Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 09-05-2024

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday inspected road works at Providence and Eccles, East Bank Demerara

MP Datadin affirms Local Content Act’s role in building capacity, creating opportunities for Guyanese

THE Local Content Act (LCA) has been hailed as a success by Sanjeev Datadin, an Attorney-at-Law and Government Member of Parliament (MP), who believes it is instrumental in attracting and benefiting Guyanese nationals in the oil and gas industry.

He made these remarks during a recent episode of the Energy Perspectives Podcast with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Kiana Wilburg. While echoing his support for the LCA, Datadin

said: “The legislation is intended to fuel the growth of the Guyana petroleum sector.”

Commenting on the ongoing debate surrounding the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), he stated: “You got to remember that recovery is two sectors

always and in Guyana a lot of focus is made on how much money goes to the government but there’s two sectors; there’s the public sector and there’s the private sector.”

Datadin further explained that cost recovery either goes to the govern -

ment, in which the money is spent on public development projects or it goes directly to the private sector and that creates wealth for the people.

As it relates to the importance of the LCA as it relates to the protection of Guyanese companies, he noted: “People are always suspicious of change and those that are entrenched don’t really like the change because they like things to be [the way they] are. It has been said, and we know, that petroleum companies come with all of the subsidiaries... what that means is that when Exxon came to Guyana, Exxon had linkages for everything it needed.”

Because of this, the MP pointed out that Guyanese would not have been able to gain entry if it was not for the crafting of the LCA since ExxonMobil is a worldwide company with connections in all of its requirement areas.

“...Because of [the] legislation, Exxon has had to pivot, so they can’t simply bring all of the foreign companies. They’ve got to raise the bar locally, so that those companies can perform and provide the service...” the MP said.

As local companies partner with foreign companies, he noted that this is evidence of the LCA being a success.

He also listed the positives that are being reaped because of the requirement within the legislation that a percentage of the employment must be nationals.

“They [Guyanese nationals] are now sought after so that statutory requirements can be met, so I think undoubtedly the Local Content Act is a success,” Datadin boldly said.

While noting that it is not “rocket science,” he said

that in the absence of local legislation, Guyanese companies would be shut out.

Further, he outlined several elements that ensure local companies can make a name for themselves within the oil and gas sector.

He mentioned that the legislation grants locals the right to protect themselves from foreign companies that might try to dominate them, as there are laws in place to prohibit this kind of oppression.

On December 31, 2021, the Government of Guyana passed the LCA 2021. Subsequently, it published several related guidelines that were designed to maximise the participation of Guyanese companies wherever they have the skills and capacity to get involved, beginning with services such as office space rental, janitorial services, laundry and catering services, pest control services, insurance services, supply of food and accounting services and extending through longterm involvement in highly skilled subsectors like subsea installation, geophysical analysis and engineering.

The LCA was designed with the overarching goal that Guyana’s oil and gas industry can support an economy where small and medium-sized businesses can grow, thrive, and benefit from the country’s burgeoning oil and gas industry.

The laws aim to ensure that companies operating in the country hire a certain percentage of local workers and use a certain percentage of local goods and services.

These percentages are set to steadily increase as local workers and companies gain capacity and knowledge until Guyanese provide many services and fill most of the industry’s jobs.

Attorney-at-Law and Government MP Sanjeev Datadin

Land acquisition for new Demerara Harbour Bridge: Gov’t initiates demolition notices

— opposition members continue to negatively influence development — Edghill says

THE Government of Guyana has started acquiring the properties along the Nandy Park and La Grange alignments as part of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge construction project.

This announcement came from Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, during a media briefing on Wednesday.

Minister Edghill outlined the legal process that led to the acquisition, citing April 6, 2024, as the date when properties identified for compulsory acquisition became vested in the state of Guyana. With this legal hurdle cleared, the government is poised to proceed with bridge construction.

He added, “So all the lands there that is [sic] in the path of the bridge having gone through the legal process is [sic] now vested in the state of Guyana, so we can get on with the construction of the bridge.”

Edghill stated that as a result of this order, on May 7, 2024, notices of eviction and demolition of property were dispatched to residents who did not accept offers from the government.

For those who accepted the offers from the government, all of their welfare issues were taken care of, along with compensation packages.

Following several stages of negotiations, the Public Works Minister said that for those who have not agreed to the offers presented, the ministry suggested approaching the courts.

“The Government of Guyana must obey the constitution of Guyana and the commitment to all the people of Guyana is that in all cases and this is not the only area where we have had to compulsorily acquire land for public good. We have settled with people based upon negotiations and in issues where the negotiation didn’t yield an amicable settlement, the court would have to rule and decide,” he said.

To this end, he said that in the letters dispatched to the 15 remaining residents just a few days ago, it indicated that they would have

one month to remove as the demolition process is expected to begin.

Meanwhile, though everyone had initially agreed upon the sizeable financial package and relocation that were revealed to them in 2020, the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, exclusively told the Guyana Chronicle that the members of the opposition have been attempting to persuade some residents to demand more from the government.

According to Minister Edghill, “Everyone in the way of the bridge agreed with us that they were prepared to give up their property and move to other places that were agreed on.”

Minister Edghill further stated that while some people are complying with the financial packages and other agreements that were given to them, a few others refused to move with the intention of getting more.

He reiterated, “While some people are honouring their agreements, we have some people who are not accepting the financial and other packages we are giving them. Now, we have decided to take the matter to court for

a judge to determine whether it is a fair package or not. Whatever the judge decides, then that is what the government would be forced to pay. We believe in transparency, so we have decided to let an impartial arbitrator, meaning a judge, intervene.”

Referencing the continuous mischief by members of the opposition to stifle the development of Guyanese, Minister Edghill said, “Not that this comes as a surprise to us, but once again the opposition members have been up to no good. They have reached out to some of these residents, influencing them to get more from the government, knowing that the value of the properties is not worth what they are asking for.”

Meanwhile, the Guyana Chronicle obtained the acquisition document from the Ministry of Public Works, which reads, “Chronology of Events Leading to the Acquisition of Properties for the Construction of the New Demerara River Bridge. It was first announced in September 2020 that the Government of Guyana had decided to site the New Demerara River Bridge along the Nandy Park

to La Grange alignment.

On May 25, 2022, the contract for construction of the New Demerara River Bridge was signed between the Ministry of Public Works and the JV led by China Railway Construction Corporation (International).

In September 2022, the contractor JV provided a comprehensive land-acquisition and relocation plan to the Ministry of Public Works, showing all the properties that fall within the right-ofway of the new bridge.

In October 2022, a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority and the Ministry of Public Works conducted a scoping exercise in order to compile a detailed report of the particulars of the properties to be acquired in the Peter’s Hall area of the new bridge.

In October 2022, the Hon. Collin Croal, Minister of Housing and Water, and a CH&PA team invited the residents of Peter’s Hall and Republic Gardens to a public engagement to inform them of the process that will unfold leading to the acquisition of their properties for the construction of the New Bridge.

In November 2022, the Government Valuation Office was engaged to conduct the appraisal for the list of properties that were to be acquired for the new bridge.

In January 2023, another engagement was held with residents of Peter’s Hall and Republic Gardens by CH&PA officers. At the meeting, the valuations were disclosed to the residents. Most of the residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the valuations being offered and opted to have private valuations done.

In February 2023, the Hon. Collin Croal held a second public engagement to reinforce the CH&PA’s commitment to ensuring that the relocation process will be a smooth and equitable process for all the project-affected persons.

In March 2023, the CH&PA began the negotiation process and allocation of house lots and property to residents, commencing land-identification exercises at Peter’s Hall, Covent Gardens, and Farm. In September 2023, The Hon. Collin Croal, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall, Attorney General, CHPA staff, stakeholders, and the proj-

ect affected persons were engaged with the purpose of the meeting to state the government’s position and to once again express the government’s commitment to ensure that the relocation process is completed in a timely manner.

In the latter part of September 2023, further engagements were made between the residents and CH&PA officers. In October 2023, the Hon. Collin Croal, the Attorney General, and the assigned attorneys held a second engagement with the residents. The Attorney General stated that the process has gone on for a lengthy period and that there is an urgency for residents to agree to the terms of the agreement with their attorneys. On February 10, 2024, Order 13 of 2024 was published in the Official Gazette for the Acquisition of Land for Public Purposes for the Construction of the new bridge

Later in February 2024, the Hon. Anil Nandlall, Mr. Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works, Minister. Croal, CH&PA staff, and lawyers assigned to each resident held a third engagement at the Princess Hotel with residents who had not accepted the compensation agreements. The attorneys indicated that the government will move to the courts for those residents who are not in agreement with the terms of the compensation agreement. On April 6, 2024, Order 28 of 2024 was published in the Official Gazette, vesting the described parcels of land in the Government of Guyana in accordance with Section 6. On May 7, 2024, a notice of eviction and demolition of property was dispatched to residents who did not accept the offer from the government. Of the twenty-one (21) properties to be acquired in the Peter’s Hall area, six (6) property owners have accepted compensation packages, while fifteen (15) property owners have refused the compensation packages offered by the Government of Guyana, citing their dissatisfaction with the offer.

An artist’s impression of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge

BIT launches skills-training programme in Region One

–– Aims

THE Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has initiated a transformative skills programme in Region One (Barima-Waini), aimed at equipping residents of Sebai and Canal Bank, riverine villages in the Matarkai sub-district, with the essential skills to become licensed small engine technicians.

According to the Ministry of Labour, the four-month programme will be facilitated through BIT, with the launch

to empower residents with technical expertise

event having taken place on May 7, 2024, at the Sebai Primary School. Ten residents from each village will participate in the programme for the first time.

The launch ceremony was attended by distinguished officials including Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; BIT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Maughn; Prime Minister Representative for Region One, Margaret Lambert; Regional Vice Chairperson, Annasha Peters,

and Sebai’s Toshao, Compton Thompson, among others.

