Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-03-2024

President

Irfaan Ali and other officials applaud following the ribbon- cutting ceremony at the new Republic Bank location in

Guyana’s banking, finance sector standing on solid foundation

By Trina Williams

THE finance and banking sector is no longer standing on a shaky foundation due to the careful and prudent management of the economy, coupled with strategic planning being undertaken by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

During the official opening of the $1.2 billion Republic Bank Williamsburg Branch at Rose Hall, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Dr. Ali affirmed that the region is no longer starved of development, as was the case under the former A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government.

While addressing the large gathering, he said: “Our banking sector is on solid grounds; our financial sector is on solid grounds,” underscoring the need for modernisation.

The Head of State added: “Any investor, any member of the private sector that invests in this region, you are making an economic and financial decision that is wise and prudent.”

Sparing no effort to

slam detractors of development, who, according to him, “can never see anything good,” President Ali used statistics to support his argument that the private sector is now viable.

He pointed out that among some of the major increases, real estate mortgage loans showed an increase of 22 per cent, credit to agriculture grew by 14.4 per cent, credit to real estate grew by 22.5 per cent, and mining and quarry grew by 18 per cent.

Additionally, investments by the banks increased by 20.8 per cent to $299 billion, according to President Ali. He added that out of the $299 billion, 68.7 per cent of that total investment was from local investors.

“Results are what matter,” the Head of State related, adding that progress aside, banking has to be transformed and modernised.

He said that banking should extend beyond accounting transactions to investment transactions, and in order to achieve this the banking sector must deploy its human capital to enhance productive use.

Notably, the banking sector’s return on equity at the end of 2023 was 15.1 per cent, while the return on assets was two per cent.

Highlighting the positive outlook that the new branch of the bank will offer, Group President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Republic Financial Holdings Limited, Nigel Baptiste said

customers will enjoy an “enhanced banking experience,” within the 14,755 square foot accommodation.

highlighting that the region is being positioned in a critical manner.

For instance, he pointed out **how the US$7 million Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute at Port Mourant, in Region Six will play an integral role in human transformation.

“The new hospital that we're building in New Amsterdam will be a new teaching hospital and with the University of West Indies. We are now discussing a medical school that will be attached to that hospital... That is the type of investment we are making to facilitate the human

manner.”

Moreover, as he blasted detractors of development for their continuous lack of positivity, the President said: “When you look at their comments, they can never see anything good, they can never see anything progressive.... They will never speak about these things that will transform this region that will bring this region ahead of time.”

Dr Ali said that the government has been investing to ensure that the lives of all Guyanese are improved and this is being done through systemic development.

“We've also increased our in-branch banking options, and customers who register for o ur Internet banking service can access that service, besides from their homes, from a dedicated terminal in the banking hall,” Baptiste said.

REGION SIX TRANSFORMATION

As the PPP/C Government continues to work assiduously to ensure that development reaches every square inch of Guyana, President Ali did not shy away from

resource transformation and building up of opportunities for human resource assets,” Dr. Ali said.

He also noted that before the end of this year, the gas strategy and gas development plan will be outlined, and Region Six will be an integral part of that development.

Dr. Ali then went on to say: “There is no other country in this region, in Latin America [and the] Caribbean region, and don’t let anyone fool you, that is approaching development in such a holistic and futuristic

“And the type of success that the banking sector is enjoying today is not accidental,” he said while challenging naysayers to analyse performance in 2019.

President Ali then went on to say: “That is because the economy is performing better, and creating better opportunities for people to be integrated into financial services...that is not accidental. That is by careful, prudent management and planning by government that understands what it is doing.”

- President Ali says at commissioning of $1.2B Republic Bank branch at Corentyne - challenges stakeholders to modernise operations, enhance productivity by maximising resources amidst fast-growing economy

President Dr. Irfaan Ali speaking at the official opening of the $1.2 billion Republic Bank Williamsburg Branch

Group President and Chief Executive Officer of Republic Financial Holdings Limited Nigel Baptiste

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and CEO of Republic Financial Holdings Limited Nigel Baptiste commission the plaque at the new back (DPI photos)

5,000 hectares of land in Skeldon to boost sugar production

— President Ali discloses; says sugar workers will be retrained, retooled

AFTER the current People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government breathed life back into the sugar industry which was battered by the previous coalition administration, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that another 5,000 hectares of land in Skeldon, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) will be reintegrated into the sugar production equation.

President Ali made this announcement while delivering the feature address at the official opening of the $1.2 billion Republic Bank Williamsburg Branch in Rose Hall, Corentyne, Berbice.

As he reflected on Berbice’s economy and how it is critical for the traditional sectors to be integrated into it, Dr Ali pointed out that the sugar, rice and forestry

sectors are key players.

“A few years ago, just in excess of four years ago, we saw this traditional economic base of Berbice, taking a deep dive based on the policy agenda, or policy formulation of the then government.”

For context, in 2017, the former APNU+AFC Coalition Government announced the closure of several sugar estates across the country, leaving thousands of persons without jobs or sources of income. The move saw four sugar estates being closed and over 7,000 sugar workers losing their jobs.

The Rose Hall Estate, prior to its closure, was “home” to some 2,500 sugar workers, but 1,181 of those were retrenched. The remaining workers from the Rose Hall Estate were transferred to Blairmont

Estate over in West Coast Berbice and Albion Estate on the Corentyne.

According to President Ali: “What we’ve [PPP Government] been able to achieve in the last three years, it is nothing short of being remarkable. We’ve been [able] to reopen the sugar industry. We’re reinvesting in modernisation of our sugar lands.”

The President further stated that this is aimed at becoming more sustainable.

He added: “As I speak to you now, we’ve just concluded an arrangement to have another 5,000 hectares of land in Skeldon to be reintegrated into the sugar production equation and we’re going to move to having those lands mechanized and we’ve also sourced a new variety of canes that will be planted on those lands.”

The Head-of-State pointed out that such will aid in achieving higher target levels next year.

“In doing this, we understand that the nature of the human resource pool must also change to meet

better function in this newly- organised sector; but, more importantly, how we want to integrate them into the other aspects of expansion that will take place here in Berbice.”

While underscoring how Region Six is undergoing a rapid development in both traditional and non-traditional sectors, Dr Ali said that a financial ecosystem was being built that responds to an integration vision of the PPP/C administration.

the transformation and modernisation that we are investing in the sugar industry.”

Dr Ali further explained: “That is why with the modernisation in the field we're discussing plans and how we will retrain and retool our sugar workers to

“An integrated vision is to find that balance whereby the revenue from the new frontier of oil and gas is used to grow the economy and build productivity and expand the economic footing which the government stands while at the same time building, recreating reorienting and reorganising the traditional sector to become more competitive and to optimise itself along the value chain so that they will not only meet the requirements of our country, but that they will be sustainable, long into the future,” President Ali remarked.

President Dr Irfaan Ali (DPI photo)

‘We saw attempts to embody our country with evil’

- President Ali says; recalls efforts by unlawful forces to steal 2020 General and Regional elections

- Calls on Guyanese to stand united in casting out electoral malpractice

THE memory of the attempts to rip the fragile fabric of Guyana’s democracy is imprinted in the minds of many Guyanese and President, Dr Irfaan Ali has called on citizens to unite and build a system that will prevent electoral rigging from ever happening again.

During the celebration of Maha Shivarati on Friday at the Cove and John Ashram on the East Coast of Demerara, Dr Ali spoke extensively on why it is important to craft stronger systems in order to cast out evil.

President Ali said: “Many Guyanese from all walks of life fought to destroy and to get rid of rigged elections in 1992, when we got back to free and fair elections. But then we took it for granted,” adding that it took months before the current administration was given its rightful place.

He further stated: “We saw attempts to embody our country with such evil because that is what it is.”

Within this light, the Head-of-State said that the responsibility lies on the shoulders of all Guyanese to create and transform a system that would not allow electoral malpractice to ever happen again.

He then went on to say: “Let us purposefully commit to the unity of each other, to the upliftment of each other, to the embodiment of each other, to

the removal of all the barriers of progress...”

President Ali also noted that the government is working assiduously to ensure that Guyanese can reap the benefits of the nation’s rapid development. And this is all being done under the ‘One Guyana’ umbrella.

He further stated:

“To have the highest level of education, enabling them to be empowered with the gift of education and enabling them to be in school by supporting their attendance through different programmes, such as the Because We Care grants. These are all part of the spirituality of the government; these are all part of the humanness of the

government that spirituality requires.”

JUSTICE MUST PREVAIL

Moreover, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has called on the magistracy to let justice prevail.

During a press conference at the party’s headquarters, he said:

“The judiciary here, the magistracy is frustrating the will of the people. They are not allowing justice to be done, and they are undermining governance in this country.”

Dr Jagdeo went on to say: “I think you need a serious introspection by the judiciary itself because it’s a separate branch of government and whatever we say sometimes publicly, others may want to misrepresent as an attempt by the executive to encroach on the territory of the judiciary.”

While addressing the “serious matter” and the damning results of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events of the 2020 General and Regional Elections, Dr Jagdeo said that there has been a “merry-goround.”

The PPP General Secretary also firmly remarked that people are “tip-toeing” around the issue because they are worried about it. He said it is time the matter be addressed “legislatively” because maybe then the weight of public opinion can

be brought.

With the steady delays, Dr Jagdeo said that this would “embolden” persons who attempt to execute electoral rigging.

“We’re not saying that we want the persons convicted or not, we are asking for you to proceed with the tri-

al,” he said.

