Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 09-04-2023

Rodeo 2023 got off to an energetic start in Lethem, Region Nine on Saturday. Thousands of people have travelled to the interior region to experience the ecstatic performances and activities as part of the annual celebrations (Photo: DPI)

Special ‘Agri’ project for South Pakaraima villages

–– to be led by youths and

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, during a community outreach in Karasabai, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) on Saturday, said that his government will work along with the villages in South Pakaraimas to launch a special agriculture project led by youths and women.

The Head of State announced this while meeting with residents from villages of South Pakaraimas at Karasabai.

According to a post on President Ali’s official Facebook page, the project will be done in consultation with the villagers.

“In every community, jointly with your resources and some of ours, I want us to see how we can launch an agricultural project that is sustainable but must be led by young people and women as far as possible,” the President is quoted as saying.

According to the brief post, the Head of State also noted that issues in the specific villages with regard to infrastructure, healthcare, water and other issues will be addressed and he has since instructed the Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall to examine options where the road can be raised and upgraded in a phased manner.

Seven tractors and two All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) were also handed over to the residents by President Ali.

Other officials who accompanied the President include Chairman Bryan Allicock; National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia; Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken; and Head of GOINVEST, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop.

With development in almost every area of agriculture, the government is playing a major role in Guyana’s overall contribution to the

‘25 by 25’ initiative.

The ‘25 by 25’ initiative is a pledge by the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to reduce the region’s food import bill by at least 25 percent by 2025.

Research has shown that the region imports, from out of the region, approximately 80 percent of the food that it consumes, which amounts to approximately US$4B.

Though for years there have been calls for greater domestic food production to address the massive food import bill, the proposal found reinvigorated energy among the region’s governments last year as it faced some of the worst sides of food insecurity that the world experienced due to the war between Ukraine and Russia.

The war had further exacerbated food

women –President Ali

security concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guyana is seen as one of the leading countries in the region with the ability to increase production in the region and fill some of the gaps.

In Guyana, the government has been committing many resources, including lands and funding towards this initiative.

“What we are doing in agriculture is trying to create a lot of opportunities for young people, using technology, innovation, research and development; more of an entrepreneurial approach to the expansion of food production and agriculture in the region,” the President had previously noted.

He explained that the expansion in the

agriculture sector is being built to match the growth taking place all across Guyana, in all of the other sectors, and fuelled by the massive gains Guyana is seeing from its oiland-gas sector.

While Guyana is earning significant income from its oil resources, the government has maintained that agriculture must continue to hold its own. To ensure that this status quo is maintained, the agriculture ministry is implementing a series of initiatives in the various agriculture pillars to provide the necessary resources to drive the sector forward. The money from that sector is being used to fund Guyana’s diversification in other sectors.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing the villagers of South Pakaraima

President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a community outreach in Karasabai

Hinds, Burke should contest election to see if they truly represent Guyanese – Nascimento

WELL-KNOWN Communications Consultant and civil society activist Kit Nascimento has condemned a

public attack against him by agents of the political

Opposition for speaking out against their continued focus on racial politics that climaxed with recent incendiary remarks made by Executive member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Tacuma Ogunseye.

In a letter to the editor, Nascimento argued that Ogunseye went more than just “a little too far,” when he made several inflammatory statements that ranged from inciting violence to promoting racial division when he spoke at a public meeting at Buxton, East Coast Demerara last month.

The remarks received widespread backlash, and Nascimento in commenting on the issue, questioned attempts by the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Aubrey Norton to downplay the severity of racially incendiary remarks.

However, following his letter, political supporters including WPA Executive, Dr. David Hinds, and PNC/R supporter, Rickford Burke, who both live in the United States, have initiated attacks against Nascimento.

In a video statement responding to the comments by Dr. Hinds and Burke, Nascimento begged the question of how Ogunseye could be so free to make the statements he did in Buxton at a public meeting which threatened to implicate Guyana’s security forces.

Nascimento said Ogunseye’s party was part of the

David Granger-led government which threatened Guyana’s democracy in 2020 during a five-month stalemate.

“The entire democratic world and every Guyanese committed to democracy… ensured that the APNU/AFC/ WPA coup attempt failed and that they duly elected government of the People’s Progressive Party took office,” Nascimento said.

“Men like Rickford Burke and David Hind, both of whom do not even live in Guyana but live and work as American citizens in the US along with men, like Ogunseye in Guyana were, in fact, actively involved in supporting the attempt to deny the recognition of a democratic government.”

The veteran communications expert accused the men of continuing to push an agenda which is not good for preserving unity in Guyana.

“Burke and Hinds are traitors into the country of their birth pursuing from another country a racist agenda to divide, a multi-racial country,” Nascimento said.

“Hinds and Burke, and the few like them live in a very dark place. I’ve called them dangerous men, not because I believed them to be in themselves dangerous, but because they embrace and espouse dangerous intentions. Hines and Burke need to wake up and smell the coffee.”

He said Burke displays ignorance by describing him [Nacimento] as a descendant of white planters. Nascimento said his ancestors were indentured labourers from Madeira. Nascimento called on both Hinds and Burke to return to Guyana, give up their American citizenship, contest an election and see how many Guyanese will follow them.

“Hinds accuses me of defending the few while he claims to represent the many. I invite him to come home to Guyana, give up their American citizenship, contest a general election, and let’s see how many Guyanese they rarely represent,” Nascimento said.

Kit Nascimento

Gov’t to stand expenses for 5,000 people on waiting list for medical tests

WITH over 5,000 patients in the public healthcare system currently awaiting echocardiogram and ultrasounds, the government has announced that it will stand the expenses for these tests to be conducted at private hospitals.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, made the announcement as he joined worshippers at the Unity Baptist Church, Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara for a Good Friday Service.

He revealed that some 3,000 persons are waiting for echocardiogram tests and over 2,000 persons are on the waiting list for ultrasound tests.

The tests will be conducted at private hospitals after they agreed on a reduced fee following a meeting with the President.

The backlog is due to equipment that were damaged in the fire at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) last year January. Some $30M worth in equipment were destroyed

in the fire, which started in the hospital’s echocardiograph room.

An echocardiogram, or “echo”, is important in the diagnosis and monitoring of certain heart conditions by checking the structure of the heart and surrounding blood vessels, while ultrasounds are important for several purposes, including during pregnancy, for diagnosing conditions and for image guidance during certain procedures.

On Monday, President Ali met with several healthcare providers from the private sector at State House to discuss greater public and private collaboration.

At the meeting, President Ali reminded the group that his government is focused on developing and advancing primary healthcare and reducing the cost of specialised care.

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and the Head of the GPHC, Robbie Rambarran were also

part of the meeting, following which the deal was brokered with the private hospitals.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday last, the Vice President noted that putting provisions in place to ensure that the critical medical tests get done is part of the government’s wider commitment to ensuring improvement in the health care system.

“We see the need for expanded health care and we are building 12 new hospitals and we are starting to improve services. We tackling these problems with a plan in mind,” Dr. Jagdeo noted.

Over the past few years, the healthcare system in Guyana has seen massive, revolutionising investment, which has encompassed a wide number of areas in the health system.

The government has a US$180M initiative to modernise six regional facilities. Four tele-diagnostic centres were also planned for establishment in Regions One, Four, Eight and Nine.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali greets worshippers at the Unity Baptist Church, Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara

Construction has also commenced on a $31.9B Paediatric and Maternal hospital in Goedverwagting which is expected to be equipped with 256 beds. The facility is slated to be completed in 2025.

Government also signed

a monumental contract with internationally-recognised healthcare provider Mount Sinai Health System, to lift the country’s health services to world-class status, effectively overhauling the entire health system.

In direct assistance to patients, the government also initiated the Dialysis Support Programme, which gives any Guyanese patient on dialysis up to $600,000 per annum to assist with their medical treatment.

Works on Sparendaam Police Station moving apace

CONSTRUCTION of the new Sparendaam Police Station on the East Coast of Demerara is progressing smoothly, as already, the age-old station is being dismantled to pave the way for a more modernised facility to aid in law enforcement services and safeguarding of the general public.

The project was initiated in the first quarter of 2023 and is slated to be completed in the second quarter of 2024.

According to the project engineer, the larger station, which will be 5,100 square feet, will have more ranks to facilitate law enforcement services for the densely populated surrounding communities, as well as, future development in the area, including the

new highway between Ogle, East Coast Demerara, and East Bank Demerara as well as

new hotels and housing schemes.

Earlier this year, it was announced that over

$2B will be allocated to the Guyana Police Force for the provision of police stations, buildings,

quarters and payment of retention.

Meanwhile, construction of the new Brickdam

police station is eagerly anticipated as funds were also set aside for the modernised building.

A domestic violence witness room and waiting area, a child-friendly room, an integrated crime information system department, a traffic department with an office for the officer in charge of traffic, and male lockups, to name a few, are just some of the new offices that will be present at the new station.

Additionally, there will be two senior officer’s living quarters with separate kitchen, washroom, and bathroom facilities, male barracks to house approximately 34 officers, female barracks to house approximately 16 officers; both will have separate kitchen, washroom, and bathroom facilities.

Contractors at the site of the Sparendaam Police Station

Guyana’s Territorial Integrity

THE International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a recent judgement on preliminary objections raised by Venezuela in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899 (Guyana vs. Venezuela), has re-affirmed its jurisdiction to hear the case.

This is indeed a positive development for Guyana, which over several decades consistently objected to the spurious and unsubstantiated claims to nearly twothirds of its territory by its western neighbour.

It will be recalled that Venezuela filed preliminary objections to the ad-

missibility of Guyana’s application to the court to determine the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award on June 2022.

In the oral hearings which were conducted from 17 to 22 November 2022, Venezuela contended that the United Kingdom is an indispensable third party to the case, which should not be allowed to proceed in its absence.

Guyana had argued that the United Kingdom is not indispensable because it has no legal interests that would be affected by a judgement the validity of the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, which fixed the

boundary between British Guyana and Venezuela, or any interests in the boundary itself, such interests having terminated in May of 1966, upon Guyana’s independence’.

This is the second time the ICJ has rejected jurisdictional objections raised by Venezuela. In December 2020, the Court overruled Venezuela’s objections by a vote of 12-4. In June 2022, Venezuela raised a new objection which was again rejected.

This most recent ruling disposed that objection and now requires Venezuela to submit its written pleadings on the merits of the case, that

is on the validity of the Arbitral Award and the International boundary that it established.

In a statement, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said that Guyana remains confident that its longstanding international boundary with Venezuela will be confirmed by the court.

According to the Guyanese President, Guyana has always been fully committed to a peaceful resolution of the dispute with its neighbour and sister Republic in accordance with international law.

