Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 11-04-2023

A prime destination for economic activities

- President Ali says Region Nine being transformed into hub for investment - stakeholders urged to leverage region’s strategic geographical position

A wave of unity and celebration

- as families turn out in their numbers to celebrate Easter across the country

- first 150 ‘Poke Bridge’ allottees receive sale agreements

- Prime Minister Phillips says; affirms Region Seven residents will continue to be part of the country’s development

- Financial analyst says

GDF Sergeant receives ‘Best Foreign Student’ award in India

‘You are not going to be left out’

(Photos by Shaniece Bamfield and DPI)

Over $1B injected into Region Nine as part of housing drive

APNU+AFC’s history of financial mismanagement renders it unfit to comment on cost audits

A wave of unity and celebration

- as families turn out in their numbers to celebrate Easter across the country

By Cassandra Khan

THOUSANDS of persons all across Guyana, came together to celebrate Easter with their families and friends, on Monday.

The usual Easter hot-

spots around Georgetown: The seawall, National Park and Botanical Gardens, were flooded with kites, picnic blankets, and joyfilled children running about.

The Guyana Chroni-

cle visited those hotspots and spoke with some persons who were enjoying the festivities of the holiday.

Shelly Jeffers, a 40-year-old woman of Anna Catherina, Region Three (Essequibo

Islands-West Demerara), came out with her family to the Botanical Gardens to celebrate. Her family picnicked in the gardens, flew kites and the children ran about playing.

The Callender family,

situated in the Gardens as well, said that the atmosphere was a lovely one, as they not only celebrated Easter but the second birth anniversary of a child in their family.

“We come to fly kites, enjoy ourselves,

spend time with the family and so on. The atmosphere is lovely, no rain, everybody can get to fly kite and everybody is enjoying themselves,” they said.

A member of the

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali, First Lady Arya Ali and Zayd in the Everest Cricket Club Ground on Easter Monday (Office of the President photo)

A child flying his kite on Golden Fleece beach

The Callender family at the Botanical Gardens

A scene from the seawall

Scene from the National Park

- President Ali says Region Nine being transformed into a hub for investment

A prime destination for economic activities

- stakeholders urged to leverage region’s strategic geographical position

IN a strategic move aimed at driving economic growth and development, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, unveiled plans to transform Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) into a major economic hub.

Addressing the community of Annai in the North Rupununi, on Sunday, the President highlighted the region’s unique location, which places it between Georgetown and Roraima in Brazil, making it an ideal destination for new investments and development opportunities.

As part of this ambitious plan, the President emphasised the need to enhance the region’s agricultural output to

contribute to Guyana and CARICOM’s food security initiatives. He also stressed the importance of creating key investments in the region’s communities.

To achieve those goals, the Regional Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine, Brian Allicock, has been tasked with examining each community to identify ways in which it can become more competitive with the necessary and targetted support of the government.

At the community level, the President assured residents that their developmental needs would be ad -

dressed and that government officials would return to inform them about the various timelines for implementation.

The President’s announcement has been met with optimism by locals, who have long advocated for greater investments in the region.

The transformation of Region Nine into an economic hub is expected to create new job opportunities and boost the local economy, benefitting both the region and the wider country.

As part of the 2023 Budget, the region has received 814 million to fund various capital projects.

This funding includes $62 million for the construction of bridges in several areas, including Whichaibai, Parashara, Makurpan, Aishalton, and Shea. Another $95 million has been set aside for the upgrading of roads

at Katoka, Rupertee, and Aranaputa.

In addition to these infrastructural projects, the government has allocated $40 million for the installation of a water system at St. Ignatius and the upgrading of water systems at Para-Bara, Jawarie, Wichabai, Semonie, Apotari, and Rewa.

There are also plans to invest $127 million to construct a training complex in Lethem and establish health posts at Karabiru and Quiko.

Those investments, in addition to other allocations under different agencies, aim to improve the quality of life for residents in the region and stimulate economic growth through increased access to infrastructure and services.

Overall, the government’s commitment to funding these projects reflects its dedication to supporting the development of Region Nine.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, happily embraced by members of the Annai community (Office of the President Photo)

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali (Office of the President Photo)

A wave of unity and...

FROM PAGE 2

family shared that he was pleased to be spending quality time with his family as they had not gotten together for a while.

The man also said that it was good to see Guyanese out to celebrate after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Godfrey Carry, picnicking in the park with his family, said he came out to give his sevenyear-old son the Guyanese kite-flying experi-

ence. “It is a good thing to be alive and celebrating the season with the family and I am very happy that everyone is out. I am here with my son, giving him the little experience of kite flying,” Carry said.

He added that there was a sense of unity because “as a people, different races everybody is out having a very good time so it is a great three years back into the season.”

Mortimer (only name given) and his family took a spot at the Kingston seawall to fly kites, as they have done every year for Easter celebrations.

Another Guyanese, Darren (only name given), who went to the National Park to celebrate with his family, said that this year’s atmosphere was better than 2022’s because of the restrictions the COVID-19 pandemic came with.

“This year is better

than last year. In terms of last year, you couldn’t get to go anywhere and if you were outside you had to be skeptical because you couldn’t socialiSe with people, but 2023 is way better because you could actually get to come out, interact with people and the children could get to run and have fun,” he said.

Meanwhile, Essequibians celebrated their Easter with beach limes and picnics. Perseverance Beach in Region

Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) came alive as persons converged on the beach to observe the holiday.

Persons were seen in their brightly coloured outfits sitting under tents enjoying the fresh breeze, while others were making “BarB-Que” on the beach. Others had their minibars and chairs under umbrellas socialising. Children were busy with their kites flying on the beach.

Children were excited to raise their kites and the sky was dotted with kites. Those who did not make it to the beach areas were seen having picnics on the ballfield as well at Suddie Beach.

Other persons used the opportunity to visit popular resorts on the Essequibo Coast. The holiday was well spent in Region Two with people choosing different ways of celebrating it.

Oil market will stabilise after price surge

THE recent decision by OPEC+ members towards oil production cuts has implications for global oil supply causing oil price hikes, but it is expected the markets will stabilise, says Energy Minister Stuart Young.

Young responded following the decision by the nine members of OPEC+ to reduce collectively production of crude by 1.15 million barrels per day. The output cut is being undertaken by Saudis, with 500,000 barrels per day, and with the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Algeria and Kazakhstan contributing smaller cuts.

They announced that the substantial voluntary production were geared at “supporting the stability of the oil market.”

The development sent oil prices surging. Oil prices, which had dipped to US$70 in mid-March, rose six per cent yesterday to US$80.42 a barrel for New York crude for May delivery.

Brent crude for June delivery also increased more than six per cent yesterday, rising US$5.04 to US$84.93 a barrel.

The production cuts are due to begin in May and will last until year end.

Queries on the implication of the situation for T&T were sent via WhatsApp to Finance Minister Colm Imbert and Communication Minister Symon De Nobriga. But there was no reply.

However, Young responded, saying: “This latest decision by OPEC+ has implications for global supply and the market has reacted as expected with oil prices increasing. It’s expected that markets will stabilise. Oil prices have been volatile and may continue so to be,”

“Changes in the price of global commodities such as oil, natural gas, LNG, ammonia and methanol affect T&T’s revenue and are constantly monitored by the Ministries of Energy and Finance,” said Young.

Opposition United National Congress MP Dave Tancoo, who is the party’s spokesman on finance, said: “If only this country had a refinery that would be refining oil, then it would have received substantial benefits from higher global oil prices. We’d have earned substantial foreign exchange, from higher international oil prices.”

“Instead, right now we have to be very concerned about how much we will be paying for fuels that we are now forced to import because of this government’s lack of foresight, lack of initiative and attempts to cover up corruption.”

Some businesspeople expressed concern on what higher oil prices may bring in terms of T&T’s fuel sub-

ExxonMobil quits drilling in Brazil after failing to find oil

ExxonMobil Corp (XOM.N) has ended a major campaign to find oil in Brazil, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Exxon said in an e-mail to Reuters its initial exploration drilling program in Brazil is now complete and that it is “still engaged in Brazil and continues to pursue exploration activity in the country”.

