any infraction of the law.

In any case, the Constitution of Guyana makes provision for peaceful forms of protest but these must be done within the framework of the law.

The blocking of roadways and burning of tyres and other debris as was the case recently in Buxton certainly do not qualify as a “peaceful” protest.

The Commissioner of Police (ag) is spot on to remind citizens about the implications of taking the law into their own hands and the legal implications that could emanate as a consequence.

Informality, working poverty weigh down labour markets in Latin America and the Caribbean

LATIN America and the Caribbean face a “ highly complex and uncertain” labour market in 2023 due to a conjunction of multiple crises that impact labour markets and make it necessary to implement policies to create formal employment, the ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean said on Tuesday as it presented a new edition of its Labour Overview report.

“At this time, it is urgent to implement and strengthen different types of policies that contribute to the creation of formal employment and to sustaining labour income,” ILO Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Claudia Coenjaerts, when presenting the analysis of the employment situation, which has been published annually for the past 30 years.

The estimated average regional unemployment rate of 7.2 per cent at the end of 2022 “is significantly lower” than that of 2019, before the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, when it registered a

level of 8 per cent.

The report highlights that this drop in the unemployment rate was driven by job creation (employment rate) that by the third quarter of 2022 had recovered pre-pandemic levels, coupled with a still incomplete recovery in labour participation rate levels, which remain slightly lower than in 2019.

The report highlights that the recovery of employment in 2022 was stronger among women than men, and among young people than adults. In both cases, these are groups that had been fiercely impacted in the labour crisis as a result of COVID-19. On the other hand, structural gaps by gender and age are still present in the labour markets.

The drop in unemployment “is positive news, especially after the large-scale crisis caused by the pandemic,” Coenjaerts said.

But at the same time, she said that this year progress could stall.

“The low dynamism of the economy forecasted for 2023 will negatively affect the

generation of new jobs and this will cause unemployment to register only slight variations in 2023,” reaching levels of between 7.2 and 7.5 per cent.

The ILO report also states that beyond regional averages, it is important to consider the situations of individual countries.

In nine out of 15 countries, the employment rate was still lower than three years earlier, while in only two out of 15 countries was the participation rate above pre-pandemic levels. The unemployment rate fell in 10 out of 15 countries by the third quarter of 2022.

The Labour Overview highlights that the region is affected by the conjunction of multiple global crises, such as the persistence of the pandemic or the war between Russia and Ukraine, and at the same time faces the prospect of low economic growth, the aftermath of high inflation, limited fiscal space and high levels of indebtedness.

Coenjaerts said that “in this economic scenario the most pressing labour issue for

the region is the quality of employment and the insufficient labour income generated by workers and their families.”

The report highlights that the labour recovery has been strongly driven by the increase in informal occupations, which represented between 40 and 80 per cent of the jobs generated. Although in recent months this trend has been attenuated in favour of formal jobs, the regional informality rate has already reached 50 per cent – which is where it was before the pandemic - although in some countries it is much higher.

“The reality is that one out of every two people has an informal job, which is usually accompanied by job instability, low income and no social protection,” said Coenjaerts.

The Regional Director explained that according to ILO estimates, “informal workers are between three and four times more likely to be poor than formal workers, while accounting for between 70 and 90 per cent of the total working poor”.

In addition, the report

warns that the real incomes of working people in the region are being affected by a regional inflation rate that would have been above eight per cent in 2022, causing a loss of the purchasing power of average wages and minimum wages.

In the case of minimum wages, for example, in nine of the 17 countries analysed the real value was lower than before the pandemic.

“The impact of informal employment, added to that of the loss of purchasing power of wages, is fundamental to understand why we must be alert to the ‘working poor phenomenon’, i.e., those people who even though they have a job, even a formal job, may find themselves in a situation of poverty,” explained Roxana Maurizio, Labour Economist at the ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean and Coordinator of this edition of the Labour Overview.

Maurizio explained that in the region “Labour income represents 80 per cent of fam-

ily income”, and is therefore essential to understand the inflows and outflows of people living in poverty.

To address this situation “policies to sustain and create more and better jobs, especially formal jobs, are necessary,” she added.

The ILO report states that policies are also needed to provide income guarantees for those most affected by the loss of purchasing power, and, if possible, in conjunction with active policies for accessing the labour market.

On the other hand, wage negotiation mechanisms emerge as an imperative need in a context of high inflation that also demands the strengthening of labour institutions like the minimum wage and collective bargaining.

“If we want to move towards a region with greater social justice and less inequality, it will be necessary to adopt strong measures to generate more and better jobs,” Coenjaerts said. (International Labour Organization)

Editor Navendra Seoraj

The gov’t is doing exactly what the VP said, ‘renegotiating those contracts’

Dear Editor,

IN what appears to be a desperate attempt to remain the number one selling newspaper in the industry, the publisher of Kaieteur News is overwhelmingly focused on exploiting every opportunity to find newsworthy headlines to boost the entity’s readership and sales–without any regard for accurate and factual reporting.

The newspaper’s frontpage headline of Sunday, February 5, 2023, read “VP Jagdeo exposed.”

The news article quoted the Vice-President in a radio interview when he was the Opposition Leader back in 2019, when he said: “We are going [to] renegotiate those contracts because that’s not what we had in mind...”

The publisher inadvertently interpreted this to mean that the Vice-President had committed to renegotiating the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

However, the Vice-President is nowhere on record at any point in time when he ever said that once in gov’t that the Stabroek Block PSA will be renegotiated.

The manner in which the news article was written, and the narrative derived therefrom by the newspaper’s publisher suggests the following:

a) The publisher exposed his deep ignorance of the industry, and /or,

b) The newspaper is deliberately misrepresenting facts to mislead.

When the Vice-President said (in 2019) that they will renegotiate “those contracts,” it is worth noting that there are nine other active exploration licences other than the Stabroek Block production licence that have the same fiscal terms as the Stabroek Block PSA (as shown in the table).

Important to note is that whenever the hereunder mentioned operators will be moving into the production phase following any successful discovery in commercial quantities in

the Kaieteur, Canje, Orinduik, Roraima, and Kanuku blocks, the new fiscal terms and the new PSA altogether will be applied.

These are in addition to the new oil blocks that are currently being auctioned.

Consequently, the government is doing precisely what the Vice-President said as Opposition Leader in 2019–that is, “renegotiating those contracts.”

In so doing, by applying the new fiscal terms and new PSA to these existing exploration licences as they move to production, the new fiscal terms are effectively the “renegotiated terms” that will apply.

The Vice-President stated categorically on many occasions, even in opposition, that the Stabroek Block PSA will remain unchanged.

This notwithstanding, through better contract administration, the government will seek to maximize the in-country benefits from the oil-production activities.

This was done through implementation of the Local Content Act and the gasto-energy project, among others.

The Stabroek Block PSA was the only block that moved into production at the end of 2019. As such, by the time the government assumed office in 2020, renegotiating those terms would not have bode well for the country for a number of reasons.

The government has acknowledged this and provided its reasons for doing so on several occasions.

The primary reasons for this surround the stability clause (investment security) for the investor (s) for an investment that is more than 10 times the size of Guyana’s pre-oil GDP and sanctity of contract.

Furthermore, any attempt at renegotiation would also disrupt the momentum in the economy –that is, disrupting the entire value chain which would have an adverse impact on the economy.

This is something that

the government is keen to maintain -- the “momentum.”

Apart from the foregoing, it was previously contended by this author that the sanctity of an investment contract and stability of investment goes hand in hand.