That is why, after attempting unsuccessfully to achieve a diplomatic

solution through talks mediated by the United Nations Secretary-General over more than two decades, Guyana brought the matter to the International Court of Justice for a final and biding determination.

All member states of the United Nations, including Guyana and Venezuela are obligated under the United Nations Charter to comply with the Court’s binding judgements.

President Ali took the opportunity to thank the country’s legal team, agents and all stakeholders, indeed all Guyanese, for their continued commitment and outstanding

work as the country proceed with the matter at the ICJ.

The judgement by the International Court of Justice was welcomed by the Guyana Government, the political opposition, key stakeholders; indeed by the Guyanese people as a whole.

Guyanese have demonstrated that when it comes to our national sovereignty and territorial integrity, there is complete and full unity. All Guyanese look forward with confidence to a full and final resolution of the matter in Guyana’s favour, which hopefully is now on the horizon.

Quality LGE must unite people and influence a rejection of racism/hate-related politics

Dear Editor,

Since the Party’s re-election to the Government in August 2020, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has increasingly adopted approaches to neutralize racial volatility and promote inclusiveness on one side of our political paradigm. The Party continuously supports this commitment through an open tangible development push in communities nationwide.

But, on the other side of the paradigm, the main Opposition forces depend

on the unpopular and malignant stigmatic overtones of the racial divide to remain relevant.

Although the stigmatist influence of the Opposition has been more impacting around election time, the PPP/C has always sustained the use of improving citizens’ well-being and inclusiveness over racial division.

The PPP/C’s preparedness in soliciting citizens’ heading into these LGEs, is targeting citizens’ national conscience and development focus on supporting its recommended teams of candidates.

The generality of such an approach strengthens a position from which the interest of all could be incrementally addressed or accelerated; and should reject or dent the Opposition’s hostilities and unproductive schematics.

When one considers the mentioned extant framework, a realistic measure of ‘Quality Elections’ must address within the context of the Guyana Elections Commission’s preparedness and delivery, together with contesting candidates’ quality, character, and commitment. This year, with the quality

of candidates chosen for the LGEs, there will be greater inclusiveness and stronger people’s participation at the grass root level.

A blend of candidates as potential councillors, including prominent people in business and influential community leaders as competitors, have put their hands up, which augers well for strengthening our local democracy. Therefore, we must ensure that the streamlining of constructive and objective support to select a team to advance an appropriate agenda for service and

development, thereby providing the avenue for our people to work and live together in peace and harmony.

The criteria and clear mindset of the People’s Progressive Party are to develop Guyana and unite our People. This focus is the central driver of President Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ motto as a realistic endeavor. With togetherness and quality leadership, this noble commitment to working together for a better Guyana will end petty corruption and lead to a better life for our people.

It establishes a meaningful counter to the typical PNC clandestine agenda, as politics should never be used as an “any means necessary game” for creating hardships for our citizens. Therefore, PNC’s favored practices must be dispelled, including their tool of advancing convenient delays, election rigging, and promoting racial hostility.

Recognizing the preceding, we must continue a united action in the current setting, as this is critical to achieving

Cost-oil audit

Dear Editor,

Please permit me to weigh in on the IHS cost recovery audit for the period 19992017. I have noted the concerns raised by the Stabroek News editorial(s) and perhaps the public at large. I have also noted the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) press statement on the matter as well as the Vice President’s in his recent press conference.

I agree that the concerns raised regarding the slothfulness in completing the audit is a reasonable concern?but at the same time, the fact that the process has been actively pursued during this time by agents of the Government of Guyana to where it is currently is also not unreasonable.

Before writing this letter, I was careful to consult with an auditing firm to ascertain what is the average timeline it takes to complete an au-

dit for a relatively large company in Guyana with say an expenditure value of G$1 billion.

Bearing in mind that the audit process commences from the time the engagement letter is signed to the preliminary findings which is shared with the management for a response and to address any deficiencies, then a final audit report is prepared and then there is another meeting with management before closing the

audit process.

To this end, my understanding is that depending on the volume of transactions, value of expenditure among other factors?it takes approximately six months, on average, to complete an audit of this nature to finality; and the sample size covered is usually around 50 per cent.

I am also familiar with the audit procedures?having been involved in the process myself, in responding to audit reports, etc.…, throughout my career within various organizations?almost all of the organizations I have worked with. So, the six months average timeline

and sample size covered can be practically confirmed.

With that in mind, the first cost recovery audit which spans approximately 18 years (1999-2017), comprising an expenditure size valuing more than the country’s pre-oil GDP, and considering that the audit covers 100 per cent of the recoverable costs; the timeline of two years or just over two years to bring the audit to closure?cannot be unreasonable. Further to note, we are now building capacity in this regard as a country.

That said, it would be thoughtless of me not to acknowledge and com-

mend the technical team at the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Revenue Authority for the thorough and competent work they have done in respect of the audit?based on the GRA’s statement. It is certainly commendable on their part, which is demonstrative of the fact that these agencies are building capacity at a relatively fast pace?and demonstrative of the technical competence of the officers involved.

Yours sincerely, Joel

Bhagwandin Financial and Public Policy Analyst

Quality LGE must unite people and influence...

From page 6

plural gains as ‘One Guyana.’ Significantly, we must recall that most Guyanese were united in 1992 in the battle against “rigged” elections and reunited again in 2020 to prevent the APNU/PNC/ AFC from stealing the government. So now is the best time for our people to unite and build a better Guyana, to live better with quality leadership and genuine respect for the Government’s development program.

While the Government is making tremendous progress at the national level, the time is now when we must have greater collaboration and togetherness at the village level for development. The root causes for petty corruption and slow movement at the NDCs will be removed with solid councillors willing to see growth in their community. Mature councillors will put development in the community first and not personal interest.

Editor, the PNC/APNU Commissioners have been incessantly irrational in their attempts to derail the progress of GECOM. With

their increasing attacks on Chairwoman Retired Justice Claudette Singh, they continue the demonstration of lacking objectivity. The situation demands that GECOM be vigilant and more aggressive in their approach to their preparation for the holding of these LGEs.

The latest commotion stems from the majority decision at the Commission meeting to appoint a Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) against their favorite recommendation. Alexander and his cabal are trying to make a case to favor the strategic placement of a former controversial Region

# 4 Registration Officer whose previous record has signalled alarming considerations and solid public complaints. GECOM must never consider the employment of such highly questionable character.

As the Registration Officer, Ms. Marshal was at the centre of the many issues surrounding the broadsheet introduction in 2015 and refused a recount requested by the PPP/C counting agent. There was excuse after excuse! She was never available at the critical time of an inquiry, and her office was often closed. With all the ‘Jiggery-pokery’ that took place, it would

seem her role was part of the elaborate plan to ensure the recount requested by the PPP/C would not be carried out. The Peoples’ lawyers would have thoroughly examined this matter if the PPP/C’s petition to the court had been called.

In 2016 and 2018, the condemned former CEO Keith Lowenfield proposed Ms. Marshall as Registration Officer for

Region # 4, which the PPP/C vehemently opposed. This resulted in a move to shelter her from further public scrutiny through substitution. In 2020 the PNC/Lowenfield cabal again tried to put her as RO in Region # 4, but she was not appointed, given the objections and protests. Consequently, Lowenfield catapulted the ‘rigger’ Mingo into the position, and eventually, she

was appointed Voter Registration Manager. Albeit the laden baggage of improprieties and suspicion, some people are on the GECOM staff, which must be thoroughly examined. With the date for LGE’s drawing close, all hands must be on board for free and fair elections.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Congress Place, Kaieteur News and the GPA

Dear Editor, I know the current administration is quite capable of successfully mounting its own defense against the tabloid-styled reportage of the Kaieteur News (KN).

Nonetheless, I wish to address the patently false

narrative that the publication continues to foist on Guyanese on a daily basis with regard to the relationship between the Government, citizens, and the media.

I have found that the current administration has greatly facilitated and successfully engaged both the

media and the public.

For instance, there are by far more press conferences facilitated by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali when compared to former President David Granger. I can still recall the bold headlines in the press complaining about the lack of press conferences by the former president.

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has taken a similar approach when it comes to hosting press conferences. He has even appeared on the Glenn Lall show.

Other Ministers of Government are accessible to the media at public events and are often times quoted in media articles as being contacted for comment.

We are witnessing a dedicated focus by the President to engage with Guyanese directly using social media and in recent

months by taking the Office of the President to the people in various communities.

From all reports, the President’s approach is working.

Therefore, one is led to believe that there is a concerted attempt to dismantle and detract from the successful engagements based on the reportage from Kaieteur News.

Further, the newspaper appears unhappy with the fact that its principals cannot dictate to the Government how to conduct the affairs of the country. The publication may not like the answers that the PPP/C leaders are giving or the fact that the Government is defending its policies and decision-making.

However, this does not give KN and others carte blanche to continue the unscrupulous coverage of Government events. The Leonora press conference

is a prime example.

KN made the false claim that supporters were heckling and intimidating its reporters at the state-sponsored Presidential outreach.

This lie was concocted to fit the publication’s anti-Government narrative. What scientific method was adopted by the agents of KN to determine that residents attending the press conference were actually PPP supporters?

Then KN enlisted in its scheme, the President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Nazima Raghubir. Raghubir is no doubt trying to secure her own re-election as head of the GPA at its upcoming election. In her haste to attribute equal political blame, she equated the Leonora press conference to a previously held press conference at Congress Place, the PNC’s headquarters, where a group

of confirmed PNC party members led by the infamous Carol Joseph heckled reporters.

The two incidents are not the same. The President’s press conference was not a PPP/C event. The media engagement was called by the President to provide information to the country following two days of meetings with residents of Region Three. When an examination of the issue is done, one can conclude that the true intentions of KN and the GPA’s President were to deflect from the successful Presidential outreach to Leonora where residents from all ethnicities and political persuasions had the opportunity to meet with the President and his team to have their long-standing issues resolved.

Regards, Erin Northe

Disaster averted at Essequibo rice mill

THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is coming in for high praise after it responded with great effi-

ciency to a fire Thursday last at the Imam Bacchus & Sons Ltd rice mill on the Essequibo Coast.

The mill was in the middle of intake operations for the busy harvest, a press release from the company noted.

According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the rice mill, Aadil Baksh, tractor-trailers are constantly moving through the mill every day as farmers deliver the first crop of the year and a shutdown would have affected the livelihood of the workers and the farmers.

He added that any significant loss would have been a catastrophe, according to the press release.

“Witnesses say the fire started in an electrical transformer on the site just before noon on the said date,” the release noted.

The employee response crew immediately called the fire department and doused the fire on the ground, but the fire within the transformer box continued.

The fire service response was led by Divisional Officer A. Holder, Station Officer C. Springer, and the crews of Water Tenders #77 and #88.