The oil and gas giant suffered a sequence of drilling failures as an operator in the offshore acreage it started snapping up with partners for $4 billion in 2017, Reuters reported last year.

Exxon changed its Brazil

country head last year and has been saying in presentations that it will focus efforts in the country with Bacalhau field, a successful exploration campaign led by its Norwegian partner Equinor ASA. In May 2022, Exxon agreed to expand with Equinor the $8-billion Bacalhau project expected to produce 220,000 barrels of oil and gas per day. But that campaign also suffered delays, and its startup has been delayed to 2025, from 2024. Exxon said on Wednesday it is working with co-venturers to analyse the data to assess the potential for future exploration activities in those blocks.

sidy where government ‘s contribution is now capped at $1 billion with consumers’ input making up any further requirement for the subsidy. One top Government official, however, claimed there would be “very little” effect of the reduction of oil production on T&T’s revenue and the fuel subsidy

aspect.

“That’s so because the market is extremely volatile and it will be premature to make any announcement.”

Speaking recently, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen described the OPEC+ oil production cut as an “unconstructive act,” which could hurt US efforts to lower

inflation.

“I think it’s a regrettable action that OPEC decided to take. I’m not sure yet just what the price impact will be, I think we need to wait a little longer for, you know, to really assess that,” Yellen said. (Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

Exxon had bet billions of dollars on offshore drilling in Brazil, and the country is one of the three geographic areas the company is counting on for most of its future production.

The other two - Guyana and U.S. shale country - are performing well, but Exxon is yet to make a major oil discovery as an operator in Brazil’s waters.

The WSJ report comes less than a day after Exxon signaled that its first-quarter operating profits dropped about 25 per cent from last year’s record levels on easing oil and gas prices. (Reuters)

Energy and Energy Industries Minister, Stuart Young

Powers of Religion

EASTER 2023 brought out, once again, the power of religion not only as an enduring global spiritual force, but one that also influences all others - including politics - and in which name war is fought and peace is sought.

Whenever violent clashes happen between fighters in the name of God, it’s always the believers who pay the ultimate price with their lives; losing their homes and places of worship, unable to sleep and pray, or to say what tomorrow will bring.

Yet, it’s the same strong spiritual beliefs of believers that instill and reinforce hope, plant wishes and drive dreams for peace during the wars over or otherwise influenced by religion.

The ‘Good Friday Agreement’ 25 years ago in Northern Ireland brought Catholics and Protestants, Nationalists, Unionists and Republicans together, in a power-sharing government, after 30 years of armed warfare that took over 3,000 lives.

But the ‘Good Friday Agreement’ is now being viewed, in retrospect, as visionary, even revolutionary, as there’s still no power to share after months of disagreement.

Same with the four corners of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in East Jerusalem, where Easter, Ramadan and Passover clash more violently and frequently today, with restrictions on who can enter places of worship, and armed conflicts that leave

worshippers dead, wounded or arrested.

Easter 2023 also heard a direct appeal for peace across the world from Pope Francis; and this year’s annual Eastertime Peace March in Germany focused on ending arms supplies to Ukraine.

Conflicts and Climate Change have hit Muslim populations hard in the past year, from the floods in Pakistan to the two seismic earthquakes that hit Türkiye and Syria two months ago, or the earthquakes and floods in Afghanistan before them all.

Millions more Muslim refugees have fled their wartorn or economically-beleaguered nations, attracting specially-targeted appeals from the United Nations during Ramadan, and prayers

are also being counted on to bring eventual lasting peace to Yemen, with Saudi Arabia and Iran burying their hatchets.

Peace is also always fragile and volatile in the Middle East, where believers pay higher prices than those fighting, while prayers for peace intensify alongside continuing and increasing violence.

But not so in Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean where Christians observed Easter with renewed vigor in the post-COVID era of no longer being restricted by social distancing, masks and other restrictive protocols.

Catholics observed the 40 days and 40 nights of selective fasting as usual, but with more palms and longer processions on Palm Sunday,

more dietary adjustments for fasting on Good Friday, bigger congregations at all churches on Easter Sunday – and more sharing of ‘Hot Cross Buns’, Easter Eggs, puddings, pastries and other related seasonal delicacies on Holy Saturday and Easter Monday.

Same with Anglican, Methodist, Adventist, Episcopal and other evangelical Christian faiths, as with Muslims and Hindus, Buddhists and other religious tendencies represented and scattered across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) island chain (from Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica in the north to Trinidad & Tobago in the south) to The Guianas (Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname) and neighboring

Brazil and Venezuela.

Besides, Guyana’s historical multi-cultural, multireligious background has, over decades, been maturely managed across racial and denominational lines, with all Guyanese mixing, mingling and matching at and for all religious festivals, from Christmas to Eid to Phagwah. That’s how it’s always been; that’s how it was for Easter, Ramadan and Navratri ’23.’And that’s how it’ll continue in a land where prayers mean just as much to every believer; each also guaranteed full freedom of religious choice and practice.

Amen! Salaam

Alaikum! Namaste!

Could the impasse on the two top judicial appointments be settled through a referendum?

Dear Editor, It has become fashionable for people aligned to the major opposition party or who are anti-PPP/C to explain every social situation through the prism of race of racial discrimination.

There is a tendency to pluck an issue out of its historical context and then begin to ruminate on it. This is not the right way to analyse situations for salience. Rather, there should be a shift in focus on adopting a contextual approach to any matter.

In addition, the use of emotive language with the implicit intention of trying to extract a particular decision, could hardly deserve any serious attention.

In a letter to the press on April 9, 2023, prominent union leader, Mr. Lincoln Lewis, refers to the impasse in the appointment to substantive positions of the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and the acting Chief Justice, as discrimination.

“That these discriminatory acts continue is not a function

of the Constitution, but inability of political leaders to recognise that such matters are not about them and their egos, but the interest of workers and citizens to be protected at every level.”

Would Mr. Lewis have taken the same position regarding the failure of the PNC/R Opposition Leaders to give their consent for the substantive appointment of Hon. Carl Singh as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Hon. Ian Chang as Chief Justice?

To say now that “their appointments should be substantive and retroactive,” is an attempt at appeasement; it is like closing the gate when the horses have already left.

Why the silence when Hon. Carl Singh and Hon. Ian Chang were not confirmed as Chancellor of Judiciary and Chief Justice respectively?

PNC/R Opposition Leader Hon. David Granger stated publicly that he would not agree to the appointments of Hon. Carl Singh as Chancellor of the Judiciary and to Hon.

Ian Chang as Chief Justice.

Hon. Ian Chang served 10 years in the acting capacity as Chief Justice, while Justice Carl Singh served 12 years as Acting Chancellor. There was no advocacy by opposition forces on behalf of the acting Chancellor Justice Carl Singh to be confirmed during the David Granger regime.

When Hon. Carl Singh demitted office, President David Granger favoured Justice Kenneth Benjamin of Belize and not Justice Yonette Cummings-Edward as the substantive Chancellor. The PPP/C Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo did not agree with that nomination and raised some concerns with President David Granger.

Likewise, the Guyana Bar Association felt uneasy with Justice Benjamin’s nomination. Why was President Granger not asked to explain his refusal to identify Justice Yonette Cummings-Edward as Chancellor of the Judiciary but chose instead Justice Kenneth Benjamin for that position?

There is an important in-

terplay of dialectics here. To understand how this evolves and leads to a particular position, a brief probe into the relevant historical context is unavoidable.

In 2001, the PPP/C Government implemented a menu of measures as part of its efforts to enhance inclusive governance by shifting some power from the executive onto the Parliamentary opposition.

One such measure was the arrangement (formula) to appoint the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice. This formula allows the Leader of the Opposition to give his consent for the substantive appointment to both offices. Previously, this power of appointment was vested in the Presidency.

When the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was established, the incumbent Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana Hon. Justice Desiree Bernard demitted office in 2005 and was elevated as an Appellate Judge in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that was established in April

2005. Chief Justice Carl Singh was appointed Acting Chancellor in 2005.

He served in that capacity until February 2017. In 2006, Hon Justice Ian Chang was appointed acting Chief Justice and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2016.

Neither PNC/R Opposition Leader Hon. Robert Corbin (2003-2012) nor Hon. David Granger (2012-2015) agreed to confirm either Justice Ian Chang or Justice Carl Singh to the substantive positions of Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary, respectively.

