Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08-12-2024

8th DECEMBER, 2024

'

See Inside No.107650

Balance being maintained between immediate relief, long-term stability - Jagdeo says; confident that macroeconomic framework could accommodate cash-grant initiative without inflationary impact

SEE PAGE

3

Guyana makes steady progress in creating well-trained, capable workforce

SEE PAGE

19

Construction is ongoing at the Technical Training College Inc in Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice

Development bank, similar options being considered for more sources of finance - to advance critical projects, support small-business growth 16

SEE PAGE

Mahipaul claims ignorance in response to questions on coalition’s unethical procurement practices - says PNC-R only interested in the present

SEE PAGE

4

61 Bartica small contractors ink over $100 million in contracts

SEE PAGE

3

2

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Balance being maintained between immediate relief, long-term stability

- Jagdeo says; confident that macroeconomic framework could accommodate cash-grant initiative without inflationary impact AS Guyana continues to chart a bold course towards national development, the opposition has attempted to cast doubt on the positive impact of the $100,000 cash-grant initiative which will put approximately $60 billion into the pockets of Guyanese 18 years and older.

Addressing these concerns, Vice president, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, confidently affirmed that the current economic framework is robust enough to sustain this monumental venture without negative effects.

Speaking at a People’s Progressive Party/C (PPP/C)

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo press conference last Thurs- objectives and constraints.

"We keep a tight look at day, Dr Jagdeo shared that the PPP administration has the real sector and how the done a careful analysis to en- real sector is growing. sure the initiative aligns with “Inflation is a combithe nation's macroeconomic nation of several things. It

is, on the fiscal side, tied to expansionary fiscal policy or to lose monetary policy. And trust me, we are examining all of these variables."

Dr Jagdeo emphasised that the government’s approach remains data-driven, balancing the need for immediate relief with longterm economic stability. The General Secretary noted that among the reasons the government is optimistic about the impact the grant will have on the economy is because the grant is not a reccurring expenditure; ensuring that economic strain is placed on neither the public nor the government’s budget.

"We believe that the resources we are paying out through the cash grant could be accommodated in the macroeconomic framework without it being inflationary," he explained.

The $60 billion initiative, designed to place much-needed funds directly into the pockets of Guyanese citizens, is seen as a strategic move to improve livelihoods while safeguarding the economy.

Dr Jagdeo clarified that while this initiative is a significant step, it does not guarantee a similar disbursement of the same scale in the following year. "It doesn't mean next year that you have to

pay out 60 billion more," he remarked.

Looking ahead, Dr Jagdeo gave the asurance that the administration remains committed to additional interventions aimed at directly benefiting citizens. These measures will align with the government's long-term goals to secure sustainable growth and development for all. As he stated, "As we get resources consistent with our macro plan and consistent with the longterm goals of the country, there will be short-term interventions from time to time to help people directly,” the Vice President said.

61 Bartica small contractors ink over $100 million in contracts

BARTICA’S road network is set for a major upgrade as 61 of the community’s small contractors have signed agreements totalling $122 million under the Ministry of Public Works Urban Road Rehabilitation Programme.

The initiative, described as historic, was launched on Friday by Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Edghill highlighted the significance of the project, noting that it is the first of its kind for the Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) community of Bartica.

“For the first time in the history of Bartica, we are doing what we are doing now,” he said. The contracts, valued between $1.8 million and $2.5 million each, were specifically awarded to small contractors that reside in the region.

Minister Edghill explained that the programme is designed to empower ordinary citizens by bypassing the traditional public bidding process, which often favours larger, wellequipped companies.

The project is expected to provide employment opportunities to over 300 Barticians, significantly boosting the town’s economy

“If you go out to public bid, none of you would be in this room today. The men who got money; the men who got machines, the men who got everything would win the work.

Then you would get called on to do day work, and get a day’s pay. We have been able to change that with clear policy direction to ensure that we empower ordinary people,” he said.

Contractors were urged to complete their projects before December 31. Minister Edghill pointed out that 50 per cent of the contract sum will be disbursed by next Wednesday.

“Depending on how you manage your money, everybody should be smiling for Christmas,” he said. The 61 road projects

were designed to allow simultaneous execution to ensure contractors meet the deadline.

The project is expected to provide employment opportunities to over 300 Barticians, significantly boosting the town’s economy. It also forms part of the government’s broader infrastructure development strategy to improve accessibility, and enhance commuter safety nationwide. Minister Edghill reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusivity under the ‘One Guyana’ initiative, which ensures every Guyanese is a direct beneficiary of development initiatives.

“Your entitlement to the benefits that exist in Guyana must not be

based on your politics; it must be based on the fact that you are Guyanese,” the minister affirmed.

The Mayor of Bartica, Anthony Murray, and the Regional Chairman, Kenneth Williams, have both commended the infrastructural project, describing it as a significant economic boost for the region.

(DPI)

4

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Mahipaul claims ignorance in response to questions on coalition’s unethical procurement practices - says PNC-R only interested in the present

ALTHOUGH boasting of accountability and transparency, People's National Congress-Reform (PNC-R) Executive Member, Ganesh Mahipaul claimed ignorance when questioned about the actions of his colleague and former APNU+AFC Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, and other instances of unethical procurement practices.

On Friday at the PNCR’s weekly news conference, Mahipaul attempted to use an example of a private citizen being awarded contracts to flag what he believed to be a breach of the country’s procurement laws in Region One (Barima-Waini).

However, when pressed on the actions of his fellow opposition colleagues while they were in office, Mahipaul skirted around the questions.

Hughes was accused of awarding government contracts to a company she had ties to while in public office, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest and violations of procurement laws.

The now-opposition MP later admitted in court to have signed cheques for her company and approved invoices sent to her ministry by the company.

Under the Procurement Act of Guyana, public officials are prohibited from engaging in contracts that could create a conflict of interest.

Ganesh Mahipaul

The actions of the then senior member of the coalition government sparked significant public concern, with many questioning whether Hughes’ actions were in violation of the law. At the press conference Friday, Mahipaul was asked directly by this publication about his position on the matter, considering his leadership role in the opposition.

However, he deflected and when pressed further, and seemed increasingly

uncomfortable with the line of questioning. After several deflections, he said: "I do not know if she had removed herself from being the owner of that company, per se at the time. I do not know who are the proprietors of the company at that time, and I don't know what system was used for the procurement. My concern is primarily focused on what is happening now.”

The PNC-R said his party is only focused on

“what is happening now."

This is similar to the actions of the AFC which recently declined to answer questions on its past actions while being a part of the coalition government from 2015-2020.

It was Hughes, an AFC Executive, who shot down questions by a reporter who sought to find out about the party’s involvement in the alleged rigging of the 2020 general and regional elections.

The former minister recently found herself unable to divert from reality while she was responding to questions in the High Court during the libel case she brought against Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo over a “low life” comment.

Specifically, she was asked why she didn’t sue Dr. Jagdeo for his comments on the issue regarding her company, to which she responded by saying she knew he possessed

documents to substantiate his claims.

Hughes, in 2019, had denied the awarding of contracts to her company.

She went as far as to say: “…I was completely unaware of the award of any contract to Video Mega Productions.”

Hughes had claimed that she was informed that the contract was for the production of three 60-second television Public Service Announcements (PSAs)to the value of $832,200. However, with the provision of supporting documents, this figure was later proved to be untrue, and a severe underestimation.

It was widely reported that Video Mega Productions Limited, secured contracts totalling over $6 million. Hughes’ actions were seen as a clear conflict of interest, since she held a position of influence.

5

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Library opened at Campbelltown Primary School in Region 8

IN a major boost to literacy and access to educational resources, the Ministry of Education has launched a fully equipped library in the hinterland community of Campbelltown.

The facility, inaugurated

by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Friday is part of the Ministry’s Libraries in Primary Schools Initiative, aimed at fostering a culture of reading and lifelong learning in schools across the country.

The library, housed within the newly commissioned Campbelltown Primary School, is designed to serve the school’s 48 students. Its collection features a diverse range of books, including storybooks, educational materials, reference texts, and general interest reading for all ages.

The library, housed within the newly commissioned Campbelltown Primary School, is designed to serve the school’s 48 students (Photos: Ministry of Education)

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Education emphasised the critical role of libraries in empowering communities and building brighter futures.

"To the teachers in this school, with the guidance of HM, you have done so beautifully in bringing together this library. This is the kind of space that can change

your children's lives. It's not only the classrooms, it's what they get from these books as well," the Education Minister said.

The Libraries in Primary Schools Initiative is a cornerstone of the ministry’s strategy to improve literacy rates nationwide by integrating libraries into primary schools, particularly in remote and

underserved areas.

The programme also includes literacy workshops, teacher training, and regular updates to library collections to ensure relevance and engagement.

The Campbelltown Primary School library features comfortable reading areas, fostering a welcoming environment for young learners

her injuries at New Amsterdam Hospital. She was subsequently arrested, charged and remanded into custody for several days.

However, the prosecution submitted that it was Angel who attacked her lover on January 9, 2020, after he went to her home complaining of feeling unwell.

The prosecution submitted that Vanooten was doused with hot oil, suffering severe first and second-degree burns to his face, neck, arms, and torso.

He was initially admitted to New Amsterdam Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he took self-discharge in March 2020. Vanooten later claimed that the attack was sparked by a dispute over money he had left with Angel, which she could not account for. Angel and Vanooten had reportedly commenced an intimate relationship in June 2019.

Defence attorney Kevin Morgan represented Angel throughout the trial.

KEVIN Charles, a 19-year-old homeless man, appeared before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith Mc Gusty at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court on Friday, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery under arms. The court heard that on November 30, 2024, Charles, along with an accomplice, committed a robbery on Water Street in Georgetown.

During the robbery, Charles and his accomplice stole a Samsung phone valued at $45,000 and a black wallet containing $10,000 in cash. The total value of the stolen items amounted to $57,000. In his guilty plea, Charles admitted to being intoxicated at the time of the crime.

Initially, Charles claimed to have acted alone, but later identified Dominique Eastman, a resident of "B" Field, Sophia, Georgetown, as his accomplice.

Charles revealed that he had used a knife during the robbery, physically grabbing the victim’s jersey, while Eastman took the wallet.

Although the stolen items were returned to the victim, Charles admitted that the $10,000 in cash was already spent. However, he contested the victim's claim, asserting that the wallet contained only $6,000.

Charles shared with the court

and adult users alike. Plans are underway to introduce literacy programmes, book clubs, and interactive sessions, further cementing the library’s role as a hub of knowledge and community development.

Parents and residents of Campbelltown have warmly welcomed the initiative, recognising its potential to

bridge educational gaps and provide valuable opportunities for their children.

The establishment of the Campbelltown library reflects the Ministry of Education’s commitment to equitable access to educational resources. It is a vital step in ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of geography.

Berbice woman found not Teen pleads guilty to armed robbery on Water Street guilty of attempting to murder former partner

THIRTY-four-year-old Latoya Angel of East Canje, Berbice, was found not guilty before Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul, of two charges: attempted murder and wounding with intent.

The verdict was returned last week at the High Court in Berbice.