The much-anticipated trial surrounding allegations of electoral fraud faces yet another delay, this time with key issues in the case being referred to the High Court for ‘constitutional’ consideration.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Embracing Our Spirituality

GUYANESE are a deeply religious people. Roughly 90 per cent of the population belong to one of the three major religions, namely Christianity, Hinduism or Islam. According to the most recent statistics, the majority of Guyanese practice Christianity, (52.4 per cent) followed by Hinduism (31 per cent) and Islam, 7.5 per cent. Another five per cent or so do not belong to any religion.

The Constitution of Guyana provides for freedom of religion and worship including the right to choose and change one's religion. There is a high degree of re-

spect for religious diversity and religious tolerance.

At the level of the state, there is no state religion or state-sponsored religion. Guyana is a secular state which means there is no role for the state in the promotion or inculcation of religious education in public schools.

Religious practices, however, are encouraged and facilitated by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C administration.

Several religious festivities are hosted by President Ali and held at the State House, an indication of the high premium placed on our multiculturalism and diversity.

Our embrace of spiritu-

ality is influenced in large measure by our religiosity. But our spirituality also transcends religion. It is also about our sense of patriotism and oneness, our shared culture and values which define us as a society.

As noted by President Ali, our spirituality must be embraced. Joining hundreds of Hindus at the Cove and John Ashram to celebrate Maha Shivatri, the President emphasised the importance of national unity as embodied in the life and teachings of Lord Shiva

According to the President, we are once again blessed with a country that is muti-cultural, multi-ethnic

and multi-spiritual with a convergence of fasting rituals as embodied in the Festival of Maha Shivaratri, Lent and Ramadan emanating from Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.

This convergence, President Ali said, provided for us all to pay our respects to a higher power and allows for a coming together of all Guyanese through selfless acts under the banner of being better human beings towards themselves and each other.

Spirituality is an integral part of our overall development. This point was emphasised by the President when he said: “To have the

highest level of education, enabling them to be empowered with the gift of education and enabling them to be in school by supporting their attendance through different programmes such as the Because We Care grants. These are all part of the spirituality of the government; these are all part of the humanness of the government that spirituality requires.”

The fact is that spirituality and humanity have always been a core philosophical outlook embodied in the DNA of the PPP/C administration. Governing with people in mind or people-oriented development aimed at enhancing the ma-

terial, cultural and spiritual well-being of all Guyanese has always been central to the policies and programmes of the PPP/C administration since the very inception.

President Ali and the PPP/C must be commended for the strong measures it has been taking to create a society in which there is economic and social justice and where each and every Guyanese, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation is provided with the opportunity to grow both materially and spiritually to the full limit of their potential.

Mankind's making with mischief

Dear Editor,

“MISCHIEF, thou art afoot, take thou what course thou wilt." This famous line was scripted for Mark Anthony in Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” and delivered at Caesar’s cremation site. Anthony had implied that he had set a plot and now, it will take its course and express itself. Mischief as it is, may be both negative or positive and harmful or innocent.

In a world caught up with a network of warfare imbroglio, there are scavengers and predators waiting for the least opportunity to inflict painful wounds for personal gains. In the words of North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, “Our army …... steadily intensify the actual war drills

aimed at rapidly improving its combat capabilities for perfect war preparations.”

Some mind-boggling issues at home and abroad are stunningly mysterious and startlingly miraculous. The dumbfounding eye-openers are shocking but yet, not surprising. These infractions are causing catastrophic consequences and as a result, there are tremendous social and economic upheavals both on the local and global stage. Those ultimately responsible are reckless and heartless who care less about the effects on people and the place.

They are blinded by greed, jealousy, power and wealth while having scant respect for the law. Deaths and damages are the inevitability of eventualities. Loss of time and money are casualties

of circumstances and moral behaviour is questionable.

A quick look at Haiti will confirm that gang violence is destroying a country and leaving the people devastated. There has been an unprecedented change in the frequency of government administration which has provided gross instability. The struggle for political power is leaving a streak of deaths and depression. Tension has heightened since thousands of incarcerators have escaped from a recent jail break. The country cannot develop and remains the poorest in the hemisphere.

Stakeholders are calling for an election in the midst of a safety problem where the lives of Haitians are unsecured and there is a grave need for emergency

aid. CARICOM Chair and Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali said, “the situation is complex, with many moving parts. It is compounded by the absence of key institutions functioning, such as the presidency and parliament.”

The UN Security Council need to urgently intervene and provide immediate assistance. The people are victims of an entrenched society. The recent strike called by the Guyana Teachers Union and responded to by less than half of the teachers in the country, is viewed as political.

The strike was unwarranted since there were ongoing negotiations between the government and the union and more than 50 per cent of their demands were satisfied. Since coming into power, the government has granted

yearly salary increases and last year saw a revised incremental package instituted to upgrade the teacher’s scale, both trained and untrained. Today, the teachers and union are back to square one.

It was an avoidable situation but not all teachers are, sadly, educators. While some “teachers” are spelling, some students are reading. The children lost valuable time and tutoring. They are casualties of shortsightedness and selfishness.

The unending sufferings unleashed by the murderers from the Hamas/Israel madness, is an appropriation of human rights and respect. People from both sides die uselessly and are scarred for life from the guerilla warfare. History is on their side to reflect religious fantasy and

fanaticism. The irreparable damage will be inherited by generations to come and memories will not be easy to eradicate or erase. Both sides will be unable to figure how to forget and forgive and so uncivilised behaviour will cycle a future of untamed ferociousness. Unfortunately, the children will be witnesses to a replay from a savaged era.

A quick look at the 2020 Election fraud trial reflects a trail of troubled water, visited by vexatious players, mudded with muddled frivolities, tampered with timely interruptions, contaminated with concentrated delays, polluted with political influences, poisoned with potent stakeholders, overflowing with overwhelming evidences and manipulated with

Dear Editor,

I WRITE to express serious concerns about the ways in which the letter sections of newspapers are being used to insinuate political violence in this country. Editor, while the nation has grown uncomfortably accustomed to all manner of misinformation and dis-

information in the letter sections, the articulation of ideas of political violence must always be forcefully rejected. I, therefore, categorically reject and condemn Dr. Henry Jeffrey letter to the editor in which he states “[w]hen a regime becomes ‘undesirable’ elections rigging might be the least of its problems as

affected citizens may resort to arms with the loss of thousands of lives” (KN 3,9, 2024).

Jeffrey props up this allusion to political violence by referencing Israel, Northern Ireland, and Sri Lanka. Every politically literate person in the world knows that these are places with unbelievable levels of violence, including

ghastly acts of terrorism.

Editor, the letter under consideration concatenates the said allusion to violence and so-called ‘undesirable’ regimes with a bold face lie when it states that the PPP has engaged in “wholesale elections rigging.” This man has willfully ignored the findings of the COI into the 2020 elections. I now challenge

Dr. Henry Jeffrey to provide evidence for his claims.

The public should know that Henry Jeffrey was a cabinet member in the Jagdeo administration. He was let go for poor performance. Jeffrey took cover under big names like Fareed Zakaria and the late Samuel Huntington. I can

assure him that these political scientists would throw up if they knew how their works have been bastardized by an obscure academic who is attached to a party known for election rigging.

Dr. Randy Persaud Advisor, Office of the President

Letter section used to insinuate political violence Mankind's making with...

From page 6

premeditated motives. It is glaringly apparent that the deliberation of the derailed case is precariously perched on “justice delayed is justice denied.” The Judiciary and Magistracy are the transparent enablers of a “stalled game” playing with a dictated slow-motion pace!

Former US President, Donald Trump, is back in the 2024 presidential race to challenge the incumbent, Democratic Joe Biden. This is as a result of Nikki Haley ending her White House bid when she dropped out as a Republican frontrunner.

Trump is facing numerous criminal charges and was engaged in the insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution of the United States during the 2020 upheaval at the White House. The world is keenly looking at the defenders of democracy who once entertained the denial for rules and regulations. His supporters are guilty of approving sanctimonious behavior, are advocators for the promotion and encouragement of civil disobedience and rebels of law and order.

The Freedom House escapade last Wednesday confirmed the continuous onslaught of propaganda by the dissident perpetrators. Again, this motivated execution was engineered by a select planned force, elected to create rascality, disorder and confusion. The plot thickens as election knocks on the door. Obvious politicians are again agents of contortions and skullduggery.

The Ukraine/Russian war is a forefront for human indignity, propelled by a leader consumed with an elusive dream and leading an army engulfed in royal guilt but loyal to an unjust cause. The innocent people are hand-

cuffed prisoners of unscrupulousness and subjected to an invasion of insanity.

As all these wrongdoings prevail in a global society permitted by human

errors, weaknesses and limitations, these atrocities may only multiply because mankind shun these problems and continue to lend support to the afflicters

whether directly or indirectly.

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall

Confronting ignorantly-based narratives helps to educate people

I AM quoting from a woman named Melinda Janki from her published letter in the newspapers of February 19. “A country’s success depends upon brain power – the ability to make the right decisions in an unstable and ever-changing world. Brain power requires well educated people. You don’t need to be educated to be a Member of Parliament or a minister or President. You only need to be able to read English with “sufficient proficiency” so you can participate in the National Assembly. MPs can sit there, screeching incivilities at one another, voting for legislation that some of them do not understand. Test all future MPs and presidents so we can see if they are up to the job. The test must include critical thinking.”

I could literally, I mean literally write a book critical of those words and, in the end, I think people’s eyes will be opened. For now, a newspaper column will have to suffice. Before we

announce who Melinda Janki is, let us go back to my article of Thursday, March 7 titled, “Nameless, faceless enemies at the gate.” It dealt with three consecutive days of anonymous full-page advertisements in the newspapers denouncing the oil industry. I need not dwell on the contents of that column but an important point about those three placements must be internalised by the Guyanese public.