Former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had met with PNC/R Opposition Leader Hon. Robert Corbin on several occasions in the expectation of confirming Chief Justice Carl Singh as the substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary.

Dr Jagdeo also sought the substantive appointment of Justice Ian Chang as Chief Justice.

Dr Jagdeo failed to get agreement on both appointments. When Hon. Donald Ramotar became President in

2011 he met with the Leader of the Opposition Hon. David Granger multiple times to seek agreement on the appointment of Hon. Carl Singh as the substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and Justice Ian Chang as the substantive Chief Justice. Hon. David Granger refused to give his consent.

What is perplexing too is that neither Hon. Corbin nor Hon. Granger offered any reason for their objections to the appointments of Justice Carl Singh as Chancellor and Justice Ian Chang as Chief Justice. They also never proposed any alternative candidates for these positions.

If the government and the Parliamentary opposition party cannot agree on the existing arrangement for the appointment of the Chief Justice and the Chancellor of the Judiciary, then the authorities should allow the people to resolve this matter through a referendum. Sovereignty resides in the people.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Tara Singh

Intelligently spacing out oil and gas developments or intelligently bluffing Guyanese?

Dear Editor,

I thank the Economic Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition for engaging me on the aforementioned topical debate. Readers would recall that in sections of the media, it was reported that the opposition is proposing the phasing out of oil and gas development or slowing down the pace of development.

However, in his response to the undersigned’s article that appeared in certain sections of the media, he’s clarified that the opposition’s position is to “intelligently space out” future oil and gas developments. It remains unclear, however, as to what exactly this means for the opposition and how they propose to do so.

The Economic Advisor failed to illustrate by way of any analysis or economic modelling, at least at a high level, how intelligently spacing out future developments would work in practice?without disrupting the momentum of the economy.

Notwithstanding, since the opposition’s clarification on this matter has proved unhelpful?the opportunity is presented to further develop the argument in support of the government’s strategy to ramp up the pace of development in the sector over the medium term.

As explained in the undersigned’s recent column, the project lifecycle in the oil and gas industry includes three stages namely, exploration, development, and production spanning on average 30-40 years.

In the case of Guyana, for example, exploration prior to the discovery of oil in commercial quantities lasted 15 years, followed by the develop -

ment stage which spanned another five years before moving into production.

And according to the terms of the production license, this is another 20 years to produce the resource. In other words, it took 20 years before a single barrel of crude oil was produced to generate revenue from the sale/monetisation of the resource in the Stabroek Block.

With this in mind, given the nature of the industry?that is, the petroleum geology of the fields, the engineering, and the economics among other factors, developments in the industry are naturally and sufficiently spaced out.

Bearing in mind that the geology and economics of each field are oftentimes not the same. The aim, therefore, is to encourage and facilitate ongoing exploration in the sector.

In so doing, should there be future commercial finds by the time those new discoveries are developed, these should start to produce simultaneously?or to coincide with the decline curve of the current producing fields.

In other words, if the government opts to “intellectually space out” future developments, whatever this means, if for instance it means that new exploration will be permitted every five years and new production license will be issued every three-four years then the current producing fields will eventually start to decline.

Hence, in the absence of any new developments on stream by the time production starts to decline, the country will have to endure declining production, which would translate into a loss of revenue

to the national treasury and an overall decline in economic activities across the oil and gas value chain.

To the contrary, there are case studies of other petroleum producing countries in the region, namely, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela that for a variety of reasons did not facilitate undisrupted ongoing exploration.

The result in both cases is a declining economy, thus engendering a plethora of economic problems and challenges in these two countries. Additionally, there are a number of other global factors to consider, that sufficiently justify the need to maintain the current pace of development. These are:

a) In the Global Oil Outlook to 2040 report (2021) by McKinsey & Company, it is projected that new oil drilling is needed to meet demand by 2040. It goes on to state that by 2040, exploration and production companies need to add 38 MMb/d if new crude production from unsanctioned projects is to meet new demand. Most new production is expected to come from offshore and shale resources.

b) Even in an accelerated energy transitionscenario, McKinsey sees the need for new oil drilling by 2040. While most offshore regions will be under pressure in an accelerated energy transition scenario, the sector will still require new production of nearly 23 MMb/d to meet demand by 2040. Demand in a 1.5oC-pathway will force shut-ins.

The implications for Guyana based on scenarios ‘a’ and ‘b’ above are such that Guyana could lose out on the opportunity to be part of the global

supply chain during this period?after which (beyond 2040 i.e.) the uncertainties in the global crude market will only deepen.

c) By spacing out future developments just to benefit from higher profit oil in the short-term (theoretically); having regards for the risks and volatility of the industry, capital raise for future developments may have to come from external sources versus internal source of financing. This can be problematic in terms of the cost of capital for oil and gas development and scarcity of capital for oil and gas development in the future which would only compound the cost of capital.

The current and future developments are financed from the operating cash

flows from current operations, which is enabled by the lack of ring-fencing, viz-á-viz, the 75 per cent cost recovery ceiling. Consequently, the cost of this form of financing is cheaper than raising capital externally through debt and equity financing.

That said, it should be noted that there are two types of ring fencing: one relates to the geology and commercial viability of the wells?in terms of whether the exploration cost for a dry well is allowed to be recovered from another commercially viable well within the same field, or should it be disallowed and treated as a sunk cost.

The other type of ring fencing which is the more contentious form relates to the fiscal regime. For

tax purposes, ring fencing typically applies in determining the taxable income per field, thereby effectively disallowing future field developments to be financed from the operating cash flows generated from other existing/ producing fields.

It is against this background that the proposal by the opposition to “intelligently space out” future developments in oil and gas has not been thoroughly informed. Accordingly, the case is made out herein demonstrating that the opportunity cost to the country in the long-term, is likely to far exceed the benefit.

Yours sincerely,

Joel Bhagwandin Financial and Public Policy Analyst

People who act on principles do not delay

Dear Editor,

People who act on principles do not delay; they act once it becomes apparent that one is being asked to do/say something that goes against their principles/beliefs/ mores.

Paul Slowe said: “September 16, 2020, I had a meeting with President Mohammed Irfaan Ali at the Office of the President… The only persons in that meeting were the President and I. During the course of the meeting the President made certain inappropriate requests.”

(S.N 9.04.23)

Mr. Slowe, however, did not make mention of anything “inappropriate” until the May 31, 2021, a

full 257 days later.

Paul would have us believe he is Slowe by name and slow by nature; however, when Slowe was charged on May 19, 2021, with conspiracy to commit fraud, Slowe acted with alacrity and made the allegation against the President within 12 days.

In a classic jailhouse move used by hardened criminals, familiar to many Guyanese who have been the victims of criminals and are often surprised to find themselves facing charges for assault after valiantly fighting in self-defense with homeinvading bandits, Slowe made a counter-accusation to muddy the waters surrounding his charge.

Editor, had Slowe made any public statement before his criminal conspiracy to commit fraud charge, I would have given them credence despite his alignment with the People’s National Congress as a ‘Security Advisor’ during the 2015 electoral campaign; however, it has been my experience that men of principle understand that any delay suggests complicity. Slowe’s opportunistically timed version of a one-on-one conversation (cannot be proved or disproved) suggests desperation and deceit; nothing more, nothing less.

Yours sincerely, Robin Singh

APNU+AFC’s history of financial mismanagement renders it unfit to comment on cost audits

- Financial analyst says

FINANCIAL and Public Policy Analyst, Joel Bhagwandin, has accused the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) of practising financial mismanagement,

misappropriation and unaccountability since it is yet to account for the mismanagement of $199 billion while in office.

Bhagwandin’s statement comes after the Economic Adviser to the Leader of the Op-

position, Elson Low, claimed that the second cost recovery audit of ExxonMobil’s US$7.3 billion cost could reveal more contestable costs.

Low had accused the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government of practising collusion, negligence, and recklessness in the audit of the expenses.

In response to these claims, Bhagwandin argued that the accusations made by Low were baseless and contradicted the opposition’s position on the audit.

He questioned whether the opposition was implying that the audit was being conducted recklessly or taking too long, as these were contradictory positions.