This is especially important when a country that is historically underdeveloped has been starved of investments, foreign direct investment (FDI) in particular, and is seeking to stimulate investors’ confidence and to attract investments in the economy.

Investment security and stability, especially in the context of the Stabroek Block PSA, are particularly important for Guyana to minimize the political and market risks of the country which in turn would lend to an attractive investment climate for global and domestic investments.

In so doing, it is crucial for the government to stimulate a broad framework of political, economic, social, and geopolitical stability, which are the prerequisite conditions that will enable the government to pursue its transformative economic and development agenda in a sustainable manner, while building a prosperous nation.

IMPROVED CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

Noteworthily, the government has managed to obtain greater in-country value from the Stabroek Block PSA through improved contract adminis -

tration.

In 2015, for example, local content-spend accounted for less than one per cent of cost oil, which is capped at 75 per cent, which has increased markedly to over 10 per cent of cost oil.

As the country continues to build capacity, the incountry value is expected to increase significantly and consistently.

Another major achievement in this regard is the gas-to-shore project (as previously stated), for which

the government managed to secure an agreement from ExxonMobil to finance the gas pipeline infrastructure.

This is a major component of the development from cost oil with an estimated cost of around US$900 million - US$1.3 billion.

This is a transformational energy project aimed at reducing energy cost by at least 50 per cent which, in turn, will create a more competitive business envi-

ronment, especially for the manufacturing sector and industrial activities, and translate to more disposable income at the household level.

To this end, a conservative cost-benefit analysis of this investment shows that the net positive benefits or impact of the project on the economy over the next two decades is about US$20 billion, representing 2.4 times (2021) GDP, and 10 times the total estimated cost of the project.

The government has effectively set the framework to renegotiate all of the other nine existing oil- andgas exploration licences with the new fiscal terms and PSA following any successful discoveries before moving into production. This is in keeping with the Vice-President’s commitment to do so as Opposition Leader in 2019.

Yours sincerely,

Joel Bhagwandin Financial and Economic Analyst

Implementing a market framework for forest climate services

TO push for a practical market mechanism, Guyana has advocated, since 2009, in the first Low Carbon Development Strategy, that a market-based mechanism represented the next stage of Guyana’s work on climate finance.

This ambition has seen steady movement over the years, including the level of the United Nations. One example of this is Guyana joining forces with other nations with forests and the world community in 2021 at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP26 conference in Glasgow.

At that conference, steps were accelerated to operationalise the Paris Climate Agreement, which addresses markets and market systems rules.

The guidelines of the UNFCCC and related international accords are anticipated to serve as the foundation for the long-term viability of forest carbon markets.

Because of the work that was done on a global scale and the ongoing functioning of Guyana’s Monitoring Reporting and Verification System (MRVS) for Forest Carbon for more than ten years, Guyana was able to move on to the vision that was outlined in 2009, which charted the path

from a bilateral mechanism, to a second phase that embodies a market-based structure for forest carbon.

In 2022, Guyana’s scale of forest climate services was organised around voluntary premium markets involving private and global public sector financing.

With independent verification of the quality of those credits and their adherence to UNFCCC requirements for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (REDD+), Guyana has produced credits to be marketed in the voluntary carbon market platforms.

Those verification regulations included a set of social and rights-based safeguards known as the Cancun Safeguards as well as requirements based on research.

To benefit from the opportunity, Guyana has implemented a five-step policy that is mentioned below:

- Confirm Guyana’s objectives: determine what a market mechanism needs to provide to be valuable for Guyana and the world (LCDS 2030).

- Select a Standard: Determine whether a global carbon market standard is sufficiently aligned with Guyana’s objectives.

- Engage with the chosen market standard: start the process of generating certified credits.

- Sell Guyana’s credits to generate revenue for the LCDS 2030.

- Ensure equitable revenue sharing: develop a revenue and benefit sharing mechanism to ensure that all revenues are invested in priorities identified through the national consultation on LCDS 2030, with forest based communities. A major focus of the national consultation on the draft LCDS involved receiving input and ideas from communities, individuals, nongovernmental organisations and other stakeholders.

Guyana has also proposed a forest carbon mechanism with four incentive creation modules. They are: Conserve carbon—to recognise the value that standing forests provide to the world by storing carbon sequestered over hundreds of years, with Guyana accounting for 19.5 gigatonnes of stored carbon.

Remove Carbon: - to recognise the value that standing forests continue to provide by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; Guyana’s for-

ests remove about 154 million tons of CO2 every year, about the same as annual greenhouse gas emissions from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark combined

Reduce Deforestation: to incentivize reducing deforestation, despite the fact that deforestation in Guyana is already the lowest, or close to it, in the world.

Restore Forests: to incentivize restoring forests where deforestation has already taken place; in Guyana’s case, there are 200,000 hectares where this could happen as a priority

The Government of Guyana has evaluated the prospective market standards aligned with Guyana’s goals.

The available standards that were evaluated made it evident that numerous smallscale, project-based standards for forest climate services exist throughout the world.

Jurisdictional scale approaches stood out as better aligned to Guyana’s objectives as opposed to project level actions, for reasons that this offers better safeguarding against concerns on leakage, and assures permanence in impact.

The Architecture for REDD+ Transactions and its REDD+ Environmental Excellence Standard (ART-TREES) V2 standard were adopted by Guyana to be taken forward for entry into the voluntary carbon market after meeting all of the objectives set by Guyana and being directly congruent with high forest, low deforestation jurisdictions.

On an annual basis, Guyana submits a report that is based on data from its Monitoring, Reporting and Verification System (MRVS) each year.

The independent auditors who are enrolled with the ART-TRESS secretariat conduct an audit of a REDD+ Safeguards Summary of Information (SOI) outlining continuing compliance with UNFCCC social and environmental safeguards and Guyana’s submission.

The public can also see audit results, which are then explained by the ART board. The credits that are certified in Guyana successfully completed the process.

Following certification, the credits are recorded on the openly searchable ART Registry, where they are made available for purchase.

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

An aerial shot of Guyana’s vast forest above Hosororo Hill, Region One

Hinterland to undergo massive development in 2023

Toshaos Council head commends gov’t for improving lives of Amerindians

AMERINDIANS will not be left behind as the government has allocated $4.7 billion towards enhancing their livelihoods while millions more will be spent on health, education, infrastructure, agriculture and social services.

These provisions were recently approved by the National Assembly for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs as part of the $781.9 billion landmark budget for 2023.

In its 2020-2025 manifesto, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had promised to safeguard the rights of Amerindians. The

document expressly stated that “emphasis will be placed on infrastructural development in villages, creating job opportunities, improving social services and enhancing the rights of indigenous people.” Already, several initiatives have been executed in keeping with those manifesto promises.

With hinterland development being an essential component in the nation’s growth, National Toshaos Council Chair Derrick John, has commended the government for its efforts,

See page 13

National Toshaos Council Chair, Derrick John

Two new potable water wells to benefit Paramakatoi residents

OVER the next few weeks, engineers from Guyana Water Inc. will be working to improve access to potable water for residents of Paramakatoi, Region Eight.

During a meeting in the village on Monday, Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, informed residents of the plans for their community.

She noted that the administration remains committed to ensuring development reaches every community.

Minister Rodrigues stated that the goal is to bridge the gap between the hinterland and the coast to improve access to potable water in hinterland communities.

She further stated that the goal is to ensure 100 per cent water coverage in hinterland communities by 2025. To this end, the government continues to invest heavily in the water sector.