The case stemmed from an incident involving her former lover, Danny Vanooten, in January 2020, when she allegedly poured hot oil on him during a domestic dispute.

The court heard that on January 8, 2020, Vanooten, 54, visited Angel's home after feeling unwell. He brought tablets, but a disagreement arose over where to place them.

Later, Angel's teenage daughter testified that she heard arguing, followed by the sound of a slap and then her mother crying. This argument escalated into an altercation, with Vanooten reportedly threatening to break all of Angel’s bones.

The following day, after

Latoya Angel

Angel's children left home, she reportedly asked Vanooten to leave. This request enraged him, and according to Angel, he physically assaulted her, dragging her to the bedroom, hitting her with a cutlass. Vanooten reportedly said to her: “You think is so, you does walk in people life, and walk out."

After the assault, Angel went to the Reliance Police Station, where she made a report and was treated for

Robbery Accused Kevin Charles that he had been living on the streets since the age of 14, due to a lack of family support. He revealed that his mother struggles with alcoholism, and his father is bedridden, further explaining his circumstances.

Given the seriousness of the offence and his lack of a fixed address, Magistrate Mc Gusty remanded Charles to prison until January 3, 2025, for sentencing. A probation report was ordered to assist in determining an appropriate sentence for the young man.

This is not Charles' first encounter with the law. In February 2024, he and Eastman were charged with another robbery on Water Street. In that instance, the victim was stripped of an iPhone 12, valued at $120,000, and $20,000 in cash. Both Charles and Eastman denied the charges during their initial court appearance.

At that time, the prosecutor opposed bail, citing Charles’ transient lifestyle as a risk.

Despite being remanded, both men were later granted bail.

6

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

The Intellectual Deficit

THE recent comments

by Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), have shed light on a critical issue plaguing our opposition parties: an alarming intellectual deficit.

At the heart of this matter lies the troubling lack of experience and expertise within the ranks of the parliamentary opposition.

Dr Jagdeo's observations reveal a stark contrast be-

tween the seasoned professionals leading the current administration and the relatively inexperienced figures at the helm of opposition parties.

Consider the case of Ganesh Mahipaul, an opposition parliamentarian whose recent statements regarding election results demonstrate a concerning lack of political acumen.

His willingness to accept victory under conditions his party deems unfair,

while simultaneously threatening to challenge unfavourable results, exposes a dangerous inconsistency in principles.

The importance of experience in governance cannot be overstated. The complex challenges facing Guyana require leaders who possess not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical expertise in policy-making and management. The current administration, led by in-

dividuals with extensive backgrounds in public service, finance, and military leadership, stands in stark contrast to an opposition frontbench lacking such credentials.

As Guyana stands on the precipice of unprecedented economic growth and development, we cannot afford to gamble our future on untested leadership.

The PPP/C's track record of lifting the country out of debt and setting it on a

path to prosperity speaks volumes about the value of experienced governance.

Our opposition parties must recognise this intellectual deficit and take steps to address it. Rather than making "policy on the run," they must invest in developing their members' expertise and understanding of complex governmental issues. Only then can they hope to contribute meaningfully to national discourse.

While a robust opposition is crucial for a healthy democracy, that opposition must be intellectually equipped to handle the complexities of modern governance.

As we look to the future, let us demand more from our political leaders across the spectrum, ensuring that Guyana's interests are served by those best prepared to navigate the challenges ahead.

The opposition wants to destroy GECOM’s credibility

Dear Editor, THE collective effort by the Opposition political parties (APNU+AFC and ANUG/ TNM/LJP) represented in the National Assembly to launch a relentless attack on Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh has stemmed from the ignorance of the three parties that formed the joinder list to contest the 2020 elections and due to which they garnered enough surplus votes to be allocated one seat.

ANUG/TNM/LJP formed an alliance through the joinder-list provision to contest the elections. One of the primary positions of this arrangement of these three parties, having won a seat in the National Assembly was that they would share the seat on a rotational basis, i.e., something not provided for in the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), Chapter 1:03.

Notwithstanding the fact that they have lawyers of the highest repute among this collective, not a single person from within these three parties recognised, discovered or ac-

knowledged that the RoPA is very specific on how the seat should be allocated.

In their state of blind ignorance, the representatives of the joinder list correctly submitted the name of Mr Lennox Shuman to be appointed a Member of Parliament. Upon the resignation of Mr. Shuman as a MP, the representatives of the three parties, having been lawfully notified by the Speaker of the National Assembly that a vacancy existed and needed to be filled, three representatives of the joinder lists submitted the name of Dr. Asha Kissoon, to the Speaker, as the person to fill the vacancy.

Apparently, at this time, one Mr Gerald Forde had resigned from the TNM and was replaced as Representative of the List of this party via internal manoeuvres.

It is now public knowledge, through a pronouncement that was made by GECOM’s Legal Officer, that Section 97(5) of that Act, Representation of the People Act provides that the seats allocated to a combination of lists,

as in this case where the LJP, TNM and ANUG joined their lists, had to be further ‘allocated among the lists comprised in the combination’ in accordance with section 97(2) and (3). Considering that only one seat was allocated to that combination, Section 97(3) (a) mandated that this ‘one seat shall be allocated to the list with the largest number of surplus votes’.

As the LJP had the largest number of surplus votes of the parties in the combination, that seat had to be allocated to the LJP. There is no allowance for that seat to be rotated among the parties in the combination.

Editor, the truth of this matter are as follows: 1. It is clear that, at the time that the three joinder parties entered into their ‘agreement’, and notwithstanding the existence of legal luminaries among their membership, they were ignorant of the provision that prohibits the sharing of a parliamentary seat as is the case in point.

2. At the time of the extraction of the name of Dr.

Kissoon, and her consequential appointment as a Member of Parliament, there was no objection, including none from Mr. Gerald Forde, to her appointment accordingly.

3. A controversy erupted when Dr Kissoon refused to demit office as a MP upon the expiry of the term for which her name was submitted to the Speaker, based on an agreement between the joinder parties. Since then, we have witnessed the emergence of Mr. Gerald Forde claiming that he, in his capacity of Representative of the List of the TNM, did not extract the name of Dr Kissoon from his party’s list. This led to him writing GECOM so informing and calling for the commission to take action which would result in the removal of Dr Kissoon from the National Assembly.

However, GECOM apparently for its on reason, appears to have taken no action in this regard.

4. Consequent upon the pronouncement of the GECOM legal officer on the matter, there has been a

resurrection of the agitation of the joinder parties, now with vigorous support from the APNU/AFC, to have Dr. Kissoon removed from Parliament through some kind of perceived action by the GECOM Chairperson. This incitement has reached an upsurge wherein this matter is being used in the vilest manner to malign the integrity of the GECOM Chairperson, while none of those who are involved in this despicable effort has done no introspection which would have resulted in their recognition of the very finger pointing back at them for their embarrassing illiteracy about the central issue. None will take or accept blame. Why do so when they can singly and together make the GECOM Chairman their ‘whipping girl,’ thereby deflecting attention from themselves about their now disconcerting folly.

5. Meanwhile, it would appear that the thing to do would be to test the matter in court to determine whether GECOM has the authority to overturn the appointment

of Dr. Kissoon as a Member of Parliament; whether the Speaker has the authority to declare the seat vacant even while it continues to be occupied by Dr. Kissoon, and whether the court has the authority to intervene in the operations of Parliament. I daresay that this seems to be the logical thing to do under the prevailing circumstances.

However, instead of showing that they have the testicular apparatus to so do, the leaders of the aforementioned parties prefer to focus their loathsome attacks on the GECOM Chairperson.

Editor, this matter, like so many similar others that permeate our newsprint and airwaves, indicates clearly that there is a deliberate, sustained, poorly-concealed strategy by the collective APNU/AFC/LJP/ANUG/ TNM aimed at undermining confidence in the GECOM Chairman and, by extension, in the conduct and outcome of the General Elections to be held next year.

Sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin

7

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

The Freudian instincts in politicians must be discussed

AT an AFC press conference, Mrs Cathy Hughes in response to a journalist’s question on the role of the AFC in the five-month election disaster (it was not a fiasco or debacle; it was a horror show) of 2020, chose not to answer the question and advised the reporter that the AFC prefers not to dwell on the past but concentrate on the present time.

The reason for her reaction is simple: if you omit the past and discuss the current period in Guyana, then you are talking only about the ruling party, since that party is in power. If you entertain debates about the past, the AFC’s credibility will not survive. So, Mrs Hughes sought refuge in this moment of time. But it is unfair to the PPP, the citizenry, political polemics and Guyana’s intellectual climate to refuse to look at the past.

If a 25-year-old university graduate who just entered politics had taken the route Mrs Hughes took then, it would have been both logical and understandable. That graduate could say that he/she is brand new to politics, wasn’t part of the political landscape back then and feels comfortable discussing the present time. Mrs Hughes does not have that luxury.

She has been in politics for 13 years now, sitting for those 13 years as a parliamentarian and those 13 years as a senior Cabinet minister. By what reasoning one

should not discuss Mrs Hughes’s past exercise of power? The past is a priceless guide to the future. Knowledge of past events helps us to understand the world we are living in and it empowers us to try to shape the future.

More importantly, the past character and present personality of the individual are intricately linked and cannot be separated. Who we are when we achieve adulthood came about by the way we handled our Freudian instincts in our early evolution.

If we delink the past from the present, we will never understand ourselves, other people and human nature, although Sigmund Freud said he had a problem defining the term, human nature and didn’t think it could be adequately defined.

I don’t think there is any greater case study in Guyana of the Freudian instincts of the past dictating the present than Eusi Kwayana.

If Mrs Hughes studies Freud and applies him to Kwayana, she will see how important it is to know about the past of politicians who we vote to rule us.

Freud argues there are some congenital instincts (instincts we are born with) that do not gel with reality. So we use different mechanisms to make sure those instincts do not leave the ID where they naturally belong. The EGO and SUPEREGO act as a buffer against the ID. So the EGO manages the inherent unstable instincts in

the ID through two important mechanisms – sublimation and repression.

I believe Kwayana repressed and sublimated his angry Afro-centricity through anti-Burnham activism.

Once Burnham and his protégés were off the scene the Freudian Afro-centricity escaped from the ID and took refuge in Kwayana’s consciousness and the manifestation was the March 2020 elections.

Kwayana saw the March 2020 election as an episode of African bewilderment and African survival needs. Since the Freudian instincts were now openly directing him, Kwayana could only see the election in ethnic terms. For him, the defeat of Granger, Clive Thomas and other Afro-centred politicians was the coming of the relegation of African Guyanese once more, a fear that tormented his psyche in the 1960s, thus his exclamation that Guyana should consider partition.

The identical Freudian instinct that led Kwayana to refuse to condemn the election-rigging was expressed in one of the top hierarchical leaders in the AFC in July 2020. That person openly said in a virtual meeting with the executives of the AFC that given what was taking place with the election and Africans might be out of power, it is best that Guyana have an ethnic partition.