“In so far as the sum of US$214 million or whatever sum that the audit unearthed as questionable or unjustified to be part of the cost recoverable bank, the Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has already made it clear that those expenses, if not properly justified by Exxon?ought to be removed from the cost bank, thereby effectively increasing the profit [of] oil.

“Albeit, it is not unusual for there to be deficiencies, but more importantly is that those deficiencies, once uncovered through the audit process, must be remedied and corrective measures be put in place to minimise the recurrence of same in the future.

“That said, it is worth highlighting as a reminder?that there have been a number of instances involving public financial

mismanagement, misappropriation and unaccountability perpetuated by the former Government during the period 2015-2020,” he said.

Bhagwandin related that the former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, effectively circumvented the approval of and scrutiny of $128 billion withdrawals from the government’s deposit accounts by the National Assembly in breach of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act.

Additionally, he pointed out the controversial US$18 million signing bonus that was hidden and subsequently “transferred” to the Consolidated Fund.

Bhagwandin also said that the APNU+AFC Government had disregarded the provisions of the Guyana Constitution and spent G$66 billion from the capital budget in 2019, even though they were deemed a “caretaker” government.

Given its history of financial mismanagement and unaccountability, the analyst questioned the APNU+AFC’s authority to speak on the ExxonMobil audits.

He stressed the need for the proper justification of expenses in accordance with the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

“On the other hand, the questionable sum of public monies totalling US$1 billion or G$200 billion?have remained unanswered for and/or properly accounted for by the former Government/the Parliamentary Opposition,” he said.

Financial and Public Policy Analyst, Joel Bhagwandin

Over $1B injected into Region Nine as part of housing drive

— first 150 ‘Poke Bridge’ allottees receive sale agreement

THE Ministry of Housing and Water, Central Housing and Planning Authority commenced processing Agreements of Sale for the initial 150 allottees of the Tract ‘CHPA’ Housing Scheme in Lethem, Region Nine, on Saturday.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who was present at the activity, stated that the process is a critical stage since it gives beneficiaries legal ownership of their land, and they can now anticipate receiving their Certificate of Title, which can be used to obtain financing from banks to construct their dream homes.

Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally; Mayor of Lethem, John Macedo; and Deputy Mayor, Debra King were also at the exercise, held at the Regional Housing Office in Lethem.

The new housing development at Tract CHPA, commonly known as Poke Bridge, has been allocated

to some 543 residents. Of this, 400 allottees have been able to access their land as infrastructure works in the area, including access roads, progress.

Within the next few weeks, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is also expected to log into the scheme to determine the optimal location for a well.

“We will drill a well this year for that area,” Minister Croal assured the residents. He further noted that the scheme will be developed into a wholesome and sustainable environment.

The overjoyed recipients lauded the government’s efforts as they proudly exited the venue with their Agreement of Sale.

“I’m so happy that at this time that I have received a house lot and I’m getting a Title for that location and thank you to this government for all this improvement which going on in Lethem, Rupununi,” Mr. Christopher

Sahibdeen said after receiving his Agreement of Sale.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ronaldo Eastman, a teacher from Annai Secondary School stated, “I am extremely happy because it is very challenging at times not having your own place so if you have that you will cut off hotel accommodations and so on”.

To further improve access to homeownership in the region, the first 58 Region Nine residents also received the Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy vouchers on Saturday.

Minister Croal also highlighted the Lethem Housing Support Project, which will see some 600 persons benefitting from a $3 million two-bedroom home. The government will contribute $1 million towards the cost of construction for each home. Minister Croal noted that the Ministry is pumping over $1 billion into Region Nine with these ongoing projects.

Jason Mclean being presented his Agreement of Sale by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

The Ministry of Housing and Water staff processing Agreements of Sale for the initial 150 allottees of the Tract ‘CHPA’ Housing Scheme in Lethem, Region Nine

Palms Geriatric Home: Bids open for construction of physiotherapy room

OVER the years, physiotherapy has proven to be critical in healthcare worldwide. Physiotherapy aims to improve a patient’s mobility, function, and overall well-being. Physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, and health and fitness are all benefits of physiotherapy.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has officially opened bids for contractors to construct the physiotherapy room at the Palms Geriatric Facility.

According to the Invita-

tion for Bids (IFB) issued by the ministry and published by several print and online media platforms, reputable contractors are being sought to construct the entity.

Bids for the project are to be submitted by April 13, 2023, at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office.

Bidders must submit one hard copy and two electronic copies of the tenders, sealed in separate envelopes and labelled accordingly.

According to the IFB, a

pre-bid meeting will be held at the Head Office on Lamaha and East Streets on April 28, 2023 at 10:00 hours.

Moreover, it was also stated that interested bidders might uplift the bidding documents from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Accounts Department, from 09:00 to 15:00 hours, Monday through Friday.

The NPTAB shall open the bids in the presence of bidders’ representatives who wish to attend on April 13, 2023, at 09:00 hours.

THE Ministry of Health in partnership with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) is working on an initiative to eradicate five key infectious diseases from Guyana.

Filaria [big foot], leprosy, chagas, leishmaniasis or bush yaws, have been identified by the government to be eradicated in a few years.

The government remains confident that these diseases will be eliminated with the technical support from PAHO.

This was according to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, during his remarks at the commissioning of the Paramakatoi Smart Hospital, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), last Saturday.

“We have been working with them [PAHO/WHO] on a number of projects… Right now, we are working to eliminate filaria from Guyana. We are hoping that in a couple years from now, we can declare Guyana to be filaria-free. So, that is one of the projects that we have with PAHO. Right now, at the national level, we have considered that it has been eliminated nationally. But there are still some pockets where we need to work to eliminate it in those particular areas. That is the kind of targetted work that we are doing with PAHO,” Dr

Anthony said.

The Health Minister said the government remains optimistic that Leishmaniasis, which is caused by infection with Leishmania parasites— spread by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies, along with the Chagas disease which is caused by a bug, will be eradicated from Guyana.

The government, he said, continues to provide the necessary resources to eliminate or control the five diseases.

Malaria is still endemic in Region One and the ministry is working to reduce the infections, and to work towards eradication by 2030 in the regions that are affected.

The government will soon launch an interesting immunisation programme, according to Dr Anthony.

He said: “We also know that with the immunisation

programme, you have to give people injections and a lot of people do not like injections. We will give the vaccine but not in the form of an injection.

“That one, we will be launching very soon which will become more comfortable for the child that is receiving the vaccine. It is not vaccine in the traditional sense. It is going to be a different way in delivering that vaccine.”

Dr Anthony said this will have a huge impact on vaccine uptake and to prevent the fear children might have because of the process.

The United Kingdom is also partnering with Guyana on numerous initiatives to improve the delivery of healthcare in the country. Those include procuring vaccines for COVID-19, the smart hospital initiative, among other areas. (DPI)

The Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam, Georgetown

Local authorities, PAHO/WHO working on initiative to eradicate five prevalent diseases

Vaccine being administered to a patient

GDF Sergeant receives ‘Best Foreign Student’ award in India

GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant Arthur Scipio, a Platoon Sergeant of the 1 Infantry Battalion, recently returned to Guyana after completing the Platoon Commanders Course at the Junior Leaders Wing, Infantry School in Belgaum, India.

SGT Scipio was among 450 students from five countries who participated in the course. He outperformed his counterparts to earn the ‘Best Foreign Student’ award.

According to the GDF, the course was conducted over 12 weeks and tested the participants’ tactical skills while prompting them to make logically sound solutions in all aspects of warfare. They were also exposed to training in conventional warfare, counterinsurgency, and counterterrorism. The ranks’ physical fitness and academic abilities were also tested.

SGT Scipio is grateful for the opportunity to enhance his military training.

“The training has improved my tactical and administrative skills. I am elat-

Sergeant Arthur Scipio outperformed his counterparts to earn the ‘Best Foreign Student’ award ed to have performed as well as I did. Everyone else had almost 20 years of service in their respective militaries, and at the Staff Sergeant and Warrant Officer level, I felt the pressure to work harder to fill in my

knowledge and experience gaps,” said Scipio.

The Chief of Staff, officers, and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force congratulate Sergeant Scipio on this accomplishment.