Do you know why the payers of those messages chose not to be identified? There are two explanations – fear of being called ignorant because it is ignorance to say a developing economy like Guyana does not need the income from oil. The second fear is being accused of hypocrisy for denying Guyana an income to reduce poverty but you are super-wealthy. Those three-day placements cost $1.2 million and it was paid for by very wealthy people who will remain wealthy oil or no oil in Guyana.

Now for the glorification

of education that Ms. Janki seems to think is a requirement for a country’s success.

Ms. Janki delivered a talk at Moray House on Quamina Street owned by a wealthy woman who is the co-owner of the Stabroek News and who lives in the UK, Isabelle DeCaires. Ms. Janki’s lecture title was “Oil will not make Guyana richer but poorer.”

At an online discussion, Ms. Janki repeated that ignorant emanation. I am an educated person and forgive my chauvinism but it is contextual when I say that I am far more educated than Ms. Janki and my education informs me that anyone that can say oil will make Guyana poorer is ignorant.

In terms of behavioural psychology, there is no rela-

tion between ignorance and non-education. Educated people can talk so much nonsense that they become an embarrassment to modern civilization. James Watson discovered the DNA and was awarded the Nobel Prize for medicine.

Watson was ostracised by the world for an output of ignorance. He said the genetic make-up of Africans make them more sexually active than other races. There isn’t a shred of scientific evidence to support that and in fact other races may have

a deeper libidinal drive than African people.

In Guyana there is a group of anti-government haters I refer to in my writings as The Usual Suspects (TUS), a majority of whom are closely known to Ms. Janki who are all educated people but whose ignorance would have threatened the stability of Guyana if it wasn’t for the pyrotechnical fact 99 percent of the Guyanese people have dismissed them. All of the members of TUS are well educated people.

Here now is a demonstration of how education and ignorance are not related. TUS wrote a letter asking the DPP to reduce 20 murder charges of an accused to the single charge of arson. The teenager allegedly set fire to a girl dormitory and 20 teens were burnt alive.

TUS also wanted counselling for the accused (if she is not guilty and did nothing wrong then she needs a good

lawyer rather than counselling) and frequent visits by her parents. In no other country on Planet Earth, a teenager sets fire to a building in which 20 humans died and the state charged them with arson only. That never happened in the world and will never ever happen once the world lives on. If this is not ignorance then ignorance cannot be defined.

Forty-two members of TUS published a letter in the Stabroek News of November 17 requesting the government to immediately cease oil production and, in their plea, advised the government that fossil fuel emissions kill African people. Only the African race was mentioned. I say unapologetically, I find Ms. Janki’s letter above an expression of ignorance. Give me every Member of Parliament in 2024 any day in preference to Ms. Janki.

Guyana's drive for sustainable development while producing oil

GUYANA is at the intersection of environmental stewardship and economic progress and is writing a compelling narrative of sustainable development. While much has been said about its commitment to preserving its vast forest cover and engaging in carbon credit agreements, Guyana's journey towards sustainability takes an innovative turn with its offshore oil and gas industry.

At the forefront of this paradigm shift is ExxonMobil Guyana and its co-venturers CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited and Hess Guyana Exploration Limited, who have chosen a path of sustainable development

for the extraction of offshore resources. One notable example is the Stabroek Block Operator’s choice of FPSOs that go beyond mere production efficiency.

SBM Offshore is the company that was contracted by ExxonMobil to build, operate and maintain the three FPSOs that are currently producing oil offshore Guyana. Bruno Chabas, Chief Executive Officer of SBM Offshore, is on record as stating, "The carbon capture solution developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited aims to reduce FPSO emissions by up to 70 per cent. As a result, we are on target to offer a near-zero-emission

FPSO to the market in 2025, a key enabler of our 2050 net zero ambition." This commitment to emissions reduction not only reflects global climate goals but also aligns seamlessly with Guyana's pursuit of sustainable growth.

SBM Offshore has also built two FPSOs operating in Guyana under its Fast4Ward programme. This concept is based on five key principles: engaging early with clients, standardisation, focus on flawless execution, partnering with the supply chain and use of digital solutions in today’s volatile environment. Because of it, the Liza Unity was the first FPSO to be awarded

the SUSTAIN-1 notation by the American Bureau of Shipping. A second FPSO, Prosperity was also built with the Fast4Ward design. Japanese FPSO builder, MODEC, also plans to contribute to Guyana's sustainability objectives with its innovative approach. The Errea Wittu project, touted to become one of the most sustainable FPSOs globally, incorporates cutting-edge technology to minimise environmental impact. Featuring a combined cycle turbine on board, Errea Wittu FPSO will leverage energy production systems that recover exhaust heat to produce steam, driving a steam turbine for supplementary pow-

er generation. This not only enhances overall energy efficiency but also significantly reduces the emission of greenhouse gases.

ExxonMobil Guyana and its co-venturers are not just extracting resources; they are conducting safe, responsible operations offshore, ensuring the utmost environmental protection through reduced emissions. Liam Mallon, President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company, emphasised the company's dedication to safe and responsible operations.

“Largely in our operations here now in Guyana except when you’re commissioning during start-up, we have eliminated routine flaring.”

He stated.

In an era where environmental concerns are paramount, these actions speak louder than words, underlining a commitment to sustainable practices that extend beyond regulatory requirements.

As Guyana's offshore oil and gas industry progresses, it serves as a beacon of hope for nations navigating the delicate balance between economic development and environmental preservation. The choices made by industry leaders like ExxonMobil exemplify the potential for innovation to drive sustainable development.

Babu Jaan is the place to set the record straight

Guyanese from all walks of life will get to see good political strategy, and an insight into the philosophical and practical approaches taken to advance the growth and development of the economy while balancing the scales of politics and government.

This will become possible when the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and President Dr Irfaan Mohamed Ali take the podium to deliver remarks at today’s ceremony to mark the 106th birth anniversary, and 27th death anniversary of the party’s founder and former President, the late Dr Cheddi Jagan. The ceremony will also pay tributes to his wife and co-founder Janet Jagan who died in March 2009 after serving as a Guyanese President.

The leaders, more so Jagdeo, is expected to state how the legacy of the Jagans is being kept alive now and how it has passed through generations in the form of PPP/C and government policies.

They will no doubt delve into how the PPP/C party is treating with the goals that the

Jagans had set out to accomplish back then when they were presidents and throughout their political career such as ending racism, eliminating hunger and fast-tracking Guyana infrastructural and socioeconomic development.

The PPP leaders and the president will not miss an opportunity to tell their supporters that they are participating in what Jagan lived and fought hard for in Guyana and they will paint a good picture of a strong fighting party.

But here are a few things that the public wants Jagdeo and the President to address in their speeches ahead of the next election.

Firstly, after giving the Jagans due respect and paying them homage, Jagdeo must take on the PPP/C critics which are the opposition political party, APNUAFC, the civil society groups and so-called independent commentators who are constantly hurting the image of his party and the country by making allegations that the PPP/C government and party are racist and discriminating against groups of people in the country.

This is dangerous and though he has spoken to the allegations ad nauseam, he should show how the government is actively sharing the resources in an equitable manner and broadening access to groups. He should show the drastic differences between the governments of the PNC/R, APNUAFC and PPP/C.

If he does not speak to it at Babu Jaan, he should do so at the next best opportunity because the public is buying into the opposition lies and they sympathize with the arguments of the opposition.

Additionally, Jagdeo must make it abundantly clear that this thing or concept that Hamilton Green said PPP/C leaders allegedly used in 50s and 60s of being ‘pon top’ is a lie and that

is not what PPP/C, under his watch, stands for or subscribes to.

He must throw it away with all the mischievous and racist ideologies of the opposition politicians because Jagan never believed in the politics of racism. He wanted to achieve a government of national unity and inclusivity.

Secondly, the president must show all that his government is doing and all the work that he and his cabinet is doing to ensure Guyana stays on the right development trajectory in areas such as infrastructural development and socioeconomic welfare of citizens. He must stand up to the labour and trade unions who are acting as political conduits for the wider opposition. He must

not mix and mince words but speak to his governments actions and why they behaved the way they did.

President Ali must get down in the political dungeon and fire shots where necessary, reminding the people that even though he is elevated to the presidency, he still could play politics if he chooses to and when. This is important because the opposition is taking advantage of government by bullying and forcing its hands.

The president should make his philosophy clear and update the public on the success of ‘One Guyana’ and his attempts at building unity and good governance which are what the Jagans fought hard and long to have for Guyana.

Thirdly, both politicians have the opportunity to state their disgust at PNC and APNUAFC politicians for upholding the electoral fraud that took place in elections and for justifying rigging. Aubrey Norton is possibly going to try the same thing that they did in the 2020 elections next year and both leaders must drag him over the coals.

They must also state their concerns about the election fraud cases and how they are being handled and delayed at the level of the magistracy. Jagdeo and President Ali must say why no one is sentenced yet for electoral fraud or rigging. They must not shy away from speaking to this and the role that it sets for law and order, and constitutional compliance.

Fourthly, they should stand tall on the principles and philosophical thinking of the PPPC now and say how they have changed in order to serve Guyana better. They must also speak to other political issues and the shenanigans of the opposition because the opposition politicians will be listening from their homes and in Berbice.

Finally, the PPP/C must know that the 2025 election race starts with this Babu Jaan event. As a matter of fact, since the PPP won the polls, it started. What will be said today will set the tone for the next poll. So, it is time to set the record straight and let the truth be heard wide and far.