In his address, Minister Hamilton highlighted that the initiation of the skills programme was in response to a request from the residents, during a recent community visit. He emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Guyanese through various initiatives, in alignment with its manifesto pledge made in 2020.

Minister Hamilton

lamented the delay in introducing such programmes to the villagers by previous administrations, stating that the current event signifies the government’s dedication to empowering its citizens to thrive in current and emerging industries.

BIT’s CEO, Maughn, echoed Minister Hamilton’s sentiments, encouraging the prospective trainees to persevere through any challenges they may encounter during the programme. He empha-

sised that the training should be viewed as a foundation for participants to pursue their future aspirations.

Over the past three years, BIT has allocated approximately $53.5 million to Region One, facilitating various skills-training programmes benefitting 544 individuals. The programmes encompassed areas such as plumbing, block making, catering, cake decoration, refrigeration and air-conditioning repairs, and information technology.

The array of programmes offered by BIT across Region One and the nation align with the government’s commitment to promote skills training by expanding Technical and Vocational training and apprenticeship programmes. This initiative aims to ensure that all Guyanese have access to educational opportunities, equipping them with the skills necessary to secure employment in the evolving workforce of the country.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, flanked by trainees and officials at Tuesday’s launch

PPP committed to upholding electoral integrity in Guyana - General Secretary

— says free, fair elections should be everlasting condition

GENERAL SECRETARY

of the People's Progressive Party, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that the party stands by, and wants, free and fair elections to be an everlasting condition of how governments are elected in Guyana.

He made these remarks on Sunday during the closing press conference following the party’s 32nd congress, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre over the weekend.

Following the congress, Dr. Jagdeo highlighted that numerous resolutions were

‘Don’t

passed, with one particularly crucial resolution focusing on the party’s determination to pressure the government into guaranteeing elections that are free, fair, and accountable.

“We want free and fair elections to be an everlasting condition of how we choose our governments, not through rigged processes,” the General Secretary said.

With this, he said that if these measures include having more international observers or strengthening the laws of the country, this push will be supported by

the PPP.

According to him, the party’s adoption of this position reinforces the government’s established positions, confirming that the administration is on the right track.

Guyanese are expected to head to the polls in late 2025 for General and Regional Elections as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) earlier this year commenced the claims and objections exercise.

The position taken by the PPP to push for free and fair elections comes after the 2020 General and Regional

miss the next wave’- Guyanese officials tell U.S. investors at bilateral meeting

STAKEHOLDERS

at -

tached to the Task Force on Guyana— a body established by the United States (US) Bilateral Chamber of Commerce— convened at the Amegy Bank Tower in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday, to discuss key investment opportunities in Guyana. The message was clear: investors should not miss the next massive wave of development set to unfold in Guyana, the world’s fastest growing economy.

The event saw participation from Aida Arissi, CEO of the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce; Marc Hebert, Chair of the Task Force on Guyana; and Heather Evans, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The Guyana Contingent included Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar and Guyana’s Chief Investment Officer, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary was keen to note that the Biden-led U.S. administration is supportive of Guyana’s development story. She said her department encourages U.S. businesses to work with Guyanese counterparts in deepening trade relations between both nations.

Evans also expressed optimism in Guyana’s

leaning on U.S. companies for their experience, expertise and high quality solutions that can help it to excel in energy sustainability.

Meanwhile, Minister Indar said he was pleased to hear Evans register the support of the Biden administration for Guyana’s development trajectory.

The Guyanese official also spoke extensively about the work the Irfaan Ali-led government was doing to address several challenges, including high power generation costs. In this regard, he said that was being tackled through the establishment of a landmark gas-to-energy project. That he said was poised to pave the way for a manufacturing boom that will boost trade relations between Guyana, its regional neighbours, and the

wider global community.

Overall, Minister Indar urged that the time is now for U.S. businesses to penetrate the market in a manner that aligns with their strengths. His sentiments were also shared by Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop.

While Guyana continues to enjoy tremendous economic success on account of its oil sector, the Investment Chief said the next wave for the hydrocarbon producer lies in agriculture. He noted that Go-Invest stands ready to help US companies not only find the right partners, but also enjoy the conditions necessary to support their growth.

Like Minister Indar, he urged, “Don’t miss the next wave of development.”

elections dragged on for months.

This election saw a series of lengthy court battles and later the recount of votes leading to the elections commission declaring victory for the PPP/C.

Following that process, those who rejected those results filed legal challenges which were thrown out by the courts. However, several GECOM officials and People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) members were charged with electoral fraud.

PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, flanked by other officials at the Amegy Bank Tower in Houston, Texas

Promising path to prosperity

FORMER Colombian President Ivan Duque’s recent praise for Guyana’s potential as a burgeoning superpower in energy, environment, and economic transformation is not merely hyperbole; it’s a testament to the remarkable strides the nation has made under President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s leadership.

In an exclusive interview with Newsweek Magazine, Duque articulated a vision of Guyana emerging as a regional powerhouse, driven by its proactive approach to addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.

One cannot understate the significance of Guyana’s trajectory, particularly in light of its vast biodiversity and burgeoning oil and gas reserves. Duque rightly identifies Guyana as a potential leader in addressing

not only regional but also global challenges such as food security and climate change.

With its expansive territory and favourable energy prices, Guyana stands poised to become a vital provider of food for neighbouring nations while setting a commendable example in environmental conservation.

Central to Guyana’s success is its commitment to sustainable development. The nation’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, in place for over a decade, showcases its dedication to balancing economic growth with environmental preservation.

Investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power demonstrate a clear shift away from heavy oil dependency, aligning with global sustainability goals and fostering inclusive growth.

Moreover, Guyana’s proactive stance

on climate change extends beyond rhetoric. Initiatives like the ‘25 by 25’ plan, aimed at reducing CARICOM’s Food Import Bill, and landmark agreements for the purchase of carbon credits showcase a commitment to innovative solutions and regional leadership.

The economic forecasts for Guyana are exceptionally positive, with unprecedented growth rates predicted in the coming years. However, this prosperity is not without its challenges, particularly concerning climate change and environmental degradation.

Guyana’s response, characterised by comprehensive strategies for low-carbon development and investments in renewable energy projects, reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding its future.

As the country harnesses its natural resources for economic gain, it must remain

vigilant against potential environmental risks. Initiatives like the National Oil Spill Response Plan underscore a commitment to responsible resource management and environmental protection.

In essence, Guyana’s journey towards sustainable prosperity is not just a national endeavor; it’s a model for the region and the world.

By prioritising environmental conservation, inclusive growth, and innovative solutions, Guyana is not only securing its own future but also paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous world.

As Ivan Duque rightly emphasises, with concerted efforts and international support, Guyana has the potential to realise its vision of a prosperous and sustainable future for all its citizens.

Collective action necessary to tackle climate change, protect the earth for future generations

Dear

Editor,

LIKE President Dr. Irfaan Ali and former president and Vice President Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister and former Chief of Staff of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier Mark Phillips have made the defense of Guyana’s territory against the spurious claim of more than two-thirds of the country’s territory by the Maduro regime his primary concern and focus.

For more than two decades, former President Jagdeo has been at the forefront of the border controversy; today the mantle has been passed to President Dr. Ali. Our leaders have always placed Guyana’s interests ahead of theirs and they have articulated to the nation that the government will in any and all circumstances spare no efforts and will use any and every means possible to defend Guyana’s territory against Venezuela or any other international actors.

This view point was expressed by Prime Minister Phillips who on November 1, 2023, informed the Extraordinary Special Session of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) that Guyana is a peaceful country that respects the rule of law and that Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo Region posed a serious and dangerous threat not only to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity but also its development prospects and regional peace and stability.

Echoing President Dr. Ali’s, words, the former Army Chief has made it very clear to the members of the OAS Permanent Council that Guyana’s territory is non-negotiable and not an inch will be yielded to Venezuela.

Brigadier Phillips apprised the OAS that since the discovery oil in Essequibo six years ago, Venezuela has intensified its campaign of intimidation and threats to use force to annex the county and discredit the 1899 Arbitral Award.

The PM has wisely told the OAS Council that there is no ambiguity concerning the facts with the border controversy because the 1899 Arbitral Award, which determined the boundaries between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, continues to be the legally binding instrument that remains in effect.

And even though the case is actively before the ICJ, Venezuela has alleged that it will not be bound by the ICJ ruling. In putting forth Guyana’s case, Prime Minister Phillips candidly told the Permanent Council of the OAS that the government and people of Guyana are attentive and vigilant of the intentions of the Maduro regime’s threats to use force to unilaterally annex more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, which would not only threaten the peace, stability, and security of Guyana, but also the entire Caribbean region.

Prime Minister Phillips commitment to advance Guyana’s interests was evident at the 23rd edition of World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) held in New Delhi, India between February 7 and 9, 2024, where he affirmed Guyana’s dedication to sustainable development not only in words but in action.

Expressing concerns over the looming threat of climate change globally, PM Phillips emphasised that economic progress must be harmonized with a firm commitment to sustainable development so as to leave a secure

future for all.

He admitted that the challenges the world face are daunting but they are not insurmountable and that environmental stewardship and visionary leadership are indispensable elements for fostering collective action to combat climate change.

He intoned that in balancing economic growth with environmental protection, Guyana serves as a beacon of inspiration for the world. Prioritising the relationship between India and Guyana, the Prime Minister asserted that both countries have been focusing on building a resilient and sustainable future.

Focusing on the theme of the World Sustainable Development Summit 2024, Brigadier Phillips genuinely appealed to the leaders present that despite their differences and challenges, they are obligated and beholden to the peoples of their respective countries and to the peoples of the world to forge lasting and meaningful partnerships and for them to do everything in their power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contain climate change and its devastating impact on the earth.