‘You are not going to be left out’

- Prime Minister Phillips says; affirms Region Seven residents will continue to be part of the country’s development

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has pledged the government’s continued support for the development of Bartica and the entire Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Labelling the Bartica Regatta as the “signature tourist event” in the region, the Prime Minister said that it was just one activity which the government intends to continuously support.

At the opening ceremony for the Bartica Easter Regatta 2023, Golden Beach Pavilion, Phillips reminded residents: “[The] government at the central level, government at the

regional level, government at the municipal and local levels will continue to work together to bring development to Bartica, to improve the lives and livelihood of all the people of Region Seven.”

He referenced the substantial budgetary allocations made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, and said that those investments are consistent with the comprehensive vision for the transformation of the region.

“I want to communicate to you that Bartica and Region Seven are part of the development plans for Guyana. You’re not going to be

left out,” Prime Minister Phillips said, noting that the private sector also has a role to play in this development, especially as it regards the promotion of events like the Bartica Regatta.

He went on to say: “I would like to commend the private sector not only in Bartica, but also the private sector throughout Guyana, corporate Guyana, for supporting this regatta.”

Prime Minister Phillips also hailed the work of the Bartica Town Council and the event’s organising committee.

Mrs Mignon Bowen-Phillips, the wife of Prime Minister Phillips; Minister of Tourism,

Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy; Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, regional officials and Members of Parliament also attended the event. Region Seven, including Bartica, has seen tremendous improvements in community infrastructure, the welfare of residents and other crucial sectors.

Testimony of the PPP/C’s commitment to development, in 2023 alone, the region’s capital budget was increased by over $500 million.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, has pledged the government’s continued support for the development of Bartica and the entire Region Seven (Office of the Prime Minister photos)

Region Seven starts process for 37 developmental projects

THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) plans to execute several bridge, road, and building works, costing over $167 million across 37 projects.

The RDC has officially opened bids for eligible and qualified persons to bid for projects, including the maintenance of schools, river and sea defences, and the construction of bridges.

According to an ad in the April 10 edition of this newspaper, the

construction of a culvert on 7th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue, Bartica, and the landscaping of the Regional Administration Office in Kamarang are also on the cards.

According to the engineer, the region intends to maintain the river defence at Byderabo Front Road, which is expected to cost $10 million, as well as the section of river defence at Agatash, which is estimated to cost $2 million.

Tenders are also invited for the main -

tenance of 15 buildings for education delivery. Some of the buildings listed are the Child Advocacy Centre, Three Miles Secondary Dorms and School Complex, Bartica Secondary School, and Kamarang Primary School.

As for health services, $13 million have been estimated for planned works. The region plans to work on maintaining Dentex Living Quarters, Nurses-in-Charge Living Quarters at Kamarang, the Doctor’s Quarters at Kako, and the Barti-

ca Hospital Boardroom and Rehab Department. Additionally, works are anticipated to aid in rehabilitating the culvert on 5th Street and 2nd Avenue, Bartica, and the maintenance of pedestrian timber bridge No. 2 at Falmouth and Rivers View.

The RDC office has advised that tender documents for the projects can be purchased from the Regional Administration (Accounts Section) office in Bartica at a non-refundable fee of $2,500 per copy.

Bidders are asked to adhere to all of the necessary requests for information found in the tender documents, and valid certificates of compliance from the Guyana Revenue Authority and the National Insurance Scheme must accompany the Standard Bidding documents.

The RDC said completed documents could be deposited in the tender box at the RDC Office by 09:00hrs on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

SIDS need $2 trillion annually to address climate change

– all stakeholders must contribute

ACROSS the region, the diaspora and internationally, the public joined an important conversation on finance mobilisation for climate change.

The University of the West Indies’ virtual ViceChancellor’s Forum on The Bridgetown Initiative held on Thursday, March 30, 2023 placed expert stakeholder voices and Caribbean citizens at the same table.

Referencing the 2022 report of an Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance, cochaired by Dr Vera Songwe and Professor Lord Nicholas Stern, panellist, Professor Avinash Persaud, Special Envoy to the Prime Minister (Barbados) for Investment and Financial Services revealed that annually, $2 trillion is required for developing countries to respond to the effects of climate change.

“That number is bigger than any developing country’s balance sheet. It’s beyond all the philanthropists. It’s a big number. Bridgetown is a system of finance that gets us to $2 trillion a year,” he said.

Host of the forum, UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, convened an impressive team to discuss the matter. In addition to Professor Persaud, on the panel were Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska, Head, The European Union Delegation to Barbados, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM; The Honourable Kerrie Symmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Barbados – representing Prime Minister of Barbados, The Honourable Mia Mottley – and Mr. Kevin Bender, Director Greening Sovereign Debt, The Nature Conservancy.

With $2 trillion need-

ed annually by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the collective call is for a global coalition to fund climate mitigation and adaptation.

Giving a historical context for the conversation, Vice-Chancellor Beckles reflected on the 1944 United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire which convened to create a global foreign exchange system. The resulting Bretton Woods Agreement and system birthed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

Professor Beckles said, “At that time, as Prime Minister Mottley has argued so eloquently, most of the nations in the world were not at the table. Are the Bretton Woods institutions coming to the rescue of these nations, who through no fault of their own have found themselves at the bottom end of the global recovery process? There is undoubtedly a moral crisis.”

He promised the support of The UWI and said further, “The University is honoured to stay supportive of the strategy of economic justice for the people of this region and all of those who have suffered the exploitative journey of colonialism. This initiative, this vision, emergent from the economic and political imagination of Prime Minister Mottley is consistent with the finest economic thinking that has emerged out of this region. It is consistent with the vision that has been embedded and enrooted in the economics of The UWI.”

Speaking on multilateral cooperation in financing climate adaptation, EU representative, Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska acknowl -

edged the EU’s bridge building role as new funding arrangements were established at COP 27 (Convention on Climate Change) she however, also called for funding beyond public purses.

“I have to stress that the EU and its member states are the largest providers of climate finance in the world. We will be no less ambitious as we move towards 2027.

TURN TO PAGE 17

Woman in custody for alleged death threats against President Ali

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the incident occurred at the Diamond Market Tarmac in the presence of vendors, on Sunday.

According to reports, Kim used racial slurs and made derogatory remarks against the man who videoed the purported threats.

The video has attracted a lot of attention on social media, with over 2,000 views on Tik Tok alone.

In the video, Kim said: “The President needs to be assassinated.” These words have been taken very seriously and have resulted in the woman being taken into custody at the Criminal Investiga-

tion Department (CID) headquarters.

This incident has sparked conversations, and many have spoken out against her actions, noting that it is unacceptable and cannot be condoned.

This is not the first time such threats have been made.

In June 2022, amidst protest actions calling for justice for Quindon Bacchus who was purportedly killed by a police officer, one of the protestors was filmed threatening to harm the President.

Further, in December 2022, a Nigerian national stormed State House, which is the official residence of the President and his family, and attempted to murder a Presidential Guard, while discharging a loaded firearm during the brazen attack.

KIM Ali, a 59-year-old woman of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, is in police custody after making alleged death threats against President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in a now-viral video.

Bethel Ikena Chimezie is currently on remand for the crime.

Kim Ali

One dead, two injured in Enmore motorcycle accident

POLICE are investigating a fatal accident on Sunday, around 02:00 hours, on the access road at Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The dead person has been identified as Parishram Sancharrie, a 29-year-old from Hope West, Enmore, ECD.

The accident involved a motorcycle with registration CK 875, owned and driven by Deochan Dass, a 28-year-old resident of 10th Street Foulis, ECD; pillion rider Sancharrie (now deceased) and pedal cyclist Imran Bacchus, a 30-year-old

resident of ‘Grass Field’ Enmore, ECD.

According to Police, inquiries disclosed that the pedal cyclist (Bacchus) was proceeding north along the western side of the Enmore Access Road while the motorcy-

clist was proceeding south along the said road when a collision occurred.

“As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist, pillion rider and pedal cyclist fell onto the road surface and received injuries. They were picked up

SIDS need $2 trillion annually...

FROM PAGE 15

However, public finance will never be enough to respond to the scale of the climate and environment challenge. All actors will need to be on board and align financial flows with the Paris Agreement goals. This includes the private sector and multilateral development banks,” she said.