According to the release, Leading Fireman E. James, said their first job was to contain the fire and then they cut the electricity in cooperation with Guyana Power and Light (GPL). They then used their hoses to cool the transformer until they could open it up and put out the flames.

The management of Imam Bacchus & Sons expressed their deep gratitude to the Fire Service for their professional and swift action.

Imam Bacchus & Sons Ltd is a third-generation, family-owned business that manufactures the Imam brand rice and noodle products.

Health and the celebration of World Health Day

By Vanessa Cort

WEBSTER’S

New

World dictionary defines health as: “Physical and mental well-being; freedom from disease, pain or defect; normalcy of physical and mental functions; soundness.”

This definition tells us clearly that health is not simply the absence of disease, but the overall well-being of a person.

The fundamentals of health are considered to be movement, nutrition, sleep, stress management and social interaction, which we all constantly balance in an effort to ward off sickness and achieve fitness.

However, just as health is more than “not sick,” fitness is more than just being “in shape” and involves being resistant to injury, illness and stress in order to increase both the “length of our days” and the quality of our lives.

Experts say that we tend to take movement for granted – being able to stoop, squat, bend, lift an object or simply sit or stand – and believe that loss of this range of movement is a natural part of aging, which they say is “simply not true.”

We are advised that we need to perform these actions three-five days per week to maintain functional pain-free movement.

We are also encouraged to view food as fuel, giving us the energy to go about our daily lives and not as a particular diet, which may require us to restrict certain foods. In fact, diet should only be pursued for a set amount of time, while nutrition involves eating an adequate portion of food from the various food groups.

Sleep is crucial for the

body, allowing time to repair muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones, while sleep deprivation has been linked to diabetes, Alzheimer’s and many other disorders.

How we manage stress also impacts our health as do social factors and both of these are affected by socioeconomic status. According to some studies, persons with low socioeconomic status are more likely to experience stress caused by financial difficulties, marital problems and unemployment, while marginalisation and discrimination retard social interaction.

World Health Day, which was celebrated on March 7 (last Friday) marks the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which each year focusses on a particular public health problem.

It is the promotion of good health for people across the globe that has led to the establishment of the WHO, which has as its theme this year – Health

For All - and is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Since the foundation of the Organisation in 1948, the world has seen tremendous health challenges, one of the greatest being the most recent – the

PAHO, which declares, “Health for all has its roots in the community and our Region’s territory”.

And a message for all this year, from the Economic Times, conveys the very spirit of health: “To keep in good health is a duty; otherwise, we shall not be able to trim the lamp of wisdom and keep our mind strong and clear. Health is the

crown on a good person’s head that only the ill person can see. Health

is a blessing in one’s life that only the sick person can see.”

COVID 19 pandemic –which has required countries to come together to find solutions.

Last Wednesday the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), which serves as Regional Office for the Americas of WHO, held a high-level dialogue – Health for All: Strengthening Primary Healthcare to Build Resilient Systems.

This was designed to reflect on “public health achievements that have improved quality of life over the past decades; promote lessons learned, particularly those that have emerged in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic; and motivate action to address today’s and tomorrow’s health challenges”.

Health for All, in terms of the “Region of the Americas,” is seen as a call to reassert the right to health care as a fundamental right and an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to primary health care.

This country has long recognised primary health care as central to the promotion of our health care system, as it involves establishing and fostering health practices at the community level. This strategy is endorsed by

Gas-to-Energy project will reduce country’s dependence on fuel imports

LATE last year, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali presided over the signing of the US$759 million contract to begin work on the much-anticipated Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project expected to be completed in 2024.

This is expected to be one of the largest civil infrastructure projects undertaken in Guyana’s history; it will include a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant and the 300-megawatt (MW) power plant at Wales on the West Bank Demerara.

Speaking at this year’s CERAWeek energy conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo spoke to Guyana’s ambitions to utilise the estimated 17 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of associated gas in the Stabroek Block.

“We’re having a different

kind of conversation to move to monetize this gas,” Jagdeo said, adding: “They’re [Exxon] doing some studies and we are also getting some external help to do a gas strategy, but we believe that’s the next [energy] wave… because we believe that Guyana has a huge potential for becoming a gas producer.”

When complete, the GTE project will be a huge leap forward for Guyana, reducing the price of electricity by an estimated 50 per cent and increasing the reliability of the power grid. This represents a significant step forward for a nation that has suffered from energy insecurity throughout much of its history and a landmark moment for Guyana’s independence from expensive imported fuel.

Guyana, like many Ca -

ribbean countries, has long suffered from high energy costs and the impacts of global commodity prices for oil. Decoupling electricity production from the fluctuations and costs of the global oil market through local gas and eventually hydropower is a significant milestone.

The use of associated gas in the power sector will see the replacement of expensive and polluting heavy fuel oil (HFO), which will lower overall emissions from the sector and move Guyana closer to fulfilling the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.

There are studies of how natural gas emits less than half as much carbon dioxide as HFO and more than 95 per cent less particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur

dioxide—the pollutants most damaging to human health.

The GTE project will diversify Guyana’s energy mix and significantly reduce the cost of electricity to the benefit of households and businesses, thereby catalysing rapid growth in industrial activity.

The 2023 national budget allocated G$43.3 billion to advance construction of the plant and associated facilities.

The gas project should start lowering household electricity costs by as much as half when it comes online in 2024 or 2025, although many more improvements will also be required to fully modernise the infrastructure of the electric grid and improve reliability.

Minister of Natural Re-

sources, Vickram Bharrat, in a recent virtual programme, said that Guyana could save US$150 million to US$200 million annually on fuel imports once the project comes online.

He went on to highlight how integral this project will be to non-oil sectors that feel the brunt of energy costs in the country.

“Many of the stakeholders, be it in agriculture or forestry, or any other sector, when you try to encourage them to go into value-added, that is the first issue they raise with you -- the cost and reliability of power generation,” Minister Bharrat said.

If other sectors are unable to afford high energy costs, then it stifles growth, which in turn stifles Guyana’s ability to diversify beyond its

oil and gas sectors. Ending dependence on expensive imported fuel could go a long way towards ending that traditional obstacle to opportunity. As Guyana’s gas sector matures, the government is making it clear that GTE is an investment in energy independence, lower electricity costs, and diversification away from imported fossil fuels.

Looking ahead, Guyana is on track to transform the economy and the lives of the Guyanese people with the GTE project. This project is a sign of the progress underway in Guyana and the opportunities yet to come as the country develops and becomes a more significant player in global markets on its own terms.

Top London university renames building after UG’s first chancellor

THE London School of Economics (LSE) has renamed one of its major buildings after the first Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), Sir William Arthur Lewis.

On March 23, LSE finally formally recognised the Nobel Prize-winning Caribbean economist, who was also its first Black student, teacher, faculty member and professor.

Sir Arthur had studied, taught and researched at LSE and Manchester University in the UK before leaving for Africa in 1957 to advise President Kwame Nkrumah after Ghana became independent – and a decade later, he was installed as UG Chancellor on January 25, 1967 at the Queen’s College auditorium in Georgetown, a position he would hold until 1973.

Taught by his Antiguan father and winning an Islands Scholarship (meant for the entire West Indies), Sir Arthur was too young to enter LSE and had to wait to come of age.

But he would go on to score many firsts in the Caribbean, Europe and the USA: The first West Indian Chancellor (and Vice Chancellor) of the University of the West Indies (UWI), first Full Professor at Princeton University and the first President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The new building renamed after him - formerly 32 Lincoln’s Inn Fields and now the ‘Sir Arthur Lewis Building’is home to various LSE departments, including its Centre for Economic Performance (CEP), International Growth Centre (IGC), Department of Economics, Centre for Macroeconomics and the Suntory and Toyota International Centres for Economics and Related Disciplines (STICERD).

At the ceremony, LSE President and Vice Chancellor Minouche Shafik celebrated Sir Arthur’s “ongoing legacy” at LSE and “the enduring contribution he has made to development economics.”

He said: “Sir Arthur Lewis was a pioneer in the field of development economics and an outstanding student, teacher and researcher at LSE” and, “We are delighted to rename one of our buildings after him, in recognition of his exemplary career and enduring legacy, both at LSE and beyond.”

Professor Sir Tim Besley from the Department of Economics added: “Nobody who studies issues in development can fail to appreciate Arthur Lewis’s legacy and his framing of development challenges as a process of structural change.

“We honour that legacy at LSE to this day with a dedicated cadre of economists who study development and growth issues.

“And we have many students from all over the world who come to the LSE study and research in development following in Arthur Lewis’ footsteps.”

Born in Saint Lucia in 1915, Sir Arthur won a government scholarship to study in Britain and in 1933 arrived at LSE, earning a First-Class degree four years later in 1937 and being awarded a scholarship to continue his studies, earning his PhD in Industrial Economics.

He was a member of LSE’s staff from 1938 to 1948, became a School

Reader in Colonial Economics in 1947, was knighted in 1963 and was jointly-awarded the 1979 Nobel Prize for Economics with US Economist, Theodore Schultz for “pioneering research into economic development research with particular consideration of the problems of developing countries.”

He died in Barbados in 1991; and in 2015, to mark the centenary of his birth, a special Chair was established in his name at LSE.

Sir Arthur provided a template for Reparations from Britain for Slavery in its West Indian colonies in his seminal first book ‘Labour in the West Indies (1939)’ - written after he took time off at age 23 to tour the British colonies during the 1938 West Indian revolutions against declining conditions as Britain went to war.

The blueprint was, however, formally adopted eight decades later on August 1 (Emancipation Day) 2020 by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Three years later, LSE renamed the building after him – all of 75 years after he left LSE and 66 years after he left the UK for Ghana.

The term ‘Better late than never’ is used for belated acknowledgement of genii regarded as having predated their time because their works and/or words were both unprecedented and everlasting.

That adage is also countered by those who hold that individuals don’t predate their time, but it is

built his fame.

societies that don’t understand them early enough.

However, much-ado behind it all is Brian Walker, a Jamaica-based former LSE student, who’d earned a Chevening Scholarship in 2018.

His fascination with Sir Arthur led Walker to produce a widely-circulated documentary on the Nobel laureate that was only the start of (bigger) things to come.

Walker wondered and pondered over why the internationally-acclaimed bard didn’t have any clearly-visible pride-ofplace at the place he made proud, made his name and

He started thinking of how best to permanently inscribe Sir Arthur’s name on LSE’s walls and hallsand soon, with like-minded (Caribbean and British) students, lecturers and others interested in casting Lewis’ name in stone agreed to together propose the building housing the LSE’s Department of Economics be renamed after him.