I apologise to my readers for the Kwayana and Freud diversion

but I believe it is relevant to weaken the perspective of Cathy Hughes that we should talk about the present and not the past. This is not only a philosophically empty statement but one that seeks to deny Guyanese voters their entitlement to know about the Freudian past of the people who want to rule them.

The saying that the

past is the guide to the future is one that is accepted by most humans in this world.

Maybe we should not care about the expressions of the Freudian ghosts of the ordinary man because they can’t harm us.

We should be on a perpetual watch for those who have dangerous instincts in their IDs and those instincts once

escaped and harmed us.

I am referring to certain politicians who should never rule Guyana after March 2020.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this c o l u m n a re s o l e l y those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

8

Politics or Plastic: all eyes on Asia

SOUTH Korea has been in the limelight for most of last week, but unfortunately, Guyanese who rely on local media outlets for their daily intake of news might have only heard about one of three very important events.

The least important bit of news from a country 13 hours ahead of us is the one that got a small amount of local coverage. Just a few days ago, we learned that South Korea signed an Air Service Agreement with Guyana to promote and facilitate travel between the two countries.

Hardly anyone I know is talking about this and perhaps for good reasons that have to do with the second bit of South Korean news.

President Yoon Suk Yeol stunned his nation and the international community when he suspended civilian rule last Tuesday night. He

was eventually forced to reverse course after lawmakers threatened to impeach him.

Yoon apologised but refused to quit.

Still, opposition parties introduced a motion to impeach him. That vote was held yesterday as more than 150,000 protested outside the National Assembly in Seoul.

Yoon survived because his party’s lawmakers walked out of the assembly.

Yoon’s failed attempt to impose martial law eclipsed the third and most important news coming out of South Korea this last week.

A stone’s throw from the stunning beaches and bustling markets of Busan, on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, with the Yellow Sea to the south and the Sea of Japan to the east, 3,300 participants from over 170 countries were gathered at the

UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) on Plastic Pollution.

Mandated by a 2022 UN Environment Assembly resolution, the treaty negotiations sought to address the full life cycle of plastic -- production, design and disposal -- through an international, legally binding instrument.

More than 100 nations that sent representatives at the fifth and final UN meeting wanted to cap production, but unfortunately, the meeting broke up without a legally binding global treaty to curb plastic pollution.

Big Oil, such as ExxonMobil, wanted the focus to be on managing plastic waste. Participants accused China, the United States, India, South Korea and Saudi Arabia - the top five primary polymer-producing nations, of derailing negotiations to cap plastic production, val-

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

ued at $100-billion. Had an agreement been reached, the treaty would have been one of the most significant deals relating to environmental protection since the Paris Agreement of 2015.

The failure to reach a deal in Busan came days after the turbulent conclusion of the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. In Baku, countries set a new global target to mobilise $300B annually in climate finance, an amount that small island states deemed to be an insult.

Without limits on production, plastic is expected to triple by 2060. Microplastics are now in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and our soil and more alarming, it is now showing up in our bodies and even in human breast milk, signalling untold consequences for human health and reproduction.

According to the 2023 UN Environment Programme report, women and children are susceptible to more than 3,200 chemicals found in plastics. Every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks of plastics

is dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers and lakes. According to some estimates, 10 million tons of plastic end up in the sea every year. Can you just imagine 199 million tons of plastic bobbing around the world’s oceans? In weight, that’s equivalent to nearly a million blue whales.

Fossil-fuel producers argue that plastic pollution is a result of poor waste management. But it ignores the fact that plastics are hard to break down and after decades of smart waste management, only nine per cent of global plastic is being recycled. And according to the United Nations Environment Programme, 12 percent is being incinerated; the rest is either still in use, in landfills or polluting the environment.

A few months ago, the Protected Area Commission and the Policy Forum Guyana hosted the “Waste to Win” competition. Fifty-four participants from 17 schools were awarded prizes; good for them to participate. The 27 teams that focused on plastic waste col-

lected 28,321 plastic bottles.

Why does it take students to clean up our waste? Shame on us.

According to a recent study by Utility Bidder, Guyana is a major contributor to plastic pollution. We are ranked sixth with 35.20 kilogrammes of plastic waste per person, much of it ending up in the Atlantic Ocean. Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that Guyanese produce 0.77 kilogrammes of solid waste per person per day.

Notwithstanding some of the amazing initiatives that are already in place, every one of us has to do much more to curb the convenience that comes with single-use plastic products.

We can start by refusing to drink our water from plastic bottles.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

‘This time nah lang time’

HISTORY is replete with examples of the peaceful transitions of power in democracies.

In these countries, central political figures have always agreed before or after the polls to yield to the will of the people or voters in an election once the official results of the elections body are declared.

They phone or write the winner congratulating him/ her on the victory at the polls or simply stay calm, and say nothing that would cause a widespread conflict or impair the transition process. They calmly step aside and allow the system of governance to transition, while they make their way to the courts to seek some relief if they have evidence of fraud or election skulduggery.

Similarly, history would also show countless instances when governments or central political figures refused to give up power. This is the case for certain Middle Eastern and African countries and a sprinkling of other countries.

There were cases where they held onto power because they felt the elections were fraudulent, not free or fair. Other cases would even see them holding out and not conceding defeat, which in turn led to violence and conflicts that significantly destroyed the moral, ethnic, cultural and economic fabric of their societies.

Closer to home, there has been no recorded case of this type of behaviour affecting the other countries of the region, except Guyana.

Since Guyana gained independence, we have struggled and toyed with various models and governments. The 1968 and 1972 elections were fraudulent but the PNC who won them was allowed by the then opposition PPP to rule. So were the elections of 1980 and 1985, but again PPP allowed the PNC to govern while it continued to find ways to expose the electoral fraud that was taking place, in some instances, right before their eyes.

1992 was a watershed moment in this country and brought the PPP to victory and government because the first free, fair, and free-from-fear elections were held. After the 1997, 2001, 2006, and 2011 elections, the APNU+AFC Coalition finally won. The incumbent PPP at that time was tempted to hold on to power and fight, but swiftly oversaw what now has been a seamless transition of power to the APNU+AFC coalition.

It was peaceful and not violent.

Fast-track to 2020 when the APNU+AFC lost but tried to rig the elections. David Granger, for whatever reason, tried to become president again three times with false declarations being made by his inner circle.

They held onto power for five months past the elections. Some historians would claim a twoyear and two-month period. But the international community, GECOM, the Guyanese public, and the PPP made life uncom-

fortable for them and stood up to APNU+AFC. The PPP eventually was declared the winner and Granger lost power.

A new tide of change gripped the country and one would have thought that the APNU+AFC and their agents would know not to test the resolve of GECOM, the Guyanese public or the international community again, as there was zero tolerance for cheating, rigging, electoral fraud or skullduggery. It would not be stomached again.

But, here comes PNC, which was hiding in the bowels of the APNU+AFC coalition until the coalition vomited it up and it was forced to go its way, talking some very worrying things and giving hints about its plan for elections in 2025.

Firstly, recall that one of its so-called ‘Circle of Elders’, former prime minister, Hamilton Greene, justified the rigging of elections. It was in February this year. He said, “If, as I told one of the groups that I met this [last Friday] morning they say he rigged elections, I say we should keep rigging to save us from these devils, these bastards, these demons that we have.”

He then was forced to clarify, later apologising for the “harsh” words and “lapsus linguae” but not before the party leader Aubrey Norton and newcomer Ganesh Mahipaul sought to pour cold water and explain away what they thought their elder meant.

It was clear as day that Green was letting the cat out the bag and ‘rigging’ was thought of as a ‘PNC-way of winning elections’ in this country. Why else would the party allow him to say what he said and to whom he said it? The truth was Green was not aware there would be cameras at the event.

Secondly, the public saw a headline flashed about a media house which read, “PNCR will accept election victory with a bad voters list.”

They were taken back by the double standard, hypocrisy and duplicity. In reading the article one would understand that it to be the position of the PNC or at least Mahipaul.

So, in essence, only if the party loses the upcoming elections with the same voters' list, which they have complained about, then the elections are fraudulent, not credible, and free or fair? Make it make sense.

But it does make sense to a political mind and all politicians could smell what’s coming next. The PNC has been making a case without any legitimate reason or evidence, all this time, against GECOM and Claudette Singh. They have tricked some of us into thinking they cannot win and would not accept victory, because the list is bad and un-sanitised. They fooled the Guyanese public on all the electoral problems that they are raising in the public sphere about GECOM and the voters' list.

They are laying the ground-

work because despite their confidence, the PNC and its grandma knows that the writing is on the wall that the PPP will win the next elections with flying colours. Mahipaul did not mean to ‘misspeak’ but he told the public a very dangerous thing.

He said that the PNC would not accept the results come 2025 if they lose the elections and sought to bamboozle the public by attempting to qualify his statements.

Thirdly, this is the second time that the public has witnessed what the PNC would say ‘is not their position’. Well, maybe, the media would ask Norton if he would accept the election results if they are largely considered to be free and fair in 2025.

The government and GECOM must guard against

any possible event of the country being held to ransom because of any political party's expectation of how the polls will go. Both the PNC and PPP will duel fairly in the lead-up to and during the elections, but must be miles away while GECOM declares the official winner.

And, there can be an inquest into all allegations of wrongdoing, but that must come only when GECOM or the courts decide. The country must respect the law. And, whoever wins the 2025 polls must demonstrate political maturity and concede defeat. Nothing else, apart from what is spelt out in law, will suffice.

This notion that a politician or party could hold the country at ransom is dangerous and worrisome. After all, if the

PNC does not act maturely now, there are legal systems that could be explored to make every political actor know their place. The will of the people and the constitution are supreme not the will of the freedom house or congress place.

Finally, GECOM continues to be maligned and has its name unfairly slaughtered by the PNC and its agents. Nothing is wrong with the list that cannot be fixed by the continuous registration cycle. Norton, Manipaul and others know this. By their admission, the list is not the problem here.

The real problem seems to be a lack of ideas and plans by the opposition. The opposition

does not want to work but expects to be paid handsomely when it is elections. This is the root and germane cause of all the opposition woes.

If you don’t want to work, will the opposition rig the polls next year? Yes! The public will be looking and the politicians waiting with bated breath for the PNC to attempt to rig the 2025. Listen this time, nah long time…

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

10

A funny thing happened... (cont’d)

THE driver took a route I was unfamiliar with.

And I was not the only one. A couple who wanted the Massey Store, just off the East Bank road, barely realised in time that they needed to get off the bus, which was 'backtracking'.

I had already told the driver I wanted the station, though I didn't name it. So, a passenger who heard me suddenly called out, "Auntie, look we passin de station!"

Without checking I jumped out of the bus, only to find myself in an

area - Jardin du Providence - I had never visited before, in front of that area's brand-new police station.

I was lost. Looking behind me and to my left I saw cars moving steadily along a roadway and headed there

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

only to discover that this was actually a part of the dual carriageway, Heroes Highway.

A friendly policeman, who was doing traffic stops, redirected me to the same spot where I got off the bus. "Yuh gun get a bus from right there to go to Diamond," he reassured me.

By this time, I was hot and bothered having walked a couple of long corners to the highway and back. I wanted nothing more to do with this bus route and decided to cross the road and board the first bus headed back to Georgetown.