Commenting on behalf of Prime Minister Mottley, Barbados’ Foreign Minister, The Honourable Kerrie Symmonds noted full agreement. He called to the conversation stakeholders of the private sector where egregious profits are made; “the simple moral message really is that if there is no planet then there can be no profits; so, it is well within the interest of some of these companies to also be involved in the conversation.”

The Nature Conservancy is the world’s largest conservation NGO serving 70 different countries.

Representative Mr. Kevin Bender confirmed that as they have worked with SIDS funding conservation, biodiversity and climate projects, they have found what that Bridgetown Initiative laments.

“We have found, similar to the Bridgetown

Initiative that there’s not enough donor money, just like there’s not enough public sector funding to cover all the needs of climate adaption and climate mitigation – so our group is tasked with finding new solutions for coming up with the cash flow for climate protection. The mitigation world is much more conducive to commercial financing. Getting as much commercial financing into that public sector space as possible; I think that is the real opportunity of the Bridgetown Initiative.”

Dubbed the most significant global policy initiative to originate from the Caribbean by forum Moderator, Professor C. Justin Robinson, Professor of Finance and Pro Vice-Chancellor Board for Undergraduate Studies, The UWI, The Bridgetown Initiative proposes significant reform of the global finance architecture in favour of climate-vulnerable countries.

The initiative, devised by a group led by Barbadian Prime Minister, The Honourable Mia Mottley and her climate finance Envoy Professor Avinash Persaud, offers real and bold solutions to overcoming some of the key

by the Police and members of the Guyana Fire Service EMT and conveyed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where they were seen and examined by Doctors on duty,” a press release

stated.

Moreover, the pillion rider, Sancharrie, succumbed to his injuries on the same day, while the motorcyclist and pedal cyclist were admitted to the Georgetown Public

Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Sancharrie’s body is currently at the GPHC’s mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing.

challenges faced by small island developing states (SIDS) in mobilising finance support from rich countries to respond to climate change.

At the forum, Professor Robinson reiterated the urgent need for the success of the Bridgetown Initiative “…it is a critical piece of the pie if we are to attract the significant amount of funding we need for mitigation and adaptation across climate vulnerable nations,” he said.

Professor Persaud was positive, commenting on the likelihood of success he explained, “We’ve thought very carefully about the design of the Bridgetown Initiative. Other efforts have been unsuccessful because they have relied heavily on one set of countries writing very large cheques for others. The Bridgetown Initiative recognises that is not going to happen in the short term.”

According to Persaud, Bridgetown calls for $1.7 trillion not to be funded by any government but by the private sector with the multilateral development banks playing a catalytic role.

(UWI press release)

DCB’s ‘Friends of Demerara Cricket Fund’ gains momentum …Sunita Travel Agency on board

SUNITA Travel Agency is the latest sponsor to join the Demerara Cricket Board’s initiative, “Friends of Demerara Cricket Fund”.

This new initiative was launched recently, and the popular travel agency, out of 131-20 Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill, Queens, NY, USA, is the third business entity to provide support, following Gafoors of Guyana and KW Logistics and Bus Services.

The aim is to raise funds to cushion the cost of its junior Inter-Association Cricket Tournaments in particular. Funds will also be used to fulfill the Board’s mandate to develop the game and its players.

The DCB is aggressively embarking on playing cricket

competitions at all levels, from Under-13 to Senior male and female. Training programmes for coaches and cricketers, seminars for managers, book, board and electronic scorers, match referees will be done. Academies for junior players will also be held across the five Sub-Associations.

At a simple but significant ceremony held recently, Naresh Seegobin, of Sunita Travel Agency, presented the cheque to Bissoondyal Singh, President of DCB. Seegobin said that he is delighted to be part of the development of young people, through cricket in particular. Singh, in response, expressed his gratitude, and indicated that these funds will be used to conduct the Boards 2023 youth pro-

grammes in particular.

The president urged Guyanese in and out of Guyana to support the travel agency so that they can continue to contribute to the development of Demerara, Guyana and West Indies cricket.

Sunita Travel Agency now joins hardware giant, Gafoors of Guyana, and KW Logistics and Bus Service. Total collected to date: $460 000.

The DCB, while in negotiations with several sponsors, the approval of some of which has already been secured, recognises the limited sponsorship dollars available resulting in this new innovation. The DCB encourages private individuals, private businesses and Corporate Guyana to support this ini-

tiative, and return Demerara cricket to its former glory.

According to a release from the DCB, “We assure accountability for the funds and widespread coverage in the print and electronic media.”

Point to note: Sponsorship for sports and to charitable organisations can enjoy tax breaks as the Law allows.

Anyone who is willing to support this project can make contact with Bissoondyal Singh, President, on 623 0055, Davteerth Anandjit, Secretary on 617 8502, Vicky Bharosay, Treasurer on 652 0947, Anil Beharry, Marketing Manager on 623 6875 or any other Executive Member of the DCB.

Fourth win in four matches for T&T, Barbados and Guyana also ...

From page 24

bounded from back-to-back losses with an eight-wicket win over the Windward Islands.

Akobi Critchlow-Byer took 4-18 from his 10 overs and Javed Worrell claimed 3-18 from seven as Barbados dismissed the Windwards for 112 in 40.1 overs.

The Trinis romped to their fourth consecutive win of the 2023 CWI Rising Stars Under-15 Championship

RACING TIPS

English Racing Tips

Wolverhampton

12:30 hrs Secret Contact

13:00 hrs Duke Of Oxford

13:30 hrs Tajawal

14:00 hrs Give A Little Back

Irish Racing Tips Dundalk

12:15 hrs Vanity Pays

12:45 hrs Cara Susana

13:15 hrs Red Riding

Hood

13:45 hrs Royal Tribute

14:15 hrs Change Sings

14:45 hrs Might And Mercy

15:15 hrs Little Keilee

American Racing Tips

Will Rogers Downs

Race 1 Misswish

Barbados then faced only 20.2 overs to reach 113-2, completing the easy win. The successful chase was led by Gadson Bowens’ 45* and Oliver Gooding’s

Race 2 Treasure Coast

Race 3 Casino Queen

Race 4 Saenger Star

Race 5 Mahomeipe

Race 6 Ruby The Destroyer

South Africa Racing Tips

Kenilworth

08:30 hrs She's My Captain

09:05 hrs Trivial Matter

09:40 hrs Supreme Dream

10:20 hrs Perfect Trust

10:55 hrs Liketheclappers

rapid 14-ball 25.

Guyana used an excellent bowling effort to complete a huge 101-run win over the Leeward Islands at the Liberta Sports Club.

Then the Guyanese used valuable contributions of 28 from Razam Koobir and 22 each from Dave Mohabir and Shane Price to post 154 off 36.5 overs batting first.

Kunal Tilokani took 4-21 off his 10 overs while Jaheem Clarke took 3-21 off seven for the Leewards.

The chase then went horribly for the Leewards with three of their top four

batsmen being run out and two more falling to leave them 32-5 in the 12th over. Eventually, they were dismissed for 53 in 28.2 overs as Arun Gainda ended with 3-13 off seven overs. The fifth round takes place tomorrow with Barbados facing Guyana at the Liberta Sports Club, Jamaica taking on the Windward Islands at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and the Leeward Islands facing leaders Trinidad & Tobago at Coolidge.

(Sportsmax)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday April 11, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Adam Gilchrist: 18 – 10 catches; 8 stumping (DC)

(2) 135 for the first wicket: Naman Ojah & VVS Graeme Smith (RR vs Kings XI)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many IPL games Chris Gayle played?

(2) How many runs he scored?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Sunita Seegobin, owner and CEO, Sunita Travel Agency

Dominant Rahm wins Masters as Koepka fades

SPAIN's Jon Rahm kept his nerve and patience to win a first Masters, swinging an exciting final day in his favour from American Brooks Koepka.

Rahm, 28, carded a three-under 69 to finish on 12 under and win by four shots as Koepka, who led by two going into the final round, signed for a 75.

Koepka ended joint second with veteran Phil Mickelson, who shot a a stunning seven-under 65 to finish eight under.