CARICOM, Haiti and the U.S.

HAITI, Guyana and Venezuela, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras topped urgent agenda items at the recent 46th CARICOM Summit in Guyana, with leaders leaving Georgetown worried that escalation of the worsening situation in the poorest and most-populated member-state will erupt into yet-another international crisis in Haiti.

The leaders returned home after the January 2629 summit, satisfied with the progress of peaceful and positive talks and exchanges between Guyana and Venezuela; and a new government in Honduras opens the way for progress in possible CARICOM negotiations to settle border and territorial disputes with Belize.

Guyana-Venezuela

According to the summit’s Final Communique, on the Guyana-Venezuela matter, “The leaders received an update on developments in Guyana/ Venezuela relations and decried the significant Venezuelan military border activity, but noted a lowering of tensions since the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela, was issued on December 14, 2023, following the meeting of the Presidents of the two countries.”

They, however, welcomed the convening of the first meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Guyana and Venezuela and their technical teams in Brasilia on January 25, 2024, as “a positive step to rebuilding cooperation between the two countries, while the ICJ determines the case concerning the land boundary.”

They noted that Venezuela has, until April 8, 2024, to submit its counter-memorial on the merits of the case regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that had determined the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela, “and urged

it to do so.”

They also “reaffirmed their solid support for the maintenance and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Belize-Guatemala-Honduras

On the Belize-Guatemala and the Belize-Honduras cases before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) the summit “commended the Parties for their willingness to seek a peaceful resolution to all legal claims against Belize to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to those territories, through the ICJ.”

CARICOM-Brazil

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s presence at the summit was described as “indicative of the strong bond between the Region and Brazil” and noted “the two sides share a rich history of South-South cooperation”, are “united by geography” -- and have “a common desire to build prosperity for their peoples.”

President Lula said his country “took a strategic decision to prioritise its relationship” with CARICOM and “underscored Brazil’s support for efforts to address the Region’s priorities of climate change, regional security, intra-regional connectivity and sustainable development, including through advocacy at the G-20 during Brazil’s Presidency in 2024.”

Haiti

On Haiti, CARICOM Chair, Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali emphasised: “Our Region has one interest when it comes to Haiti – that is the people of Haiti” – and he promised that “We will not deviate from that interest.”

On February 26, the CARICOM leaders met with Haitian Prime Minister, Ariel Henry and “International Partners of Haiti” including, Canada, France, the United States, the United Kingdom and the United Nations (also called

‘The Quad’) to discuss the worsening situation there.

They received an update on the situation by the Coordinator of CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group (EPG), former Saint Lucia Prime Minister, Dr Kenny Anthony.

In the course of “a frank and in-depth discussion”, the leaders “expressed their deep concern over the continued deterioration of the security, humanitarian and political situation” and “the continued delay in overcoming the political stalemate,” which have “blocked the possibility of free and fair elections.”

They, therefore, “underlined the critical and immediate need for a clear political path forward which should be participatory and inclusive.”

The CARICOM leaders also “took note of the commitment made by Prime Minister Ariel Henry to take major steps to move the political process forward, including the holding of general elections to restore constitutional government and authority no later than 31 August 2025.”

“To this end,” the communique said, “an electoral needs gap assessment team will be dispatched by CARICOM by 31 March 2024, in consultation with the UN, in line with existing Security Council mandates, with the support of Canada, USA and the OAS” -- and “the Assessment Team will support planning and efforts of the relevant Haitian institutions to be established.”

Against this background, CARICOM “will extend an invitation to the stakeholders to participate in a meeting urgently to address and settle the critical political path that is participatory and inclusive.”

But, within days, all that went to naught, as Henry’s refusal to yield to calls to resign saw him jetoff to Kenya and secretly to the USA to try to hasten

the arrival in Haiti of 1,000 Kenyan police officers the country’s high court said couldn’t go because of the absence of a related bilateral agreement.

The US read out its own ‘riot act’ to Henry and withdrew its support for his continued rule, demanding that he appoint an interim leadership – and step aside.

Stuck in Puerto Rico and unable to enter Haiti through any of its airports or through the neighbouring Dominican Republic, Henry’s caught between

a rock and a hard place, while the US drums-up support for the armed external intervention it’s been trying to get Africa and the Caribbean to undertake.

Caught itself between a river and the deep blue sea, Washington is depending on again convincing CARICOM and Latin America to lead the way with boots on the ground, while Canada, France, UK, USA and the UN refuse to commit their own troops to fight the gangs they claim could virtually ‘barbecue Haiti’.

Henry is floored in

Puerto Rico while the gangs say it’ll be all-out war, including ‘genocide’ if he returns home.

So, following Grenada in 1983 and successive failures to help Haiti through its natural disasters, violence and other political troubles, will CARICOM again allow itself, 41 years later, to be inveigled into supporting yet another external intervention financed by the USA and baked by a muzzled UN?

Time will tell, but this time much-sooner than later!

Aubrey Barker Road to be further expanded

DESPITE the delayed progression of infrastructural works on the Aubrey Barker Road four-lane expansion project, Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill announced that the government will be extending the road by another 1.3 kilometers.

Minister Edghill made this disclosure on Tuesday during an inspection of the project.

“We have tenders out right now for the continuation of another 1.3 kilometres of road to widen Aubrey Barker to four lanes; the current project is taking too long,” he stated.

During the inspection, the minister discovered that the progression of works is being hindered by the placement of a Digicel pole, which is directly aligned with the

ongoing construction.

It was further uncovered that the utility company was informed of this by the overseeing engineer, but made no attempt to have the pole removed. As a result, the minister immediately notified the company to have the pole removed before the end of the day, or appropriate action would be taken.

“There again, I had to make a decision on the spot. I called Digicel; if they don’t move their wires by this afternoon, we will publish a public notice informing the communities that we will have to remove the poles, and the wires will be affected and the responsibility will be with Digicel,” the Public Works Minister emphasised.

Minister Edghill further explained that in January, the ministry signed a Memorandum of Un -

derstanding (MOU) with all the utility providers, outlining how it will operate to ensure that no entity impedes the progress of others’ work.

The utility providers include Guyana Water Inc (GWI), Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Co Ltd (GTT), Digicel, Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA).

Despite this, the minister noted that utility providers are not being compliant with the MOU agreement.

“So, its again selfishness; utilities not putting their best foot forward based upon good faith agreement,” Minister Edghill said, adding: And, of course, the bottom line will be the Ministry of Public Works; the Government of Guyana. We dig up the road a long

time; our men not getting to work, but there are direct utilities in the line of the alignment.”

Meanwhile, the minister highlighted that the Lamaha extension proj-

ect is also facing similar challenges. He affirmed that the government will not allow contractors to delay projects without consequences.

“Government’s de -

livery of goods and services to people is priority, it is paramount that is why we are in government. We can’t keep hearing excuses,” he said firmly. (DPI)

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill inspecting ongoing works on Aubrey Barker Road alongside engineers

Ongoing works on Aubrey Barker Road

Prison officers, others accused of helping ‘Smallie’ escape freed

AT the conclusion of their trial on Friday, the four prison officers and two civilians who were accused of helping the now deceased mass killer, Mark Royden Williams, also known as "Smallie," escape from the maximum security Mazaruni Prison, were cleared of all charges.

The prison officers are head of security at Mazaruni Prison, Alexander Hopkinson, Omar Witherspoon, Conroy Hosannah, and Oldfield Romulus. Meanwhile, Frangeliz Jugandry Flores Perez and businessman Rajmohan Autar called ‘Chico’ also faced charges.

After charges were brought against the prison officers, they were interdicted.

According to the allegation against them, on May 19, 2023, they conspired with each other and persons unknown to assist Williams with fleeing from the penitentiary.

Their lawyers filed nocase submissions at the end of the prosecution's case, arguing that since the prosecution had not shown any evidence to back up the conspiracy allegations, their clients had no case to answer.

At the Bartica Magistrate's Court, Magistrate Christel Lambert dismissed the charges against each of the accused persons after upholding the no-case submissions made on their behalf on Friday.

Attorney-at-law Patrice Henry defended Hosannah and Wiitherspoon, while attorney Bernard Da Silva represented Hopkinson. Renea Marcus was Romulus's lawyer.

After being charged on May 25, 2023, Hopkinson, Witherspoon, Hosannah, Romulus, Perez, and Autar were all remanded to prison by Magistrate Lambert after they denied the charges.

About a month later, though, she gave them all an order to post $750,000 bail each and to lodge their passports while their cases were being heard.

Williams escaped from the prison around 14:30 hours with the assistance of heavily armed men in a speedboat.

According to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS),

Williams was returning to the Sibley Hall prison on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and was in shackles, after receiving a visit from a female, when the escorting ranks came under gunfire. It is alleged that the ranks dismounted their ATV and returned fire at the assailants.

It is further alleged by the Prison Service that one of the boat occupants came to shore and continued to discharge several rounds towards the prison officers. Williams managed to run towards the riverbank before jumping into the river, the Prison Service claimed.

The gunmen assisted him into the speedboat which headed upstream past Itaballi Landing, while prison guards and police undertook pursuit.

No prison officer was injured during the ordeal.

Williams's daring escape prompted the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to offer a $10 million reward for information that would lead to his capture. However, on June 1, 2023, near 47 Miles in Region Seven, the convicted killer was shot and killed during a Joint Services Operation.

Law enforcement had shot and killed two of his accomplices a few days earlier.

On June 9, 2023, the State cremated Williams.