Meanwhile, under the 2023 work programme, Paramakatoi is expected to benefit from the drilling of two potable water wells and the constructing of the well discharge to interconnect with the existing distribution network to provide adequate potable water to the residents.

Currently, the community, home to some 300 people, is supplied with water from a spring. However, water is distributed on a sectional delivery basis due to limited production of the spring.

Also, the residents, during the meeting, took the opportunity to raise several issues affecting them, as they sought the government’s intervention.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues interacting with Paramakatoi, Region Eight residents

A section of the gathering of Paramakatoi, Region Eight residents as they listen to Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, about improved access to potable water in hinterland communities

Appeal Court to hear arguments in dismissed election petition case today

THE Court of Appeal will today commence hearing arguments in the case filed by the APNU+AFC concerning dismissed Election Petition 88 of 2020, which was thrown out by the High Court two years ago.

The case was filed to challenge the ruling of Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, S.C., who had dismissed the petition due to serious non-compliance with the Constitution of Guyana, electoral law and other infringements.

The applicants, Claudette Thorne

and Heston Bostwick, filed an appeal some 18 months after the CJ had handed down her decision.

Among other things, they are contending that the Chief Justice erred in law and misdirected herself when she misapplied the doctrine of strict compliance.

Another claim is that the Chief Justice erred and misdirected herself when she failed to consider the objective of the petition in making her decision based on the content of the Affidavit of Service.

Their attorney, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde had previously filed a motion to have the hearing of the appeal expedited.

He had argued that the failure of the Chief Justice to deliver the written decision to the applicants resulted in a delay of the documents needed for the notice of appeal.

In the notice of appeal, the applicants indicated that they are challenging the Chief Justice’s April 2021 decision to dismiss the petition.

When the matter was filed at the High Court, Thorne and Bostwick, in their documents, had asked the court to determine the legality of the March 2 elections, and the results that led to the declaration and allocation of seats in the National Assembly.

They sought an order directing the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, to declare former President David Granger the winner.

Election Petition 99 of 2020, which was filed on behalf of petitioners, Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse, was thrown out by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in October 2022.

The CCJ ruled that the CoA does not have the jurisdiction to hear and determine the appeal filed to challenge the dismissal of that petition.

In January 2021, it was dismissed by the Chief Justice due to late service, non-service, or improper service.

Home Affairs Ministry discusses security-sector initiatives with PSC

THE Ministry of Home Affairs along with a team from the Private Sector Commission (PSC), on Tuesday met to discuss areas for improvement in the security sector, especially regarding violent and criminal behaviour at protests, the smart city cameras programme, the issuing of gun licences, traffic management, media relations, and processing of work permits.

According to a Facebook post, in addition to providing clarification on the issues and concerns raised, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn reassured the PSC of the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the security sector to create a peaceful Guyana.

The ministry and the PSC expressed mutual positions

to further deepen and widen the scope of collaboration in the area of security in Guyana.

During the engagement, Minister Benn was joined by the Permanent Secretary, Mae Toussaint Jr Thomas.

The PSC team comprised PSC Chairman, Paul Cheong; Major-General (ret’d), Norman McLean, Vice-Chairman of the PSC Governance & Security SubCommittee; Timothy Tucker, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI); Haimwant Persaud, Vice-Chairman of the Region Three Chamber; Gavin Mohabir; Representative, Region Five Chamber of Commerce; Ryan Alexander, Vice-Chairman, PSC; Ian Chung, Executive Director of the PSC; Onicka Jones, Public Relations Officer of the PSC and Kit Nascimento, PSC member & Communication Consultant.

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn and PSC Chairman, Paul Cheong

Hinterland to undergo massive...

especially given the 2023 budget allocation.

Apart from stating that these funds will greatly assist the indigenous people, John said that “the money allocated for infrastructure, education and health will tremendously boost these sectors, which I think is very critical at this time.”

Moreover, John said that the sums allocated for public works in hinterland communities are important, since these will ensure that transporting goods

and services in and out of remote communities will become a lot easier due to the upgrading and constructing of roads.

Additionally, after years of neglect by the previous administration, John asserted that the funds are needed for the development of every hinterland region.

In touching on education delivery in the hinterland, John said he firmly believes that education is key in any society, labelling it as “ the tool that we can use to come

From page 10

Aishalton Secondary School in Region Nine.

out of poverty.” He said he is grateful that the government understands this. With the 2023 budgetary allocation, more Amerindians can become qualified and help to develop the nation.

Some of the key projects that will be executed are: the provision for water supply systems at St Martin’s and 72 Miles Primary School in Region Seven, the completion of Kato Secondary Dormitory in Region Eight and the completion of the extension of the female dormitory at

Since taking office, hinterland development has soared and multiple regions have received unwavering support from the government.

For instance, on Monday, a $26.5M water-supply system was newly commis-

sioned by Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, at Taruka, Region Eight. In excess of 200 residents will be direct beneficiaries.

Notably, the hinterland electrification programme, hinterland training programme, including the

Hinterland Scholarship Programme, Amerindian land-titling, improved education and health services, a better supply of potable water, and agricultural development are just a few of the many initiatives undertaken by the current administration.

$38M water supply system commissioned in Kato

WITH the commissioning of a new water supply system in Kato, Region Eight, improved access to potable water will benefit some 450 residents.

The well was commissioned by the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; Regional Chairman, Headley Pio and GWI’s Hinterland Service Director, Ramchand Jailal, in the presence of regional representatives and residents.

Minister Rodrigues noted her pleasure at being able to deliver on a promise made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

“I’m pleased to be here to commission this well. From 2020, I’ve been coming and I learned about the struggles, especially with access to water, and we devised a five-year plan to ensure delivery to the hinterland,” Minister Rodrigues said.

She added that the target for Region Eight by

the end of this year is to ensure 90 per cent water coverage. The new system at Kato will now see 95 per cent coverage in the community.

“We are about honouring our commitment of bringing development,” she added.

Prior to the implementation of this project, the existing shallow-well system needed to be improved to supply water to the entire community.

As such, only households

and public buildings close to the old system received access. The scope of works for the Kato project included the following: the drilling of new potable water well to a depth of 120 metres; installation of 5500 metres of 50mm (2?) PVC pipes and 2,500 metres of 19mm (3/4?) pipes with 80 service connections; the construction of two reinforced concrete slab storage bases; the installation of the photovoltaic pumping system including

submersible pump, controller, solar panels and accessories, and the construction of a fence around the photovoltaic system.

On Monday, the minister also commissioned a $26.5 million well at Taruka to benefit more than 200 people.

Meanwhile, at Paramakatoi, in 2023, two new wells will be drilled. This will relieve an estimated 1100 residents who receive water from a spring.

With the commissioning of a new water supply system in Kato, Region Eight, a school child enjoys the potable water system that will benefit some 450 residents

Gov’t extends bids for major sea defense works

AS government presses the accelerator on its infrastructural development agenda, the Public Works Ministry has extended an invitation for bids for a number of sea defence works in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10.

This is mere days following the approval of the $781.9 billion budget, from which the lion’s share, a whopping $136 billion, has been allocated for the advancement of infrastructural projects.

This heavy investment in infrastructure is part of the government’s strategic plan to build for the future.

However, the ministry disclosed that these bids will be opened on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, and the projects have been divided into 25 lots.

It states that works for Region Two consist of the construction of rip rap sea defences in La Resource/Maria’s Delight, Good Intent, Abrams Zuil, and Cullens, Essequibo Coast, estimated to cost a collective $402 million.