Once again, the Honorable Prime Minister Mark Phillips in his patriotic fervor has placed Guyana’s interest first. Addressing the 3rd Iteration of the Guiana Shield Dialogue at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, PM Phillips called for collective action to protect the territorial integrity of members of the Guiana Shield which encompassed Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Venezuela, Brazil and parts of Colombia.

He highlighted the importance of the Guiana Shield and emphasised that every

effort must be made to safeguard it as one of the last wild places on earth and is considered the greenhouse of the world in that contains one of the largest rain forests on earth with regional and global significance and with a wealth of natural resources, including oil, natural gas, diamonds, bauxite, manganese and gold, among others.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of preserving the Guiana Shield and urged all participants to act towards this goal by strengthening their commitment to preserve the Shield as exemplified by initiatives like the Guyana Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which is expected to yield positive results by 2030.

However, the Prime Minister warned that the Guiana Shield faces grave threats that require a united regional response. He pointed to challenges like deforestation, unlawful mining, illegal resource extraction, climate change impacts, habitat fragmentation due to development, and wildlife trafficking, to name a few.

He cautioned that while the challenges are great, collective action in urgently needed to protect the untouched biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Guiana Shield for future generations.

It was one of the most inspiring and invigorating speeches by Prime Minister Phillips who counseled that stronger collaboration and innovation are vital for shared prosperity, environmental sustainability and tackling climate change.

Sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose

Op-Ed

IT is an incredulous thing to contemplate when the daily retort of the neophytes of the main opposition party is to make mountains out of molehills.

In this episode of their clown show, the molehill is once again the President’s dancing moves.

These neophytes seek to school the President of the Republic on what they, in their myopic minds, view as inappropriate dancing when Dr Ali indulged his party comrades gathered for the 32nd Congress of the People’s Progressive Party last weekend.

As is customary, the delegates took time out to socialise during the talent show which featured as the main event of the scheduled cultural night of the congress. And, as is also customary within the party, the rank and file and the party’s leadership would suspend protocol and commensurate among themselves with full vigour and camaraderie.

In this instance, during a musical interlude, Dr. Ali was prodded by the men and women of the party to take the floor and stage and dance to the rhythms of the Tasa drums, and he did. The subjectivity of the intensity of his dancing, not surprisingly, has become a preoccupation of leadership hopefuls of the PNC-led APNU, Roysdale Forde, and others of his ilk.

Let us be clear: the PPP’s congress is not a state event, nor is it an event that should concern the folks in the PNC, save and except for them to gauge the strength of our party’s muster, to inform and humble their misplaced ambitions.

Most Guyanese who have been availing themselves of the myriad of empowerment opportunities being created by the PPP/C government, be it in housing, education, technical skill training, employment, entrepreneurship, community development, and the other benefits flowing to the citizenry since 2020, would agree that there is much to celebrate in this country, for the trans-

Dance On Mr. President!

formation that has begun and the bounty of wealth creation that is sure to flow to all, shortly.

Unfortunately, on the flip side of our society are the fringe elements of the Grinch’s camp who refuse to see anything good, positive, or remotely joyful about their country or its ongoing transformation. They are unrepentant, unshakeable sour pusses who can see only what is beyond their snotty noses and that picture always registers in their little minds, as a glass half empty. And, as the nature of the Grinch compels them, anyone who dares to digress from the narratives of their poisonous cool aid brew is attacked and ridiculed with insults, race hate, and calumny.

The reality in this country though, is that the PNC leaders have been long estranged from the masses and working-class, and have become a sorry, pathetic product of their own making. Over the years, they have foisted on the people, dictators; socialites and wannabe aristocrats, and the so-called bourgeoisie, who could hardly bear to greet the ordinary people with handshakes, or countenance the simplicity, camaraderie, and joy with which Guyanese are known to flavour their daily lives in every nook and cranny. These utopian nincompoops have become foolishly levitated far beyond and above the reaches of the people, even among their own political support base, and are daring to project such follies as the political standard and decorum that all politicians should embrace.

Roysdale Forde, et all, should watch and learn valuable lessons for their kindergarten, out-of-touch approaches to politics and social relations with the Guyanese electorate.

Meanwhile, the Head of State of the PPP/C government and his team will stay grounded with the people and where there is music, we’ll let it play on, and where Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali is present, he will dance on!

No cardboard replica, just a President of the people, by the people, and for the people

Dear Editor,

GUYANA’S President, Dr Irfaan Ali, is blazing the trail with his innovative leadership style which is gaining immense popularity and progressive momentum among all Guyanese, much to the chagrin of the incompetent Opposition and its mouthpieces.

Be it in defence of our country’s territorial integrity, be it in defence of the case for reparation, be it in promoting his One Guyana Vision or be it in defence of the working class, be it in running the business of this nation, President Ali’s achievement and adoration has grown and is growing exponentially.

He has displayed a plethora of such scarce leadership qualities that the Opposition leaders have lacked, and this is because the President is honest and fully committed about what he is doing. Hypocrisy, lies and deceit are not in his repertoire.

What is wrong with the President casting aside all the pretensions which normally characterises those in high offices and exude such humility, love and affection for his people? This is what is meant by a President of the people, by the people and for the people.

This President has combined the great attributes of both Dr Cheddi Jagan and

Dr Jagdeo but has added his own special flavour to the mix which makes him unbeatable.

This is not an inanimate cardboard replica like what was foisted on the supporters of the Coalition Government; this is a President who is unafraid to mingle and express his emotions for the world to behold; not afraid to dance into the hearts of the people.

I was mildly amused by a letter from Mr Roysdale Forde, a Senior Counsel and Member of Parliament and the man who in his dreams or more like fantasy, wants to be the next President, who misguidedly felt President Ali should have taken to ‘the stage to address pressing national issues or outline policies for progress’ and that it ‘risks making light of the gravity of the presidential office and diminishing its authority in the eyes of the general public and international community’.

Perhaps this aspirant to high office is blind to the fact that President Ali has provided that ‘guidance, inspiration and responsible leadership’ since he assumed Office in 2020 and has effectively carried out those ‘immense responsibilities, from protecting the integrity of national security to facilitating an environment that allows for economic development and promoting social justice and cohesion’.

Yet, Forde in his quest to denigrate President Ali, has actually highlighted and itemised some of the President’s undeniable achievements in the form of negatives. Not Forde nor any of his ilk can possibly deny these accomplishments which everyone at home and abroad are chanting gustily. Forde should be more concerned about the failures of the Coalition and the shameless rigging attempts by his party.

It is time that the PNC find a new strategy to campaign for the next election-the current character assassination and corruption mantra has outlived its usefulness.

There are many activities, be it playing a game of cricket, be it cooking some delicacies, be it riding a bicycle in New York, driving a bus, be it dancing with his people and the list goes on, which the President has embarked on in his quest to communicate and relate to everyone and which has never been done before by any President.

These will never diminish his astute statesmanship but can only add to his greatness as a human being who literally walks with his people and allows them to feel as his equal. His utmost humility has made him so endearing to the masses and his presidency will continue to soar to unprecedented heights.

Unlike what the caption reads, ‘Mr Ali’s

pop star turn risks making light of the gravity of presidential office’, the President has proven that despite effectively shouldering and fulfilling the responsibilities of his Office, he can still find that time to be engaged in such activities which will bring his people closer towards national unity. This is what a youthful president can offer to his country.

Not a president who has to be more involved in preserving his own health and life. President Ali is creating and fulfilling his government’s social and economic policies and at the same time ensuring that his legacy will be indelibly etched in the annals and be comparable to the world’s best leaders.

The PPP has once again shown at its mammoth and highly successful 32nd Congress that the youths of this country will be given the opportunity to govern this country and hold key offices while the Opposition’s derelicts, obsoletes and geriatrics continue to wallow in its filthy mire.

The Opposition should do well to be concerned about its own damaged image both nationally and internationally rather than to all appearances seems to be fixated on the dance moves of the multi-talented President Ali.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

PPP is Guyana’s only truly diverse party

Dear Editor,

execution.

PPP is indeed the most politically organised party in Guyana at the moment. No

wonder why it is attracting new and diverse members every day.

Those of us who understand the history of the party will tell you that the PPP was probably at its most racially diverse when the party was formed back in 1950. Admittedly, the party battled through periods of ethnic fraction, but this 32nd congress is a testament that the party is as ethnically diverse as it was when it was originally formed.

Credit must go to General Secretary Jagdeo, President Ali and so many other members at various levels for pursuing a path of inclusiveness.

Let’s cut to the chase, there is no denying that Afro-Guyanese are increasingly finding a home in the PPP in ways that they did not, as few as, three to four years ago. This is so, despite the ratcheting up of racial sentiments by the opposition. This strategy worked for them in the past, but not anymore.

The scaremongering tactics hurled towards the PPP for years is now being unmasked. Not that the PPP was ever closed to Afro-Guyanese, the PPP was always open and has always had a policy of inclusivity and diversity but the level of demonisation of its leaders created an era of Afro shyness and not many Afro-Guyanese were attracted to the party.

This era is now firmly behind us as the

PPP is able to attract a multitude of Afro-Guyanese from all walks of life and even in areas labeled as deep opposition support base.

Congratulations to those who were elected to the various party offices. I am confident they will craft policies to continue to take diversity further and make it permanently entrenched into the psyche of the nation. I also would like to send out a message to young Afro-Guyanese who are contemplating entering politics, the PPP is Guyana’s only truly diverse national party.

In addition to its diversity, the PPP is also demonstrably the only truly democratic party in Guyana. The 32nd Congress was held drama-free; delegates were elected and accredited based on the constitution of the party. There was no manipulation of the membership register, disappearing computer, or tampering with the database to attempt to engineer specific leaders into specific positions. It feels good to know that a political organisation can organise its official party activities and ceremonies in a manner befitting the highest ideals of democracy and democratic values.

Long live the PPP.

Sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

THE 32nd Congress of the PPP was indeed a resounding success, so much so that the detractors who foretold and splashed images

of doom prior to the congress were silenced by the level of efficiency of its organisation and

Remembering those who need to be remembered

CULTURAL Guyanese icon, Ian Mc Donald, is doing a series of articles about the great individuals he has met.

I plan to do something similar. As I reflect on my 35-year career in journalism, I realise that I have deeply wronged the individuals who selflessly contributed to making my life rich and fulfilling. These individuals truly molded me into the person I am today.

I have not done anything eulogistic about these two persons but they are part of my life. One is an Indian national who came to Guyana, married a Guyanese woman and took Guyanese citizenship. He owned a school on Thomas Street, Guyana Oriental College, opposite the Georgetown Hospital. His name was Shruti Kant.

I must and will acknowledge what Shruti did for me. His kids live in Canada and would be in their fifties now. If any Guyanese in Canada knows them, please ask them to get in touch with me. My email is fredkissoon@yahoo.com. The other is Fred Philips, the general manager for the Georgetown Club in the 1960s and early 1970s. He left no one, so there are no relatives alive for him.

I plan to write about these two men that I have not been able to pay back because they are no longer with us. The longer I live, the more I am convinced that great people need to be remembered for the contribution they made to the country they lived in. I have done several articles on this topic before. Once more, I am returning to it and in the future, I will write on things that I have written on before about the need to remember people and places so Guyanese can know their history.

The fantastic, Yesu Persaud who was responsible for the Indian Monument Garden on Church Street, opposite St. Roses School, once promised to accede to a request I made to him. Yesu was one

of the busiest businessmen in the world so I guess he forgot and I forgot to remind him.

I told Yesu that right where the garden sits was the original GWI. That was where Georgetown got its water supply. So I asked him, if he can erect a sign with that history. When the school children from St. Roses look up, they will know that right across from their school is where their great grandparents and grandparents got their water to drink, cook and clean. I hope the chairman of the garden committee can still do what Yesu promised me. The City Council should do that but it will cite money problems.

There is a place on the seawall that my daughter loved more than any section when she was growing up. It is a huge bend in the wall as you drive eastward. Mr. Hamilton Green told me that the bend had a name – Adamson’s Bend. It was named after a colonial engineer, Adamson, who was murdered on that same site. Green told me in the 1940s and 1950s, Georgetowners knew it as Adamson’s Bend but now it is forgotten.

I am still at a loss why not a street in Berbice is named after Rohan Kanhai. He remains the definitive stylish test batman that Guyana ever produced in my opinion. I agree with a street being named after Shiv Chanderpaul but why not Kanhai? So there is Clive Lloyd Drive, Lance Gibbs Street and Chanderpaul Drive. What happen to Kanhai? He is moving into his nineties and it would be such an enlightening thing to see when he unveils the street named after him.

Then there is Ron Robinson. More than 50 years in service to theatre and radio in Guyana. There has to be either a scholarship or a roadway bearing the name of Ron. There isn’t anything that bears Janet Jagan’s and Desmond Hoyte’s name. Mrs. Jagan used journalism at the Mirror newspaper to educate a generation

of Guyanese in the politics of anti-dictatorship liberation.

Both Mrs. Jagan and Mr. Hoyte will have their detractors but if you bother with what the detractors say, you will never honour any politician whatsoever. Mr. Hoyte lived on North Road even when he was president. North Road and South Road have no historical significance. Both roads should be renamed, the north, after Hoyte. There should be a

prestigious Master scholarship in journalism that bears Mrs. Jagan’s name. Finally, I want to end by agreeing with the decision by President Burnham to change Murray Street to Quamina Street. Murray was a hangman from slavery days. Quamina was a revolutionary hero. I don’t normally agree with Mr. Burnham but I most certainly do on this one.

Enhancing Amerindian Villages via Carbon Credits

OWING to their strong connection with the diverse biodiversity and vital resources of the forest, which sustain their way of life and traditional customs, Amerindians have served as custodians of Guyana’s forests for numerous centuries, with 86 percent of the country’s land covered by forests. This makes it the country with the second-highest percentage of forest cover (in relation to land cover) globally, and an essential element of the meticulously planned Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030).

Following the nationwide consultations from October 2021 to July 2022, the

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government expanded the work that had been started in 2009 by the first LCDS under the leadership of former President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

The National Toshaos Council (NTC), which serves as the national representative body for Indigenous peoples across all regions of Guyana, has accepted and officially endorsed this comprehensive approach. A consensus was reached to allocate 15 percent of the proceeds generated by this mechanism towards the advancement of Amerindian development, with further investments planned for national and regional initiatives. The government has recently engaged in a groundbreaking agreement worth US$750 million with Hess Corporation, a prominent participant in the worldwide energy sector. As part of the deal, Hess Corporation will acquire 30 percent of Guyana’s forest carbon credits over a span of ten years.

In 2023, an initial payment of US$150 million was made. Out of this sum, a total of US$22 million (equivalent to GYD$4.7 billion) was deposited into bank accounts specifically designated for 242 Amerindian villages and communities across the country.

By investing in key sectors such as programmes for women and youth, tourism, agriculture, and other projects that generate income, the Indigenous villages can effectively plan their growth and prosperity, while promoting sustainable development in each village.

In a diverse range of industries, including industrial arts, tourism, agriculture, and food security, there are currently more than 811 projects being simultaneously implemented. The purpose of these projects is to support sustainable ways of living for the people in their Amerindian communities. The notable feature of the programme is that it provides village leaders with the necessary resources to ensure effective and sustain-

able project management in their communities. The responsibility for planning and implementing all projects lies with the villages.

Moco Moco, one of the villages in Central Rupununi, Region Nine, has made use of its resources to promote entrepreneurship, integrate young people into the industrial arts industry, and improve food security. First tranche proceeds from the sale of carbon credits came to the community in the sum of $24 million.

The allocations have helped the villagers establish a four-acre cassava farm, and work is still being done to prepare the ground for the planting of red beans and maize, according to Toshao Thomas George. In addition, a conference hall was built, removing the difficulty that previously existed for students when activities and meetings had to be held at the elementary school.

By starting a large-scale cash crop farm with $9 million in carbon credit investment, the Quiko village also achieved tremendous progress towards obtaining food security and financial stability. In order to carry out initiatives in priority regions, Apoteri Village, located in Region Nine, was allocated $15 million in carbon credit resources for 2023. Furthermore, in order to promote food security

and sustainable agriculture, Maikwak, a community in the North Pakaraimas, invested $13 million to acquire a backhoe loader. This equipment will greatly assist the village in carrying out its development initiatives. These are just a few of the transformation projects taking place in the many Amerindian communities throughout Guyana. Furthermore, $2.7 billion would be made accessible to the Amerindian villages across the country, as was stated during the reading of the 2024 National Budget. The government also finances investments in social services, health, and education, as well as through the distribution of Presidential Grants and capital projects.

It is important to mention that 85 percent of the revenue generated from carbon credits will directly benefit villages. Additionally, further funding will be allocated to support initiatives aimed at adapting to and strengthening resilience to climate change in both villages and throughout Guyana. By utilising the remaining 85 per cent, we can further support the Amerindian villages, in addition to the 15% already allocated.

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

Quiko Village in Region Nine boasts a lucrative cash-crop farm worth $9 million.

The Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, hands over the keys to the $13 million backhoe loader in Maikwak, Region Eight

Second batch of Cuban nurses prepares for deployment

–– Ambassador Majeed commends Cuban Medical Brigade’s work in Guyana

HALIM Majeed, Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, recently convened a meeting with the second cohort of Cuban nurses totalling 38 individuals, who are set to depart for Guyana this week.

This gathering follows the arrival of a preliminary group of 10 nurses in Georgetown last Thursday.

The meeting took place at the Unidad Central de Colaboracion Medica (UCCM), a semi-autonomous department under the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) responsible for international medical cooperation between

Cuba and other nations.

The influx of Cuban medical personnel to Guyana stems from direct discussions between His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, and his Cuban counterpart, President Miguel Diaz-Canel. By year’s end, an estimated 300-400 additional medical professionals will bolster Guyana’s health sector, enabling it to expand and uphold its commitment to delivering high-quality services to citizens.

Ambassador Majeed, during the UCCM meeting, highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Guyana and

Cuba, particularly in the realm of healthcare.

He commended the Cuban Medical Brigade’s contributions in Guyana and underscored medical cooperation as just one facet of the multifaceted, amicable relations between the two nations. Majeed also pointed to Cuban involvement in various sectors of the Guyanese economy, illustrating the depth of bilateral collaboration.

Accompanying Ambassador Majeed were Mr. Quincy Younge, First Secretary, along with other officials from the Guyana Embassy, Ms. Mayte Perdomo, and Ms. Arlenys Ponce.

Ambassador Majeed’s interaction with the Cuban nurses, symbolising the ongoing partnership between Guyana and Cuba in advancing healthcare initiatives

Consistent decline in Guyana’s public debt spotlighted by ECLAC

GUYANA has been transformed from a country that was once swallowed in debt to a nation with a public debt that continues to display a downward trend.

This is according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean’s (ECLAC)’s “Fiscal Panorama of Latin America and the Caribbean 2024” report.

“In Guyana the public debt has been falling since 2022, owing to high rates of output growth, close to 40 per cent in real terms in 2023, reflecting the start of offshore oil production,” the report read.

Further, the United Nations ECLAC’s “Fiscal Panorama of Latin America and

the Caribbean 2023” report had said that Guyana’s debtto-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio fell by an impressive 16 percentage points between 2021 and 2022, as a result of a 62.3 per cent increase in economic output in real terms, due to the commencement of offshore oil-and-gas production. The report highlighted: “This increase was due to the central government’s first withdrawal from the sovereign wealth fund set up to manage the country’s oil revenues (the Natural Resource Fund), with a view to financing public investment in priority sectors.”