In February 2017, Williams was sentenced to death after a jury found him guilty of seven counts of murder in relation to the 2008 Bartica massacre, in which a dozen persons, including three police officers, were shot dead. He was convicted on the lesser count of manslaughter for the other killings and was sentenced to life in prison on each charge.

Several months later, in July 2017, Williams escaped from the prison at Camp Street, Georgetown, during a riot. It is believed that he was the mastermind.

However, he was nabbed on October 9, 2017, at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice (WCB), while travelling in a public minibus.

In 2013, Williams was acquitted after a 12-member jury found him not guilty of the charges against him in relation to the 2008 Lusignan massacre, which claimed the

lives of 11 persons, including five children. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) upheld the trial court's ruling in 2018 after the Director of Public

Prosecutions (DPP) had appealed his acquittal.

In 2020, he was sentenced to death after a jury convicted him of the 2008 murder

of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Corporal, 24-year-old Ivor Williams.

Williams had outstanding appeals at the Court of

Appeal of Guyana against his convictions and jail sentences at the time he was shot and killed.

Alexander Hopkinson

Omar Witherspoon

Conroy Hosannah Oldfield Romulus

Dead: Mark Royden Williams

174 people now certified in technical skills from BIT

SOME 174 people graduated from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) at Outback Adventure, Canje, Region Six; they are now licensed professionals in a number of technical skills.

The graduates received skills training in areas such as: Motor Vehicle Servicing and Repairs, Heavy-Duty Equipment Operation (HDEO), Welding and Fabrication, Electrical Installation, AC & Refrigeration Repairs, Furniture making, and Hydraulics.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; BIT's Chairman, David Armogan and BIT's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Maughn, among other officials were present when the graduates

were presented with their certificates.

Minister Hamilton applauded the female graduates for realising the necessity of acquiring the essential skills and knowledge to become productive citizens. He told the women that their participation was nothing short of joyous as it demonstrates the Labour Ministry's commitment to empowering women with skills to become self-sufficient.

Minister Hamilton expressed that their participation in these programmes, reflects this year's International Women's Day theme, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," which coincides with his ministry's commitment to achieving gender equality in nontraditional professions

across Guyana.

With that, the minister urged them to encourage more women to take advantage of the skills training provided by the Board of Industrial Training.

He also emphasised the need for discipline in achieving success.

“You must use your craft and training to develop yourself in all respect, more so financially. Important to that, the board of industrial training allow for people who graduated in one programme to do another programme if they so desire…You have to have more than one skill. You have to be prepared that in the event one door closes, you can walk into another,” the labour minister said.

He highlighted that BIT expended over $31 million towards the execution of the training programmes in the region.

Guyana is making significant investments in skill training programmes countrywide due to the government’s recognition of the need for more skilled labour.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton (left) presents a graduate with her certificate

Some of the BIT graduates

‘WE LIFT’ to return in April

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s ‘WE LIFT’ –‘Women’s Entrepreneurs:

We lead, we innovate, we flourish together’ will make its grand return on April 20th and 21st at the National Aquatic Centre,

Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

Over 250 women-owned businesses are expected to participate in the annual women-centric event.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, made

the announcement during an interview on Friday.

“We have an expectation of perhaps over 250 women-owned businesses. I think that is significant because we are not only looking at education, tech-

TURN TO PAGE 18

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues (right), interacts with a businesswoman

‘WE LIFT’ to return in...

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud

FROM PAGE 15

nical vocational training and upskilling. We are looking at how we can have financial empowerment,” she underscored.

The expo symbolises the ministry’s commitment to empower women, especially those who survived violent situations. It aims to equip them with knowledge

and skills that would cause them to become financially independent.

Additionally, it features new women- owned businesses, budding artists, established businesses promoting additional goods and services, and the Ministry’s upcoming programmes to assist women.

The premise of the twoday long expo will be the showcasing of a variety of

businesses in areas such as arts and craft, food, fashion and jewellery, health and wellness, services and other existing and unconventional areas. Reflecting on the birth of the ‘WE LIFT’, the minister revealed that the first expo started with 75 women participating and has significantly grown over the years.

Last year, ‘WE LIFT 3’, saw a staggering 207 women- owned businesses

‘Gov’t will not entertain lies on Carifesta lands’ – VP Jagdeo affirms

VICE President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has made it clear that efforts to block development will not materalise.

His statement was in response to the current A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) led-Mayor and City Council still claiming ownership of the lands along Carifesta Avenue, despite the fact that the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) has already set the record straight.

“They're back at it again now, trying to block the US$300 million hotel by saying they own the land.

“You should read the release from Lands and Surveys in detail. This is what they've gone about all the time, perpetuating these myths, the lies and all of it to block development,” Dr Jagdeo said at a PPP/C press conference on Friday last at Freedom House.

Set to be the country’s largest tourism and hospitality investment, the sod was turned on February 18 at Carifesta Avenue, where the Georgetown Seafront Resort and Convention Centre will be built.

Touted to be a worldclass facility, the new resort will feature 260 rooms and

suites, 150 service apartments and premium villas, and it represents a collaboration between the Governments of Guyana and Qatar.

The project is being executed by private investors, the Assets Group out of Qatar and construction is expected to begin soon with the hopes of completion within three years.

The five-star facility will also feature retail units for food and beverages, high luxury fashion brands, a state-of-the-art health club and a convention centre with cutting-edge facilities. It was uniquely designed with Guyanese in mind.

However, some officials from the Georgetown Mayor and City Council claim

that the lands are owned by the city.

However, the GLSC has since clarified that those lands belong to the State providing detailed historical and legal context to clarify the ownership status of the disputed lands.

The GLSC referenced Transport Number 235 of 1863, which delineates two plots of land at Plantation Thomas – Lot Number One containing 240 ½ acres and Lot Number Two containing five acres. It was emphasised that while Lot Number Two was transferred to Quintin Hogg, the remaining 240.5 acres are still held by the government.

Moreover, the GLSC clarified that there is no evi-

dence indicating that Quintin Hogg transferred the fiveacre parcel to the Mayor and Town Council (M&CC). The Commission highlighted the conditions of the transport, which stipulated that the government is responsible for maintaining the Sea Dam and Bridges, given the lands’ adjacency to them.

It further stated that the

M&CC released a copy of the last page of the said transport, claiming that the lands at Carifesta Avenue belongs to the Council under that transport. Those with knowledge of the subject would understand that one needs to read the first two pages to determine where and how much land is referred to.

The GLSC has examined the actual transport that has been in its possession for some time now and the back page seems to match Transport 337 of 1886. The GLSC has used this transport many times as a reference whenever the Commission deals with surveys and land transactions in Plantation Thomas.

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Boy, 6, witnesses murder of father, grandmother at Saxacalli

THE grisly murder of David Gomes, a 49-year-old taxi driver hailing from D'Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, and his 75-year-old mother, Elizabeth ‘Nellie’ Gomes, also of the same address, has sent shockwaves through the tranquil community of Saxacalli Mission, Essequibo River.

As investigations intensify, the Police are on the hunt for rape convict and prison escapee Akeem Wong called “Ben Laden”, 30, the prime suspect in this double homicide.

He escaped from the Mazaruni Prison in mid-February.

The tragic incident unfolded between 17:00 hrs and 20:00 hrs on Friday, leaving residents in disbelief. According to preliminary investigations, the Gomes family, including David, his elderly mother Nellie, and his sixyear-old son, had embarked on a routine trip to Saxacalli Mission earlier in the day with the intention of tending to their residence and surroundings.

An eyewitness account, notably provided by David's young son, paint a harrowing picture of events leading up to the gruesome murders. At approximately 15:00 hrs, the suspect reportedly visited the Gomes' residence, seeking food and directions. Welcomed into their home, the suspect partook in food and alcohol with David before arming himself with a cutlass.

The suspect then reportedly rained down a barrage of chops on David. A brave Nellie went to her son’s rescue only to meet a similarly gruesome fate at the hands of the assailant.

The suspect them attempted to wash down the blood but his efforts were abruptly halted by the unexpected arrival of a passing boat. Fleeing into

on February 14. At the time, Wong, along with inmate Gilbert Gill, was labouring in the wood bush in the custody of Prison Officer Torres. While

on duty, Wong requested to defecate and Officer Torres granted him the permission. However, about five minutes later, Officer Torres decided to

— suspect believed to be prison escapee Akeem Wong

check on Wong but discovered him missing, hence an alarm was raised.

After Wong pleaded guilty to raping a 14-year-

the cover of nearby bushes, the attacker vanished into the dense undergrowth, leaving behind a scene of unimaginable horror.

According to the Police, amid the rampage, David managed to retaliate, inflicting injuries upon the suspect before succumbing to his wounds. His six-year-old son, a witness to the brutality bravely took action, alerting authorities by sending a voice note to one of his father’s friends.

As night fell upon Saxacalli Mission, Police investigators descended upon the crime scene with crime scene technicians meticulously combing through the area for items of evidential value.

The mother and son, according the Police, were chopped multiple times about their bodies, with both of them sustaining several chops to their heads.

Their remains are currently at the mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has since urged the public to be cautious and vigilant, and to report any sightings or information regarding Wong’s whereabouts to the relevant authorities immediately, adding that the safety and security of the public remain its top priority.

Wong escaped from the maximum security Mazaruni Prison at around 07:20 hrs

old girl in 2017, Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry of the Demerara High Court sentenced him to 15 years in prison in November 2020.

David Gomes and his mother Elizabeth ‘Nellie’ Gomes

Prison escapee Akeem Wong

President Ali calls for multilateral dialogue on AI’s impact across government

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has stressed the importance of having a comprehensive discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI) with all branches of government (Executive, Legislature and Judiciary).