Similar construction works are slated for Region Three at Zeelandia Estate, Belle Plaine, Maria Johanna, Zeelandia (Ganga), and Uniform, Cane Garden, Okum/Retrieve, Belfield, on Leguan Island, as well as at Uitvlugt, Anna Catherina, Zeeburg and Zeelugt, estimated to cost over $1.7 billion.

Meanwhile, Region Four will see the construction of rip rap river defences at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, and the construction of a timber revetment structure at Cambridge, Mahaica, works which are estimated to cost $99 million and $77 million respectively.

For Region Five, an estimated $190 million is expected to fund the construction of rip rap sea defences between Weldaad and Washington, West Coast Berbice.

Some $23 million is also estimated for the construction of timber revetment structure along Abary River Dam, East Coast Demerara, while $359 million is estimated for works between Bygeval and Essex, Mahaica.

In Region Six, works are slated for Crabwood Creek, No. 81 village, and between Wellington Park and Eversham on the Corentyne. These works are pegged at $318 million.

Finally, for Region 10, an estimated $138 million is set to fund works at Speightland, Linden.

The development and maintenance of sea defence structures are crucial to the protection of residents and farmlands, as well as to ensure the preservation of Guyana’s agricultural yield.

This year’s budget has extended some $4.9 billion towards the protection and preservation of the country’s sea and river defences. (DPI)

Standard price for paddy not possible

–– Agriculture Minister says, points to other areas of support in reaffirming govt’s commitment to advance the rice industry

RICE farmers from Regions Two, Three, Five, and Six, on Tuesday, met with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to discuss some of the issues faced in the industry.

According to a press release from the Agriculture

on spare parts, the government really do a good for us but the problem is we not feeling the effect. Everything raising. While these things are in place by the government the prices still high and growing every day.

“The issue is now be -

issues.

In his response, Minister Mustapha related that the government since being elected to office, has implemented a number of measures to assist farmers, with the most recent being the $1 billion fertiliser assistance programme

more than in Region Five so in order for millers to earn they take those factors into consideration. You know for a fact last year we were able to negotiate with millers from Region Two for better prices for farmers and now you are getting up to $4,000 per bag,”

allow for the recapitalisation of key sectors which include mining, forestry, agriculture, and manufacturing. This is coupled with the granting of tax concessions for mining, forestry, manufacturing, and agriculture.

The minister also remind-

habilitating dams so that you can access your fields. We’ve been working to enhance the drying facilities that we have across the country.

“We rehabilitated the one at Black Bush Polder so that will be in place for the next crop. The one at MMA;

Ministry, while most of their issues are a result of unfavourable weather and external economic impacts, the farmers wasted no time in calling on the government to intervene in what they consider price gouging by suppliers of spare parts.

The farmers said that while the government has put systems in place, they are still paying high prices and, in some cases, VAT on spare parts.

“On the removal of VAT

tween the government and the dealers because we know for a fact that the VAT is supposed to be deducted but it’s like it’s not. I bought a starter yesterday for $46,000. It used to be for $25,000. Look at the markup. Some of them still charging VAT. I have a receipt to prove it,” a farmer said.

The rice farmers also told the minister that the price for paddy should be standard in every region since all farmers are faced with the same

that was completed last year.

He said that although farmers are requesting an across-the-board price for paddy from millers, the government cannot institute this because transportation cost plays a significant role in the price for paddy in certain regions.

“We will continue to engage the millers on prices but I cannot promise an acrossthe-board price for paddy. For instance, in Region Two, the price to transport will be

Minister Mustapha said.

Regarding the prices for spare parts, Minister Mustapha said that the government has made its policy clear and that VAT is no longer applicable to inputs and equipment for the agriculture sector, and assured the farmers that he will engage the Guyana Revenue Authority on this matter. Shortly after assuming office, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali announced the removal of VAT and duties on machinery and equipment to

ed the farmers that since taking office, the government has spared no effort to ensure farmers benefit from assistance to cushion the hardships faced.

“Most of the issues faced in the sector, we have to work together to resolve them. The weather hasn’t been favourable, but we are working to strengthen our infrastructure. We are building new pump stations to assist with drainage. We are building new farm-to-market roads, and re-

we’ll increase its production capacity from 2,000 bags to 50,000 bags. We’re also working to rehabilitate the Leguan facility. We are constantly engaged in bilateral discussions to source cheaper fertilisers and we are also still engaging the Panamanian officials to get those outstanding payments owed to millers.

So, we are working but we need your input and co-operation,” Minister Mustapha said.

CJIA, CCWU sign agreement for peaceful settlement of disputes

THE management of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Tuesday signed on to a recognition agreement for the settlement of disputes with the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU).

The signing, which was done in the boardroom of the Ministry of Labour, was overseen by Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine.

President of the CCWU, Sherwood Clarke, and CJIA’s Director of Finance and Administration, Ishwari Glasgow, were the officials who signed the agreement.

The efficiency of the decision-making process for the collaboration was praised by Clarke, who said the

agreement was a “historic recognition between management and the CCWU.”

“I want to extend gratitude and congratulations for the kind cooperation between the CCWU and Cheddi Jagan International Airport management. I think we now have to work in partnership to develop the airport,” Clarke said.

Moreover, Deonarine commended the alliance between the union and the CJIA management and also stated that he wishes a successful relationship between the two.

Glasgow further delivered laudatory remarks and affirmed that this milestone is both a privilege and an achievement.

Additionally, she said that the organisation remains

as a service-oriented organ-

Notably, the agreement was formulated to peaceful-

ly settle disputes through methods such as negotiation, mediation, conciliation and if the aforemen -

tioned do not suffice, arbitration is the legal method of approach to peacefully settle a dispute.

Rice farmers from Regions Two, Three, Five, and Six, on Tuesday, met with Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha to discuss some of the issues faced in the industry

From left to right: CCWU President Sherwood Clarke, Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine and CJIA Director of Finance and Administration, Ishwari Glasgow committed to cooperating with the union to work along with the employees to improve the airport’s standards

isation.

House, school damaged in suspected arson attacks

TWO separate cases of suspected arson have left persons displaced and children without a learning facility.

According to information from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), a fire was reported at Market Street,

Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD), at 03:35 hours on Tuesday.

Water tender number 111 and crew from the La Grange Fire Station were immediately dispatched to the location.

The structure was a

one-flat wooden building owned by 56-year-old Denise Adonis, who occupied the building along with 58-year-old Christie Sidney Phoenix. The fire, according to the GFS, was maliciously set by unknown persons.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, February 5, 2023, there was another suspected case of arson at the Little Treasures Play School located at Lot 2021 Golden Fleece, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

The two-story wood -

en and concrete building, which is owned by 59-year-old Ronda Archer, suffered damage. Two chairs as well as a wooden cupboard with documents were also damaged.

The Fire Service

encourages citizens to report suspected arson attacks as well as related information to the police, while reiterating that arson attacks are illegal and that once caught, perpetrators will face the law.

POLICE Constable Shane James was on Monday charged for the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Detective Corporal Dwayne McPherson, and 20-year-old fisherman Kishan Budburgh.

James, 26, of Perth Village, Mahaicony, was granted a total of $1.6 million bail.

He appeared at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court on two counts of manslaughter following an investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

The constable was not required to plead to the charges, which alleged that on January 1, 2023, at Huntley, Mahaicony, he unlawfully killed McPherson and Budburgh.

He was placed on $800,000 bail on each charge and the matter was adjourned until February 8, 2023.