Under the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), there have

been active steps to make strategic investments and manage the nation’s finances responsibly. Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for

Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, had previously stated that the government has been borrowing prudently to finance crucial investment initiatives and to ramp up social pro-

grammes.

“As the economy grows, our capacity to borrow increases and we intend to use that capacity to finance an aggressive programme to modernise and transform our country and improve the lives of Guyanese peoples,” Dr. Singh had said in a previous interview.

Despite criticism and naysayers, the PPP/C government successfully reduced the country’s debt burden, achieving a debt-to-GDP ratio of only 23 per cent as of 2022.

General Secretary of the PPP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had also previously highlighted the once deplorable state of Guyana’s economy.

The PPP/C General Sec-

retary disclosed that the country’s debt was nine times the size of the economy and the country was using over 100 per cent of revenue to service debt.

Prior to the new-found oil wealth, he said that much was done by the PPP/C to lower Guyana’s debt. In fact, in 2015, the nation’s debt had been reduced from 900 per cent to around 45 per cent of the GDP.

In contrast with the previous percentage that is over 100 per cent of Guyana’s revenue to service its debt, Jagdeo revealed that last year less than 10 per cent was used and therefore, this is an impressive accomplishment for the nation.

Bids open for construction of Parika Fire Station

THE Ministry of Home Affairs in Guyana has initiated the process of selecting a contractor for the construction of the Parika Fire Station under the Guyana Fire Service in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara).

In accordance with procurement procedures outlined in the Procurement Act 2003, the Ministry has invited sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders.

According to the Ministry, bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures, and is open to all bidders meeting the eligibility criteria specified in the bid document. Interested parties can obtain bid documents from the ministry upon payment of a non-refundable fee of $3,500. These documents have been available since April 29, 2024, with payment accepted in cash only.

Bidders are instructed to submit their proposals in plain, sealed envelopes

U.S. Marine Corps Major General enhances bilateral defence ties with Guyana

devoid of any bidder identification. Each envelope must be clearly marked with the project name and the instruction “Do not open before 09:00 hours on May 21, 2024”. All bids should be addressed to the Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board at the Ministry of Finance, Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, and must be deposited in the designated tender box by the specified deadline of 09:00 hours on May 21, 2024. Electronic bidding will not be accepted and any bids received after the deadline will be rejected outright. The opening of

bids is scheduled to commence promptly at 09:00 am on May 21, 2024, in the boardroom of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board Building, with bidders or their representatives invited to attend.

Furthermore, all bids must be accompanied by valid certificates of compliance from the manager of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The ministry maintains the right to reject any or all bids without providing a reason and the decision is not necessarily bound to award the contract to the lowest bidder.

The construction of the Parika Fire Station represents a significant step in enhancing emergency response capabilities within Region Three, and the ministry anticipates selecting a contractor who can deliver quality infrastructure to serve the community effectively.

U.S. Marine Corps Major General (MajGen) Julie Nethercot, who is the U.S. Southern Command Strategy, Policy, and Plans Director, visited Guyana on May 6-8.

The Strategy, Policy, and Plans Directorate at U.S. Southern Command oversees strategic planning, policy development, and security cooperation coordination for Latin America and the Caribbean.

According to the US Embassy in Guyana, the Directorate directly supports U.S. Southern Command’s goals and objectives in deterring aggression, defeating threats, rapidly responding to crises, and working with allies and partner nations to strengthen the region’s capacity to ensure a secure, free, and prosperous Western Hemisphere.

U.S. Marine Corps Major General (MajGen) Julie Nethercot, U.S. Southern Command Strategy, Policy, and Plans Director

MajGen Nethercot’s visit to Guyana underscores the continued importance and unwavering commitment the United States places on

the U.S.-Guyana bilateral defence and security partnership.

During her visit, MajGen Nethercot met with Brigadier Omar Khan, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff, to discuss ongoing security cooperation and security assistance initiatives to advance technology platforms. This visit is her second trip to Guyana and signifies the U.S. commitment to partnering with the GDF as it continues to increase its capabilities and expand its force.

The United States continues to work closely with its partners around the world to strengthen alliances and partnerships by improving interoperability, deepening information-sharing and planning, and conducting complex joint and combined exercises.

— General Secretary

PPP/C embarks on expansion: Party plans organisational structures in untapped regions

THE Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is exploring the option of creating party organisational structures in five regions that were not previously accounted for in its constitution. This decision is a result of the party’s remarkable growth and surge in membership.

General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, revealed that the party has experienced significant growth, more than doubling the number of delegates compared to previous elections, from the time they were in opposition to their recently concluded 32nd congress.

Given this context, he mentioned that the party passed a resolution during the congress to amend the constitution in order to broaden the party’s reach.

He mentioned that the PPP/C’s previous constitution did not establish party structures in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine, and Ten, as those communities historically lacked a strong presence.

“The party constitution did not create party regions for these areas and once you

have a party region, you have a particular structure, a regional committee which is then made up of district committees’ etcetera,” he said. As such, the general secretary added, “So, now reflecting on our numerical strength in these regions more than maybe about half

of our delegates came from these five regions that I mentioned.”

With that, the update of the constitution will allow the creation of party organisational structures in these regions to do party work and ensure that they have the tools to hold people more ac-

countable and also build on local management in these regions as opposed to having centralised management of their work.

Additionally, Dr. Jagdeo mentioned that the party has witnessed a significant influx of young individuals who are eager to join and assume

leadership roles in the future.

Since the beginning of the party, he mentioned that they have been advocating for national unity. Additionally, he pointed out that they have been successful in attracting individuals from diverse religious, gender, and racial backgrounds to join

the party.

Dr Jagdeo emphasised that by actively engaging in community work, party members have witnessed the PPP’s commitment to representing the diversity of Guyana’s population in terms of race, religion, and social class.

YLAI Professional Fellows Programme offers opportunity for Guyanese entrepreneurs

THE U.S. Embassy announced the opening of the application period for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Programme.

YLAI applications are now being accepted at https://ylai.state.gov. The application for the 2025 YLAI Fellowship Program is open from May 8-June 5, 2024.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, YLAI will bring promising leaders representing 37 countries from Latin America, Canada, and the Caribbean to the United States to expand their leadership and entrepreneurial skills and network through skills-building workshops and opportunities to learn from and exchange with

U.S. counterparts. The programme will take place in the United States from May-June 2025. This programme is open to young entrepreneurs 25-35 years of age with a demonstrated track record of successfully growing their own business or social venture for at least two (2) years. They must be current residents and citizens of Guyana.

The YLAI Professional Fellows Program is

part of the United States’ continued commitment to the prosperity of Guyana and the region. The programme supports and connects young entrepreneurs across the Western Hemisphere to take on leadership roles that benefit their communities and strengthen their economies. To date, 21 young Guyanese entrepreneurs have participated in the YLAI Professional Fellows Program.

A section of the gathering at the PPP/C’s 32nd Congress

Oil blocks auction: Gov’t negotiating with oil companies; no drilling prospects approved

THE Guyana Government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, confirmed on Wednesday that it remains engaged in a robust negotiation process with the companies approved for oil blocks in the nation’s inaugural bid round.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, during a panel discussion at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, inadvertently stated that the government received three drilling prospects from a consortium with Petronas, Qatar and TotalEnergies and that those prospects will get underway soon in shallow water block— S4.

However, when contacted, Natural Resources Minis-

ter, Vickram Bharrat clarified that no awards have been made to date. The minister further stated that there is a process that needs to be followed. He recalled that of the 14 blocks that went on offer, eight received high interest from local and international companies. Sispro Inc., a

consortium of four Guyanese women, was approved for two blocks —S3 and D2.

Along with other winning oil companies, ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC bid for S8.

Minister Bharrat said that while Cabinet approved for the companies to receive

Gov’t ready to continue engaging GTU on agreement 2024, onwards

AMIDST calls by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) to resume industrial action, the Government of Guyana stands ready to continue engagement with the union.

This was according to the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, who, in correspondence to the president of the Union, Mark Lyte, stated that the Ministry was surprised at the proposed continuation of industrial action.

Hoosein- Outar in the letter added, “As indicated before, the Government of Guyana stands ready to continue engaging the Guyana Teachers’ Union on the Multi-Year Agreement from 2024 onwards.”

This letter came in response to one which was sent by the Union that indicated that it would resume strike action due to “failed collective bargaining” between the two parties and asked teachers to not report for work from May 9, 2024, until further notice.

Representatives of the GTU and the Education Ministry had a meeting in March to resume the collective bargaining process, which had been interrupted by a strike in February.

At that meeting, the Ministry upheld the government’s position that discussions surrounding salary increases should be from 2024 onwards.

The Permanent Secretary

the said blocks, robust negotiations are taking place with the bidders, following which the Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) would be signed and the awards made.

Minister Bharrat said, “It is only after this process is completed that other steps would take place, including the payment of signing bonuses and the final approval of work programmes.”

“This will also be the first time that the new model PSAs would be used, utilising the modernised fiscal regime that increases the country’s take while ensuring considerable returns for investors.”

explained that increases for the prior years would have financial implications and the 2024 budget does not have the fiscal space to facilitate the retroactive payment of salaries for teachers during the period of 2019 to 2023.

As such, the Union representatives were asked to submit a proposal to the ministry that would capture their request for a multi-year agreement commencing 2024.

That meeting reached an impasse as GTU indicated that they were only interested in discussing salaries between the 2019 to 2023 period. The representatives of the Union further abandoned the process and walked out of the meeting.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar during a panel discussion at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas

The March 2024 meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union

Houston Summit: Foreign Secretary, ExxonMobil President highlight opportunities for growth

COLLABORATING

with the Greater Houston Partnership and Guyana Business Journal, a panel discussion titled “Bridging Oceans: Guyana’s New Horizon” took place on Tuesday. The participants included Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, and Alistair Routledge, the President of ExxonMobil Guyana.

The venue for the event was the Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Tower in Houston, Texas.