The London ceremony was attended by Saint Lucia’s High Commissioner in London, Anthony Severin, members of the Lewis family, Walker, LSE top brass and other like-minded stakeholders who worked hard (and quietly) in the background.

The Lewis family was represented by Sir Arthur’s older daughter Elizabeth Lewis-Channon and her husband Steven, as well as by the late knight’s grand-daughter Samantha

Virgil and her husband Khari Motayne.

Also present were Professor Besley (an Arthur Lewis Professor of Development Economics), Dr Junius Oliver (a Saint Lucian academic in the LSE’s Department of Economics), Shey ForbesTalor (who co-produced the documentary on Sir Arthur with Walker), Student Union Officer Martha Ojo (who co-signed the proposal Walker presented to LSE), Christina Ivey, a graduate student who helped lobby the university.

“It was a magical moment,” Walker says of the event, recalling “the joy and gratitude from the patience that made the journey worth the while.”

He says the building’s renaming also marked “a celebration of Sir Arthur’s contribution to LSE, the Caribbean and the whole wide world…”

Politicians, GPA and the media

THE Guyanese media and press continue to develop, meeting the country’s need for accurate, balanced and factual information about issues of public importance so that informed opinions could be formed and decisions can be made pertaining to the government or authorities.

Over the last few decades, the media has made significant inroads with protecting its members….who report, write, edit, video, produce, and generally bring the public the unfiltered and filtered versions of accurate information.

It is understood that the media and press have an important and indispensable role to play in Guyana, especially now that it has found oil and gas, and is climbing the ladder, moving closer to modernisation than in any other period before in history.

While there are some who practise the good and critical tenants of the media and press profession, there are those who play the game by their own rules but are hiding behind the veil that is provided by media or press body.

The latter has no interest in reporting the facts or getting the real and true story or news items as they unfold. They have no interest in holding the authorities or government accountable; transparency, or making sure that good governance takes place in society.

Simply put, they are not

the gatekeepers for the public and the public eye. They are leeches who suck away at the lifeline of the media and press profession in Guyana, hiding behind the veil of media protection and rights.

They write their own headlines, mislead and concoct stories almost daily for the shock and outrageous value that it brings to them. These so-called media, press and independent commentators appear to be sensationalising information which they brand as news and carry all types of different narrative that are not true, anti-government, anti-development and even to a far lesser extent, anti-opposition.

Recently, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy took serious umbrage to the quality of media and press coverage given to the government work and

outreaches by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. They spoke convincingly and factually about certain sections of the media, specifically the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News and others twisting what they actually said at media events, thereby misleading the viewers and readers about government policies and positions on a wide menu of things.

They were both making strong points and clarifying that they were not attacking, intimidating; and vexed with the media, but that they wanted their perspectives and points to be accurately portrayed too.

They, as expected, were unapologetic for positions taken on some government issues.

After and during the back and forth, the President of the Guyana Press Association, Nazima Raghubir, came to the defence of the media and press, stating a whole bunch

of totally unrelated and complex issues.

Sadly, Raghubir, respectfully, missed the boat on the issue that caused Jagdeo and McCoy to speak out.

In her haste to condemn the government and appear as though she is functioning effectively for allegedly re-election purposes, she may not have understood the issues clearly.

If she did, she would have seen that they have nothing to do with intimidation or press freedom, but government seeking to get the media and press to play their role fairly, accurately, and factually.

In spite of which side of the political spectrum she finds herself now, there was no need to issue a statement, or to berate the politicians or party.

She should have called Jagdeo and McCoy, requesting a meeting to discuss whatever issue that was raised with the GPA on behalf

of the media houses and personalities.

Sober and steady leadership would have resulted in the GPA President engaging her executive meaningfully to get an outcome.

She should not have, especially when it is not provoked and warranted, adopted the hostile and confrontational approach to managing the affairs of media houses and professionals in Guyana.

While there are some challenges that media and press professionals face with getting information in a timely manner, there has been a freeing up of critical pieces of information, unlike the years of the David Granger administration.

Raghubir knows that since August 2020, government officials are out and about everywhere compared to what obtained during the 2015 and 2020 periods.

What she should focus on are the GPA elections that are slated for May, and seeking to explain the dwindling finances of the association during the time she took office.

She must address the brain drain that is threatening Guyanese media and press workers even in this booming economy.

Maybe, the final days should be focused on representing and finding a solution to the many internal issues that the media has as opposed to functioning as a politician while in office.

It is not cute nor is it the right thing to do if she blurs the line between her job as an executive and that of a politician.

With no diss to the local media and press, professionals must keep asking for answers until the politicians give a sufficient reply to the questions that are based on facts. Ask hard questions and ask the right and important questions that make the Opposition and Government uncomfortable because it is in the public’s interest to so do.

Do not settle for just going along with the editor or publisher changing a story and interfering with the facts of the matter or issue if they can’t justify it. Wrong is wrong and right is right!

The Guyanese media must be treated with the respect and must be accommodated properly. Politicians from both sides of the divide must get comfortable with being asked the most difficult and uncomfortable questions during the media conferences, events and sidelines.

The media and press must not continue to play victim every time there is an objection to their work, conduct or professionalism. The media cannot be so intolerant and arsine of criticism. They must not be so timid and weak when politicians speak on media fairness, balanced and factualness.

NCN’s CEO, Chronicle writer among stalwart Guyanese creatives awarded

VETERAN of Guyana’s theatre scene, Neaz Subhan, was among a number of distinguished Guyanese who

were honoured on Thursday for their monumental contributions to the creative arts, at the Theatre Guild’s

Creative Spirit Awards held at the theatre’s Kingston, Georgetown home.

Subhan, Chief Execu -

tive Officer (ag) of the National Communications Network, copped the Lifetime Achievement Icon of the Arts Award for his writing, acting, directing, and promotion of plays, films and television.

“It’s great and humbling when your contributions are recognised,” Subhan said in an interview with NCN.

Veteran creative journalist and Guyana Chronicle contributing writer, Francis

Quamina Farrier was also among those honoured at Thursday’s ceremony. FQF copped the Icon of the Arts Award for longest Running Arts and Cultural Journalism, and for being amongst the oldest members of Guyana’s theatre guild.

Other notable stalwarts include Vic Insanally awarded for marketing and promotion of the creative spirit, Ian McDonald for legendary

contributions to the Arts, Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones & Maria Benschop for longest running Slapstick show and for introducing many new artists in theatre, and Kenrick Cheeks for outstanding performance and contribution to the preservation of dance.

Sean Thompson, Mark Kazim, and Ron Orlando Reynolds (Kunchi Tv.) received the Henry Rodney Award for Comedy for breakout artist across social media, media and stage during the COVID pandemic.

Kimberly Fernandes, Nizam Bacchus, Mark Luke-Edwards, Paul Budnah, Joshua Macey, Sonia Yarde were also among the talented group of awardees.

Lifetime service awards also went to Dem 3 (Ken Krosbie, Henry Muttoo, and Marc Matthews), Mighty Chief, Aileen Hintzen, Rajesh Dubraj, and the Woodside Choirs International MS.

Lifetime achievement awardee, Neaz Subhan (left), receives the award from Mr Wazim Khan

The period delay pill

SOME persons may have planned outdoor activities like the Rodeo and trips to the creek which usually occur during our Guyanese Easter holidays. However, it might not be a convenient time for some females due to their menstrual cycle, resulting in those persons seeking an appointment for the period delay pill.

There are multiple clinics online that offer period delay services in the United Kingdom which firstly require screening for eligibility prior to dispensation since the medications used for these purposes, norethisterone and the oral contraceptive pill, are prescription only medicines.

The following patient history disqualifies the can-

didate seeking menstrual delay services: breast and gynecological cancers, blood clots, bleeding in the brain, vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, a “missed” abortion, a stroke or heart attack within the year, liver disease and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

Norethisterone an old drug in use since 1957 has multiple manufacturers with various trade names such as Norlut, Primolut N and Norwell, which is a progesterone only pill unlike the regular contraceptives which is a combination of progesterone and estrogen.

It is usually prescribed by the doctor three to four days before your expected period at an eight hourly dose interval or three times a day.

Withdrawal bleeding will occur in two to three days after discontinuing. At this dosage, you are cautioned to use other contraception barriers such as condoms; or you may get pregnant due to unprotected intercourse.

Side effects noted with norethisterone in some women are breast tenderness, decreased libido, irregularity in menstrual cycle, nausea and headache.

Unlike norethisterone, an alternative option prescribed to delay the period which simultaneously prevent pregnancy is the daily contraceptives when used back-to-back or without the seven days gap. This sequential intake of incremental doses of progesterone and estrogen, referred to as the

combined contraceptive pill, without the normal seven days break provides a delay in menses. Withdrawal bleeding or menstruation occurs when the seven dummy or inactive iron pills are used on the 28-pill card. The card of only 21 tablets, as presented in Yasmin and Qlaira, are taken every twenty-four hours following the direction of arrow. However, if Microgynon is prescribed only the 21 of the light-colored pills out of the 28 pills on the card should be taken back-toback to achieve period delay.

Some of the side effects of the combined pills are nausea, headaches, mood swings and breast tenderness.

However, frequent delaying of the menses is not

a safe practice so that is why the doctor determines the benefits over the risk and prescribes for a particular duration. It is not advisable to continuously use period delay over an extensive time interval.

However, you are advised to discontinue the prescribed treatment if the following are observed: chest/ jaw, left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden blurred or double vision, fainting, trouble breathing, serious allergic reaction, severe rash or swelling of the face, tongue or throat.

You are encouraged to give full disclosure to your doctor on medications which you are currently taking such as blood thinners, anti-ret -

roviral, anti-seizure medications, vitamins and herbal supplements such as St. John’s Wort.

There are no dietary restrictions with these types of medication.

In the event of a missed dose, do not double up; just take it as soon as you remember or the next dose at the prescribed time stated.

For further discussion, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express Pharmacy at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic, kindly forward them to medicine.express@gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel # 225-5142.

Digicel injects $2.5M into Easter events

AS Digicel Guyana continues to connect communities throughout the country, and more so during Easter Celebrations, Digicel announced its sponsorship of Bartica Regatta, Rupununi Rodeo, and Linden Town Week.

According to a press release, the telecommunications company is investing $2.5 million in the events and celebrations scheduled for Easter Weekend and the end of April to unite communities and celebrate the occasion.

“At Digicel, we recognise the importance of supporting communities and helping to promote these events. We have been partnering with the Rupununi Rodeo, Bartica Regatta and Linden town week committees for a number of years,” the Chief Commercial Officer of Digicel, Simone Pierre, was quoted as saying in the press release.

The statement continued: “This year is no different. Additionally, we’ll be at the events so look out for our Digicel tent. We have some amazing deals on handsets for everyone. We are proud to be the network for everyone, everywhere.”