According to reports, on the day in question, McPherson, who was stationed at the Mahaicony Police Station, was part of a police patrol that was dispatched to Huntley to inves-

tigate a report of a stabbing. While the patrol was at the location, the two men were shot.

The police did not reveal a lot of details about the incident but did indicate that two cops who were also part of the patrol on that fatal day were arrested and questioned in relation to the shooting.

A post-mortem report found that the policeman’ s body had two gunshot wounds, while Budburgh had three.

According to the police, the men died from shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot injuries. Two entry wounds were seen to the left of the policeman’s neck, with no exit wound.

Three entry wounds were found on Budburgh’s left side: one below his armpit, one further down the left side of his back, and the last one, about 4 to 5 cm from the shoulder blade.

Detective Corporal Dwayne McPherson and Kishan Budburgh

Scenes from the Little Treasures Play School

Elections CoI: Myers refuses to testify

-lawyer to cross-examine witnesses today

FORMER Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers, on Tuesday, declined to testify in the ongoing Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into events surrounding the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Myers was summoned to testify before the tribunal and showed up with her attorney, Nigel Hughes, who told the CoI commissioners that his client did not wish to testify since she is part of a criminal matter before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in relation to the elections.

Hughes also requested permission to cross-examine witnesses who had testified about the actions of Myers and others during the vote count.

The CoI commissioners

granted the request and the attorney will cross examine witnesses including Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairwoman, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh.

The hearing is scheduled to continue today.

Thus far, former Minister of Health Volda Lawrence; APNU+AFC activist Carol Smith-Joseph; APNU+AFC-appointed commissioner on the Local Government Commission (LGC), Nicola Denise Trotman; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; former Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; former GECOM District Four (Demerara-Mahaica)

Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; and GECOM

staff members Sheffern February, Denise BabbCummings, Carolyn Duncan, Enrique Livan and Michelle Miller, along with Senior Superintendent Phillip Azore have all opted to remain silent and not testify.

The CoI was provided with details of how some GECOM employees participated in the suspected plot to divert votes to the APNU +AFC instead of safeguarding the electoral system.

Witnesses have testified about the actions of Lowenfield, Myers, Mingo and Livan during the vote count.

The GECOM employees are all before the court on electoral fraud charges.

Further, the CoI was told that GECOM staffers ignored specific instructions from the court, used mate-

rials that were illegal and or manipulated, and sided with APNU+AFC agents to berate observers whenever objections were raised.

Smith-Joseph has been named by witnesses testifying before the CoI as one of the persons who threatened to stomp attorney, Pauline Chase, an observer representing the Bar Association, in the face, and also threatened to spit in the face of private sector representa -

tive, Kit Nascimento.

Joseph had also told diplomats from the ABCE countries to “get the f– out of Guyana.”

Testimony was also provided that Dr. Cummings had received a call and then passed that phone onto Myers during an encounter at the Ashmin’s building, the headquarters of the Region Four Returning Officer, where the final tabulation was taking place.

Guyanese, after casting

their votes on March 2, 2020, had to endure a fivemonth wait for the results of the elections, as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.

During this time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as electors observed what were described as attempts by the then APNU+AFC administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by Caribbean leaders and international observers.

It was only after the legal challenges and international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened and the figures showed that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC coalition got 217,920 votes.

Former Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers

Norton’s subordinates attract more favourability than him --opinion

poll shows

OPPOSITION Leader Aubrey Norton has not been met with any kind of favourable national political attitudes in the politically and culturally polarised society, according to Dr. Vishnu Bisram of the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA).

Based on an opinion poll conducted by Dr. Bisram over the last few weeks, unlike Norton, President Dr. Irfaan Ali is very likeable and popular.

“The PNC leader has been struggling to win peoples’ confidence and for support or traction within his own party’s political base as well as nationally,” the association stated.

NACTA has been monitoring political attitudes, favourability or positive views and unfavourability or negative views, towards leading politicians.

“While the public has a huge net positive favourable rating of President Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, among others, there is a net negative favourability rating of Norton unlike several others (like Amanza Walton-Desir, Ganesh Mahipaul, Roysdale Forde, Geeta Chandan, Volda Lawrence, Christopher Jones, among others) within his party who have a positive net rating,” the association added.

Norton was elected Leader of the Opposition in December 2021, but according to Dr. Bisram, the PNC leader has since been struggling to gain traction within the party and win national appeal to solidify his place at the helm of the opposition.

The release from NACTA stated that surveys conducted in December 2021 and in February 2022 found favourable support for Norton becoming Opposition Leader.

“It was felt that since he won the leadership contest, he had the right to serve as Opposition Leader. He became Opposition Leader in

April 2021 and ever since he has been losing popular appeal within the party’s base,” the association said.

NACTA added: “He trails others in popularity ratings within the party base. Support for him as leader of the PNC has whittled away and plateaued. Only 13 per cent of traditional PNC supporters back him, whereas his political opponent, President Irfaan Ali, has soaring approval ratings in his party’s base and sixtieth percentile nationally.”

Norton, according to NACTA has no cross-over ethnic support, and he is not attracting support from floating or middle-of-the-ground voters critical to winning an election.

“Discontented traditional supporters of the PPP reject him. He is not viewed, not even among PNC supporters, as an alternative President in the making to replace incumbent Irfaan Ali,” the association said.

NACTA related that President Ali comes across as a populist likeable leader whereas Norton is viewed as the opposite, and not surprisingly he lags behind President Ali in popular appeal and voter support.

The general view among the national public is that the PNC will not rebound under Norton’s leadership and will lose the upcoming Local Government Election (LGE).

Respondents are of the view that Norton should make way for younger, more likeable leadership of the PNC to stem the tide against support loss.

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

Tricky final day ahead for ...

CONTINUED FROM BACKPAGE

half-century that he reached from 107 balls when he drove Motie to deep cover for a single two overs before Ballance got to his landmark.

Holder returned for a spell immediately after the Zimbabweans resumed from 313 for seven at tea and bowled Mavuta in the seventh over after the break with a delivery that kept low and may create some suspicion about the pitch on the final day on Wednesday, when both sides try to push for a win.

Things continued to slip for West Indies when Ballance anchored two small partnerships with tail-enders Victor Nyauchi and Richard Nagarava to cut the deficit further before the declaration came.

Joseph was the most successful Windies bowler with 3-75 fom 26 overs, fellow pacer Jason Holder grabbed 2-55 from 17 overs

without being threatening, and Motie persevered to grab 2-110 from 33 overs.

“We were not feeling any pressure because we had a fairly big total on the board, and we set out to win the game,” Joseph said after play.

“Of course, we wanted to get them out for as little as possible, but it didn’t happen. We have one more day of cricket, and we’ll be looking to go again and try to win.”

He added: “The pitch is pretty flat, and the final day should be a good batting day, but we will be trying to win the game.

“We were a bit surprised by the declaration, but we understand it because Zimbabwe is also trying to make a game out of it.”

Joseph struck in successive overs of his opening spell when he trapped

WEST INDIES 1st Innings 447-6 dec

ZIMBABWE 1st Innings

(overnight 114-3)

I. Kaia lbw b Joseph 67

T. Makoni c Mayers b Joseph 33

C. Chibhabha c wk da Silva b Motie 9

*C. Ervine b Brathwaite 13

G. Balance not out 137

+T. Tsiga lbw b Joseph 2

B. Evans c wk da Silva b Roach 7

W. Masakadza c Mayers b Motie 15

B. Mavuta b Holder 56

V. Nyauchi c da Silva b Holder 13

R. Ngarava not out 19

Extras (b2, lb5, nb1) 8

TOTAL (9 wkts dec, 125 overs) 379

debutant opener, Innocent Kaia lbw for 67 in the seventh over of the day, and he added the scalp of Tafadzwa Tsiga also lbw for two overs later.