Soon a bus came along and I jumped in with relief, only getting my bearings when it finally emerged on the East Bank Road, at the junction with the Providence Police Station I knew.

I told the driver I w o u l d g e t o ff t h e r e , planning to join a bus for Grove and suddenly remembering the Grove Police station situated just a stone's throw from my home.

As I reached out to pay the driver, I realised he was the same person who had dropped me at the Jardin du Providence station and who was looking at me with a slightly quizzical expression.

I could not help but suppress a laugh while gritting my teeth and thinking, "If you only knew...!" Travel weary I crossed the road and soon joined a bus to Grove, getting off at the corner of what is called, 'Station

Street'!

When I finally made the report of my lost purse, I was told that I needed an affidavit. At this point, I decided I had had quite enough for one day and slowly made my way home.

THE AFTERMATH The following day in a mini bus headed to a friend, the purse suddenly appeared in the bag.

For a few minutes, I sat stunned, stupidly wondering how this could be.

Then it dawned on me.

I had been rummaging in the bag in a 'last ditch' attempt to find the purse because I always had a lingering feeling in the back of my mind that I had not left it on that 'greens' stand.

As I poked around in one of the smaller pockets, a larger compartment, concealed with a press stud against the outer wall of the bag, had come open revealing the purse.

I could not believe that I had not detected the purse though I had searched the bag several times and did not even remember putting it there.

This made me think of a commonly held belief, particularly among men, that women's handbags are generally too big and always too cluttered.

Then as I laughed to myself, my grandson's voice echoed once more in my head - this time commenting on his "grandma" feeling she had lost her purse and laughing to herself in a minibus - "Grandma... old age".

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

US EXIM Bank’s preliminary approval of support for gas project a big win for Guyana

THE United States Export-Import Bank has granted preliminary approval for a loan requested by the Government of Guyana to support the country's gas-to-energy project.

Guyana's Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, stated that the approved amount exceeds US$500 million and will cover the cost of materials exported from the United States to Guyana for the project.

This preliminary approval is a significant achievement for Guyana, which had waited over a year for the bank to review its application.

The application will now be submitted to the United States Congress and is currently in a 30-day notification period, after which it will return to the bank's board for final approval.

This development is essential because it indicates that the bank believes the gas-to-energy project is viable and capable of achieving its goal of providing low emissions, natural gas-fired power to the people of Guyana. It is expected to lower electricity rates for consumers and reduce emissions related to power generation.

The lengthy approval process suggests that the bank carefully considered the decision to grant preliminary authorisation, which employs rigorous procedures to vet applications, including an extensive environmental review process. In this case, the bank evaluated multiple documents, including the project's environmental impact assessment, to assess the project's potential environmental impacts.

Additionally, the bank

allowed public feedback regarding environmental concerns associated with the gas-to-energy project.

The government of Guyana has already allocated significant funds for the project's development phase. While awaiting loan approval, the government began disbursing substantial amounts from the treasury in 2022 to facilitate contractors’ works.

Public documents indicate that parliamentary approval has been granted for over US$800 million to support the main development of the project onshore located at Wales, as well as other initiatives such as consultancies and transmission infrastructural upgrades.

The government has expressed strong confidence in the project, which is why it chose to invest public funds while waiting for assistance from the bank. Therefore, when the bank's loan is finalised, it will retroactively finance the project by reimbursing some of the funds previously disbursed by the government.

ExxonMobil Guyana, responsible for building the pipeline, has completed its mechanical installation. Exxon is now awaiting the completion of the 300-megawatt power plant and the NGL separation plant being built at Wales. It is anticipated that all necessary infrastructure will be in place later in 2025, allowing Exxon to transport the first gas from offshore for power generation. This will enable Guyanese people to benefit from cheaper, more environmentally friendly power, helping to stabilise electricity delivery in the country.

The gas-to-energy

project is expected to have a revolutionary impact on the manufacturing sector. The historically high cost and instability of electricity have deterred

investments in Guyana. Once the project is operational, it will address many of these issues, making Guyana a far more attractive investment destination.

The government plans to keep the heavy fuel oil power plants as reserves as it shifts to gas-fired power. This transition will help cut costs associated with

expensive heavy fuel-oil imports. Since the natural gas will be sourced from Guyana itself, the country will achieve energy independence.

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Guyana, China to work on reducing trade barriers - GNBS signs MoU with China Standards Administration

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (National Standardisation Administration) of the People’s Republic of China (SAMR/ SAC) have entered into a groundbreaking partnership aimed at enhancing co-operation in the field of standardisation.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on Friday with both parties expressing their commitment to advancing technical innovation and reducing trade barriers through harmonised standards.

Executive Director of GNBS, Trevor Bassoo and China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan signed the MoU that will better streamline the standardisation practices of both nations, improving trade

Both parties expressed their commitment to advancing technical innovation and reducing trade barriers through harmonised standards

Executive Director of GNBS, Trevor Bassoo, and outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, signed the MoU, which is set to foster collaboration in international standardisation, information sharing, and the adoption of standards that align with international guidelines; particularly in key areas such as climate change, smart city development, digital technology, and sustainable development.

Bassoo emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating, “This MoU signals a strengthened relationship between the Standards Bodies of Guyana and China. The signing of this MoU is a symbol of our commitment towards improving trade relationships through the development and promotion of Standardisation.”

F u r t h e r, h e n o t e d , “There is a lot we can learn from the people of China, especially in the area of technology and we intend to make the best of the opportunities. We also extend our open arms to co-operate with our counterparts in China and lend support in areas that we can.”

In her remarks, Ambassador Haiyan shared, “I am happy that we can sign this MoU today. I believe that the signing of this MoU will help to lower costs and further improve the quality of our economies, and this is very important to us.

This MoU opens doors for potential investments between our countries moving forward.”

The Ambassador further added, “This is a significant moment for us, and I am proud to state this partnership will be mutually beneficial for China as well;

there are many opportunities to learn from each other in areas of Standardisation.”

The MoU tackles a number of areas and key aspects that will ensure the development of trade between the two countries.

Among the interesting aspects of the agreement is the exchange of Information, which comes in the form of sharing of national standards, publications, and best practices. Collaboration in joint research and workshops will also be done, with the two nations aiming to organise workshops and conduct joint research in specific fields.

Moreover, training will also be facilitated, to promote standardisation capacity building through bilateral training programmes. Additionally, the MoU caters for vibrant participation, with both nations participating in each other's important activities throughout the sector.

The MoU also aims to integrate standardisation resources into the Standards Information Platform among Belt and Road Partner Countries of Africa, Europe and Asia, fostering greater accessibility and use of standards information by stakeholders.

This agreement will remain in force for five years and can be renewed upon mutual agreement. It signifies a strong step forward in aligning Guyana’s standards with international best practices, ultimately benefitting industries and consumers alike.

This collaboration promises to enhance Guyana’s economic and industrial landscape while reinforcing its commitment to international co-operation in standardisation.

13

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Local firm leads private sector delegation at Wilson Centre event in Miami

ACE Consulting Group–Guyana’s premier strategic advisory and consultancy firm– proudly led the sponsorship of the Wilson Centre Latin America Programme’s prestigious Gala and Dinner in Miami on Thursday, where His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali was honoured for his unwavering commitment to climate change action and biodiversity conservation.

Alongside their partners from Guyana–NewHayven Merchant Bank and SVC Inc.–the ACE Consulting Group congratulates President Ali’s leadership in advancing Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, a global model

that balances economic growth with environmental preservation. The event attracted high-level U.S. government leaders, corporate CEOs, and distinguished figures from across the Americas.

Dr. Rosh Khan, President of ACE Consulting Group, stated: "Sponsoring this event and celebrating President Ali’s achievements was an incredible honour. His leadership exemplifies the values we champion at ACE Consulting Group, particularly the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges."

Attending the Gala alongside Dr. Khan were ACE Consulting Group’s Vice President, Mr. Wazim Mowla, and a group

President Dr Irfaan Ali (centre) with Dr. Rosh Khan, President of ACE Consulting Group (left) and Wazim Mowla, the VP of ACE Consulting Group

of special invitees. Their presence underscored the firm’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue on climate resilience and sustainable development. Mr. Mowla added:

"Guyana’s growing global brand is becoming synonymous with international leadership across climate resilience, clean energy production, and environmental conservation. It’s a

welcome sight to see U.S. organisations recognise this and we are confident that this is one of many recognitions Guyana will receive in this space in the coming years.”

“This event was a testament to the power of leadership and partnerships in shaping a sustainable future. ACE Consulting Group remains dedicated to playing a proactive role in advancing these critical conversations."

The Wilson Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions by the Wilson Centre, honours individuals whose leadership significantly contributes to sustainability, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

ACE Consulting Group’s participation in this distinguished event highlights its role as a local firm that is promoting Guyana’s achievements on the global stage and supporting impactful initiatives.

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Historic! New Forest residents to get electricity for the first time before Christmas

RESIDENTS of New Forest, East Canje Berbice, are celebrating an historic milestone, as they will finally receive electricity for the first time ever, this year, just in time for the Christmas season.

This long-awaited development has brought immense excitement to the community, as the introduction of reliable electricity will improve daily life, enhance safety, and open up new opportunities for local businesses and education.

The timing of this achievement makes it even more meaningful, allowing residents to enjoy a brighter and more convenient holiday season.

On Saturday, Minister of Finance and Public

Minister of Finance and Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh addressing residents of New Forest, East Canje Berbice

Service Dr. Ashni Singh visited New Forest, where he met with the joyful residents. During his visit, Dr. Singh reflected on a meeting with the community earlier this year, when he learnt

that the community had never been connected to the grid; an issue that deeply resonated with him, so much so that he shared his own experiences of growing up without reliable elec-

tricity.

“And so, when I came here this year and I heard the stories of families whose children were doing homework with lamp lights, I felt very strongly at the time that there is no place in today’s modern Guyana where you should have a significant population sufficiently close to the national grid without electricity,” he said.

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Singh, knowing President Irfaan Ali's commitment to the issue, he took immediate action, assuring the community that this government would bring electricity to New Forest. Following this, he had a discussion with the President, who had also discovered that several communities in the Upper Corentyne area, and Mara, East Bank Berbice, were without electricity.

“And the President instructed immediately that we should ensure those homes be given electricity,” he said.

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Singh, President Ali told him to ensure that these three communities get electricity in the shortest possible time. “And I am delighted that we were able to achieve this instruction given by our President,” he said.

The residents of New Forest also expressed their immense joy at the

For the first time ever, New Forest will be connected to GPL’s grid

prospect of having direct access to electricity.

They shared that this development will significantly improve their daily lives, making tasks easier and more efficient.

For many, the arrival of electricity represents a major step forward in enhancing their quality of life, and some even noted that they have already completed the wiring of their houses, and are awaiting the connection.

Dr. Singh noted that after the wiring is completed, the Guyana Power & Light Inc. (GPL) will work closely to ensure the certification, inspection, and connection are carried out, so that residents can “flip their switches in time for Christmas”.