During his speech to kick off the Guyana Police Force's Annual Officers' Conference last week, the Head of State referenced AI's far-reaching implications and urged for a collaborative approach to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving technology.

President Ali's remarks come at a pivotal moment

as countries worldwide grapple with the integration of AI into various sectors, including governance.

Speaking from the nation's capital, Georgetown, the Guyanese leader highlighted the need for proactive measures to address AI's impact on all three branches of government.

“All three branches of government, I think must have a conversation on AI and where AI is going because AI would affect the judiciary. AI is already affecting the judiciary internationally. It would affect the Executive, and of course, it will affect the Legislature because you may have AI-generat-

ed parliamentary speeches too,” said the Head of State.

President Ali drew attention to the international dimension of AI's impact, citing instances such as those witnessed in the U.S. Supreme Court. Recently, U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts mentioned an instance where AI hallucinations had led lawyers to cite non-existent cases in court papers.

He stated that because AI content is now widely available and challenging to identify, Guyana needs to take a cue from other countries and develop institutions and frameworks that can effectively control

and manage the impact of AI. He emphasised that Guyana's approach to AI in governance must be informed by lessons from international precedents.

He noted that, "We will be in a trap" if this is not done, adding that AI is capturing the interest of many nations in the Caribbean and beyond in addition to Guyana.

President Ali stated that in order to keep Guyana at the forefront of the ap-

propriate deployment of AI, investments in human resources and technology skills must be made while the country navigates the obstacles presented by AI.

Although several universities have resisted the use of AI, the University of Guyana (UG) has created a draft AI policy. Additionally, if the regulation is approved, UG students may be able to employ AI tools for their academic work.

Furthermore, during a

recent engagement with members of the Guyana Bar Association, Judge Winston Anderson of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) stated, among other things, that predictive AI possesses significant potential to expand access to legal services for individuals who have historically been unable to afford them.

He added that all that was needed was a smartphone.

President Dr Irfaan Ali with Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack and Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards

Bartica pensioner jailed for two years for causing death of couple

BYRON

Pearson, a 67-year-old taxi driver from Mongrippa Hill, Bartica, Region Seven, has been found guilty on two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

The pensioner learned his fate on Friday, when his trial concluded before Magistrate Christel Lambert at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

The accident leading

to these charges against him occurred on February 16, 2023, at approximately 15:30 hrs, when Pearson, driving motorcar PRR 5669, failed to stop at a 'stop sign' and collided with a motorcycle, on the approach to Fifth Street, Bartica. The accident resulted in the deaths of motorcyclist, 26-year-old Daivd Huggins and his wife, Felicia Lewis, 23, both

of Bartica. Pearson was initially charged almost a year ago, on May 15, 2023, and pleaded not guilty at that time. He was released on $600,000 bail pending a trial.

However, after the trial, he was found guilty on both counts and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for each charge. The sentences will run concurrently.

City cop accused of killing vendor acquitted

Dead: Marlon Fredericks Freed: Gregory Bascom

A FORMER Georgetown

City Constabulary Lance Corporal who was on trial for the unlawful killing of Marlon Fredericks in 2018 was acquitted on Thursday after Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry upheld a no-case submission in the Demerara High Court.

The details of charge against Gregory Bascom, 53, was that on January 14, 2018, at Regent Road, Bourda, Georgetown, he killed Fredericks, a 34-year-old vendor.

The prosecution failed to prove that Bascom had committed the offence manslaughter, according to Yuborn Allicock, Bascom's lawyer, in the no-case submission.

The submission was

upheld by trial Judge Sewnarine-Beharry, who then instructed the mixed 12-member jury to return a formal not guilty verdict in Bascom’s favour. While awaiting the hearing and determination of his trial, Bascom was out on $800,000 bail.

Fredericks was allegedly being held at the City Constabulary Outpost at Bourda on allegations of simple larceny and assault of a peace officer when he was shot by Bascom.

It is alleged that he forced his way out of the lock-ups after it was opened by another rank to let out another prisoner to use the toilet. A struggle reportedly ensued between Fredericks and Ba-

som, who tried to restrain him, and in the process the prisoner (victim) ran out the outpost and was fatally shot once in the lower back by the Lance Corporal.

Police recovered eight live rounds and a spent shell at the crime scene.

Relatives said Fredericks of Tiger Bay, Georgetown attended St. Joseph’s High School and President’s College and had passed eight subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. The now-dead man, who was reportedly suffering from a mental illness for a while, was reportedly a known drug addict who also used to buy and sell small items.

Dead: Daivd Huggins and Felicia Lewis Jailed: Byron Pearson

Health Ministry probing death of 19-monthold boy at ‘West Dem’ Hospital

THE Ministry of Health has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 19-month-old Kayden Munroe, who died at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

“In accordance with the Laws of Guyana, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is currently conducting a thorough investigation by a multi-disciplinary team into the death…,” the ministry said in a statement on Saturday. According to the

Dead: Kayden Munroe

ministry, records indicate that over a period of about 48 hours, the baby had visited several health institutions, including the Den Amstel Health Centre, the Leonora District Hospital, a private pharmacy, a private doctor’s office and WDRH.

The toddler was reportedly brought to the health centre on Tuesday in order to receive his MMR—a vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella, and yellow fever vaccines.

According to reports, his grandmother is accusing the medical staff of negligence, claiming that they ignored her concerns and took a long time to check the child.

A post-mortem examination will be performed on Munroe’s remains on Monday.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Narine Singh has initiated a thorough investigation of the child’s death, starting with compiling reports from all the medical providers that were involved, the statemented added. This part of the investigation, the Ministry of Health noted, will be completed by the end of the day on Saturday, March 9.

“The CMO has also initiated a process to complete in-person interviews with the officers over the next 24 hours. In addition, the Maternal and Child Health Department is conducting its own investigation since it is reported that the child was also seen at a health centre. Both the CMO’s office and the MCH will also interview members of the family.”

The ministry has assured the child’s family that a “fair, independent and multi-disciplinary investigation will be conducted and a report will be submitted to the Minister shortly.” Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and the ministry have expressed profound condolences to the family of the child. Just over a year ago, Munroe's teenage mother passed away.

BCCI announces...

FROM BACKPAGE

mestic cricket. The BCCI denied central contracts to players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, who were found to be avoiding domestic red ball cricket (Ranji Trophy).

The BCCI decision comes at a time when the long format is losing its primacy in other cricket playing nations. Cricket South Africa, for instance, sent an experimental third string team for an away Test series in New Zealand recently.

Rahul Dravid, India coach, however, regretted that the BCCI had to announce rewards to protect Test cricket. He said he thought the BCCI announcement is a reward (honour) rather than an incentive (inducement).

"It is nice that the BCCI is recognising it... I think it is a reward, not an incentive," the India coach said after the Dharamsala Test. "Looking at the guys who came in and played in this series, I think everyone wants to play Test cricket. It's just a recognition of what you need to be able to do to survive and play in Test cricket.

It's only when you get here that you realise that sometimes it's quite tough

and it is not easy but it is extremely satisfying. In especially a series like this (the just-concluded five-Test series against England) and Test matches we've seen in the last 4-5 months, if they are well supported and well documented by people like you, I am sure that there will be a lot of people still wanting to play test cricket," Dravid told the post match media conference.

"I really hope money is not going to be the incentive to play Test cricket. It's just nice the hard work and how tough Test cricket can be is being recognised. So I wouldn't see it as an incentive to make people play Test

cricket, I hope not. I hope it never really comes to that. And it takes a special person to do what (R) Ashwin has done, to play 100 Test matches. You go through a lot, and rightly so. You guys celebrated Ashwin today, and Jonny Bairstow, you've celebrated (Ben) Stokes a few games ago.

Because I think all of you recognise how challenging the format is and what it takes to be able to have consistency and to be able to survive the test of time in this format. We don't celebrate 100 T20s in the same way, do we?," Dravid, who has played 164 Tests, said. (Cricbuzz)

RACING TIPS

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

SOUTHWELL

12:50 hrs How Impressive

KELSO

09:35 hrs Thats Jet

10:10 hrs Go Boy

10:45 hrs Chapel Green

11:20 hrs Ned Tanner

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CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Archie McLaren (ENG vs AUST, Melbourne, 1894-95) (2) Conrad Hunte (WI vs PAK, Barbados, 1958) Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the first player to hit separate hundreds in a Test match?

(2) Who is the first WI to crack twin tons in a Test? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Ravichandran Ashwin spins India to huge victory inside three days

ENGLAND's tour of India ended in woeful fashion as some spineless top-order batting resulted in a massive defeat inside three days in the fifth Test in Dharamsala.

Needing 259 to make the home side bat again, England were bundled out for 195 to lose by an innings and 64 runs and hand India a 4-1 series victory.

That margin would have been even larger had it not been for Joe Root's 84. England were 113-6 only for Root to coax runs from the tail when the contest was effectively over.

The inept batting overshadowed the early morning achievement of James Anderson, who had Kuldeep Yadav caught behind to become the first pace bowler to reach 700 Test wickets.

With Shoaib Bashir completing his second five-wicket haul of the series, India were bowled out for 477. In blameless conditions, England's minimum requirement was to drag the match into a fourth day.

Instead they folded to off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who marked his 100th Test with a mesmerising 5-77.

Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope played horrendous strokes, Zak Crawley turned to leg slip, Ben Stokes' defence was flimsy and Ben Foakes was bowled slogging. In between, Jonny

Bairstow belted 39 off 31

balls before he was pinned by Kuldeep.

At least Root showed some stomach for the fight, but could not prevent a one-sided drubbing inside eight sessions of play.