Fellow pacer Kemar Roach followed up with the wicket of Craig Evans caught behind for seven, edging a back-foot drive, and Zimbabwe had sunk to 148 for five.

There were signs of the labour pains to come for West Indies, but they failed to heed the warning, when Wellington Masakadza came to the crease and easily added 45 with Ballance

Fall of wickets: 1-63, 2-84, 3-114, 4-128, 5-132, 6-147, 7-192, 8-327, 9-341.

Bowling: Roach 15-4-35-1; Joseph 26-2-75-3; Mayers 10-4-22-0; Motie 33-10-110-2; Holder 17-2-55-2 (nb1); Chase 14-1-45-0; Brathwaite 5-1-12-1; Reifer 3-0-7-0; Blackwood 2-0-11-0. WEST INDIES 2nd Innings

*K. Brathwaite not out 11

T. Chanderpaul not out 10

TOTAL (without loss, 13 overs) 21

Bowling: Nyauchi 5-3-4-0; Masakadza 6-2-11-0; Evans 2-1-6-0. Position: West Indies lead by 89 with all second innings wickets standing.

for the seventh wicket.

Motie enabled the Windies to consume lunch with greater comfort when he got Masakadza caught at mid-off for 15, sinking Zimbabwe to 192 for seven, with Ballance limping to 38 not out, and the hosts still needing 56 to avoid the follow-on.

After lunch, things unravelled for Brathwaite’s side, and Ballance and Mavuta added 121 between lunch and tea, batting their side to safety, with West Indies failing to get a wicket.

Guyana 2nd... CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

CONTINUED FROM BACKPAGE

Keliza Smith, Tiana Springer, and Simeon Adams were among the usual suspects that dominated the track in their respective events.

Among the 100m winners in the women’s category were Ayanna Thomas (under-13), Tianna Springer (under-17), Karese Lloyd (under-20) and Keliza Smith (open). In the 200m races, Somayia Orna (under-13), Adessa Albert (under-17), Nalicia Glen (under-20) and Casey Small (open) were the victors.

Victorious in the 800m middle distance category were Esther McKinnon (under-17) and Loydacia Waldron (under-20) while the 1500m winners were Marissa Thomas (uner-17) and Attoya Harvey (under-20).

Meanwhile, in the men’s category, Daniel Harvey triumphed in the boys’ under-20 5000m event.

The winners in the 800m races were Daniel Alexander (under-13), Javon Roberts (under-17), Kosi Thomas (under-20) and Daniel Melville (open).

For the 400m events, Louis Allan (under-13), Ajani Cutting (under-17), Enock

Munroe (under-20) and Simeon Adams (open) were the winners.

The 200m winners were Noelex Holder (open), Ezekiel Newton (under-20), Malachi Austin (under-17) and Mortimer Nascimento (under-13).

Holder ran 10.75s to win the 100m men’s open.

The next developmental meet is set for March 5th at the NTFC.

(WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2023)

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 351 vs IND, 1958/59

(2) vs AUST, Barbados, 1965

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Where and when did the WI & ZIM play a Test against each other for the first time?

(2) Who were the captains involved?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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Australia T20 captain Aaron Finch retires from international cricket

FORMER Australia whiteball captain Aaron Finch has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Opening batter Finch, 36, was Australia’s T20 captain, having retired from one-day internationals in September.

He represented Australia in five Tests, 146 one-day internationals and 103 T20s, leading them to their first T20 World Cup title in 2021.

Finch said it had been “incredible honour” to play for Australia.

He is set to continue playing in domestic T20 competitions, including in the Big Bash League (BBL) for Melbourne Renegades.

“Realising that I won’t be playing on until the next T20 World Cup in 2024, now is the right moment step down and give the team time to plan and build towards that event,” he said.

Finch is Australia’s highest runscorer in men’s T20s, with 3,120, which puts him sixth in the all-time rankings. He hit two centuries in T20 internationals, finishing with an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 142.53.

He scored 5,401 runs in ODIs at an average of 39.13, including 17 centuries, and was part of the Australia squad who won the 2015 50over World Cup.

“Team success is what you play the game for and the maiden T20 World Cup win in 2021 and lifting the ODI World Cup on home soil in 2015 will be the two memories I cherish the most,” he added.

“To be able to represent Australia for 12 years and play with and against some of the greatest players of all time has been an incredible honour.”

Finch has the highest individual score in men’s T20 internationals - 172 off 76 balls against Zimbabwe in 2018 - beating his own record at the time of 156 against England in 2013.

Only India’s Rohit Sharma (182) and New Zealand’s Martin Guptill (173) have hit more than Finch’s 125 sixes in T20 internationals.

Finch made his international debut in a T20 against England in 2011 before playing his first ODI against Sri Lanka two years later. He played all five of his Tests in 2018, scoring two half-centuries at an average of 27.80.

After initially being made T20 captain in 2014, Finch was stripped of the role two years later when Steve Smith became Australia skipper in all three

formats.

Finch then took over the white-ball captaincy from Smith in 2018 following the ball-tampering scandal during Australia’s Test series against South Africa.

He led them to the semi-finals of the 2019 50-over World Cup and an eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the 2021 T20 World Cup final in Dubai.

After he was replaced by fast bowler Pat Cummins as ODI captain, Finch continued to lead Australia in the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup on home soil but the defending champions failed to reach the knockout stages.

He captained Australia in 55 ODIs and 76 T20s.

Finch struggled for form in internationals in 2022, averaging just 12.42 in ODIs and 28.44 in T20s.

However, he starred in this year’s BBL, scoring

428 runs

to help

Melbourne Renegades reach the knockout match, where they lost to Brisbane Heat.

Finch has been one of the most prominent T20 cricketers around the world, having played for nine different franchises in the Indian Premier League and has represented Melbourne Renegades in the BBL since the competition began in 2011.

Cricket Australia chair Dr Lachlan Henderson congratulated Finch on an “exceptional” international career and said he is one of Australia’s “finest white-ball players”.

He added: “In full flight, there were few batters more powerful than Aaron. As one of only four men’s players to captain Australia to a World Cup victory, Aaron will always have a special place in Australian cricket’s history.”

Aaron Finch hit 63 in his final international innings against Ireland at the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup

Reigning champions eye sixth T20 World Cup title

THE five-time winners of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup head to South Africa in great form and will be confident of adding another title to their already impressive resume.

Arch-rival New Zealand have caused Australia some issues in the past and their first-up group encounter in Paarl could prove the most difficult match- up for the reigning champions.

Experienced openers

Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates will attack Australia’s bowlers right from the outset, while young all-rounder Amelia Kerr is a more than capable match-winner on her day.

The Aussies won’t underestimate the Kiwis and will be ready for anything that is thrown at them and an enter-

taining encounter is assured.

Australia have lifted the trophy at five of the seven editions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with their first success coming in a dramatic final against New Zealand in the West Indies back in 2010.

A further two crowns followed in 2012 and 2014 in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, before the Aussies had to settle for second place behind the West Indies in the 2016 decider in India.

Perhaps buoyed by missing out that year, Australia have prevailed at the two most recent tournaments in 2018 and 2020 and will be looking to make it three on the trot in South Africa...