He told the residents gathered, “I want to see some nice Christmas lights.”

Additionally, he noted that while the project is based on the delivery of electricity, there is a bigger picture.

“Our government’s principal objective; this People’s Progressive Party government led by Irfaan Ali, is to ensure

that the lives of every single Guyanese, irrespective of where they live, are improved,” Dr. Singh said.

He explained that while the needs of different communities vary, the government continues to work aroundthe-clock to ensure that those needs are met.

Also present at the location on Saturday was Regional Vice-Chairman Zamal Hussain, who played a key role in ensuring the project was completed on time.

His efforts were instrumental in making this long-awaited development a reality for the community.

Meanwhile, GPL officials on the ground p ro v i d e d M i n i s t e r Singh with an update on Saturday; they stated that the project has been completed in Crabwood Creek, on the Upper Corentyne, while it is ongoing for Mara, on the Upper East Bank Berbice.

The utility company has already secured the majority of the pole placements within Mara.

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Monkey Mountain gets new nursery school

THE Ministry of Education continues its drive to improve early childhood education with the commissioning of the new

Monkey Mountain Nursery School on Friday.

The modern facility, accommodating 49 children, provides a safe and

stimulating environment for young learners in the hinterland community, marking another milestone in the government’s com-

The new nursery school at Monkey Mountain will accommodate 49 children (Photos: Ministry of Education)

mitment to equitable access to quality education.

The school is equipped with modern amenities, including bright and spacious classrooms, age-appropriate furniture, educational tools, and play areas. This environment is designed to foster creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning at an early age.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, highlighted the importance of early childhood education in shaping the future of Guyana.

Parents and community members have praised the establishment of the nursery school, noting that it relieves them of the burden of traveling long distances to access early education services.

The school also provides

trained teachers who are equipped to deliver high-quality instruction tailored to the needs of young children.

In addition to the nursery school, teachers in Monkey Mountain are being trained online right within the village, enabling them to enhance their skills without leaving their community. Furthermore, a secondary school is currently under construction in Monkey Mountain, representing a significant investment in the community's educational infrastructure and ensuring that students have access to continued learning opportunities close to home.

The commissioning of the Monkey Mountain Nursery School is part of the Ministry of Education’s wider effort to

expand access to nursery education across Guyana, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

This initiative aligns with the government’s goal of achieving universal access to nursery education, ensuring that every child has an equal start in life.

Residents expressed their gratitude for the new school and its potential to positively impact the community for generations to come.

The Monkey Mountain Nursery School is expected to serve as a model for future early childhood education projects in the hinterland, demonstrating the government’s unwavering commitment to reducing disparities and improving educational outcomes for all Guyanese children.

16

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Development bank, similar options being considered for more sources of finance - to advance critical projects, support small-business growth

By Feona Morrison IN a significant announcement aimed at bolstering Guyana's economic development, Vice President,Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, says the government is exploring the re-establishment of a development bank. This, he noted, will help in the areas of key financial gaps and provide long-term capital to support those transformational projects in tandem with the country's strategic objectives.

Speaking at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA)

29th Annual Awards and Dinner last week, he explained that the proposed institution would focus on providing financial support to small and medium-sized businesses.

The Vice President emphasised the government's commitment to strengthening and modernising Guyana's financial sector to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding economy.

He noted that discussions are underway to introduce new institutions and innovative financial instruments to complement

the offerings of existing financial entities. These advanced tools, he explained, are essential to addressing the evolving needs of businesses and industries.

Additionally, Jagdeo highlighted a significant trend among major international banks, which are increasingly reluctant to engage in retail banking, further underscoring the necessity of these measures to ensure robust financial support for the economy.

“The discussions we have been having with companies from [a]broad.

Vice-president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Most of the big banks now they don’t want to get into retail banking,” he revealed. He explained that many major international banks are interested in setting up representative offices in Guyana, which would require amendments to existing laws to facilitate their establishment.

He cited Citibank as an example, noting that the bank has informed the Guyana government of its decision to exit operations in the Caribbean and Latin America, with plans to do the same in Mexico.

“This is part of the big institutions’ move to derisk by getting out of small jurisdictions,” Jagdeo emphasised. Citibank, the primary banking subsidiary of the multinational financial services corporation Citigroup, ranks as the fourth-largest bank in the United States by assets as of 2023. The bank operates branches across 19 countries, reflecting its global reach.

In this context, Jagdeo proposed that the government might consider revisiting the idea of establishing a development bank or similar mechanisms

to provide financing for small and medium-sized businesses at competitive rates in the future.

He indicated that such an initiative could be considered during the next term of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.

“At some point in time, we may return to provide some sort of financing for small- and medium-scale businesses at competitive rates. Possibly in the next PPP (People’s Progressive Party/C) term in office, we may get to that.” However, he acknowledged the challenges Guyana has faced with public sector-led financing in the past, emphasising the need for a carefully structured approach to avoid repeating previous missteps.

He reminded: “Our historic experience with public-sector intermediated financing has been a bad one. When we [the PPP] assumed office in 1992, there were eight financial institutions that the government either had participation in or controlling interest in. And they were all tottering on the verge of bankruptcy and we have to

exit all of them without recourse to the treasury. We managed to successfully do that without putting a burden on the treasury.”

The state-owned Guyana Co-operative Agricultural and Industrial Development Bank (GAIBANK) was closed in 1995, citing its bankruptcy despite a merger with the Guyana National Cooperative Bank (GNCB), which ultimately failed to salvage its operations. Against this backdrop, he stated that the government remains “very cautious” about investing in public-sector financial institutions. However, he acknowledged that at some point, such investments might become necessary, particularly to support small and medium-sized businesses.

In the meantime, small and medium-sized businesses can access development grants from the Small Business Bureau (SBB) and loans from some commercial banks.

The 2024 national budget includes an allocation of $450 million for replenishing the Small Business Development Fund and $331 million for the Small Business Bureau.

Regarding access to finance, Jagdeo stated that the government plans to amend the relevant legislation to allow commercial banks to accept movable collateral for loans, thereby expanding access to financing for more people.

“Right now, before Parliament, we have tabled a piece of legislation to allow the bank to use movable collateral to make loans. So, in the future, that will ensure that more people can have access to financing because they would have a new class of collateral available to securitise their loans,” said the Vice President.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

70,000 acres being targetted for rice cultivation in Region Six

REGIONAL Chairman of Region Six, David Armogan has announced that the region is targetting the cultivation of 70,000 acres of land for the new rice crop.

This move is part of continued efforts to increase agricultural production and bolster the region’s economy.

The expansion in rice farming is expected to help meet the growing demand for the product and provide greater economic opportunities for local farmers and communities.

According to Armogan, who heads the region’s agriculture committee, “We have so far 30,000 acres already being sown.” It was noted that 30,900 acres of rice land have been irrigated and waiting to be sown, while another 65,869 acres will be flooded shortly.

Armogan said that with a target of 70,000 acres for cultivation for the new crop, “we are hoping that by the end of December, most persons in rice production would

17

Regional Chairman of Region Six Mr. David Armogan have already taken advantage of the weather condition, and would have sown their paddies.”

In October, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha announced that Guyana is poised to reach a historic milestone, with rice production surpassing 700,000 tonnes for the first time ever.

The government has made substantial investments in the rice industry,

equipping farmers with vital resources, training, and access to cutting-edge technology. These efforts have empowered local producers, by helping them maximise their yields and enhance the overall quality of their crops.

At Tarlogie, on the Corentyne, Minister Mustapha had said back in October: “This year, for the first time since we started growing rice in Guy-

ana, we will surpass the 700,000-tonne mark, and that will be an achievement for us.”

He'd emphasised that the impressive yield this year is averaging about 6.7 tonnes per hectare, and highlighted Region Six

(East Berbice-Corentyne) as a key contributor to this success, showcasing the region’s vital role in reaching this historic target.

As the nation celebrates this milestone, the government remains committed to maintaining this mo-

mentum. Continued investments and innovative support programmes will focus on sustainability and advancement, thereby ensuring that the rice sector remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s economy.

18

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

GTA inspires future generation of chefs through cooking showcase

Three teams of secondary school students, from Regions Five, Six and Nine, gathered to compete in a riveting final showdown at the Sophia Exhibition Centre on Saturday IN an exciting display of culinary talent, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) hosted their annual Junior Cooking Showcase aimed at promoting self-development and culinary training among youth.

Three teams of secondary school students from Regions Five, Six and Nine, gathered to compete in a riveting final showdown at the Sophia Exhibition Centre on Saturday. The students were cheered on by their teachers, parents, judges and distinguished guests, such as British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller and the owners of The Singing Chef Tours Eon John and his wife.

The children were immersed in a learning experience as they were exposed to ingredients they’d never worked with before. As they prepared foreign ingredients such as mussels, the students were able to garner hands-on experience in food preparation from Chef John.

Lead judge Chef Kester Robinson explained that the use of foreign ingredients was a deliberate move to train the children on how to cater to various palettes and dietary needs.

“I designed this programme basically to highlight what we have in Guyana, but also to give the students the opportunity to create and also utilise what is there [internationally]… So

just basic overall utilising what we have in Guyana but elevating it, so that it reaches that international standard,” Chef Robinson noted.

As Guyana’s tourism sector continues to flourish, the demand for trained chefs who can masterfully blend local and foreign flavours is growing. As such, showcases such as this emerge as valuable learning experiences for the next generation of culinary professionals.

British High Commissioner Jane Miller echoed this sentiment, saying, “Guyana is growing really fast and it’s really exciting. The new hotels opening up, new restaurants, new eco-lodges and what we need is [sic] some really good chefs.”

She also highlighted the initiative as an important step towards raising awareness on the value of developing culinary skills.

“I think cooking is a life skill for boys, girls and for everybody.

Whether you’re cooking at home, whether you’re cooking for your family or whether it’s going to become your career” she said.

The event not only showcased the creativity and potential of Guyana’s youth, but also promoted tourism and demonstrated the government’s commitment to expanding its rapidly developing hospitality sector. (DPI)

19

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Guyana makes steady progress in creating welltrained, capable workforce

- Professor Sankat says, emphasises magnitude of country’s Technical Training College’s role in driving this process

By Bebi Shafeah Oosman THE construction of Guyana’s Technical Training College Inc at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, is advancing steadily and is on track to be fully completed by 2026. Once finished, this state-of-the-art facility will play a crucial role in providing worldclass oil and gas training, not only to Guyana, but also to neighbouring countries.

The college is set to become a cornerstone of the region’s workforce development, equipping individuals with the skills and expertise needed to excel in the thriving energy sector. This initiative underscores Guyana’s commitment to building a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of its rapidly expanding oil and gas industry, while also fostering regional collaboration and growth.

Track one of the Oil and Gas Institute is funded by ExxonMobil, while Track two, the Hospitality and Tourism Institute, is currently under construction with funding from the government and the Caribbean Development Bank. Track three, the Port Mourant Training College, which falls under GuySuCo and the Ministry of Agriculture, is also set for further development.

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Professor Clement K Sankat, Director of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc., stated that the work is progressing smoothly.