Wazim Mowla, Associate Director of the Atlantic Council’s Caribbean Initiative, moderated the roundtable discussion, which also included John Cypher, VP of International Investment and Trade at the Greater Houston Partnership. Additionally, in attendance were Kester Hutson, the GCCI’s Head, and Dr. Terrence Blackman, the Founder of the Guyana Business Journal.

The Foreign Secretary

acknowledged that Guyana has made significant progress since the beginning of its oil and gas journey in the 1990s.

“But where we are going is an even more exciting story,” said the official, adding that the vision for Guyana’s trajectory is perfectly outlined in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

“Should we hit oil, we have always thought of what model we should emulate…in ensuring that oil is not a curse but a bane of development for traditional industries as well as new ones.

“The activities in the oil sector, and the revenues we make, we intend to use that to create new opportunities while planning beyond its

end. And that is captured perfectly in our LCDS …,” the Foreign Secretary said.

Alistair Routledge, the President of ExxonMobil Guyana, emphasised, during his speech, that his company views the exploration of Guyana’s hydrocarbon resources as a chance to promote prosperity for all parties involved.

“Since the discovery of oil in 2015, we have felt a strong connection with the people of Guyana in working towards this goal … and we have US$55 billion in investments for Guyana and have already spent around US$30B,” Routledge said.

The ExxonMobil official also underscored the importance of the company’s commitment to ensuring all Guyanese benefit not just from resource revenue but from opportunities for employment and technology transfer.

He said it was evident in the beginning that Guyana

lacked certain capabilities to tackle opportunities in the sector. To overcome those shortcomings, he said Exxon committed to investing in local content to ensure Guyanese are at the forefront of supporting the industry.

“To date, we have had 1,700 local companies supporting the industry and that to me speaks volumes about the entrepreneurial spirit of Guyanese…,” Routledge said. He noted that ExxonMobil remains committed to helping local companies not only thrive but also become globally competitive.

DIASPORA SUPPORT

Foreign Secretary Persaud also noted the invaluable contributions that can be made to Guyana’s development story by members of the diaspora.

Persaud also noted that the government plans to ramp up engagement with the diaspora through job fairs and other initiatives.

“We also have an incentive regime laid out for this too. But I must say, the diaspora has to be proactive too… come back to your country, don’t wait for someone to hold your hand and bring you; have a positive outlook…,” the Guyanese official said. He concluded, “There is absolutely no reason why any person in the Diaspora should feel like they can’t play a part in the exciting future ahead of us. What is before us is bigger than any of us can conceptualise.”

(Credit: Kiana Wilburg)

He shared that the government is acutely aware of the invaluable expertise and experience that can be tapped in this community, hence there is a more structured approach in engaging remigrants through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, and Alistair Routledge, the President of ExxonMobil Guyana, during the panel discussion titled “Bridging Oceans: Guyana’s New Horizon”

KFC Elite League Western Tigers pick up comfortable 4-2 over Den Amstel

WESTERN Tigers, on Tuesday evening, picked up a comfortable 4-2 victory over West Demerara side, Den Amstel, as play continued in the KFC Elite League at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Centre.

Western Tigers bounced back from their loss to Police FC by taking down Den Amstel in their latest clash in the KFC elite league on Tuesday at the Providence football stadium.

Randolph Wagner got things off the mark with his successful strike four minutes into the encounter for Western Tigers.

Rashawn Rich came to the party in the 17th minute as they doubled the lead in the 17th.

They looked set to go into the half time tunnel with the 2-nil lead until Jamal Robinson broke

the silence in the 39th to pull one back for the West Coast side.

After the resumption, a long period of play would result without success before Western’s Randolph Wagner would come back to register a brace and

Den Amstel’s Rondell Hutson gave them their second goal in the 80th minute as they sought to make a late comeback push but it was very short lived as Tigers Andrew Murray added his name to the score sheet a minute later as Tigers held on for the 4-2 victory.

The league breaks then returns for the second round on May 18 at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Centre with a double header.

The league top players are set to get encamped for a place in the Golden Jaguars squad. The lo -

cal-based squad is set to play two friendlies against Trinidad and Tobago at the Hasely Crawford stadium in Port of Spain.

A contingent of twenty-four players will depart Guyana on May 11 for the Twin Island Republic.

The international fixtures are a chance for players to make their mark and exhibit their skills to Golden Jaguars' Head Coach, Jamaal Shabazz and his team to make the team that will represent Guyana at the CONCACAF Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Second Round from June 2024 to 2025.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

Western Tigers Andrew Murray Jr going for goal against Den Amstel make it 3-1.

Dortmund beat PSG to reach Champions League final

BORUSSIA Dortmund produced a fine away performance to beat Paris St-Germain 1-0 and reach their first Champions League final since 2013.

Dortmund held a 1-0 advantage following the first leg of the semi-final and doubled their lead when Mats Hummels was left unmarked five yards out to head in from Julian Brandt’s left-wing corner.

That goal came just after PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery wasted a glorious chance as he volleyed against the post from close range early in the second half.

PSG hit the upright twice in the opening match in Germany and, after falling

2-0 behind on aggregate, again struck the post through Nuno Mendes.

The hosts thought they had been given a penalty and a potential lifeline when Italian referee Daniele Orsato pointed to the spot, only to instantly change his mind and rule that Hummels’ foul on Ousmane Dembele had been just outside the area.

PSG have never been European champions, losing in the 2020 final, and Dortmund produced an excellent defensive display to frustrate the French title winners.

Kylian Mbappe, in his last European match for PSG before joining Real Madrid in the summer, had an effort deflected on to

the crossbar, before Vitinha fired against the bar too –the sixth time overall his side had hit the frame of the goal in the tie.

The final will be at Wembley on Saturday, June 1 and could be an all-German affair, just as it was in May 2013 when Bayern Munich beat Dortmund 2-1 in London.

Bayern and Real are in the second 2024 semi-final and the first leg ended 2-2 in Germany, with the second leg in Spain on Wednesday. Dortmund are aiming to become European champions for the second time in their history after they defeated Juventus 3-1 in the 1997 final. (BBC).

Brown leads Celtics to emphatic win over Cavaliers

JALEN Brown led Eastern Conference top seed, the Boston Celtics, to an emphatic win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in game one of their NBA play-off semi-final.

Brown scored 32 points alongside Derrick White's 25, which included seven three-pointers, as the Celtics eased to a 120-95 victory in Boston.

The Celtics are chasing a record 18th NBA championship.

"It starts with defence. We wanted to set the tone on defence and we kept them under 100," said Brown.

"But we feel like we've got an answer for everything so we just play the game the right way."

Boston were in complete control for most of the game, holding a double-digit lead through the second half.

Donovan Mitchell topscored for the Cavaliers with 33 points, while Evan Mobley added 17 and Darius

Garland 14. Game two of the best-ofseven series takes place in Boston today.

Meanwhile, Shai

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder earned a 117-95 win over the visiting Dallas Mavericks in the opening game of their Western Conference semi-final.

Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring efforts were complemented by nine rebounds and nine assists as the Thunder,

which has an average age of just over 23, became the youngest side in history to win an NBA play-off semi-final.

Kyrie Irving scored 20 points and Luka Doncic, who was struggling with a sore knee, finished with 19 as the Mavericks stayed in contention until the final quarter.

The second game of the series takes place in Oklahoma City today.(BBC Sport)

Head, Abhishek trounce LSG with another blistering hitting show

LED by Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma's blazing knocks, Sunrisers Hyderabad handed Lucknow Super Giants a thumping defeat in a one-sided contest in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

The duo helped their side chase down 166 with 62 balls to spare, and significantly propelled their Net Run Rate, moving to the third spot on the points table. 30 of the 58 balls the duo faced were hit for boundaries as they secured their team a 10-wicket win.

80 runs separated the two teams in the powerplay. SRH smashed eight sixes in this period, twice of what LSG managed in their entire innings. If with the ball courtesy of Bhuvneshwar Kumar's efforts, SRH gained momentum in the contest, with the bat, they completely killed the chase in this phase.

Led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar's fine spell upfront, well

aided by Shahbaz Ahmed, SRH managed to restrict LSG to their lowest-ever powerplay score. The batters struggled to find timing and never had the rhythm to get going, losing two crucial wickets - Quinton de Kock

and Marcus Stoinis - in this period.

Krunal Pandya's assault on Jaydev Unadkat, which included two sixes down the ground, allowed LSG to get some much-needed momentum in their innings.

However, he didn't find ample support from the other end. Rahul holed out to T Natarajan at long leg and soon after Krunal himself was run out while attempting a quick single.

Badoni and Pooran

stepped on the accelerator in the death overs and countered SRH's plans of using the slower balls on the hard lengths by attacking the shorter part of the boundary. They couldn't send any of those shots over the rope, including the last one which was superbly defended by Nitish Reddy at sweeper cover.

In the first eight balls of the run-chase, SRH were moving along at run-a-ball, far slower than their standards, and then Abhishek Sharma cut loose. Yash Thakur lost his line, and as the attack continued from both ends - as Travis Head and Abhishek have done for most of this season - LSG ran out of plans. K Gowtham, who bowled an effective first over, was taken to the cleaners in his second, butchered for three sixes and a boundary.

The duo exploded and hammered 99 runs in the next 28 balls, which killed the contest. Head, who led

the assault, powered along to his joint-fastest half-century, reaching the mark in only 16 balls - his fourth fifty within the powerplay this season, most by any batter ever in IPL.