Australia have a bevy of star performers that are capable of inspiring the side, but

perhaps none more flexible than that of ultra-consistent all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner.

Gardner has elevated her game to even greater heights over the last 12 months and

it has been no surprise to see her rise the rankings to claim the mantle as the top ranked all- rounder on the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Player Rankings. The 25-year-old is a re-

liable late-order hitter and often the bowler that skipper Meg Lanning turns to when she needs a breakthrough with her more than handy off-spin.

But Gardner is also one of Australia’s best fielders, with a long highlight reel of spectacular catches complementing the amount of runs she saves in the field.

The five-time champions will once again be favourites to claim another title in South Africa and on recent form it’s hard to find a reason why they won’t be able to do so.

Australia have lost just one T20I contest over the last 22 months and that defeat came at the hands of India away from home via a Super Over with inspirational skipper Meg Lanning on the sidelines.

Lanning is now back from a short break to lead her country and is just one of the key cogs in a powerful Australia line-up that continues to excel in all facets of

the game. Australia boast four of the top six players on the current T20I batter rankings, while experienced pacer Megan Schutt leads a flexible bowling line-up that has a bevy of spin bowling options.

Squad:

Meg Lanning (c), Alyssa Healy (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham

Schedule:

11 February v New Zealand at Boland Park, Paarl

14 February v Bangladesh at St George ’s Park, Gqeberha

16 February v Sri Lanka at St George’s Park, Gqeberha

18 February v South Africa at St George’s Park, Gqeberha (ICC MEDIA)

US-based National tennis player Ramdyhan gives ‘pep talk’ to Juniors

Guyana she took the time to work with some junior players.

“It was great to see the level of advanced tennis rising up back to the standard it was before COVID- 19, especially from the young ladies. I also had the opportunity to sit down and talk with them about their progress at school, and what they can improve on the tennis court” explained Nicola, who is passionate about giving back to the top junior players.

By Sean Devers

NATIONAL Tennis player, Nicola Ramdyhan was recently back home from the USA and took time out from her visit to have a ‘pep talk, with the Juniors about school and tennis. She then visited the National Racquet Centre (NRC), where work on the Tennis Court is almost complete.

Nicola, the daughter of National tennis coach and former Guyana player, Shelly Da-

ley-Ramdyhan, started her academic and tennis scholarships in Atlanta, USA in 2017, after a five-month training stint at the Bill Adam’s Academy in Miami Florida.

Nicola, who turned 25 on January 9, studied Accounting and graduated with a Masters Degree last year and is currently working as a tax consultant at Deloitte LLP, which is one of the biggest accounting firms in the World.

During her brief stay in

Nicola was impressed with the work being done by the Sports Ministry at the NRC on Woolford Avenue Georgetown.

She provided her thoughts on the importance of sporting facilities.

“It’s very important. As a junior, I did not train using the best facilities compared to the ones I would have seen when I travelled for tournaments, however, that didn’t prevent the level of tennis being high at the time.

I think that the newer facilities, if maintained properly and consistently, will be very beneficial for the upcoming juniors to

aid them in preparing for tournaments better. Also, it will be great for the various tennis clubs to have a centralized location in town again to develop their players and for interested individuals to have somewhere to play as well, especially at night now that there will be lights.

Born in Georgetown to Andre Ramdyhan and Shelly Daly, Nicola has seven siblings and developed an interest in tennis from her mom.

She attended the St Joseph High and Bishops High schools and lived in North East LaPenitence; she then moved to Lodge.

“It was a great life growing up because it was mainly my two sisters and mom. Even though she is strict, especially about our education, it was always fun to hang out with each other,” informed Nicola who dabbled a bit in cricket and track during her schooldays.

Nicola, who represents the Park Players (now Sheltez Tennis Club) has played in Suriname, French Guiana and Caribbean countries like St Vincent

and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, St Lucia, Curacao and the Dominican Republic. She first represented Guyana at eight, playing in the U-10s.

Nicola played in mostly ITF Junior tournaments and disclosed that the biggest challenge was playing the sport in Guyana and not having the facilities that were up to the standard compared to the other countries.

“But that did not stop my mom from training us though. She made sure that we used what we had and she was still able to produce high level players,” continued Nicola.

“The standard of tennis in Guyana is getting better and it’s evident that the players have been doing well in tournaments … pre-COVID. There are several others that compete and have competed in the collegiate level as well.

However , to really take Guyana’s tennis forward we need more facilities so that we can accommodate Regional and International tournaments in the

future.

The government has passed the largest ever sports budget and it is hoped that players can have more opportunities to be provided with top level training and to compete at International tournaments.

Lack of funding usually prevents us from getting as much regional and international experience as we should be getting,” revealed Nicola who loves to paint, draw, sing, do crotchet, roller skate and read.

The talented young woman advised the young players, especially girls, to continue to put in the work to perfect their skill, always play each point as if it’s the last and remember to have fun doing it.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me on my journey thus far, especially my parents and family, Mr Bill Adams and the executives and members of the Sheltez Tennis Club. No matter where I am always representing my home,” concluded Nicola.

Star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner

Nicola Ramdyhan during a tournament in Atlanta

BCQS Masters Squash C/ships

Permaul hails partnership with Bishoo on road to 500 wickets for Guyana

VEERASAMMY Permaul

is the lone Guyanese bowler to reach 500 regional wickets and is now just eight wickets short of surpassing Jamaican, Nikita Miller, who has 511 regional wickets.

The 33-year-old, who made maiden his first-class debut in January 2004, has taken 574 wickets, 504 of which have been for Guyana.

Among the list of accomplishments for the left-arm spinner was his successful partnership with leg-spinner and Albion teammate, Devendra Bishoo.

“I always enjoyed bowling with Bishoo and we enjoyed playing together. We

started at the Albion playing club cricket together and eventually, we played for Guyana together. We grew

up together and it was a privilege to play with him. I contained one end and he attacked at the other end,

and we formed a fantastic partnership,” he stated in an interview with Cricket West Indies media.

The magic moment came when he took the wicket of Keon Harding of Barbados Pride on the third day of the West Indies Championship contest at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Permaul dedicated the performance to his parents, who, he said, sacrificed a lot to help with his development and progress in the game.

A beaming Permaul was understandably elated with his accomplishment and spoke proudly. He started as a 17-year-old against the Windward Islands way back in January 2007 at the Tan-

Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay submit joint 2030 World Cup bid

(Reuters): Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay officially submitted a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup on Tuesday, calling for the tournament to return “where football was born” 100 years after the first World Cup was held in Montevideo.

During a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association (AFA), officials of the four countries were joined by Alejandro Dominguez, president of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), who said that he hopes FIFA can show a “gesture of greatness” toward the region and allow it to organise the tournament.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

“The 2030 World Cup is not just another World Cup, it deserves a celebration with recognition for 100 years,” Dominguez said.

“We are convinced that FIFA has an ob-

ligation to honour the memory of those who came before us and believed in greatness and made the first World Cup.”

AFA president Claudio Tapia added: “As world champions, we carry out this launch which is the dream of all South Americans. Not only on the centenary of the first edition, but because of the passion with which we live football.”

Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez made a statement on his official Twitter account saying that Bolivia will be asked to join “this dream”.

After the first edition in Uruguay, Argentina hosted the World Cup in 1978 and Chile in 1962, while Paraguay has never hosted the sport’s biggest competition.