“We have been making a lot of progress, as you know this project began in 2022 with the decision of the President and the Vice President and they decided to create the Guyana Technical Training College in Berbice, Port Mourant, to be precise, right behind the GuySuCo Training College.”

According to Professor Sankat, “Since then it has really been nonstop planning and review, design, and then preparing for execution and in fact execution.”

The project after completion is estimated to cost over US $100M. “I am not sure Berbice has seen such a development

in a very small area like this… This is truly a massive project with really transformational ambitions.”

According to Professor Sankat, the intent was to create an oil and gas facility “to train the technicians to work on the FPSO.” In February, President Irfaan Ali commissioned a US$13 million Facility Simulator (FACTOR) as part of the first phase of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc. This simulator is designed to train workers for offshore oil platforms.

The first group of students graduated in July. Professor Sankat explained that students initially undergo 12 months of training in Canada before moving on to hands-on training at the Facility Simulator. Once the college is fully completed, the entire programme will be conducted on site. He hopes to begin classes by late 2025, with the remaining sections of the facility set to be fully completed by 2026.

“It is really a first unique facility in this part of the world and one that is likely going to be in demand for many years to come as more and more oil is discovered in the Atlantic waters outside of Guyana, outside of Suriname, outside of French Guiana. All the technicians who have to work on the production ships out there will need this kind of training, so down the road the future looks very, very bright for the FACTOR.” Having accomplished construction of the factor, Professor Sankat noted, “We began the building of the main campus; remember the 12 months is being done in Canada. The intention is those 12 months will be done in the GTTC right here, so we are building the facilities to execute that.”

He added, “We hope by October next year, that the first phase of those facilities will be opened.”

The entire facility is expected to take over multiple acres of land, and Professor Sankat explained, “We had to do a lot of filling, compaction; we had to build retaining walls, we built a fencing.”

Stressing that the site was “beautifully prepared” for

construction, he noted, “We had to build a bridge over the GuySuCo canal that was there into the site.

“All that has been done and now since the beginning of November, we have issued the contract to build the entire facility -- all of it.”

The construction is being carried out by the local Berbice company, Raffik and Sons Construction.

TURN TO PAGE 20

Construction is ongoing at Technical Training College Inc in Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice

20

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Guyana makes steady progress...

FROM PAGE 19 Professor Sankat said, “The facility will consist of a classroom building, a laboratory and a workshop building and we are also hoping and planning to develop a programme in construction and project management, so that workshop and laboratory building is extensive and then we are building a residence for 100 students to live there and then we are building a student hall where they are going to use it for dining, etc.

“We could use it for other purposes when we have our assembly meetings or graduation ceremony, and then there is [sic] a lot of infrastructure walkways, parking lots and then, of course, the utilities. We have to put in electricity, water, cameras and all of that; the entire project is going to finish in October 2026.

“However in October 2025, we are going to take in our first batch of students here, we are going to use the classroom building and the workshop buildings and

lab buildings and start our teachings, we are not going to wait.”

Professor Sankat emphasised that the government's initiative to build this training facility showcases visionary leadership and a strong commitment to Guyana's future and the wider region. He noted that this proactive approach not only meets the immediate demands of the growing oil and gas sector, but also promotes sustainable development through investment in education and skill-building.

The initiative represents a long-term strategy to cultivate a well-trained, capable workforce that will drive economic growth, foster innovation and strengthen regional co-operation in the energy industry.

He said, “The intention of course for the Government of Guyana no doubt is one of building local capacity and down the road of reducing cost, because sending students away to train for 12-18 months, having cutting-edge training being done here is costly, but we are get-

ting great value from it. We cannot compromise on the quality of our teaching and learning.”

He also assured that efforts are already underway

to obtain international accreditation for the college, ensuring that the training provided meets the highest global standards. This commitment to world-class

education will equip graduates with internationally recognised qualifications, boosting their career prospects. With a focus on excellence, the college aims

to offer programmes that align with the best worldwide, positioning it as a leading institution for oil and gas training in the region.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

21

22

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

23

24

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

25

26

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

27

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

29

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS SCOTTSVILLE 08:15 hrs Lucretius 08:50 hrs Faizah 09:25 hrs Stars In Heaven 10:00 hrs Princess Hannah 10:25 hrs Soho Star IRISH RACING TIPS CORK 08:03 hrs You Done Well 08:33 hrs Icare D'aubrelle 09:05 hrs Churchroad Prince 09:40 hrs Only By Night 10:15 hrs Energumene 10:50 hrs Young Lucy KELSO 08:25 hrs Cracking Rhapsody 08:55 hrs Roaring Home 09:30 hrs Lunar Chief 10:05 hrs Raceview Road 10:40 hrs Matata 11:15 hrs Dare To Shout HUNTINGDON 08:43 hrs Orchestra 09:15 hrs Eternal Angel 09:50 hrs Protektorat 10:25 hrs Go To War 11:00 hrs Safe Destination 11:35 hrs Kapability

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

England dig their heels into New Zealand in Wellington BEN Duckett and Jacob Bethell hit 90s and added an entertaining partnership while Joe Root scored his 65th Test fifty to put England on a pedestal in Wellington on Day 2. Gus Atkinson rocked New Zealand early with a hat-trick before the batters proceeded to bury the hosts under

missal in the hattrick.

England went into their second dig with a 155-run first-innings lead in tow. Zak Crawley started it with two successive fours but Henry had him caught at mid-wicket in just the second over dismissing him for the fourth time this series. From here began the second-wicket

Both Duckett and Bethell fell in the 90s

a mountain of runs. At stumps, England walked off with a gargantuan lead of 533 runs.

New Zealand began the day with an overnight score of 86/5 and lasted less than 10 overs before being bundled out for just 125. Brydon Carse picked the first wicket of the morning with an exceptional delivery to square up and clean up Tom Blundell.

It was similar to the ball he bowled to Kane Williamson on Day 1, albeit overstepping on that occasion and nullifying the dismissal.

Blundell didn't have such luck though. In the same over, Carse bowled one full and fast to the night-watchman, William O'Rourke, to trap him leg before for a 26ball duck.

Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith swung their bats around to drag the team past the 100-run mark but Atkinson put a swift end to the innings. Smith inside-edged a ball onto the stumps; Matt Henry tried and failed to move out of the way of a short ball first up and edged the ball to Duckett at gully; A full, skiddy delivery hit Southee on the front pad while having him pinned to his crease. The veteran became Atkinson's third dis-

alliance between Bethell and Duckett that had a crushing effect on New Zealand's spirits.

They started on top gear, matching each other in finding fours and sixes at will.

Duckett got a reprieve when Tom Latham put down a tough chance down the leg side. Southee burned a review on an LBW appeal against Bethell.

The two hit breezy fifties and were galloping towards their respective hundreds when Southee took them both out. The fast bowler got Bethell to nick behind to Latham and Duckett played one onto the stumps. The wickets and the Tea break weren't quite the respite New Zealand needed in the game as Root and Brook got together in the final session to extend the home side's misery. Another partnership blossomed, swelling England's lead past 400. New Zealand was bereft of ideas, and lost another review trying to get Root out off a caught behind.

Brook was free-flowing once more, pulling short balls and punishing overpitched deliveries through covers. Glenn Phillips came on for a long spell during which he took the first-innings centurion out as Brook

mistimed his loft down the ground and hit straight to O'Rourke at long-off. Shortly after, Root brought up his 65th Test fifty - also

his 100th 50-plus total (one more than Rahul Dravid).

England was nearing a lead of 500 when Henry dismissed Ollie Pope.

But declaration wasn't on Ben Stokes's mind. He instead walked out to frustrate New Zealand further by tonking his way to

an unbeaten 36 off 26 till stumps. Root ended on 73*, setting himself up for his 36th Test hundred on Day 3. (Cricbuzz)

32

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Young’s three-pointer secures Hawks win over Lakers TRAE Young scored a three-point basket with 7.4 seconds of overtime remaining to secure the Atlanta Hawks’ 134-132 win at home against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Young was the Hawks' top scorer, with 31 points and 20 assists, while De'Andre Hunter added 26 off the bench as Atlanta claimed a sixth consecutive victory.

The Lakers fell to a third successive defeat, despite the best efforts of

the NBA's all-time leading points scorer LeBron James, who claimed 39 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, while Anthony Davis weighed in with 38 points.

James had a chance to win it for the Lakers with the final shot of the game, but his effort at a three-pointer hit the rim of the basket and bounced out.

Reigning NBA champions the Boston Celtics extended their winning streak at home to seven matches

The Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young has scored more than 30% of his attempted three-pointers this season

with a 111-105 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Celtics trailed by four points late in the fourth quarter but rallied, thanks in part to Jayson Tatum's game-high 34 points and 10 rebounds.

Damian Lillard's 31 points had put the Bucks in a winning position, while Giannis Antetokounmpo added 30 points and 11 rebounds.

Elsewhere, Philadelphia 76ers bounced back from a home defeat by the Orlando

Magic to win the second game of their two-match series 102-94.

Star player Joel Embiid was missing for the 76ers with a knee injury, but Paul George stepped up to lead the scoring for the hosts with 21 points.

Anthony Edwards led t h e M i n n e s o t a T i m b e rwolves to a fifth consecutive victory over the Golden State Warriors, scoring 30 points in their 107-90 win in San Francisco, with the two teams set to play each

other again on Sunday.

Utah Jazz ended a fivegame losing streak with a thumping 141-99 win at Portland Trail Blazers, while Sacramento Kings claimed a similarly conclusive victory at San Antonio Spurs, running out 140-113 winners.

And Tyrese Haliburton scored 23 points for the Indiana Pacers in their 132-123 win at Chicago Bulls as the visitors notched up a first victory in five matches.

Forest stun Man United with first win at Old Tarfford in 30 years NOTTINGHAM Forest capitalised on Manchester United's defensive blunders to record their first win at Old

Trafford in almost 30 years.

Rasmus Hojlund replied to Nikola Milenkovic's early opener, but Ruben Amorim's

home side were unable to get back level for a second time after they conceded twice in seven minutes at the start of the

second half.

United keeper Andre Onana was at fault for Forest's second goal, shaping to

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina battle for possession at Old Trafford

make a low save to his right when Morgan Gibbs-White shot from the edge of the area, only to be beaten to his left as the ball did not move as he thought.

Onana and Matthijs de Ligt then let birthday boy Chris Wood's looping far-post header bounce between them, and Lisandro Martinez failed to react either as the ball ended up in the far corner.

United skipper Bruno Fernandes reduced the arrears after 61 minutes, but despite making

five changes the hosts were unable to force an equaliser.

It means United have suffered successive Premier League defeats for the second time this season, with this setback following on from their midweek loss at Arsenal.

Amorim has won only one of his four league games in charge as his side remain 13th. Their 19 points from 15 games is United's lowest tally at this stage of a season since 1986-87. Forest, in contrast, are up to fifth. (BBC Sport)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday, December 8, 2024) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Dinesh Ramdin-169 (St.Kitts, 2014) (2) Tamin Iqbal-130* (Providence, 2018) Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best figures by a WI bowler in an ODI against BANG to date?