The middle overs started with a six by Travis Head and the chase ended with a six by Abhishek Sharma. The two southpaws continued their relentless attack in the never-ending six-fest as SRH managed to post the highest-ever score within the first 10 overs in the IPL (playing two balls less). Badoni's part-time off-breaks were smashed for 19, Ravi Bishnoi was taken apart for 17, Naveen ul Haq bowled a few effective slower balls but was still carted away for 14. The chase was done and dusted in 58 balls. With that win, SRH not only gave their NRR a boost but also knocked out Mumbai Indians from the qualification race. (Cricbuzz)

It is Borussia Dortmund's first Champions League final since 2013

Jalen Brown helps Celtics cruise past Cavaliers

Top candidate in WICUA final written examination, Niebert Blair, encourages females to become cricket umpires

By Sean Devers

GUYANA’S Niebert Blair emerged as the top candidate among the 53 who wrote the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) final written Level 2 Examination in which 30 were successful.

Chandraban Rajnarine (3rd overall), Fazal Goberdhan, Heathcliff Peters, Asif Ishmael, Ronaldo Mc Garrell and Daniel Narsaiah were the other successful Guyanese among the candidates from 10 countries, including Canada and the USA.

The garrulous 40-yearold is an engineer by profession and disclosed that she started umpiring because she wanted to keep active and decided to play cricket. She encouraged more females to become Umpires.

“So, I then attended practice sessions with the female team at the Transport Sports Club. Coach Messiah and Coach Ross encouraged me to attend the umpiring training during one of the sessions.

I took the opportunity to learn more about cricket and the Laws of Cricket” explained Blair.

So far the umpiring journey has been fun and she has been learning a lot from the fully qualified umpires and her colleagues.

“The exposure to umpiring has helped me to better understand the Laws of Cricket. In the beginning, I wanted to become a match referee.

Umpiring allows me to experience cricket from the best vantage point while at the same time appreciating the dexterity of various cricketers.

I believe that players, despite it being the captain’s responsibility to ensure fair play, should always be respectful of their teammates, umpires, other match officials and spectators.

I dislike incidents where the game is not played within the Spirit of Cricket. I am in no way hesitant to apply the Laws of Cricket should/when

these moments occur” Blair continued.

Blair feels to develop further she has two other assessments to complete and with the support of the qualified umpires and other trainee umpires she intends to continue learning from practice, conversations, watching games, reading the Laws of Cricket, and analysing different scenarios to become comfortable and confident with umpiring.

“My goal is to be a fully qualified umpire – but I guess that is more short-term than long-term. So, I think after achieving my short-term goal I will be better able to articulate my long- term goal, vision, and mission for myself as an umpire.

If you are allowed to learn the Laws of Cricket, then take that opportunity”. Blair revealed that she always had a passion for cricket and Umpiring allows her to stay close to the action, contribute to the integrity of the game, and be a part of something bigger than herself.

“There is a sense of satisfaction in ensuring fair play and upholding the rules, and it is rewarding to see players give their best while knowing I played a role in facilitating that.

My journey in umpiring has been incredibly fulfilling. It has been a constant learn-

ing experience, from learning the 42 Laws in cricket to honing my decision-making skills in the heat of the moment. Every game presents new challenges and opportunities for growth.

I have had the chance to officiate in matches at the local club level, which has exposed me to different styles of play and helped me develop and refine my craft”, Blair noted.

“Overall, while there have been ups and downs, the journey has been immensely rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to grow and contribute to the sport of cricket through umpiring” added Blair.

“One of the things I cherish most about cricket umpiring is being on the cricket field, amidst the tension and drama, and having a direct impact on the game’s outcome is an experience like no other.

Moreover, cricket umpiring allows me to immerse myself in the nuances of the sport, from deciphering the intricacies of LBW decisions to gauging the subtle variations of spin bowling. It is a continuous learning journey that keeps me engaged and fascinated.

Building relationships with players, coaches, and fellow umpires has also been a highlight, as the camarade-

rie and mutual respect within the umpiring community are truly special” Blair posited

“The aspect of cricket umpiring that I least prefer is dealing with contentious or confrontational situations on the field.

These situations require not only a thorough understanding of the rules but also strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Diffusing tensions while ensuring fairness and maintaining control of the match can be mentally and emotionally taxing.

Additionally, the scrutiny and criticism that umpires sometimes face can be tough to handle. Every decision is subject to intense scrutiny because [there is] always the potential for human error” Blair explained.

“I aim to continue officiating matches at various levels, exposing myself to different game scenarios and challenges, because every match offers valuable learning opportunities.

Blair intends to seek feedback from experienced umpires and mentors, both during and after matches in order to identify areas of improvement and refine her decision-making processes.

“Additionally, I plan to participate in any umpire training programmes

and workshops. These programmess cover a wide range of topics from seasoned professionals.

Lastly, I aim to stay physically and mentally fit to meet the demands of umpiring” Blair stated.

“By combining practical experience, continuous learning, feedback, and personal development, I believe I can elevate my umpiring skills to the next level and contribute positively to the sport of cricket.

My long-term goal as a cricket umpire is to officiate at increasingly higher levels of competition, ultimately aiming to officiate in regional and international matches. Additionally, I aspire to become a respected figure within the umpiring community, known for my professionalism, integrity, and fair decision-making. I also aim to contribute to the development of cricket umpiring by sharing my knowledge and experiences with aspiring umpires, hence, leaving a positive legacy in the world of cricket umpiring” continued Blair who was among a handful of female candidates.

Her advice to those contemplating umpiring or not having yet considered it, is to come on board.

“Embrace the opportunity to learn something new and grow.

CCUA rakes in 100 per cent passes at WICUA Final Written Two Examination

…President Azad Khan elated with performance

RECENTLY elected President of the Canada Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA), Azad Khan, is elated over the performance of the nine members of the association who were successful at the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) Final Written Two Examination, held late last month.

In what can be termed an unprecedented performance in the history of the CCUA, all nine candidates gained the required pass marks, prompting the President to describe it as a significant achievement by all the candidates.

“As President of the Can-

ada Cricket Umpires Association, and on behalf of the Executive members of the CCUA, and indeed all the members of the Association,

I wish to extend congratulations to all the candidates who wrote the recent WICUA Level Two Written Two Examination,” Khan pointed

out.

The President, who is also a founding member of the CCUA, and who served as Secretary until the last Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March, showered praise on all the instructors, who he said contributed to the training sessions and made the entire examination process a success. He also thanked all the executive members for their unrelenting support.

“Once again, I thank you all for your commitment to the Association, for attending all the training sessions, and for writing the examinations and coming out successful”.

The nine successful can-

didates are John Ferguson, Henry Singh, Kaimraj Dookie, Kumaresh Ratnasabapthy, Sush Mahalanobis, Winston D’ Souza, Asantha Fonseka, Ramdeo Ramtahal and Salmon Khatri.

In his report, Chairman of the WICUA Training and Examination Committee, Peter Nero, extended special congratulations to Guyanese Niebert Blair who achieved the top marks of 95.50 per cent, describing the performance as “a display of the dedication and preparation he would have put in.”

According to Nero, in his overall assessment, “this examination represents another

step in your career building block, it’s a solid foundation that must be worked on to become stronger and more consistent. Continue to study the laws as you seek to become the next qualified umpire but more so the next step on the field and your field craft and technique. Stay focused and do not be distracted”. In an advice to candidates, Nero said: “The method of answering question, as short as possible, to the point and relevant to the question only. Avoid repeating the question in your answers. This has been consistently the same over time.” (Frederick Halley)

Top candidate, Niebert Blair

CCUA President Azad Khan

Guyana T10 Blast

Caimans beat Anacondas for upset victory

— Jaguars’ snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

PLAYED in sunny conditions at the Enmore Community Centre on the East Coast Demerara, Berbice Caimans beat Essequibo Anacondas by six wickets while Demerara Pitbulls lost to Essequibo Jaguars by one wicket as action in the Guyana T10 Blast continued yesterday.

In the first match, Anacondas opted to bat on a flat track and made 74-7 when their 10 overs expired on the large ground.

Caimans reached 75-4 in 9.2 overs to hand top placed Anacondas only their second loss in nine games.

Ushredeva Balgobin, who reached the boundary once and cleared it twice 26 shared in 29-run opening stand in three overs with Kevin Boodie who blasted 20 from 11 balls with three fours and a six as they got the Anacondas off to a blistering start.

Boodie was removed by Kevlon Anderson who has a First-Class 5-wicket haul before Keemo Paul (0) and Balgobin fell to off-spinner Myhiem Khan.

Spinner Aryan Persaud got rid of Thaddius Lovell (2), Alvin Mohabir (0) and Raymond Perez (9) in the space of a run to leave Anacondas on 60-7.

Anthony Adams, unbeaten on 13 with a six and Kwasi Mickle (2) then added 14 as Persaud (who was on a hattrick) finished with 3-3 while Khan took 2-13.

The Caimans slipped to 17-2 after pacer Bruce Vincent sent back Alex Algoo (1) and West Indies all-rounder Kevin Sinclair (5).

Jonathan Van Lange, who represents Guyana in Table Tennis, clobbered two sixes and two fours in a 12-ball 23 before he was bowled by left-arm spinner Adams at 42-3. Anderson unbeaten on 21 from 18 balls with two boundaries and Sankar (10) took the score to 69 before Sankar departed off an expensive Vincent

who had 2-31.

In the day’s second match, Pitbulls led by an unbeaten 42 with four sixes from 22 balls from Damian Vantull and an attractive 35 from 24 balls with four fours and a six; reached 94-6 from their allotted 10 overs with left arm spinner Ashmead Nedd taking 1-13 from his two overs.

Jaguars were wobbling on the ropes on 36-7 before Nedd who smashed three fours in a pugnacious 21 from just nine balls and Dwaine Dick who made a brutal 27 from 13 balls with two fours and two sixes, hit some mighty blows as they added 44 for the eighth wicket.

But Chris Barnwell removed them both in the space of a run to leave the score on 81-9 in 8.5 overs.

Neil Smith, unbeaten on 15 from six balls with a four and a the winning six and Demitri Cameron (2) ensured the Jaguars roared to a come from behind win with four balls to spare.