While this is England's first series defeat under Stokes, this loss is their seventh in 12 Tests and ends a poor winter across formats that also included a meek defence of the 50-over World Cup.

A quite different England team will turn attention to defending the T20 World Cup in June, with the next Test coming against West Indies at Lord's in July.

England unravel to dismal defeat

This series promised so much for England after they pulled off a sensational win in the first Test in Hyderabad, but has gradually unravelled to this, by far their worst performance of the tour.

India is an incredibly difficult place for visiting teams. This is their 17th successive home win, a run that stretches back to 2012. At the beginning of the series, a 4-1 win for the hosts would have felt around par.

The disappointment for England comes from the chances they squandered in each of the second, third and fourth Tests. Like last summer's drawn Ashes, England's return could have been better.

There is some mitigation.

Harry Brook missed the whole series and Jack Leach played only one Test. England will talk of progress and the emergence of young spinners Bashir and Tom Hartley is a positive.

But England's batting has gradually disintegrated to this final horror show. There are decisions to make over the futures of Bairstow and Foakes, and the pace bowling will need reinforcing for the home summer.

England are midway through what is likely to a four-year spell under captain Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. While their commitment to play entertaining cricket is laudable, it is now time to blend that with consistent results.

Awful batting overshadows Anderson milestone

Anderson, 41, is a great of English cricket and British sport. His inch towards 700 wickets has been painstaking over the past year, but the milestone was achieved at a picture-perfect setting, with the sun glinting off the snow-capped Himalayan mountains.

Kuldeep prodded an edge, wicketkeeper Foakes took the catch and Anderson celebrated by waving the ball to the crowd. After Bashir had Jasprit Bumrah stumped by Foakes' sharp hands, England had the opportunity to end the tour with a positive batting showing.

Instead, they imploded in an ill-judged attempt at aggression. Duckett and Pope have had their games picked apart, resulting in Duckett charging Ashwin's fifth ball to be bowled and Pope top-edging a rash sweep. In between Crawley gave leg slip catching practice.

Bairstow, in his 100th Test, hit Ashwin for three sixes only to be undone by Kuldeep's sharp turn. Stokes' batting struggles continued when Ashwin went straight through him, while Foakes was bowled trying an uncharacteristic slog sweep for Ashwin's fifth.

Root dug in, with a trust in defence his team-mates were lacking. His disappointing tour - Root had passed 50 only once before this - ended with the

former captain giving England a lesson in patience, shot-selection and adaptability.

He eked 28 runs out of a partnership with Hartley and added another 48 with the determined Bashir. Root was on 78 when he was joined by last-man Anderson, eventually holing out to Kuldeep as he hunted a century.

India end with dominant display

If England can point to the players they have been without, India have ultimately dominated this series without all of Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant. KL Rahul played only the first Test and missed the rest of the series with an injury.

Batters Yashasvi Jasiwal,

Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan, and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel have all emerged. Even on the final day, captain Rohit Sharma was off the field with a back injury, leaving Bumrah to take charge.

If the batting has a fresh feel, it is ultimately India's experienced and skilful bowlers that have gradually picked England apart. Earlier in the series it was Bumrah's reverse-swing, here it was Kuldeep's five-wicket haul in the first innings and the masterful Ashwin in the second.

Taking the new ball, Ashwin ran riot for his 36th five-wicket haul in Tests - a record for an Indian bowler. He preyed on the fragilities in the techniques of Duckett and Pope, and laid a trap for Crawley. Ashwin has dismissed Stokes more times than any other bowler in Tests and bowled the captain on the stroke of lunch to effectively end any notion of India batting again.

Bumrah had Hartley palpably lbw for 20, India's 17th wicket of the match but the first not taken by a spinner. In the same over, Mark Wood was leg before to a toe-crushing yorker to complete a pair.

India were frustrated by Bashir until Ravindra Jadeja got one to scuttle through, then Root's attempt to loft down the ground ended the match before tea on day three. (BBC Sport)

Latham and Henry lead New Zealand’s fightback in tense battle

..Pat Cummins claimed the key wicket of a well-set Kane Williamson but a late dropped catch could hurt Australia

MATT Henry claimed a seven-wicket haul to restrict Australia before Tom Latham and Kane Williamson struck half-centuries to continue New Zealand's stirring fightback in the second Test at Hagley Oval.

But Williamson fell late on day two for 51 after succumbing to the first ball of a new spell from Pat Cummins, dragging a delivery onto his stumps that had deceptively decked back.

Just before stumps, Latham edged a delivery from Josh Hazlewood that shaped away only for wicketkeeper Alex Carey to spill a chance after diving low down in front of Usman Khawaja at first slip.

(Scores: Zealand 162 and 134 for 2 (Latham 65*, Ravindra 11*) trail Australia 256 (Labuschagne 90, Henry 7-67) by 51 runs

Latham finished unbeaten on 65 from 154 balls in his highest Test score against Australia. He entered averaging just under 28 against them compared to 40 overall. Rachin Ravindra had some anxious moments, but fought hard to reach 11 not out with New Zealand leading by

40 runs.

As was expected ahead of the match, the pitch appeared to be flattening out, but there was still enough movement and bounce for the seamers to exploit.

Australia used six bowlers with Cummins and Hazlewood, who was the standout with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, looking threatening before the close.

New Zealand's batting has been under the microscope having failed to reach 200 runs in their three previous innings in the series. After opener Will

Young fell early to Mitchell Starc, Williamson and Latham erased New Zealand's 94-run first innings deficit with a 105run partnership.

Williamson, in his 100th Test, played elegantly and unfurled trademark drives to reach his half-century off 105 balls. Having made just 26 runs in the series, Williamson was in a determined mood and looked set for the long haul having converted his previous eight fifties into centuries.

There was extra fuel for Williamson, whose career average

of 37 against Australia is modest compared to his overall mark of 55. But he was left in despair after falling to Cummins.`

Relatively quiet in the series with just two wickets previously, Cummins produced a hostile spell late in the day amid cloudy conditions. But Latham and Ravindra held firm to continue New Zealand's turnaround after they made just 162 in the first innings.

Henry dominated the earlier part of the day to claw New Zealand back in the contest and restrict Australia to 256. His figures of 7 for 67 from 23 overs were the second best by a New Zealand bowler against Australia and only behind Sir Richard Hadlee's famous 9 for 52 at the Gabba in 1985. It was Henry's second consecutive five-wicket haul after being a shining light in New Zealand's hefty first Test defeat.

Australia's stuttering batting-order once again weren't able to muster a formidable effort and let their stranglehold slip, with Marnus Labuschagne the only batter to score more than 30 runs in the innings. He superbly anchored the innings to

emerge from a form slump with 90 off 147 balls.

Labuschagne, who has only made two of his 11 hundreds away from Australia, had endured lean form over the last 12 months, and has seen his Test average drop below 50 having once soared above 60. He had suffered four consecutive single digit innings before this match.

Other than Labuschagne, a number of Australia's batters could not go on with starts although cameos from Cummins, Starc and Nathan Lyon lifted them to a handy lead.

New Zealand were frustrated initially by Lyon, the nightwatcher, who underlined his form with 20 before edging Henry to Daryl Mitchell, who made amends after dropping a chance earlier in the day.

Henry continued his excellent series when he trapped Mitchell Marsh on the crease in a decision overturned on the DRS when captain Tim Southee decided to review at the last second.

It was Marsh's second consecutive duck, while Carey's struggles against spin continued

when he gifted Glenn Phillipswho had been brought into the attack in an inspired move by Southee - a wicket after a poorly executed paddle stroke on 14.

With Josh Inglis breathing down his neck, Carey's place in the team will further be in the spotlight having only made two half-centuries in his last 18 innings.

Labuschagne held the innings together and his determined work in the nets in the lead-up paid off with well-executed plans evident. He made an emphasis to counter the movement by getting across the stumps and hitting into his favoured on-side

But Labuschagne's tactics of walking down the pitch, especially to Henry, raised the eyebrows of the umpires who got together to discuss whether he was moving into the protected area of the pitch.

Labuschagne's bid for his first century since the Ashes Test in Manchester last year was cut short by a spectacular catch from Phillips at gully after leaping high to his right on the last ball before lunch. (Cricinfo)

Off-Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin holds up the ball after completing his five-for: (BCCI photo)

Matt Henry finished with 7 for 67 to restrict Australia’s lead to under 100•(AFP/Getty Images)

Guyanese cricket brand, E4, gains ICC global recognition

LIKE in so many villages across Guyana, cricket is an age-old pastime in the sugarcane community of Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

Located approximately 16 miles east of the capital, Georgetown, Enmore has produced many cricketers of repute, among them West Indies and global T20 star Sherfane Rutherford, West Indies Youth player Amir Khan, former senior national wicketkeeper Sheik Mohamed, national youth players Anil Jairam, Safraz Ally, Adrian Persaud, Kevin Bazil and Javed Mohamed.

For sport fanatic-turned-entrepreneur Ravi Etwaroo, who grew up with his three brothers a stone’s throw away from the Enmore Community Centre ground, the passion for cricket was palpable.

The brothers not only played the different forms of the game, but they, for decades, also supported the development of the sport in various ways.

In 2006, after migrating to the USA, Etwaroo started his own retail business, Cricket Zone USA, selling cricket gear on a part-time basis for a year before going full-time.

Importantly, Etwaroo opted to supply gear from reputable and authentic cricket brands across the globe to the North American market.

The establishment grew,

incrementally, over the years, attracting top cricketers through its door at 1656 Castle Hill Ave, Bronx, New York, no less than Chris Gayle in 2021.