Digicel customers can also benefit from great Easter handset deals with a free 30-Day Prime Bundle starting from April 4th to 14th.

The Samsung A037 and the DL4 will be on sale for $25,000 and $15,000 respectively at any of the Digicel stores countrywide.

“We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Easter and would like to remind everyone to fly their kites away from power lines. Happy Easter!” the company said.

Digicel Group is a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 31 markets throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and Asia Pacific.

Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets, including Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural, and social development programmes.

No risk of losing financially despite slow pace of audit

–– Jagdeo affirms Guyana will not lose a cent

THE review of the IHS Markit Audit of the 1999 - 2017 Cost Oil Expenditure has been receiving the required attention at the technical level, and notwithstanding the pace of the audit’s review being somewhat slow, Guyana stands no risk of losing out financially because, ultimately, any unjustified expenses will be disallowed and returned to profit oil when the audit is complete.

This was explained by Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference on Thursday last, where he acknowledged that the review of the draft audit has been somewhat protracted.

In February 2021, the IHS Markit submitted a “Draft Audit Report” on the operation expenses of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil, operator of Guyana’s offshore Stabroek Block.

Since 2021, technical officials at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) have been assessing the document given that any contention over claims made requires feedback from the operator, in keeping with

standard financial practice.

The GRA has since explained that this step must be completed before IHS Markit can issue the final audit report. In 2020, IHS Markit submitted an intermediary report that was incorrectly labeled as the final report; however, the final report remains to be completed.

“The sloth in addressing the concerns is accurate. It’s going too slowly. But we are not going to lose. You can’t lose because…if Exxon can’t give proper explanations, it [unjustified expenses] will be removed from the cost bank and go into the profit part of the sharing. It’s not money that you will lose, the country will recover it. That is the purpose of an audit,” Dr. Jagdeo explained.

Dr. Jagdeo related that the government has been urging for the completion of the report, even as they try to be understanding of the need for the technical team to be meticulous in their work.

“As policymakers, we press the technical people to get this along, complete the work. It’s going slowly, but it is getting the required attention at the technical level. What would have been even

more distressing is if our group or the ministry had just said, all right, we accept it and let’s go forward or allow Exxon to get away with some spurious explanation. It’s taking long, but they’re sticking doggedly to, even if it takes a bit longer and we’re not going to lose a cent from that,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

According to the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that Guyana has with ExxonMobil, the company can recoup up to 75 per cent of the revenue as cost oil, which is incurred production costs.

The remaining revenue is split 50/50 between the

government and the contractor. Hence, the amount of revenue that goes to cost oil affects the amount of money that the country is able to gain from its patrimony.

As such, the expenses listed by the company are audited by the government to ensure all expenses are allowable, and are at fair market rates. If an expense is raised as questionable in the audit and the company cannot defend it, then it is removed from cost oil, and Guyana’s profit is increased. For the period 1999 to 2017, Exxon has claimed US$1.67B in expenses.

Over the past few

Visionless!

–– Jagdeo scoffs at Norton’s criticisms of govt’s housing policy

OPPOSITION leader Aubrey Norton has once again come in for major flak for his criticism of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s housing policy, which has seen thousands of Guyanese benefitting over the past two-and-

half years from home and land ownership.

In fact, more house lots have been allocated under this administration, in just under three years in comparison to the APNU+AFC’s five years in office. This was reiterated by General Secretary of

the PPP Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during his weekly press conference at Freedom House, Georgetown on Thursday last.

Dr. Jagdeo said the PPP has made housing one of the most vibrant sectors in the economy. “Guyanese now have homeownership;

weeks, a local media house has published a number of reports on the draft audit, which has spurred discussions over the timeline and other concerns of the contents of the document.

The Vice President reminded that the progress on completion of the report is dependent on the technical personnel working on it. As such, he maintained that the audit currently under review has not been kept a secret, unlike the situation that played out with the 2016 PSA during the APNU+AFC’s time in government.

“The characterisation that the government has kept this a secret is patently false because I had to point out that this is not a policy making issue. This was available to over 20 technical people for two years. It’s been in the public as far as I’m concerned; there was no gag order not to speak about it, not to release and no gag order about it,” the Vice President reminded.

He added, “The policy making issue was to get the audit completed. This is a purely technical matter and I believe on one hand, they say the policymakers’ micromanage and then, the other hand, you must get down to deal with all the

such as his, Dr. Jagdeo said: “He comes to criticise the PPP about its housing policy! How visionless can you be, if you don’t want people to own things; you just want them to rent all their lives!

technical issues.”

However, even as work continues to complete the audit, the government has been reinforcing the country’s capabilities in the oil and gas sector in several other areas.

Moreover, since coming into government in August, 2020, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government has also been spearheading massive public sector investments, and development that has rapidly transforming the country.

Taking this into account, Dr. Jagdeo noted that the government will not allow cynics of the country’s development to sidetrack focus.

“The sloth in the audit is a concern, not just of the media; it’s a concern of policymakers too. But we can’t divorce ourselves from the major advances this country has made and from the progress that has been engendered by the PPP returning to office.”

“We are not going to allow anyone to disparage the large amount of work that the PPP has done on policymaking to get this industry up to international standards and to put in place a proper framework by sniping at little things.”

ton comes from a party which has a terrible track record, as it relates to housing.

land ownership, because of the policies of the PPP. And as recent as the 2015 to the 2020 period, they [APNU+AFC] did very little to enhance that,” the general secretary pointed out.

Noting Norton’s audacity, with a track record

“Clearly, he has nothing to do! His advisers should tell him to stay away from this issue, because it can’t win his party any sympathy in the Guyanese populace at large.”

Norton, at a recent press conference, said the APNU+AFC would assist Guyanese with rent, a notion dismissed by the general secretary as, ‘divorced from reality’.

He reminded that Nor-

“This a leader who comes from a party with a track record that, since Forbes Burnham died, they never had a housing programme, which led to a massive backlog of people living in very terrible conditions, and not having the dignity of ownership, even closing down the Ministry of Housing,” the general secretary stated.

The PPP, in its Manifesto, promised to provide 50,000 house lots during its first five years in office. The lots allocated to date total some 22,500. (DPI)

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Works progressing on maternal & pediatric hospital

CONSTRUCTION of the new state-of-the-art maternal and pediatric hospital in Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, is progressing on schedule, according to Project Manager, Nigel Landrel-Smith.

Landrel-Smith, during an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, noted that the setting up, mobilisation, and clearance of the site, have been completed; the laying of the foundation will begin shortly.

The Project Manager highlighted that the ground is currently being raised to a sufficient level in order to build the hospital.

The facility will have 256 beds, cover 24,000 square meters gross floor areas and an imaging suite which will include CT scans, X rays, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning equipment.

The hospital will also

have a modern laboratory which will focus on conducting sophisticated testing.

It is the first project to come out of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Guyana and Austria, which was first signed in 2018, while the EUR$149 million (GUY$31.9 billion) contract for the hospital was signed on June 8, 2022.

The new facility is expected to not only serve Region Four but will be a Level Five referral centre for women and children of all regions in Guyana, who are referred for specialised healthcare not available in their region. The three patient-care groups that will be referred to the hospital will be maternal mothers, neonatal care and pediatrics.

The project also marks Guyana’s first UK Export Credit Agency financing and is being done in ac -

cordance with the FIDIC yellow book standards, a standard contract where the design is carried out by the contractor.

The hospital is being built by VAMED Engineering, which was appointed by the Government of Austria. Headquartered in Austria, VAMED Engineering is a global provider for hospitals and health care facilities.

The company has implemented more than 1,000 projects across the globe, operating in 100 countries on five continents.

It has provided highend services for more than 820 health facilities. In Latin America and the Caribbean, they have done projects in Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia and Haiti.

The hospital in Guyana is expected to take two years to becompleted.

Massive ehancement of road from Belfield-Mahaica underway

CONSTRUCTION works of the East Coast Demerara (ECD) road widening and improvement project from Belfield to Mahaica and Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau on the Railway Embankment have begun.

According to the Ministry of Public Works, the services of China Railway First

Group Company Limited has been engaged and work commenced between Belfield and Bachelor’s Adventure along the ECD corridor on Friday last and will end on May 7, 2023.

In 2014, the Government of Guyana awarded the contract to China Railway First Group Company Limited

and a few years later, Guyana and China signed a $9.6B (US$45.5M) concessional loan for completion of the widening of the road between Better Hope and Belfield and Guyana contributed some $2.7B to the project.

The government advanced plans in 2023 to upgrade several major roads

across Georgetown as part of the overarching objective to significantly transform Guyana’s infrastructural landscape.

Over $150B has been set aside in Budget 2023 for the advancement of major infrastructural projects across the country.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh had said that the government has been reorienting the focus of the national budget to invest heavily in the things that matter for long-term economic growth, particularly as it pertains to addressing the country’s infrastructural gap.

“We recognise the importance of seizing the moment to lay the foundation for

investment; we see this as the moment to ensure that we address historic infrastructure impediments to long-term economic growth. Notwithstanding emphasis on infrastructure, we are doing all of this in the context where we maintain a disciplined fiscal stance,” Dr Singh related.

The government has done this through a conscious decision to shift expenditure from being heavy on government consumption of goods and services to a greater focus on government investment in infrastructure.

Putting the foregoing into a statistical context, in 2019, the previous government spent less than a quarter of public expenditure, the equivalent of some 22.7 percent of it, on public invest-

ment, and the remainder on public consumption. Conversely, the 2023 budget saw a marked shift from consumption towards public investment, with almost half of the $781.9B budget, or 49.6 per cent of it, being devoted to public investment.

The budget saw massive increases in key infrastructural sectors such as roads and bridges, housing, and power generation. In 2019, total investment on roads and bridges through the budget amounted to $11.8B while in 2023, some $131.5B was allocated to this area. In the area of housing development, less than $1B was spent in 2019, but in the 2023 budget, that area received $53.1B.

An employee of China Railway First Group Company Limited points to the area where the road will be widened (Delano Williams photo)

The road widening project has commenced from Belfield to Mahaica (Delano Williams photo)

Guyanese student cops CARDI’s top award

IN celebrating youth excellence in agriculture, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), awarded Guyanese Joshua Adrian of Diamond Secondary School on the East Bank Demerara, with the award for Most Outstanding Performance in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) in the field of Agriculture Science 2023.

Joshua, who pursued 11 subjects at the CSEC level, which is inclusive of Agriculture Science, Double Award (DA), told CARDI that he was very thankful for the support and guidance that was given to him by

the members of his family, his teachers at Diamond Secondary School, and his peers. He also noted that this was central to his academic achievements.