Malcolm Hubbard (3-16) and Barnwell (2-11), Golcharran (2-10) and Leon Swamy (2-23) could not prevent the Jaguars reaching 100-9 to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. (Sean Devers)

Berbice Under-19 cricketer benefits from ‘Project Cricket Gear’

SEVENTEEN-year-old fast bowler, Okazie Boyce, of Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, recently received one pair of metal spikes cricket shoes from “Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana,” the joint initiative of Kishan Das of the USA and Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) executive member, Anil Beharry of Guyana.

The promising pacer, who is also a national athlete (high jumper), represents Skeldon Community Centre Cricket Club at the junior, second division and senior levels. Boyce is a student of Skeldon Line Path Secondary and played for Berbice in the recently concluded GCB Intercounty Under-19 tournament. He expressed gratitude to the initiative on receiving the shoes. The initiative is also happy to be associated with the development

of cricket, especially among young people.

Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far:

$460,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, two trophies, 28 pairs of cricket shoes, 33 pairs of batting pads, 35 cricket bats, 39 pairs of batting gloves, 25 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 12 cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one fiber glass bat, 13 boxes of white cricket balls and 28 footballs.

In addition to the above, gear worth more than $600,000 was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket-keeper/ batsman.

All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.

To date, 73 young players, male and female, from all three

counties of Guyana have benefitted directly from seven gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 32 bats, three boxes,

six helmets, 27 pairs of cricket shoes, 19 pairs of batting pads, 24 thigh pads, one bat grip, 32 pairs of batting gloves, one pair

of wicket-keeping pads and three pairs of wicket-keeping gloves. Several others also benefitted indirectly. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club 13 coloured uniforms while RHCCCC received four and a half boxes of balls, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves, a set of stumps and bails.

Other beneficiaries include the Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem, youth coach Travis Persaud (one box of red cricket balls), male and female teams playing the traditional hardball and softball in the Upper Corentyne area, Number 65 Young Titans with 30 tee-Shirts,

youths of Just Try Cricket Club, Wakenaam Cricket Academy (one box of white balls), Shamar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple, Leguan Cricket Committee, Tucber Park Cricket Club and Malteenoes Sports Club (nine cricket balls each).

Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent.

Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth programme will also benefit.

Distribution will continue. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

Seales takes 5-29 in second innings to help Sussex complete innings victory

JAYDEN Seales is now the leading wicket-taker after five rounds of the County Championship Division Two after another stellar performance to help Sussex rout Derbyshire by an innings and 124 runs at the County Ground in Derby from May 3-5.

Seales took 1-54 from 14 overs in the first innings as Derbyshire were bowled out for 246 in 63.3 overs after Sussex won the toss.

Luis Reece (50), Blair Tickner (47) and Aneurin Donald (44) were the top run-scorers against 2-6 from James Coles and 2-65, each, from Ollie Robinson and Fynn Hudson-Prentice.

Cheteshwar Pujara then starred with the bat with 113 off 186 balls as Sussex piled up 479 off 109.4 overs in their first innings.

James Coles (72), Tom Alsop (64) and Tom Haines (58) provided good support

for Pujara against three-wicket hauls from Daryn Dupavillon and Jack Morley.

Seales then produced an excellent spell of bowling to help restrict Derbyshire to just 109 all out in 26 overs.

He took 5-29 from his eight overs, taking his tally this season to 18 in four games. Danny Lamb also bowled well with 2-10 from four overs.

Full Scores: Derbyshire 246 off 63.3 overs (Luis

Reece 50, Blair Tickner 47, Aneurin Donald 44, James Coles 2-6, Ollie Robinson 2-65, Fynn Hudson-Prentice 2-65) & 109 off 26 overs (Jayden Seales 5-29, Danny Lamb 2-10) Sussex 479 off 109.4 overs (Cheteshwar Pujara 113, James Coles 72, Tom Alsop 64, Tom Haines 58, Daryn Dupavillon 3-89, Jack Morley 3-117, Luis Reece 2-32). (Sportsmax).

Kevlon Anderson collected his Man-of-the-match trophy from Umpire Totaram Ramnarine

Ashmead Nedd was adjudged Man-of-the-match

Okazie Boyce, left, receives the shoes from Seon Hetmyer

Jayden Seales during the County Championship Division Two game between Sussex and Derbyshire

'It's not rocket science'

CPL's

THE Caribbean Premier League (CPL)'s chief executive has described overlaps between franchise leagues as "a nonsense", and has called for regular meetings among their owners and administrators in an attempt to solve cricket's global scheduling crisis.

The CPL has overlapped with the hundred in recent years but will avoid a clash this season after holding talks with the ECB earlier this year.

And Pete Russell, one of CPL's co-founders and the league's CEO since 2021, believes that such collaboration should be commonplace to minimise the frequent clashes between the T20 leagues.

"[The ECB] have a defined window that they have to play in, and it happened that we could move everything out to ensure that we didn't clash [with the Hundred]," Russell told ES-

CEO asks T20 leagues to collaborate on scheduling

PNcricinfo.

"It makes absolutely zero sense if you've got [Sunil] Narine and [Andre] Russell having to fly back the day before the final of the Hundred. That's in no one's interests, and certainly not the Hundred's.

"I hope that [collaboration] continues. It's not rocket science; it's what should happen with all leagues. It's just a nonsense that we've got all this overlap when it just needs to be worked through.

Scheduling is a challenge, I know, but it can't be that you have two leagues going at each other at the same time.

To my mind, it doesn't make any sense."

There is a precedent for leagues negotiating to manage potential clashes as shown by the PSL and ILT20. Several different leagues ran simultaneously at the start of 2024. Australia's BBL and New Zealand's Super

Smash finished in mid-January; South Africa's SA20 and the UAE's ILT20 started in January and ran into February; the Bangladesh Premier League started in January and finished in March; and the Pakistan Super League ran from mid-February to mid-March.

The ICC Champions trophy is expected to further complicate the picture when

it returns in February 2025. The ILT20 is expected to confirm its dates for 2025 in the coming days following recent discussions with franchises, while the PCB has stated its intention to stage the PSL alongside the IPL in April-May 2025. There is broad support among players worldwide for global scheduling windows for franchise leagues and

international cricket, thus minimising overlap between the two. The Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) player survey will be published soon, and as confirmed to ESPNcricinfo by Tom Moffat, FICA's CEO, will show that 84% of the 330 respondents support introducing windows

"Unless the game can come together to find a system in which the domestic leagues and international cricket can co-exist, we will end up with two separate calendars running in parallel," Moffat told ESPNcricinfo.

"That will split the player employment-market, given most of the leagues rely on the inclusion of international players to be successful commercially. We currently don't think that's the right thing for the whole sport given it - and most professional players' employment - is still largely funded by international cricket."

While representatives of national governing bodies meet regularly at ICC level - most of whom control their own leagues - there is no specific forum for the owners and administrators of franchise leagues to discuss scheduling.

"It's the logical way to go - because we're all maturing, and we're all getting to a point where we are sustainable," Russell said. "They are generally regarded now as being part of the domestic calendar, wherever they are played. I think it is a case of, 'OK, let's have that group of people and say how do you figure out the schedule to the benefit of everyone?'

"I think it's workable. Others might think it's not, but I just think the conversations at least need to take place, just to make sure [there's no clash].

Reggae Boyz and Soca Warriors showdown set for League “A” group play

MIAMI, Florida,

(CMC) – Caribbean Football Union (CFU) powerhouses, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago will renew their long-standing rivalry in a spicy Concacaf Nations League match-up after they were drawn in Group “B” of the top division, League “A” for the 2024-25 tournament.

Concacaf, the confederation for North, Central American and Caribbean football, released the dates and full details of the tournament after the official draw for the group stage of the tournament took place on Monday in the American city of Miami.

This will be fourth edition of the tournament, which will feature the confederation’s 41 senior men’s national teams and will be played during the international match windows of September, October, and November this year, and the final four being played next March.

The tournament will continue to be played in a three-league format, with the teams distributed into the leagues in keeping with 2023-24 results.

The draw did not include three-time defending champions, United States, neither Mexico, Canada, nor Panama and were exempt

because they occupy the top four spots in the rankings of the confederation and were consequently seeded in the same positions for League “A”, and directly entered for the quarterfinals, which take place between November 11 and 19.

The Reggae Boyz, as the Jamaicans are known, the CFU No. 1 team, finished third in the 2023-24 tournament after a first half rocket from Dexter Lembikisa fired them to a 1-0 victory against Panama in March this year at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in American city of Arlington.

The Soca Warriors, as T&T are known, the CFU

No. 5 team, reached the quarterfinals in the 202324 tournament, where they lost a home-and-away series against the Americans 4-2.

Concacaf has brought in the “Swiss style” league system for the group stage in League “A”, and the Boyz and the Warriors will be two of the 12 teams that will play in two groups of six teams.

The Boyz and the Warriors will play alongside fellow CFU teams, Cuba and French Guiana, as well as Central American team, Honduras and Nicaragua in Group “B”, while Group A features Central American teams, Costa Rica and Guatemala, and the CFU quartet

of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Suriname, and Guyana.

After the group stage in September and October this year, the top two finishers in each group will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will join the four top-ranked League “A” teams and play in a home-and-away format, with the aggregate score winner in each match-up advancing to the finals.

The quarterfinal pairings will feature Canada vs the best first place finisher from the group stage, Panama vs the next best first place finisher, the United States vs the best second place finisher, and Mexico vs the next best second place finisher.

Concacaf also announced the promotion and relegation format between League “A” and League “B” that will take place at the end of the tournament.

The fifth and sixth-place finishers from each group in League “A” will be relegated to League “B” for the 202526 tournament, and the four League “B” group winners in 2024-25 will be promoted to League “A”.

Concacaf previously announced the 2024-25 tournament will be the qualifier for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, but full details of how the teams will qualify will be released later.

Caribbean Premier League CEO Pete Russell