Soon enough, Cricket Zone became one of the leading retail outlets for cricket gear and apparel in the USA, not only catering for walk-in customers but also creating an Online presence and shipping to various destinations.

In 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Etwaroo took the bold step of unveiling his indigenous brand, E4, supplying his own line of cricket gear to the North American and Caribbean market.

Initially, coming up with a name for the brand was a bit of struggle. After long and careful thinking, Etwaroo opted to settle for E4, a fitting tribute to his surname and his siblings.

“We’re four brothers, and we all played cricket in different forms in Enmore, also in Canada and the US, and it was only fitting that I kept the legacy of the name Etwaroo, hence E4,” Etwaroo explained.

To grow the brand and make it reputable, Etwaroo engaged leading manufacturers in the industry to not only deliver top-quality equipment and apparel to customers, but also create attracting branding.

That method has brought tremendous returns, with the E4

CARFITA Track and Field championship

brand rapidly gaining popularity over the last five years.

“People are starting to start accepting the brand as their own now,” Etwaroo said.

“We carry about three to

four models on a yearly basis. Bags are built differently, completely different from the other suppliers. The products are outstanding and well accepted by the cricket community and more and more players are calling us

to be aligned with the brand.”

ICC recognition

Determined to get his brand on the global stage, Etwaroo reached out to the International Cricket Council (ICC) three years ago and on March 5, 2024, E4 was successfully approved to be used in all formats of international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is).

Effective immediately, the E4 logo can legally be displayed on clothing and equipment used in international cricket.

To gain this accreditation and approval, it was important the E4 brand catered to all levels of cricket- male, female, senior, junior and youth.

It is understood that E4 is the first-ever Guyanese affiliated brand to gain this recognition, an achievement Etwaroo is particularly proud of.

“This is a big thing for us,” the elated businessman Etwaroo declared.

“Because it’s built now as a brand worldwide where we can now attract international players from all the cricket playing nations that are affiliated to the ICC.”

This expansion would take E4 beyond the North American and Caribbean market, with the initial targets being Australia, England, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

“The family support is heavy behind this and everyone

is happy at this new development. The Friends of Enmore group is also excited by this recognition that someone from their village was able to receive,” Etwaroo concluded.

Over the years, Cricket Zone USA, through E4, has sponsored several cricketers across the region, among them Sherfane Rutherford, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Gajanand Singh, Kennar Lewis, Matthew Nandu, Kimani Melius, Navin Stewart, Oraine Williams, Tevin Imlach, Adrian Hetmyer, Akshaya Persaud and West Indies female cricketers Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams and Natasha McLean.

It is the hope of Etwaroo that list will grow significantly in the coming years, as the brand goes global.

According to him, West Indies all-rounder Raymon Reifer and regional cricketer Kadeem Alleyne are online to use E4 soon.

What started out as a passion several decades ago has found its purpose, and Etwaroo is hoping his fellow Guyanese can achieve same in their respective endeavours.

“It was a lot of work, but it was worth it in the end. I would advise my fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters to have a goal and work towards it. Nothing is impossible.”

AAG intensifies preparations with three-day camp

AS the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) look to amplify its preparations for this year’s CARFITA track and field championship, the county’s top coaches have converge for a three-day camp at the National Track and Field Centre on the West Coast of Demerara which started on Friday and concludes today (Sunday).

The 51st edition of the annual CARFITA Track and Field championship is set to take place at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium from March 30th to April 1st in Granada.

Coach Moses Pantlitz who will take charge of Guyana’s team says that, since the selection of the 23-member team, athletes have been working but the camp brings together a cadre of coaches to upskill them in the first of two high intensity camps before the team departs for Grenada later this month.

The second camp is set for March 22nd to the 24th.

Coach Moses Pantlitz says ‘Preparation is coming fairly well; the various coaches have been working with their

athletes

The camp is headed by coach Pantlitz along with a group of top local coaches.

Pantlitz said he has been working personally with under 17, 800 and 1500 metre runner Akilla Blucher whom he expects will do well at the games

‘She is coming around fairly well because she has only come into athletics three months ago and ran herself into the CARFITA team.

Team manager, Thelson

Williams, told Chronicle Sport that the youngster has been putting in good work.

‘What we have been doing so far, those persons who have not outright qualified by themselves, but were very close to the qualifying time or distance, we have identified three support coaches along with the coaches on the team that are working with the athletes in the various areas to improve technique or form to bring them up to that level’

Manager Williams said the team was optimistic of a good showing at the 2024 championships ‘the team is expected to perform to their best. We have a very good team and we are certain of returning home with medals’

Commonwealth and CARFITA gold medalist Tianna springer will lead the team that features the under 17 and under 20 categories.

Springer will compete in the 400, 200, 4x*400 women

and 4 x 400 metres mixed relay.

The other U20 athletes are Jaheel Cornette, Javon Roberts, Charissa December, CARFITA distance gold medalist Attoya Harvey, Malachi Austin, Nerissa McPherson, Nalicia Glen, Jamal Sullivan, Rodell Green, Robert Marcus and Dhnielson Gill.

The 17 and under athletes are Athaleyha Hinckson (100 And 200), Duel Europe (Long and Triple Jump), Skylar

Charles (100 and 200), Kaidon Persaud (400 and 800), Ezekiel Millington (100 and 200) , Esther Mckinnon (1500 and 3000), Ryan Joseph ( Long and Triple Jump), Akilla Blucher (1500), Keneta Fraser ( Long Jump, 100 and 200), Marissa Thomas (400 and 800) and Nathaniel Samaroo ( Shot Put and Discus)

The other members of the support staff are physiotherapist Akeem Stewart and coach Trishel Thompson.

Tiana Springer crossing the finish line in the 800 metres at the AAG CARFITA fine-tune meet

Malachi Austin winning his 800 metres at AAG fine-tune meet

Guyana and West Indies batsman Sherfane Rutherford (left) used the E4 bats during CPL 2023. Here he is seen with Managing Director of Cricket Zone USA and founder of the brand, Ravi Etwaroo

CARICOM classic chess tournament

Trinidad and Tobago edge

Guyana in final round for title ..Candidate Master Taffin Khan remained unbeaten in the competition

CANDIDATE Master Taffin Khan was the last man standing for Guyana as he ended his CARICOM Classic Chess Tournament Campaign unbeaten but Guyana had to settle for silver when the competition concluded on Saturday at the Ramada Princess hotel

Guyana senior chess

team suffered its only loss in round 9 to Trinidad and Tobago after going undefeated in the competition, with its only other blemishes being draws against Jamaica and Barbados earlier in the competition.

Trinidad and Tobago finished with 18 points for the championship trophy after playing undefeated

throughout the team competition.

Guyana copped second place with 14 points with Barbados settling for third.

Guyana’s youth team also finished strong with wins in round 9 over Dominica and Cayman Islands in round 8 to finish the tournament in 9th place after a tough outing.

CM Taffin Khan had his toughest battle in the final round against Fide Master Joshua Johnson

Khan using the white pieces carefully manoeuvred his pieces for advantage but both players went all the way to the endgame.

The clash was poised with equal material of Rook, Bishop and Pawns remaining on the board. The Trinidadian and Guyanese then agreed to avoid further risk and emerged with half a point each from the truce to give Guyana the ½ point for the match as T&T won 3 ½ to ½ point for the title.

The other 9th round battles for the senior Guyana side, saw them unable to hold their own against the team from the Twin Island Republic.

Anthony Drayton went down to Quinn Cabralis, Women Candidate Master Ysvett Hermoso defeated

Jessica Callender and Zara La Fleur beat Shazeeda Rahim from Guyana.

In round 8 Guyana senior side dispatched Dominica 4-0.

The inaugural CARICOM classic competition also saw representative teams from Jamaica, Suriname, Bahamas, Dominica and Saint Lucia.

The Trinidad team collected US$1,500 with US$1, 000 for Guyana and US$500 for Barbados in third with trophies and medals.

The tournament was sponsored by ExxonMobil, Texila American University, Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, E-net and the CARICOM Secretariat and organised by the Guyana Chess Federation.

BCCI announces incentives for Test squad

…move is to encourage and protect Test cricket - Jay Shah

THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has continued with its measures to protect Test cricket in particular and red ball cricket in general by announcing incentives for those playing the longest format of the game in India.

In an unprecedented decision, Jay Shah announced that those part of the Test squads will be incentivised,

so much so that even the non-playing members too will benefit from the newly announced scheme.

"The move is to encourage and protect Test cricket," Shah told Cricbuzz after India completed a 4-1 win over England in Dharamsala on Saturday afternoon. "Even the non-playing members of the squad will benefit from the scheme," the BCCI secretary added.

The move received instant commendation with Kevin Pietersen applauding the move. "Highly commendable that @JayShah is doing his utmost to protect Test Cricket! We need powerful leaders to stand up for Test Cricket like this! (sic)," the former England captain said in a social media post.

As per rewards announced by Shah, those part of the playing XI in more

than 50 per cent of the Test matches in a year, will be entitled for Rs 30 lakh incentive. The non-playing member will be entitled for Rs 15 lakh per match. Those playing 75 per cent of Tests in a year, will be awarded Rs 45 lakh per game. The non-playing members will earn half of that amount, which is Rs 22.5 lakh. This is, over and above, Rs 15 lakh match fee a player earns from a Test.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah

The initiative is in continuity with the BCCI decision to take a serious view of

those who are defaulting on red ball cricket in do

CM Taffin Khan & FM Joshua Johnson duelling it out in round 9

CM Khan and FM Drayton in action against the Trinidadians

Guyana ‘s Senior team in heated battle with Trinidad and Tobago