Even though Joshua performed extremely well at CSEC, he related that he is still uncertain about his future career path. According to him, he will be using the next few months to evaluate his options, but he definitely plans to start at the University of Guyana (UG) in the new and upcoming academic year.

As CXC approaches, Joshua also took the opportunity to remind sitting students not to “overwork themselves” but rather to take their time to read and make jottings on what was learned.

According to Joshua, that will allow them to go back and refresh or recap what they have revised, and with that method, he said, they wouldn’t have to rely on their memory alone. It was a method that worked for him, he related. “It helps you remember a lot,” said Joshua.

Joshua is proud and humbled by his accomplishments and expressed his gratitude to CARDI for selecting him to be the 2023 recipient of their award.

Representative for CARDI, Jhaman Kundun, told the Sunday Chronicle that the organization is happy to present Joshua with the prestigious award. According to Jhaman, the last time the CARDI award for the top performer went to a Guyanese student was in 2018.

Through the invention and transmission of relevant technologies in agricultural research for development, CARDI is one of the regional organisations that aims to improve the economic wellbeing of Caribbean people.

The CARDI award, which was established in 2007 to honour the top Agriculture Science student in the Caribbean, is given to a student who receives a Grade One in Agriculture, a Grade Two in Mathematics and English, a Grade One or Two in another technical or general CXC subject, and a Grade One or Two overall.

Guyana’s representative of CARDI, Jhaman Kundun presents the award to Joshua Adrian

‘Balwant Singh’ hospital refutes patient’s claims

DR. Balwant Singh Hospital Inc., in addressing the recent allegations made by patient Wonder Kellman-Hall, denied that one of its doctors removed her ovaries and cervix without her consent during a medical procedure.

According to a press release, the hospital is being actively defended against the allegations as Kellman-Hall has taken the matter to court.

“Nevertheless, we wish to make it a matter of public record that the hospital vehemently denies all of the

accusations made by Ms. Kellman-Hall in the case,” the release stated.

According to the hospital, its records show that Kellman-Hall has been a patient of Dr. Madhu Singh, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and Chief Executive Officer

(CEO), since May 2014.

“She was diagnosed with a condition in 2021 and surgery was recommended as the best course of action. The procedure was conducted on June 9, 2021. Ms. Kellman-Hall made a complaint about the procedure in Au-

gust 23, 2022,” the hospital stated, claiming that the patient was fully informed of the risks and benefits of the recommended procedure; she gave her consent.

“Ms. Kellman-Hall’s consent was voluntary and informed, and at no time did the hospital or its employees breach any duty of care owed to her,” the statement read.

During the surgery, according to the hospital, there was uncontrollable bleeding from one organ posing a risk to her life. As a result, it was necessary to remove the organ and it was noted that the procedure is a routine one and the organ removal poses no long-term effects on her ability to continue Kellman-Hall’s normal life.

According to the press release, post-surgery, Dr. Madhu Singh informed Kellman-Hall of the circumstances and explained that despite the action that was required during surgery, the overall goals of the procedure were met, and that her post-surgery expectations have not changed.

“The post-surgery action required that everything that was removed during surgery be sent to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for testing. The histopathology report from GPHC confirms the position of Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital,” the release noted.

Kellman-Hall, a 45-yearold mother of two, has filed an almost $7M lawsuit against the hospital and Dr Singh for removing her ovaries and cervix without her consent during a medical procedure.

Kellman-Hall, a travel agent, is seeking damages in excess of $5M from the hospital and Dr. Singh for negligence. She is also seeking $659,500 in special damages along with exemplary and aggravated damages in excess of $1M.

The lawsuit was filed by Attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin and associates.

On June 8, Kellman-Hall signed a consent form at the hospital for the surgeries, the removal of her womb, and the hernia, and reportedly expressly wrote on the consent form that she did not want her ovaries and cervix removed.

The next day, she went

under the ‘knife’ and was discharged two days later. Sometime after the surgeries, which were deemed successful, the claimant visited the hospital, but doctors reportedly did not indicate that they removed her cervix and both ovaries.

In her court documents, the woman said that she returned to the hospital on August 23, 2022, for an ultrasound, and Dr. Singh advised her that everything was normal with her body.

With growing concern and sensing something was wrong, Kellman-Hall went to the Cancer Institute and had another ultrasound done.

It was there that the doctor delivered the shocking news that based on the results of the ultrasound both of her ovaries and her cervix were removed.

“The claimant began experiencing various changes in her body, such as extreme sweating during the nights, pains when standing too long, hot flashes, chills, lack of energy, lack of concentration and changes in her mood. This severely affected the claimant’s ability to work at her job as a travel agent…” her court document said.

She was also having problems sleeping. She later visited the hospital where Dr. Singh reportedly explained to her that she had bleeding in one of her ovaries resulting in the removal.

The claimant later re-examined her hospital documents and noticed that the discharge diagnosis included a “TAH with Unilateral oophorectomy + B/L Salpingectomy” but she never consented to the latter two procedures.

She requested all of the documentation from the hospital concerning the surgery; however, to date, she has not reportedly received any.

In her court document, she said that her work, hobbies, social, recreational, and other activities have been adversely affected since the surgeries.

Wonder Kellman-Hall

58 land owners receive housing subsidies in Region Nine

THE first 58 landowners in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) received their Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy vouchers from the Ministry of Housing and Water, Central Housing and Planning Authority, on Saturday.

The Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy Programme is the brainchild of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, to provide support for Guyanese seeking to construct their own homes, whether on government or private lands.

Persons building houses estimated at GY$6 million and below will receive steel and one sling of cement; while homebuilders with estimates above GY$6 million to GY$25 million will receive two slings of cement.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, noted that the programme will provide a number of economic spin-offs in the region. The first distribution will see over GY$13 million being directly invested.

It will also promote occupancy within housing schemes and boost homeownership in the hinterland.

A beneficiary, Ekema Glenn, applauded the government for the initiative, as he said the voucher places him in a better position to construct his home.

“Currently, I’m living with family and I’m renting. Renting

can be very burdensome so this will give us a great boost in starting my home,” Glenn said.

Beverly Rodrigues, another beneficiary living with her family, said that the voucher presents

a life-changing opportunity. She expressed that without the voucher, she would not have been able to start the construction of her house and said she was overwhelmed.

200 women-owned businesses to showcase at ‘We Lift 3’

AS the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s ‘We Lift 3’ event approaches, approximately 200 women-owned businesses are set to be on show at the MovieTowne parking lot on April 15 and 16, 2023.

Subject Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud on Saturday met with the women who will have their businesses on display.

According to a press release, at the simple orientation exercise on Lamaha Street, the participants were briefed on what is expected when they set up at the Movietowne Parking Lot on the weekend of the event.

“We are excited to see what you will display. This is the third expo of this nature and is the largest in the Caribbean so you are part of something massive,” Minister Persaud was quoted as saying in the press release.

She said that ‘We Lift 3,’ is going to be a phenomenal event this year because she knows the business owners will put out their best, the 2023 theme being an eclectic upmarket.

“I wanted to create that kind of vibe as a little bit different from the ‘We Lift’ before, not only changing the venue but changing when people come in, what they do. Every section will have a theme that your product will fit

in,” the minister related.

She added, “We also want to work with you going forward through the female business incubator on marketing, packaging, promotion of your product and so much more… we are working with a company so that soon you will be able to sell your product on the WIIN app.”

According to the ministry, the number of ‘We Lift’ participants increased by nearly 200 percent, judging from the previous two editions.

Gabriela Rodriguez, one of the business owners that will be participating said that she is honoured and grateful for the opportunity. “I am really excited

Suppliers in Region Nine thus far are R&R Hardware, Fabra Enterprise, M&U General Store, Nicholson Trading, Anil’s Shop, and Sucil Kissoon. All suppliers are required to sell

the building materials at the predetermined cost set by the Ministry.

Minister Croal and Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally, led the distribution of the vouch-

ers at the Regional Housing Office in Lethem. Mayor of Lethem, His Worship John Macedo, and Deputy Mayor, Debra King also attended.

to see what will happen and I am thankful to the Ministry of Human Services for supporting women in business and it is a blessing.”

Rhonda Brotherson, another businesswoman who will have a booth at the event, noted that she was ecstatic about it. Brotherson also participated last year and described the experience as an amazing one.

“I think it is an excellent initiative for women who have small businesses to be put on the forefront to showcase what we have in the best way we can; be creative with our displays and interact with people who only get to see our small businesses just online,” she said.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, handing over Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy vouchers to Region Nine residents

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud meeting with some ‘We Lift 3’ participants

…50th Carifta Games

Springer (Gold), Roberts (Silver) and Booker (Bronze) lead

Guyana’s charge on day one

TIANNAi Springer produced a thrilling run in the Girls’ Under-17 final to win Gold while Javon Roberts and Seon Booker won Silver and Bronze in their respective 1500m races to hand Guyana three medals at the end of day one of the 50th Carifta Track and Field Championships in The Bahamas.

Springer clocked 54.32 seconds to win gold ahead of Jody-Ann Daley (54.81s) of Jamaica and De’Cheynelle Daley

(55.46s) of St. Kitts and Nevis.

More so, Roberts won silver in the Boys Under-17 1500m with a time of 4:13.63 seconds to finish behind Demetire Meyers of Belize.

The Belizean ran a blistering race of 4:11.19 seconds to pull away from the pack while Joel Morgan of Jamaica clocked 4:13.18s to win bronze.

It is the second success of silver for Roberts in the 1500m after winning in

Jamaica last year.

More so, Booker clocked 4:08.38 seconds to win bronze in the Under-20 1500m behind Bermuda’s Kahzi Sealey (4:06.34s) and Jamaican Ainsley Campbell (4:05.54s).

Springer, Roberts, Attoya Harvey, Ezekiel Newton, Narissa McPherson, Omar James, Malachi Austin, and Adessa Alberts had to compete in finals or time trials after arriving in the country just hours before the race.

12 athletes and officials were stranded in Cuba overnight after a charter from Guyana to belatedly get them out of Guyana.

Attoya Harvey, who was a favourite for gold in the 1500m, had to settle for fourth place while Dejuan Grant and Wesley Noble Jr ran promising qualifying races to their Under-17 and Under-20 400m finals but did not reach on the podium.

The action continues today from 09:00h.

GDF FC win MVP Sports women’s football league

THE Guyana Defence Force Football Club on Wednesday last won the much anticipated final of the MVP Sports/Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Women’s Development Football League. They defeated Fruta Conquerors 3-1 to lift the coveted trophy.

The newly crowned champions played a strong attacking game and it was pandemonium just before midnight at the Police Pro-

gressive Sports Club ground when the final whistle was blown.

The first goal of the night was an own goal by Fruta Conquerors Jessica Teasdale just six minutes in but she made up for her mistake and equalised via a penalty in the 22nd minute.