The South American bid will compete with Spain-Portugal, who have signed a joint bid agreement, plus possible 2030 bids from Morocco and Saudi Arabia.

teen Recreational Ground in the Carib Beer Series. He took four wickets in a marathon 34 overs – early signals of his consistency and accuracy.

“I remember that first match against the Windwards and how excited I was to play for Guyana. It was more than a dream come true, it was everything to me, to represent my country in ‘big man’ cricket,” Permaul said. “To now reach 500 wickets … was not really a goal but I’m happy to reach it. I remember my first wicket, Devon Smith, with the second ball of my career, and obviously, the 500th was Harding, so I’m looking to add more to my tally.”

Overall, Permaul is in his

130th first-class match. He has taken 574 wickets and bowled close to 30,000 balls – an amazing work rate.

On Saturday last he ended with 2-28 to have six wickets in the match as the Guyanese defeated the Bajans.

“I love four-day cricket; it is a test for all aspects of the game. We always stress in our meetings that the most important part of the game is patience, whether you’re a batsman or a bowler,” Permaul said.

“The goal is to see Guyana retain the four-day title. I started when we were being beaten a lot. Then we won five years straight and that was a great feeling.”

Kyrie Irving can make Dallas Mavericks title contenders - Jason Kidd

KYRIE Irving’s signing can make the Dallas Mavericks NBA Championship challengers, says coach Jason Kidd.

The 30-year-old point guard’s move from the Brooklyn Nets was confirmed on Monday after he failed to agree a new contract.

Irving and Markieff Morris were traded for Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith.

“We feel that the talent and his abilities to make us better are something that we needed,” said Kidd.

“Getting him is going to help put us in a position to win a championship.

“You look at his journey at other stops - he’s won where he’s gone.”

Irving won the NBA title with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and is an eight-time NBA AllStar, but he has endured off-court issues during three and a half years at the Nets.

His decision not to be vaccinated against Covid-19 meant he could not play any home games until March of the 2021-22 season because of New York’s ban on un-

vaccinated people in indoor venues.

In November he was suspended for eight games and apologised after posting a social media link to a film with anti-Semitic material.

“It’s easy to look at all the talk of the negative, but let’s look at the positive of

Luka Doncic, who is currently sidelined with a heel injury, can make a difference to a side who are fifth in the Western Conference with a 29-26 record.

The Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 124-111 hours after the trade, for which the Nets will reportedly receive

what he’s done on and off the court. That’s the way we’re approaching it,” said Kidd.

“He’s all about basketball. He wants to win and he wants to be coached, and this is a great opportunity for me to have someone like this to help.”

Kidd said the pairing of Irving with fellow All-Star

a future first-round Draft pick and two second-round selections.

Irving, who was linked with the LA Clippers, LA Lakers and Phoenix Suns, is expected to join his Mavericks team-mates for practice on Tuesday in Los Angeles and make his debut against the Clippers today.

Veerasammy Permaul in action. Devendra Bishoo can be seen in the background

Kyrie Irving joined the Brooklyn Nets from the Boston Celtics in 2019.

Officials from Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and CONMEBOL officially announce their 2030 World Cup bid. Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images

Tricky final day ahead for Windies after

Ballance spurs Zimbabwe declaration

…Balance becomes only the second cricketer to score Test centuries for two countries

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, (CMC) – A combination of their lethargy in the field, a defiant, undefeated fifth Test hundred from former England batsman, Gary Ballance, and his demoralising hundred-run stand with Brandon Mavuta derailed West Indies and enabled Zimbabwe to make a bold declaration in the first Test on Tuesday, setting up an intriguing final day.

In an all-too-familiar turn of events, the Windies surrendered control when Ballance, not out on 137 in his first innings for the land of his birth, and Mavuta, with a career-best 56, set up the Zimbabweans for a declaration on 379 for nine, replying to the Caribbean side’s first innings total of 447 for seven declared, on the third day at the Queen’s Sport Club.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, not out on 11, and fellow opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, not out on 10, batted through 13 overs with little trouble in almost an hour before the close

and carried the visitors to 21 without loss in their second innings, for an overall lead of 89.

The Windies appeared in command when they captured four wickets – two to pacer Alzarri Joseph – in the morning period, and the hosts stumbled to 192 for seven at lunch.

But West Indies missed opportunities off successive balls from left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie to dismiss Mavuta, and he got together with Ballance to add 135 for the eighth wicket and spur a revival that enabled the Zimbabweans to avoid the follow-on and reset the contest.

Fielder Roston Chase misfielded and allowed Mavuta, on four, to retreat safely, after the Zimbabwe No. 9 slapped the second delivery of Motie’s 20th over – the second after lunch – to short third man and took off for a single, but Ballance sent him back, leaving him practically at the point of no return.

Next ball, Jason Holder put down a dolly

Guyana 2nd Development meet Good turnout for Athletics

Athletics Guyana (AG) held their second developmental meet of the year on Sunday last at the National Track & Field Center (NTFC), West Coast Demerara, where they had a decent turnout

of athletes. The athletes would’ve used the event to fine tune themselves ahead of the National Sports Commission-sponsored Junior League next weekend (February 18-19), which will also

serve as the official trials for the 50th junior CARIFTA championships in Bahamas.

Ezekiel Newton (under 20), who won the marquee men’s open 100m, along with

SEE PAGE 28

at mid-off when Mavuta attempted a lofted drive and failed to find the middle of the bat.

For close to two hours, the Windies looked on with resignation, as Ballance, who played 23 Tests for England and scored four hundreds previously, gradually blossomed and reached his milestone from 190 balls when he deposited Motie over the square leg boundary for the second of his two sixes in the penultimate over before tea.

Ballance became only the second

cricketer after former Australia opener and South Africa captain, Kepler Wessels, to score Test hundreds for two countries, and the third to score a hundred on Test debut for Zimbabwe.

The Windies failed to create any other chances to make the breakthrough before tea, and Mavuta followed up the career-best five wickets he took with his leg-spin in the Caribbean side’s innings with a purposeful

Footballer Atsu ‘removed from wreckage with injuries’ after earthquake

FOOTBALLER Christian

Atsu has been pulled from the rubble of a building “with injuries” after the earthquakes in Turkey, his club’s vice-president Mustafa Özat has told Turkish radio.

Atsu, who plays for Hatayspor, was trapped after the earthquakes that have killed at least 4,800 people.

The Ghana forward, 31, played 107 games for Newcastle and has had spells with Chelsea, Everton and Bournemouth.

Hatayspor sporting director Taner Savut is still in the collapsed building.

Hatay was one of the areas closest to the epicentre of the earthquake, and has suffered extensive damage.

“Christian Atsu was removed from the wreckage with injuries,” Özat told Radyo Gol.

“Unfortunately, our sporting director Taner Savut

is still under the rubble.

“Hatay was deeply affected. We are coming towards the end of the most dangerous hours.”

Atsu, who won 65 caps for Ghana, joined Hatayspor in September 2022 after a season with Saudi Arabian team AlRaed.

He scored the winning goal in the 90th minute of Hatay-

spor’s Super Lig match against Kasimpasa on Sunday.

The Ghanaian Football Association tweeted: “We’ve received some positive news that Christian Atsu has been successfully rescued from the rubble of the collapsed building and is receiving treatment. Let’s continue to pray for Christian.(BBC Sport)

Former England batsman, Gary Balance, made an unbeaten 137 to lead a Zimbabwean fightback on day four of the first Test in Bulawayo.

Ezekiel Newton at a previous meet.

Christian Atsu signed for Hatayspor in September 2022.