(2) What are the best figures by a BANG bowler in an ODI versus the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

33

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

National Futsal Championship…

North East, Back Cicrle register big wins There were several big winners on Friday Night’s second night of the Kashif and Shanghai National Futsal Championships being staged at the National Gymnasium.

The overhead showers couldn’t dispel the heat in the Mandela Avenue venue as fans turned out in numbers to support their favorite teams which did not disappoint.

At the end of the night it was North East and Back Circle that registered the biggest wins.

See full results below Mt. 1 Unstoppable 3 vs Z-Tekk 1 Kiyose Robinson 1 - Marlon Beitel 1 Marcus Reece 1 Leondera Arthur 1 Mt. 2 Real Sports 2 vs Alexander Village 2 Johnny Mendoza 2 - Akeal Pineheiro 1 Lamar Phillips 1

Action in the tournament

Game ended 4-3 following kicks from the penalty mark after regulation and 10 minutes of extra time failed to break the deadlock.

Mt. 3 Team Family 6 vs One Love 2 Chris Macey 3 - Akeem Thomas 1 Devon Padmore 2 - Travis Simon

1 Amos Ramsey 1

Tyreese Dennis 1

Mt. 4 North East 8 vs Region #1 6 Lennox Cort 4 - Keanu Williams 4 Kelvin Moore 2 - Tyrell Jacobs 2 Reshaun Ritch 1

Mt. 5 Back Circle 12 vs Essequibo 0 Beverley Mars 7 Ravin Norton 2 Stephon McLean 1 Stephen Reynolds 1 Own Goal

Matches continued last evening where Stabroek ‘B’ took on West Side Ballers, Showstoppers played Buxton, Mocha Red Force opposed Spaniard, Linden All Stars played Campbellville, Espanyol battled Broad Street and Bent Street took on Region #9

One Guyana National Futsal Championship GCB clarifies December 6 proposed Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain CWI members meeting Empowers Tourney ...only two amendments were on the agenda We were quite flummoxed to read the verbose response from Cricket West Indies (CWI) on the subject of governance changes being promoted by CWI. The two (2) proposed amendments that were to be tabled by CWI at the aborted meeting of December 06, 2024, were: 1. To increase the term in office of the President and the Vice President from two (2) years to three (3) years with a further amendment that they can serve for three (3) consecutive terms.

2. Introduction of a new article within the CWI constitution that a nomination

cannot be withdrawn save by a notice in writing by the nominee himself/herself.

We maintain our stated position that the proposed amendments are self-serving and cannot and will not change the many issues affecting West Indies cricket both administratively and on the field of play.

Verily we are convinced and have proposed the introduction of a rotating president and a long term cricket development plan as a positive and sustainable solution to the debilitations within the administration of Cricket West Indies.

In its inaugural year, the One Guyana National Futsal Championship, powered by the Government of Guyana has already begun to attract the might of Guyana’s corporate community.

Amongst the many entities that have already come on board, and some more expected to do so, the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain have come on board to support the players

hugely.

Sharing remarks at the opening ceremony and march pass of this historic championship with male and female teams competing, the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain CEO, Ms. Kiana Wilburg, announced that they will be sponsoring four motorcycles for four lucky players in the first instance.

The respective male and female Most Valuable Players will each receive a brand

new motorcycle as will the Highest Goal Scorer and the Best Goalkeeper for the male segment of the championship, which has 64 teams contesting using the knock-out format. Six female teams will match skills for championship glory.

To resounding applause, Ms. Wilburg also announced that the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain will next year be sponsoring another Futsal Championship

as they make they debut.

The teams were all told that to qualify, they have to finish in the top sixteen and that will be enough to earn them a spot.

The teams were all happy to hear such an announcement and certainly will be digging deep to qualify. Ms. Wilburg also informed that the prize monies will be similar to that of this inaugural One Guyana Futsal Championship.

Ireland women beat Bangladesh... (FROM PAGE 34) Hunter was out for 23 in the ninth but Prendergast's contribution off 25 balls and Delany's impressive knock helped the tourists to a healthy total.

Nahida Akter was the pick

of the home bowlers with 2-20.

Wickets fell regularly during the Bangladesh response, with only middle order batters, Sharmin Akter (38) and Shorna Akter (20), putting up significant resistance.

The pair combined for a fifth-wicket partnership of 48 but by then their side's hopes of victory were already hanging by a thread.

The host’s final three wickets fell within the space of four

balls as Ireland triumphed with something to spare.

In addition to Prendergast's three-wicket haul, Arlene Kelly and Delany each took two wickets. (BBC Sport)

34

Former ICC chairman calls for West Indies to be split into individual territories DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – OUTGOING ICC chairman, Greg Barclay, has suggested that the West Indies cricket team be split into individual island teams.

Barclay, who completed his term as ICC chair on December 1 and handed over the position to Jay Shah, said the current West Indies setup was not financially sustainable.

“You look at the West Indies, I love what they’ve done for the game, but is the West Indies in its current form sustainable? Is it time for them to break into each of their islands?”

Barclay questioned.

“The thing is, can they [West Indies] afford to [continue to play Test cricket]? They barely can make their books balance now.

“What they’ve achieved

Outgoing ICC chairman, Greg Barclay

in cricket is phenomenal when you think that they are a group of disparate islands that don’t really have anything in common, other than cricket, and yet they’ve held themselves together for that period of

time as the West Indies,” he added.

Barclay pointed to the fact that some international tournaments do not allow the West Indies to compete as a nation.

“But I think one thing that will kind of highlight all that will be with the Olympics and other multi-sport events.

“They played cricket in the Asian Games last year in China, you’ve got the African Games, [where] cricket featured for the first time.

They’re looking at the Pan American Games. So, when you’ve got all these multisport events, what happens then to the Windies?” Barclay asked.

“The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Barbados turned up as the participant for the region.

Is that a little glimpse of what the future looks like?

I don’t know.”

South Africa surge ahead after Paterson’s maiden Test five-for DANE Paterson stole the spotlight for South Africa on Day 3, claiming his first-ever five-wicket haul in Test cricket to bowl Sri Lanka out for 328.

With a narrow 30-run advantage, the South African batters piled on the pressure. Aiden Markram led the charge with a solid half-century (55), while Tristan Stubbs (36*) and Temba Bavuma (48*) kept the momentum going.

By the end of the day, the Proteas had built a commanding 221-run lead with seven wickets remaining.

The duo helped Sri Lanka pass the 250 mark, but both were dismissed

by Marco Jansen in quick succession, falling just short of their respective half-centuries.

Just as captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis started to settle in, Sri Lanka fell from 297-5 to 298-8 courtesy of Paterson picking three wickets in one over.

Prabath Jayasuriya and Vishwa Fernando managed

Dane Paterson claimed his first-ever five-wicket haul in Test cricket

to take Sri Lanka’s total over 300 in the 91st over. After the quick fall of wickets, the pair managed to steady the ship as Sri Lanka went into lunch 318-8 with South Africa's lead being 40 runs.

After lunch, Sri Lanka managed to add just 10 runs before being bowled out for 328, falling 30 runs short of South Africa's total. Paterson recorded his first-ever Test five-wicket haul, helping the hosts to a slender lead.

The Proteas openers looked solid, with Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram sharing a 55-run partnership.

De Zorzi was eventually

bowled by Jayasuriya but Markram and first-innings centurion Ryan Rickelton settled in as the ball began to reverse swing. By Tea, South Africa extended their lead to 106 runs, losing just one wicket in their second innings.

Markram brought up his half-century early in the final session but was dismissed after a brilliant one-handed catch by Kusal Mendis. Prabath Jayasuriya followed up by removing the other set batter, Rickelton, as South Africa lost two quick wickets.

Just when Sri Lanka sensed an opening, Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs joined forces, solidifying the innings with an unbroken 82-run partnership. The pair guided the Proteas safely to stumps, leaving them unscathed for the remainder of the day.

The result of this game will be pivotal for both teams as they race to secure a spot in the World Test Championship Final.

(ICC Media)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Travis Head, pacers put Australia in command TRAVIS Head proved to be a thorn in India's flesh yet again as he smashed a 141ball 140 that gave Australia a first innings lead of 157.

And to further wrest control, their pacers bagged five wickets under the lights as India slipped up ending the day trailing by 29.

As Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc made the pink ball hoop around and rip through India's top order for the second time in the game, they only underlined Australia's dominance right through which had been led by Head through the day. By the time Mohammad Siraj bowled Head off the second new ball, the left-hander had done more than enough to dent India's confidence.

The second session saw Head press the accelerator against a tiring attack with an older ball. The time was ripe to cash in, and Head did so with Elan, smashing Harshit Rana through the offside before registering a hundred off only 111 balls - the quickest-ever in a day-night Test as he powered Australia's lead at a rapid pace. Even against the second new ball which was India's biggest weapon, he started off whipping and clipping Bumrah and Siraj as they missed their lines for crucial boundaries.

India had a brief injury scare during this period when Bumrah was down clutching his groin but went on to bowl again. But the wicket finally came to Siraj who yorked Head and followed it up with an exchange of words with the batter.

It brought an end to a frustrating period of play for

Travis Head played in a typically carefree manner on day two at the Adelaide Oval as his 140 off 141 balls provided the bulk of Australia's first-innings 337 in reply to India's 180

India where they were made to toil for every wicket. R Ashwin who had been their best bowler through that period despite being hit for a couple of sixes by Head, had got Mitchell Marsh caught behind and saw Head being put down on 76 by Siraj. But it was amid Head stepping it up in the company of Alex Carey (15) where they put on 74 off just 80 balls before the latter was out caught behind.

The lead swelled past 150 before Siraj wrapped up the tail early into the third session leaving India with the toughest conditions to bat in a day-night Test.

KL Rahul was the first to go being surprised by a short ball from Cummins and pulling it to the 'keeper. Yashasvi Jaiswal started confidently until he nicked behind the first ball from Boland, who proceeded to nick off Virat Kohli too soon after. Starc added salt to the wounds getting a ripping incoming delivery to flatten Gill's middle stump.

Rohit Sharma had a torrid stay in the middle being

hit on the helmet first ball and surviving an LBW call as Starc overstepped. But even as he stuck on amidst Rishabh Pant's adventurous strokeplay at the other end, Cummins got one to sneak around his defence to hit the top of off. At 105/5, Australia's control over the game was as comprehensive as could be and ensured that the hard work done in a testing first session was not undone.

India's morning session was given a boost when Bumrah had Nathan McSweeney caught behind with a ball nipping away and soon after also had Steven Smith caught down the legside, putting Australia in a spot of bother at 103/3. Head was tested early with the round-the-wicket angle by both Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, but managed to see it through.

Along with Labuschagne, he saw through that spell to cash in later. Harshit Rana was hit for four fours in an over as Australia cruised ahead after seeing past the initial threat. (Cricbuzz)

Ireland women beat Bangladesh to win T20 series IRELAND beat Bangladesh by 47 runs in the second T20 international between the sides on Saturday to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Ireland made 134-5 off their 20 overs in Sylhet, with Laura Delany top-scoring with 35 and Orla Prendergast adding 32.