But the second half went to Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with two amazing goals by Abioce Heywood (74th) and Cloetta Dublin

(91st).

GDF FC’s captain Cloetta Dublin shared that, “We’re very happy about the win. We came into this game playing very hard. Our way forward today is for the next league, we’ll go back on the field and keep on working hard to come and win again next season.”

Earlier in the evening, Guyana Police Force Football Club dominated the thirdplace match against Pakuri

Jaguars with an 8-0 drubbing. They took the lead 20 minutes into the game with a well-placed goal from striker Fiona Benjamin. She went on to score two more goals - the second in at the 51st minute mark and her last successful strike was in the 56th minute. Rounding up the night’s goals were Lakeisha Williams with three goals (21st, 47th, 48th), and one each from Tiandi Smith (40th) and Shontel Greene (63rd).

Unbeaten T&T cruise to third win but title-holders...

From page 32

Meanwhile, hosts Leeward Islands and neighbours Windward Islands remained on Trinidad and Tobago’s heels by recording their second victories of the campaign.

At Liberta Sports Club, the Leewards chased down

RACING TIPS

117 to beat Jamaica by six wickets, Lawshorn Bergam hitting an unbeaten 31 from 59 balls to see his side over the line with support from captain Matthew Miller who made 21.

Amoree Jones had earlier taken four for 20 to restrict Jamaica, Lythe Browne (2-6)

and Krishna Girdhari(2-14) supporting with a brace each.

At Coolidge Cricket Ground, the Windwards defeated Guyana by 29 runs after gathering 174 all out from their 50 overs thanks to Tyler Venner’s 45, and then bundling their opponents out for 145 in the 41st over.

Guyana threatened early courtesy of a 65-run, opening stand between Razam Koobir (39) and Navin Boodwah (35) but Jorden Charles (4-31) and Theo Edward (3-19) scythed through the innings as the last nine wickets tumbled for 80 runs.

Bangladesh complete seven-wicket win over Ireland in one-off Test

IRELAND’s hopes of claiming a first Test victory were ended by Bangladesh as the hosts sealed a seven-wicket win on day four of the one-off Test.

Ireland resumed on 286-8 after a fightback on day three but only added another six runs to their lead of 131 before being bowled out in Mirpur.

The Tigers slipped to 43-2 in pursuit of 138 but Mushfiqur Rahim led his side to victory with a quickfire 51 not out.

It is Ireland's fourth defeat from four Tests since 2018.

"We showed a lot of grit, especially yesterday. I think we all just enjoyed playing Test cricket again - the ebbs and flows of the game," said Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie.

"One minute you're up, one minute you're down and you have to show a lot of fight, which we did.

"But in the end we didn't show enough and unfortunately were on

the wrong side."

After hitting the nation's second Test century on day three, batter Lorcan Tucker said his side were hoping to set a target of 180, having recovered brilliantly from 27-4 at one stage in their second innings.

But any hopes of reaching that mark were effectively ended when Andy McBrine was bowled for 72 by Ebadot Hossain having only added one to his overnight score.

Seamer Hossain then had Graham Hume caught behind by wicketkeeper Litton Das off

a thick edge as Ireland were all out for 292.

Opener Das made an aggressive start to Bangladesh's chase, hitting McBrine for six over mid-wicket in the second over before being bowled by Mark Adair for 23 from 19 balls.

Najmul Hossain Shanto edged McBrine to slip three overs later but Ireland were unable to stop a steady flow of runs.

First-innings centurion Mushfiqur hit his first ball for four and scored at faster than a run a ball, despite the loss of Tamim Iqbal

Takuma Inoue beats Liborio Solis to claim vacant WBA bantamweight title

for 31 after he skied a catch off leg-spinner Ben White with 33 still needed.

With the hosts' target 23 runs away, Tucker missed the chance to stump Mominul Haque and the left-hander ended unbeaten on 20 alongside Mushfiqur.

The win ends a run of eight defeats and one draw in Tests for Bangladesh since victory over New Zealand in January last year.

Ireland play two Tests against Sri Lanka later this month.

(BBC

Sport)

Jos Buttler's 79 from 51 balls helped set up Rajasthan Royals' 57-run win over Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League

England white-ball captain Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made 60, added an opening stand of 98 in just 8.3 overs.

Rajasthan's run-rate stalled in the middle overs but Shimron Hetmyer's explosive 39 not out from 21 balls led them to 199-4.

Delhi captain David Warner hit 65 in reply

but they fell short on 142-9.

Buttler, who was dropped on 18 by Anrich Nortje, hit 11 fours and a six in his knock but Jaiswal was the early aggressor, racing to his half-century in just 25 balls.

Delhi fought back to remove Jaiswal, followed by Sanju Samson and Riyan

Parag for single-figure scores, as Rajasthan only managed to score 27 runs between overs 10-15.

Buttler remained to anchor the innings before he was dismissed in the 19th over, but Hetmyer's four sixes propelled Rajasthan to their imposing total.

New Zealand seamer Trent Boult then

gave Rajasthan the perfect start to the second innings with a double-wicket maiden - his second in three games.

He dismissed Prithvi Shaw and Manish Pandey, before India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed the wicket of Rilee Rossouw to leave Delhi 36-3.

JAPAN’s Takuma Inoue claimed the vacant WBA bantamweight title with victory over Venezuela's Liborio Solis.

Inoue overcame a stray elbow that left him with a deep cut above his eye in the fifth round to win by unanimous decision in Tokyo.

The 27-year-old, who previously held the WBC interim bantamweight title from 2018 to 2019, improves his record to 18-1, including four knockouts.

His older brother Naoya vacated the belt this year.

"This is the belt that my brother used to have and it was the first one that he won, so I'm relieved to win it," said Inoue, who was watched by his brother at ringside.

"My brother held all four belts and I want to say that my challenge is now for me to do the same - I want to become the undisputed champion."

Naoya Inoue became the first undisputed bantamweight world champion since Panama's Enrique Pinder in 1972 when he beat England's Paul Butler in December.

The 29-year-old, who has a 24-0 record with 21 knockouts, gave up all four belts the following month to move up to the super-bantamweight division.

He is set to take on WBC and WBO champion Stephen Fulton of the United States in Tokyo in July.(bbc Sport)

Ireland are yet to win a Test since gaining full member status

Takuma Inoue's (left) only career defeat was against Morocco's Nordine Oubaali for the WBC bantamweight title in 2019

Kappa ton spurs USA Tri-State to 61-run win over GCA-Under-21’s

...in Ramesh Sunich birthday match

Brooklyn Nets beat Orlando Magic to reach NBA play-offs

By Sean Devers

THE USA Tri-State team on a six-match tour to Guyana continued on Thursday night with their only day-night match against a GCA Under-21 Eleven at the DCC Ground, in a game which commenced in bright sunshine and climaxed under lights.

The game was played in celebration of the birth anniversary of owner of Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, who provided the trophies and dinner for both teams.

The tourists batted first on the small DCC Ground, and reached 353/6 when their 50 overs expired on the fast outfield.

Siddarth Kappa reached the boundary ten times, and cleared it five times in his entertaining 102 from 91 balls, and shared in a delightful 105-run partnership with Utkarsh Srivastava, who made a 44-ball 46 innings, with a six and five fours.

Prannav Chettipalayam continued his stunning consistency with a well-con -

structed 64 from 69 balls, with six fours and five sixes, while Aditya Gupta scored an explosive 49 from just 21 balls, with seven mighty sixes.

Usherdev Balgobin captured 2-39 for GCA U-21s, who did well to reach 292 all-out, as the in-form Balgobin blasted 68 from only 23 balls, six fours and 10 fours.

National U-19 skipper Alvin Mohabir (44), and Shamar Yearwood (42), pushed the local side closer to their target with a 67-run

partnership, before both batters threw their wickets away while attempting big shots when well set for half-centuries, while Jerimiah Scott lofted three sixes in a cameo 28, before he was taken on the long-off boundary looking for another six.

Gupta, bowling legspin, took 3-45, and got support from Utkarsh Srivastava, 2-16, for the US team, who have played unbeaten in their five games so far.

Man United climb back into third with 2-0 win over Everton

MANCHESTER, England, (Reuters) — Manchester United’s Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial secured a well-earned 2-0 victory over Everton as the hosts climbed above Newcastle United into provisional third spot in the Premier League today.

Erik ten Hag’s United team are in the thick of the race to finish in the top four, with 56 points from 29 games, three ahead of Newcastle, who have a game in hand, and six more than Tottenham Hotspur, with those sides playing later today.

The defeat for Sean Dyche’s Everton, who are battling to avoid relegation, leaves them in

16th spot, outside the drop zone only on goal difference and level on 27 points with Nottingham Forest in 17th place and Bournemouth who are 18th.

United pressed goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into duty early at a sundrenched Old Trafford and set up camp in Everton’s half for most of the game. The Reds were finally

rewarded in the 36th minute when Jadon Sancho threaded a pass to the charging McTominay who netted from close range.

Marcus Rashford, who had numerous chances on his 350th appearance for United in all competitions, set up Martial’s goal in the 71st with a cross that found the second-half substitute alone in the box to score.

United were missing Casemiro, who completed a four-game ban today, but fellow midfielder Christian Eriksen returned from an ankle injury when he came on after 77 minutes for his first appearance since January 28.

THE Brooklyn Nets reached the NBA Eastern Conference play-offs with a 101-84 victory over the Orlando Magic.

It has been a rollercoaster season for the Nets, with coach Steve Nash sacked after a poor start, Kyrie Irving's suspension over anti-Semitic social media posts and the trading of Irving and Kevin Durant in February.

Victory in New York, coupled with the Miami Heat's loss, secured sixth place.

The Nets will face third-placed Philadelphia 76ers in the play-offs.

"It speaks to the character of the group, the maturity and just the selflessness," said Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie, who returned to Brooklyn from Dallas as part of the Irving trade.

Irving did not feature and Luka Doncic played only 12 minutes as the Dallas Mavericks' hopes of reaching the NBA post-season were ended by a 115112 home loss to the Chicago Bulls.

The Mavericks had to win to dislodge the Oklahoma City Thunder from the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.

In the play-ins, the teams finishing seventh to 10th in the standings compete for the two remaining play-off berths.

The Golden State Warriors are one win away

from a play-off spot in the Western Conference.

They breezed past the Sacramento Kings 119-97 to move into fifth, although the Los Angeles Clippers will move above them with victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday.

The New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers are a game further back in the chase for the sixth and final play-off place.

The Lakers helped their cause with a 121-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns, who have already sealed fourth spot in the West.

LeBron James' Lakers have won eight of their past 10 games and can finish no lower than eighth.