Former champions Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed were a shot further back.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler finished in a group on four under, along with England's US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, who was the highest finisher from Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Rahm became the fourth Spanish player to win the Masters and his victory poignantly came on what would have been the 66th birthday of the legendary two-time champion Seve Ballesteros, who won in 1980 and 1983.

"I wasn't sure how [the emotion] was going to come to me until I hit the third shot on the 18th," said Rahm, whose first major win came at the 2021 US Open.

"History of the game is a big reason why I play and Seve is a big part of that history.

"For me to get it done on the 40th anniversary of his second Masters win and on his birthday was incredibly meaningful."

How Rahm took control to win Green Jacket Rahm was one of the

pre-tournament favouritesalongside Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, who missed the halfway cut, and world number one Scheffler - after an impressive year in the lead-up to the first men's major of the season.

With three wins on the PGA Tour this year, plus four top-10 finishes in six previous Masters starts, Rahm had the form and previous pedigree to win at Augustaand he duly delivered.

Remarkably, he started his bid on Thursday with a double bogey after a four-putt on the first hole. After that he barely made a wrong move.

Rahm showed all facets of his outstanding all-round game - particularly his relentlessly huge driving and nerveless putting - to record an opening round of 65 and then posting scores of 69, 73 and 69.

Not only did Rahm win the iconic Green Jacket for the first time, he also returned to the world number one ranking.

Leading by four shots with four holes left to play, he maintained that advantage

Pakistan name interim head coach for New Zealand series

going into the 18th hole and could even afford to hit his final drive into the trees.

The ball ended up bouncing back into play and landing 150 yards from the tee, but he retained composure to lay up and knock a sublime chip to within a few feet for an unorthodox par.

"It was a very unusual par, very much a Seve par - it was in a non purposeful way, a testament to him. I know he was pulling for me and it was a great Sunday," added the 28-year-old.

"This one is for Seve. I knew he would be up there helping and help he did."

After sinking his final putt, Rahm shook his clenched fists while looking up to the sky.

His family - wife Kelley, along with two sons Kepa and Eneko - quickly joined him on the 18th green before he was congratulated further by friends and family.

Those included compatriot Jose Maria Olazabal, another two-time Masters champion and one of Rahm's mentors. (BBC Sport)

Renshaw scores another hundred to strengthen Ashes chances

Matthew Renshaw piled on another century in New Zealand to keep up in the hotly contested race for an Ashes berth.

The Australia A opener scored 140 against New Zealand A in Lincoln on the third day as the visitors reached 297 for 5 in their second innings before bad light stopped play.

First-innings century-maker Aaron Hardie (33) was run-out, while Tim Ward made 63 in a 136-run stand with Renshaw.

Ward, who had passed 50 in both innings of the

first game as well, relished his time in the middle with Renshaw.

"Love it; the three

times we've batted together we've had partnerships over a hundred," he said. "I really like batting with

him. He keeps it really simple and is a cool head out there."

Ward admitted his callup was a surprise after a lean run to finish the Sheffield Shield season.

"But I'm happy my hard work has got me here and selectors have shown a bit of faith," he said. "I've developed a bit of clarity around my game; where I wanted to score, defend and leave."

Late call-up Jordan Buckingham was the destroyer on Saturday with a six-for, and Renshaw took 2 for 32 as the hosts were bowled out for 246.

PAKISTAN Cricket Board (PCB) have named their coaching staff for the upcoming white-ball series at home against New Zealand.

Babar Azam's men will contest a five-match T20I and five-match ODI series against the Black Caps, starting April 14 in Lahore. The series will witness a host of experienced Pakistan stars return to action, including ace pacer Shaheen Afridi.

The board have also confirmed the appointment of Grant Bradburn as the head coach of the side, in an interim capacity.

Abdul Rehman has been named as the assistant head coach, while Andrew Puttick and Umar Gul have been appointed as the batting and bowling coaches respectively.

The appointments are not in a permanent capacity, with the PCB announcing that the board will name the permanent coaches after the series against New Zealand.

The statement read, "Mr Bradburn and Mr Puttick have been appointed for the New Zealand series and will arrive in Lahore on 11 April. The PCB will confirm the Pakistan team management for post-New Zealand series follow -

Australia A lead by 304 ahead of today’s final day of the two-game series. The hosts won from a similar position in the series opener.

Renshaw missed out in the first innings of this match but has otherwise dominated, scoring 112 and then 78 off just 72 in the first game of a tour designed to replicate the conditions Australia will encounter during the Ashes in England in June and July.

And Renshaw has needed every run, as contenders queue up to replace David Warner at the

ing the completion of the relevant recruitment processes, which are presently ongoing."

Pakistan's schedule for white-ball series against New Zealand:

14 Apr - 1st T20I, Lahore

15 Apr – 2nd T20I, Lahore

17 Apr – 3rd T20I, Lahore

20 Apr – 4th T20I, Rawalpindi

24 Apr – 5th T20I, Rawalpindi

27 Apr – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi

29 Apr – 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi

3 May – 3rd ODI, Karachi

5 May – 4th ODI, Karachi

7 May – 5th ODI, Karachi (ICC Media)

top of the order should he retire or not be selected to face England.

Marcus Harris, awarded an Australian central contract ahead of Renshaw, has begun his County Championship campaign with a half-century and century for Gloucestershire. Cameron Bancroft, meanwhile, scored 44 and 0 for Somerset.

Renshaw was recalled to Australia's Test squad for the recent tour to India to bat in the middle order, but he did himself no favours with scores of 0, 2 and 2. (AAP)

Jon Rahm celebrates with the Masters trophy .(Getty Images)

Pakistan’s interim head coach Grannt Bradburn

Matthew Renshaw brought up his second century of the tour • ( Getty Images)

Bartica Regatta 2023 powerboat races…

Sanjay Ramkissoon (Team Shivraj) crowned champion in

115-200hp

and

75-90hp

ucts and Services, GTT, Banks DIH, Digicel, Guyana Tourism Authority, Sky West, Ideal Supplies, Bolo, LED Guyana, P. Doobay & Sons (Pandit), Sir Service Station, Guyana Bank For Trade & Industry, and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Following are the full results of the day:

Race Placing

25-40hp Class D

classes

Shivraj), Conan Belle (High Rollers), Steve Satya (Team Shivraj)

75-90hp Class C

Sanjay Ramkissoon (Team Shivraj), Ravi Hussain (Yamaha), Terrence Gonsalves (El Chapo)

Bush Boat

Triston Melville, Mohamed Rasul, Brian Pollard

THERE was an accident in the first race, but in the second event of the day, Sanjay Ramkisson cashed in, big time, as he displayed versatility by controlling two of the next most powerful categories.

Blessed with brilliant sunshine, a colourful crowd, and the presence of Honourable Prime Minister Brig. Ret. Mark Phillips, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond-Allicock, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy, Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton, Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams, and His Worship Mayor Gifford Marshall, among other dignitaries, the day turned

out to be exciting, despite the incident which resulted in both boats not being able to take part, any further, in its programme of activities.

PM Phillips declared the competition open after delivering official opening remarks, noting that Bartica will continue to benefit from developmental initiatives from the government. He pointed out that the budget for capital works would have been increased substantially from 2022, which, in itself, signals the government’s intent to further empower the residents of Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), including its talented sportsmen and women.

Minister Walrond-Allicock also spoke on the importance of

the Regatta as a leading Tourism product for Region Seven, and by extension, Guyana. Welcome remarks were delivered by Regional Chairman Williams, who is also Chairman of the Bartica Easter Regatta Organising Committee.

But, on the water top, the day belonged to Team Shivraj, piloted by Sanjay Ramkissoon, who was in command of winning both races for the 115-200hp boats, as well as in the 75-90hp class. There was a mother-and-daughter, one/ two finish in the female Kayak race, while there were nine (9) competitors in the male Kayak showdown.

The organisers are to make

a determination as to the winner of the lone formula event, which was being led by Randy Belle, piloting ‘Wave Runner’. After the incident on the fourth turn, where Belle collided with another boat, Dave Scott, aboard ‘Jaguar’, who was always chasing down Belle, took over the lead, and eventually took the chequered flag. Discussions are still ongoing as to who is the clear winner.