Bangladesh was 87 all out after 17.1 overs in reply, with Prendergast completing a fine individual performance by claiming three wickets for 13.

The final match will take place tomorrow at the same venue.

Prior to the T20 encoun-

Laura Delany scored 35 for Ireland and took two wickets with the ball

ters, Ireland lost the ODI series between the teams 3-0.

Openers Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter put on 34 for

the first Ireland wicket, with Lewis first to fall for 14 in the sixth over.

(TURN TO PAGE 33)

35

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 8, 2024

Lawyers for Raymond Reifer advise Guards, Lil Rams, CWI to dismiss charges against him Mahdia and CJIA through to ERC T10 Tapeball finals

Part of the action on Saturday at Queen’s College Ground

From 48, there are now four teams – The Guards, Lil Rams, Movements Family (Mahdia), and CJIA Warriors – who will vie for the championship title in the Ethnic Relations Commission T10 Tapeball Harmony League.

The finals will be held today at the Everest Cricket Club. The first semi-final will be between The Guards and Lil Rams at 9:30 hours, followed by Mahdia and CJIA at 11:30 hours.

The final is scheduled for 15:00 hours.

On Saturday, The Guards secured their semi-final match in a nervy win over Berbice’s The Organisation, while Lil Rams and Mahdia had convincing wins over Kings and CJIA Warriors.

The Warriors progressed to the semi-final by virtue of having the best net run rate of the three losing teams.

It was announced that FL Sport would stream the two semi-finals and final.

The tournament boasts exciting rewards, including a $500,000 prize for the champions, $250,000 for the runners-up, and $100,000 for each of the two semi-finalists.

Individual accolades of $60,000 each will be awarded for the Man of the Final, Most Runs, and Most Wickets, with trophies generously sponsored by Trophy Stall.

There will also be a prize of $100,000 for the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

Through this initiative, the ERC aims to build lasting connections among participants, promote mutual respect, and strengthen community ties across Guyana.

Summary of matches on Saturday: MATCH 1 SUMMARY: The Guards 175-5 from 10 overs (Sheldon Alexander 81*, Richie Lookanuth 32*, Daniel Ross 25; Vikash Wilkinson 2-25; Andy Ramnarine 1-25) v Strike Panthers 80-7 from 9.3 overs

(Alvin Singh 21*, Vikash Wilkinson 20; Christopher Barnwell 4-7, Daniel Ross 1-5) MATCH 2 SUMMARY: Lil Rams 137-7 from 10 overs (Johnathan Van Lange 50, Shamar Apple 24, Riyad Latif 14; Tariq Farouk 3-15, Shiloh Adams 2-17) v Kings 84-9 from 10 overs (Sachin Singh 15, Chatram Nauth 15, Ryan Latif 14*, Ganesh Surijpaul 3-15, Thaddeus Lovell 2-12) MATCH 3 SUMMARY: CJIA Warriors 64-8 from 10 overs (Noel Evelyn 26, Shakiel Wong 18; Neiland Cadogan 3-9, Floy Joseph 2-7) v Mahdia 67-2 from 5.5 overs (Ricardo Adams 39, Carlos LaRose 16; Sunil Sarjoo 1-15) MATCH 4 SUMMARY: The Organisation 62-9 from 10 overs (Ravindra Beharry 19; Keston Harcourt 4-12, Daniel Ross 2-14) v The Guards 65-7 from 7.3 overs (Daniel Ross 34; Carl Gilgeous 2-7, Sanjay Algoo 1-9)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – THE attorneys-at-law representing embattled Barbados Pride captain, Raymon Reifer, have written to Cricket West Indies (CWI) urging them to withdraw the charges against him on the grounds that he cannot now get a “fair and impartial hearing”.

In a letter dated December 6, 2024, addressed to CWI’s Acting chief executive officer, attorney Philip Nicholls, who, in association with King’s Counsel Sir Patterson Cheltenham is acting on behalf of Reifer and the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), raised serious concerns regarding the manner in which Reifer had been treated by CWI. Reifer, along with captain of the Jamaica Scorpions, John Campbell, were handed Level 3 charges for their roles in last month’s CG United Super50 final that was forfeited after they failed to be present for the toss.

In a statement released

by CWI on Friday, it was announced that Campbell had been given a reduced fourmatch suspension after accepting the charges.

At the time, CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, said Reifer had not yet responded to the charges. He said if Reifer did not respond the matter would be dealt with by the disciplinary committee.

“In your release you again not so much as imply, but state outright that Mr Reifer has not responded to the charge levelled against him, which

Barbados Pride captain, Raymon Reifer

was the same charge to which Campbell has been sanctioned for. This is not correct,” Nicholls maintained.

“In fact, given the additional comments attributed to your Director of Cricket on the matter, a reasonable reader of your press release, which appeared shortly after release on social media including Facebook and the number one cricket site on the internet of ESPN Cricinfo, would conclude that as soon as you can get your hands on Mr. Reifer a same or worse fate would befall him.”

Additionally, Nicholls argued that CWI only gave Reifer 12 hours to respond to a charge that was laid on November 24 at around 11:00 hours, which only came to his attention on his return from Trinidad that morning and he was leaving the island the next day.

He said, in so doing, CWI denied Reifer the opportunity to consult with the BCA or seek legal advice prior to a

response within the time demanded.

Nicholls further took issue with the fact that while the charge against Reifer and Campbell had a recommended penalty of a ban for seven matches, the final sanction imposed on Campbell was as a result of a plea agreement negotiated between CWI and the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA).

“My clients are naturally disappointed that you not only have seen fit to impose a sanction on Mr. Campbell, but especially to announce it publicly knowing full well that Mr. Reifer is contesting the validity of the charge.

“What is worse is that the comments of Mr. Bascombe would now make that reasonable person conclude that Mr. Reifer awaits at least the same fate, but in all probability a lengthier ban, despite the fact that in the charge he is advised that he is entitled to a hearing if he disputes the charge,” Nicholls stated in the letter.

“In light of this clear prejudice against a fair and impartial hearing for my client, may I once again reiterate my call for the charge against Mr. Reifer to be withdrawn for the grounds outlined in my letter to you of December 3, 2024.

“I am sure that your attorneys will advise that even if there was no response the only two options presented to Mr. Reifer of guilty or not, the correct and sensible act would be to summon him to a hearing and note that he has pleaded not guilty,” he further added.

West Indies 2025 home Test series against Australia expanded from two to three matches AUSTRALIA will play three Tests during their 2025 tour of the West Indies after Cricket Australia (CA) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) agreed to expand the original schedule of two Test matches which is set to take place in June-July.

The series will be part of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which asks for a minimum of two Tests between participating teams.

Australia’s previous Test

series in the Caribbean took place in 2015, where the Michael Clarke-led side dominated with victories in Dominica and Jamaica.

Since then, Australia has toured every Test playing nation except the West Indies.

This upcoming tour will be the first time the teams will be playing a threematch series in the West Indies since 2012, when Australia secured a 2-0 victory.

The most recent clash between the sides, held in

Australia earlier this year, ended in a 1-1 draw. The highlight of the series was West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph’s heroics at the Gabba, where he guided a rare Test win over Australia, breaking a 21-year drought.

After taking a five-wicket haul on debut at the Adelaide Oval, Joseph backed it up with a famous second innings haul of 7-68 in Brisbane to spearhead the tourists to an eight-run win.

While the exact venues are yet to be confirmed,

Shamar Joseph's heroics the last time the two teams met played a massive part in CWI and CA extending the series to three games

according to ESPNCricinfo reports, Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica are potential hosts.

The tour will also feature three ODIs and three T20Is. Meanwhile, Australia is eyeing a place in this year’s WTC final at Lord’s and will aim to carry momentum into the next cycle.

For the West Indies, the series is a significant opportunity to play against one of the world’s strongest Test teams on their home turf. (Sportsmax)

The participants with (from left standing at the back), Leslaine Lambert, Peter Persaud, Sir Clive Lloyd and GCC president Jonathon Yearwood

Sir Clive Lloyd and Leslaine Lambert visit the GCC/KFC Mini Zingers Cricket Programme

By Sean Devers

ON Saturday former Guyana and West Indies Captain Sir Clive Lloyd and former National fast bowler Leslaine Lambert visited the GCC/KFC Mini Zingers Cricket Programme.

They spoke with the participants and then watched them at training.

The 80-year-old Lloyd captained the West Indies between 1974 and 1985 and winning the first two cricket World Cups played in England in 1975 and 1979.

The Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) left-hander told the youngsters about the importance of education and how it could positively impact their cricket careers.

Lambert, the 66-old former

Berbice and Guyana pacer, took 48 wickets from 18 First-Class matches in a career that spanned between 1979 and 1986, also spoke to the budding cricketers.

Lloyd, who led Guyana to the first Regional ‘Double’ in 1983 when they won the four-day and 50-over titles and Lambert, who played in those tournaments, watched the practice match held

yesterday afternoon. The President’s X1 won the game.

The programme is being held on Saturday mornings from 8:00 hours to 9:30 hours and GCC president, Johnaton Yearwood, informed that the programme is going very well.

Coaching is being conducted by GCC’s Head Coach, former Guyana youth opener, Peter Persaud

and Guyana Harpy Eagles Assistant Coach and former Guyana off-spinner, Garvin Nedd.

The programme aims to create a developmental system for preteen children interested in becoming cricketers.

The programme closes on December 21 and resumes on the first Saturday in January 2025.

There is no registration fee.

Sammy: West Indies underdogs against Bangladesh BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – THEY may be playing at home, but West Indies white-ball head coach, Daren Sammy, believes that Bangladesh is the favourite heading into their three-match CG United One Day International series, which starts here today.

The visitors are ranked ninth in the ICC’s Men’s ODI rankings, one spot above the 10th place Windies.

Interestingly enough, the two sides have met 44 times in ODIs with each team winning 21, while two matches ended in a no-result.

However, Bangladesh has won the last six ODIs between them with two consecutive 3-0 victories, the most recent being in the Caribbean in 2022.

With that in mind, Sammy said

the West Indies had nothing to lose heading into the series.

“I think it’s a position we ourselves have been in a number of times, where people see us as not the favourites to win and that gives you that mentality where you have nothing to lose.

“What I’ve always stressed with the guys is the way you prepare the way you go out and play is what you put in is what you get out, so we shall respect the game, respect the opposition,” Sammy said.

“However, we’re not here to compete we are here to win cricket games, especially on our home soil, so that’s the mentality we’ve shown at home over the past year and we’re looking to continue that.”

The West Indies are coming off a 2-1 series win over England and Sammy has maintained that the focus will be to do likewise against Bangladesh.

“Any home series is to win. However, we understand that the opposition that we are playing against is one that we will not take for granted.

“But again, I love to focus on what we can do and the things that we have to do for us to be successful and I’m pretty sure that we can go out there and do that,” Sammy said.

“The squad is a well-balanced squad. We’ve got in-form players, some new, some of who’ve been part of the setup for a while, so I’m just looking for us to go out there and put in some really good performances that will result in victories.”

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

West Indies white-ball head coach, Daren Sammy

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2024