The Milwaukee Bucks, top seeds in the Western Conference, rested all their starters as they went down 137-114 to the Memphis Grizzlies, who clinched the number two spot.

In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks are locked into eighth and the play-ins despite a 136131 defeat by the Philadelphia 76ers.

They finished one place below the Heat, who were beaten 114-108 by the Washington Wizards.

The Toronto Raptors, who will finish ninth after a 121-102 loss to second seeds the Boston Celtics, will play the 10th-placed Bulls in the first playin game on Wednesday. (BBC Sport).

USA Tri-State captain, Bolisette, is presented with the winner’s trophy by Ms. Emma Hussain, daughter of Ramesh Sunich (Sean Devers photo)

Manchester United’s Anthony Martial celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates during their match against Everton at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, April 8, 2023. — Reuters pic

Mikal Bridges (centre) top-scored for the Nets with 22 points at the Barclays Center

Siddarth Kappa hit an entertaining 102 from 91 balls on Thursday night

BEDCL stages elaborate Awards Night

…Brampton’s Mayor Brown promises to provide more facilities

By Frederick Halley

THE Brampton Etobicoke District Cricket League (BEDCL) lived up to its billing as the largest cricket league in North America with an elaborate Awards Night, held last Saturday at the spacious Verdi Convention Centre, Derry Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Blessed with the presence of enigmatic Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who literally drove to the occasion after arriving in Canada from an overseas visit, the spectacular event saw over 600 trophies and plaques being distributed to worthy players and officials, in a league which had a record 234 teams at the end of the 2022 season.

An elated Guyana-born President, Praimp Persaud, obviously proud of the achievements of the BEDCL, which he has led for more than three decades, pulled no punches in praising the efforts of Mayor Brown, who, he said, doesn’t only make promises, but ensures they are fulfilled.

Persaud pointed out that since Brown became Mayor of Brampton, there have been significant improvements in the accessing and maintenance of grounds, while some were fitted with lights.

Mayor Brown, for his part, while praising Persaud and his executives for doing an exemplary job in managing the affairs of the BEDCL, gave the assurance that further assistance in the acquiring of more grounds, batting cages and night facilities are on the horizon, prompting spontaneous and loud applause from the appreciative audience.

Apart from the hundreds of players and clubs who were recipients of awards, Special Presidential awards in the form of plaques were also presented to BEDCL Vice-president Gokul Kamat; Treasurer Kumi Jasavala;

U-19 interclub cricket…

Bel-Air, GCC and Peter’s Hall record latest wins

Academy won Division 3, while MYCC were the runners-up. Jhanvi took care of Division 4, with Brampton Reapers placing second.

Players scoring the most runs were: Abhishekh Patel (Elite); Mandeep Singh (Premiere); Vinay Kumar Devisetty (Division 1); Hub Bandesha (Division 2); Yashkumar Patel (Division 3); and Ramandeep Singh (Division 4).

Players taking the most wickets were: Mohammed Shariq (Elite); Tushar Patel (Premier); Arsalan Pervaiz (Division 1); Sharaiz Atif (Division 2); Zakir Gosla (Division 3); and Alambir Singh (Division 4).

Secretary Manish Tomer; and Statistician Denny Eapen, and these were handed out by Mayor Brown.

Past executive, Arslan Baig, who served as Umpires Coordinator, was also lavishly praised for his outstanding service, and was recognised with a plaque. In response, Baig said he was honoured to receive the award after serving for 15 years. “I am no longer on the Board, but I will keep promoting the League, and my heart will still be here,” he said.

The Umpire of the Year award went to Harish Shivana; Consistent Umpire of the Year to Muhammad Haroon; and Best Debutant Umpire to Piyush Mahendru.

Toronto Woodlands

Cricket Association carted off the 50-over Elite Playoffs title, with Cambridge being the runners-up. The Premiere 50-over Playoffs title went to Fateh CC, with National CC

taking the runners-up spot.

The Division 1 50-over Playoffs winners were Cosmos CC, while the runners-up were Punjab Battalion CC. In Division 2, Toronto Spartans emerged winners, with Toronto Timberwolves the runners-up. Division 3 saw Patriots Cricket Academy taking the title, with Royal Challengers occupying the runners-up spot, while the Division 4 winners were Brampton Reapers CC, with Vikings X1 placing second.

In the Regular season, Toronto Woodlands CC were clear winners, with Jhanvi CC runners-up. The Premier Division went to National Cricket Club, with Redhawks taking the second position.

Cosmos CC won Division 1, while Punjab Batallion CC were the runners-up.

In Division 2, Rebels United took top honours, with Toronto Timberwolves the runners-up. Patriots Cricket

The Most Valuable Players (MVP) awards in the 50 overs went to Shubham Sharma (Elite); Tushar Patel (Premiere); Jobanpreet Singh (Division 1); Hub Bandesha (Division 2); Taimoor Mirza (Division 3); and Nirav Dhaliwal (Division 4). Bandesha also copped the award in the T20s. The T25 MVPS were: Mohammad Kyber (Super Elite); Anupam Gambhir (Elite); Gursimran Singh (Premier); Pankaj Saini (Division 1); Navshaan Singh (Division 2); and Mukul Bhatia (Division 3).

Among the special invitees were Cricket Canada General Manager Ingleton Liburd; Cricket Ontario President Shah Zafar; Toronto District Cricket Association (TDCA) President Mohammed Shaikh; and Ontario Cricket Academy owner Derek Perera. Also in attendance were Brampton City Councillors Gurpartap Singh Toor and Navjit Kaur Brar, who handed over an appreciation plaque to BEDCL President Persaud. Several teams also received cricket bags and gear, compliments of Cricketgear.

The awards ceremony was returning indoors for the first time since 2019, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Government of Guyana (GOG), and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) under-19 Inter-Club Super-50 tournament continued on Thursday last with wins for Bel-Air Rubis, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), and Peter’s Hall.

Bel-Air Rubis made light work of Lusignan, at home, with a 124-run victory following a first innings score of 259-8, thanks to 64 from Josh Beharry, and a few starts from Lawrence Pellew (38), Anthony Khan (32), and Rudranauth Kissoon (31*), who wrapped up a good batting day.

Munesh Outar grabbed two wickets for Lusignan, who were then bowled out for 135 in 30 overs. The damage was done by Hemraj Harryprashad, who captured 6-28. Toolaram Chintamani (27), and Nicholas Shepherd were the primary run-getters for Lusignan.

GCC then racked up a tournament-high of 431, at home, after a sublime, record double ton from national batsman, Marvindra Dindyal, who hammered 210 not out. Sachin James (44), Zachary Jodah (46),

and Marlon Ramsuroce (53), contributed well to the great effort.

In response to the massive total, Agricola was bundled out for 76, as Neil Hutton was the lone significant scorer with 23. Griffith had 5 for 13, and Krishna Singh chipped in with 3 for 26.

At West Meten-MeerZorg, Peter’s Hall defeated West Demerara by 53 runs. Batting first, Peter’s Hall posted 233 all-out in 40.5 overs.

In reply, West Demerara could only muster 180 all-out. Bowling for Peter’s Hall, Zahid Mohamed grabbed 4 wickets.

BEDCL Treasurer Kumi Jasavala receiving his award from Mayor Patrick Brown. At left is BEDCL President Praimp Persaud

BEDCL President Persaud (centre), with Councillors Gurpartap Singh

Toor (left) and Navjit Kaur Brar. Mayor Brown (centre) poses with some players at the function

GCB/GOG/MCYS

Mavendra Dindyal

Zahid Mohamed

Bartica Easter Regatta 2023 – ExxonMobil Football Cup…

Middle Mazaruni Warriors squeeze past Eteringbang to lift trophy

out the competition, and was rewarded with the MVP trophy for his efforts.

The third-place clash between losing semi-finalists, Rivers View and A. K Galaxy produced a comfortable 5-2 win, led by a hat-trick from Antonio Jones, and one goal each off the boot of Andel Norton and Andrew Simmonds. Getting on to the score sheets for A.K Galaxy were Esteban Martins and Sheldon Parris.

A DORWIN George 53rd-minute goal, along with air-tight goalkeeping from the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Joel Yhap delivered the championship trophy and prize for Middle Mazaruni Warriors in the final of the ExxonMobil-sponsored Bartica Easter Regatta Football Cup.

Contested on Thursday

night last at the Bartica Community Centre Ground, Middle Mazaruni Warriors and Eterinbang served up a riveting final that was supported by a large and appreciative crowd.

The exchanges were end-to-end, and the respective goalkeepers held things scoreless, owing to some good defensive work at both

ends. But it was the guile and alertness of George, whose strike in the 53rd minute turned out to make all the difference, as Eteringbang could not, try as they might, respond in like manner.

Yhap was excellent between the uprights through-

West Indies Rising Stars Under-15 Championship Unbeaten T&T cruise to third

win but title-holders Barbados lose again

...Windwards beat Guyana by 29 runs

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago installed themselves as firm favourites to win the West Indies Rising Stars Under-15 Championship when they rattled off their third win on the trot with a 17-run win over defending champions Barbados.

In a high-scoring contest at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground here Saturday, the Trinidadians piled up 235 for eight off their 50 overs and then restricted Barbados to 218 all out with an over to spare, to remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament.

The defeat for Barbados, meanwhile, was their third straight following previous disappointing results against Leeward Islands in the second round and Jamaica in the opening round, ruining their hopes of a successful title

defence.

Choosing to bat first, T&T were inspired by Brendan Boodoo who top-scored with 82 but more importantly, underpinned two critical half-century stands.

Boodoo, arriving at number three, struck nine fours in a 108-ball knock, posting 73 for the second wicket with Dimitri Ramjattan (22) and a further 72 for the fourth

wicket with Christian Lall (25).

In reply, Barbados got half-centuries from in-form opener Gadson Bowens (65) and Raphael Lovell (61) but lost momentum when it mattered most at the back end of the chase.

Bowens, who belted 10 fours in a hasty 56-ball knock, added 52 for the second wicket with Kemar Dixon (5) but perished in the 17th over to leave the innings still precariously perished on 88 for five.

Lovell, who arrived at number six to strike four fours off 93 balls, put on 61 for the sixth with Seth Smith (22) and a further 28 for the eighth with Akobi Crichlow-Byer (16) but his demise in the 47th over with Barbados still needing 34 for victory, sealed the game for Trinidad.

Meanwhile, in the female supporting match, Rivers View edged Potaro Strikers by the odd goal in three.

Tournament MVP, Joel Yhap is rewarded by Ryan Hoppie of ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil representative Ryan Hoppie takes time out for a photo-op with Bartica Easter Regatta 2023 – ExxonMobil Football Cup champions, Middle Mazaruni Warriors

Brendan Boddhoo made 82 for Trinidad and Tobago