The Clerk of Course and his committee are to deliberate and come up with the winner of the race, which was the second of the day, according to the organisers.

Sponsors of the event were Mohamed’s Enterprise, BK International Inc., Ming’s Prod-

Pooran smashes third-fastest IPL halfcentury as Lucknow stun RCB in thriller

NICHOLAS Pooran smashed the joint-third fastest 50 in Indian Premier League history to help the Lucknow Super Giants to a stunning one-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday.

Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell all made half-centuries at the Mangalam Chinnaswamy Stadium as Bangalore set Lucknow a seemingly daunting target of 213, but Pooran's incredible 62 off 19 deliveries led the Super Giants to an improbable win.

Lucknow won the toss and put RCB in to bat first, before openers Kohli (61 from 44) and Du Plessis put up 96 for no loss until the former was dismissed with the third ball of the 11th over.

Maxwell came in for Kohli, and his (59 off 29) and Du Plessis (79 not out) went on to plunder 115 from just 50 balls before Mark Wood (1-32) took

the Australian batsman's leg stump out of the ground with the penultimate ball of the innings, as Royal Challengers finished with a formidable 212-2.

The Super Giants' chase took a huge blow within three balls as in-form danger man

Kyle Mayers was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj without a run on the board, and Wayne Parnell (3-41) took the wickets of both Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya in the fourth over to leave Lucknow's hopes seemingly hanging by a thread.

However, Marcus Stoinis gave them a chance with his 65 off 30 and Pooran made the fastest half-century in this season's IPL before he was finally caught by Shahbaz Ahmed off Siraj's (3-22) bowling.

Lucknow would go on to win in remarkable fashion, needing one off the final delivery of the innings when Harshal Patel missed the stumps while trying to mankad the non-striker.

Harshal would eventually bowl the last ball, and though his delivery beat Avesh Khan, wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik fumbled as the Super Giants batsmen completed the run to secure an extraordinary victory.

Steve Satya (Team Shivraj), Dexter Peters (Love Machine), Jushanna Charles (Mechanic)

Kayak Females

Bernice Lewis, Glorine Phardoman, Jameila Pollard

Kayak Males

Troy Clarence, Anthony McCalmon, Rondell Callender

115-200hp Class B

Sanjay Ramkissoon (Team

115-200hp Class B

Sanjay Ramkissoon (Team Shivraj), Steve Satya (Team Shivraj), Triston Melville (Power Boy)

75-90hp Class C

Ravi Hussain (Yamaha), Sudesh Samaroo (Rising On), Alim Hussain (Unruly)

Jet Ski

Chris Caputo, Mark Harris

USA beat Guyana, 3-0, in opening match

Bangalore's big three all fire in defeat

The Royal Challengers' top three batsmen all played excellent knocks with Kohli, Du Plessis and Maxwell accounting for all but one of their team's runs, excluding extras.

It was only the fifth time in IPL history that each of a team's top three all made half-centuries and the first time Bangalore had achieved that feat. However, their efforts were still not enough to get their team over the line.

Pooran innings changes the game

The Super Giants' hopes looked slim after Stoinis and KL Rahul fell within three balls of each other, but Pooran's introduction swung the match back in their favour.

He went at a strike rate of 326.31, smashing four fours and seven maximums to set up his team-mates to go on and win the game.(Sportsmax)

THE United States of America (USA) proved too much for the Guyanese lads, who they defeated, 3-0, in the opening group match of the 2023 Junior Pan Am Hockey Championship being played in Wildey, Barbados, yesterday.

On the scoresheet for USA were Katz Wyatt in the first minute, who converted a Penalty Corner (PC). Grewal Mehtab doubled the lead in the 16th minute with a field goal, before Wyatt completed his brace with another field goal in the 49th minute.

Meanwhile, in the other Group B match, Canada trounced Barbados 6-0.

This tournament, which serves as the qualifier for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Junior World Cup, is being played in the group round-robin knockout format, and will see the top three teams making the cut for the global event later this year.

However, the Guyanese are in a tough group that also includes powerhouse Canada and host Barbados, so they will be digging deep to bounce back in their matches against the Canadians today at 11:00hrs, and Barbados at 15:00hrs.

Champion Driver Sanjay Ramkissoon piloting the winning Team Shivraj Boat in the 115-200hp class

A Team Shivraj member receiving the first-place trophy (7590hp) from Minister Oneidge Walrond-Allicock

2023 Junior Pan Am Hockey Championship…

Guyana’s Jabari Lovell (left), watches as Simeon Moore dribbles past a USA player during their match yesterday (PAHF photo)

Nicholas Pooran smashed four fours and seven sixes in his 62

Javon Roberts’ gold seals eight medals for Guyana …Government

funds return of athletes

Five Gold medals for dazzling Raekwon Noel!

JAVON Roberts produced a superb run to win his U-17 800m final at the 50th CARIFTA Games which concluded in Nassau, Bahamas on Monday evening.

Last year, Roberts won silver but in a tactical masterclass, he hunted from the back and blazed to the front to win gold.

He clocked 1:56.44 seconds followed by Jamaican Delano Todd (1:57.44s) and Trinidadian Brandon Leacock (1:58.17s).

Roberts was the lone success on the final day as earlier in the competition gold was won by Anisha Gibbons (U-20 Javelin) and Tianna Springer (U-17 400m).

Silver medals came from Roberts in the 1500m and Attoya Harvey in the 3000m Open while Seon Booker (U-20 800m) and Ezekiel Saul (U-17 Triple Jump) won bronze.

Springer, Harvey, Booker and Ezekiel Newton were medal prospects on the final day but were topped by out-

standing performances.

The 400m gold medalist clocked 24.53 to finish sixth in the 200m while Harvey and Booker did not finish their 800m.

Newton (21.22s) had to settle for fourth in the U-20 while Odida Parkinson finished eighth (16:31.37s).

Up to press time Trevon Hamer had finished his U-20 Tripple Jump with a Bronze medal.

Meanwhile, The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport will fund the return of the

athletes and officials from The Bahamas.

The group departs Nassau on Tuesday morning via a chartered flight to Trinidad and should be in Guyana by 23:00 hours.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, expressed they are extremely proud of the accomplishments of the athletes.

The majority of the locally-based athletes underwent an ordeal to reach Nassau, arriving mere hours before their events.

CWI Rising Stars Under-15 Championship

Fourth win in four matches for T&T, Barbados and Guyana also get commanding wins in round four

TRINIDAD & Tobago got their fourth consecutive win of the 2023 CWI Rising Stars Under-15 Championship when they comfortably beat Jamaica by six wickets at Coolidge on Monday.

The Jamaicans, who have only managed to score over 150 once in four matches, saw their batting woes continue when they were dismissed for just 102 in 34.4 overs. No Jamaican scratched 20 as Yasir Deen

(3-18 off nine overs) and Alejandro Kassiram (3-20 off six overs) were the chief destroyers for T&T.

The chase was a simple one thanks to a second consecutive fifty (50) from Brendan Boodoo and

23* from Zane Maraj. T&T needed only 30.4 overs to reach 106-4 and complete victory.

At the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, defending champions Barbados re -

Continued on page 21

RAEKWON Noel's outstanding performance at this year's CARIFTA Swimming Championships, which was held in Curaçao, will be remembered as a significant moment in Guyana's swimming history, as well as that of the 38-year-old event.

Competing in the Under-18 age group, Noel secured five gold medals in the 1500m Freestyle, 400m Individual Medley, 800m Freestyle, 200m Butterfly, and the 400m Freestyle events. He was the only swimmer from Guyana to win any medals this year, as other swimmers who made it to several finals were unable to

secure podium finishes. Noel not only broke four of his National records, but also set a new CARIFTA 800m freestyle record, missing out on breaking the 200m butterfly record by less than one- hundredth of a second.

Meanwhile, Aleka Persaud made it to the finals of four events, namely, the 100m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly, and 50m freestyle. Vladimir Woodroofe made it to the final of the 200m backstroke, while Persaud, Ariel Rodrigues, Zara Crane, and Maiya Ifill qualified for the girls 1517 relay finals.

Javon Roberts won gold in the U-17 800m (Photo: News Room/Avidesh Narine)

Raekwon Noel with his five gold medals