Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 11-05-2022 by Guyana Chronicle

wednesday 11th may, 2022

No.106719

‘Bankrupt GPL’ inherited from Patterson being revived –– authorities say uncompromising, robust maintenance regime reinstated

–– with broader aim being production of cheaper, sustainable energy

Government Technical 21 Institute to get $140M boost

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Students of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) are set to benefit from a $140 million state-of-the-art building, which will be constructed within the school’s compound. Once completed, the building will boast an oil-and-gas laboratory, lecture theatres, smart classrooms, a welfare unit, and an administrative block among many other amenities (Ministry of Education photo)

US$200M withdrawn in first 02 transferral from Natural Resource Fund PAGE

12 Juvenile 15 Drug Treatment Courts launched PAGE

VP Jagdeo: Norton not ready for the big league 08 PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

US$200M withdrawn in first transferal from Natural Resource Fund

— to finance national development priorities SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has announced that the government has made its first withdrawal from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF). Dr. Singh said that pursuant to Section 16 of the NRF Act 2021, US$200 million equivalent to G$41.7 billion has been transferred from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities. This transfer, according to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, was made in accordance with the strengthened legal architecture of the NRF Act 2021 and follows the publication in the Official Gazette of all petroleum revenues paid into the fund during the period 1 January to 31 March 2022. The NRF Act 2021 which came into operation on January 1, 2022, represents a significant improvement in transparency and accountability and the overall man-

The government has made its first withdrawal from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF)

agement of the natural resource wealth of Guyana for present and future generations. It would be recalled, that as part of the Budget 2022 process, parliamentary approval was granted for a total

of US$607.6 million to be transferred during the fiscal year 2022. Oil and gas revenues are being generated from the ExxonMobil operations, offshore Guyana. As it is now, the company

has four sanctioned projects offshore Guyana. Of those, Liza Phase One is producing approximately 130,000 barrels per day, using the Liza Destiny floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, while the Liza

Phase Two, which started production in February, is steadily ramping up to its capacity of 220,000 barrels per day, using the Liza Unity FPSO vessel. The third project, Payara, is expected to produce 220,000 barrels per day; construction on its production vessel, the Prosperity FPSO, is running approximately five months ahead of schedule, with start-up likely before year-end 2023. The fourth project, Yellowtail, is expected to produce 250,000 barrels per day when the One Guyana FPSO comes on stream in 2025. ExxonMobil is also moving ahead with plans for its fifth development project in the Stabroek Block, Uaru, which is expected to produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day. “These projects will bring huge benefits to Guyana,” President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, said during a brief interview released by ExxonMobil. It was reported that returns from the sector are expected to catapult Guyana to

the ranks of wealthiest countries in the Western Hemisphere, thereby increasing the government’s fiscal space to invest in initiatives geared at expanding the economy, and improving the overall welfare of citizens. “Guyana is now poised to be one of the wealthiest countries in the hemisphere; we intend to employ the gains from exploiting these deposits into initiatives geared at expanding the economy, improving competitiveness, giving people the best social services, increasing productivity, enhancing food production, and building new sectors,” President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, had said in his keynote address during a virtual faculty workshop on the microeconomics of competitiveness hosted by the Harvard Business School. In painting a vivid image of what is expected of the oil-and-gas sector in the near term, Dr. Ali said that, by 2025, operating cash flow, based on total investment, is expected to reach US$3.5 billion.

Benefits of St Barnabas Accord to be showcased at Barbados AgroFest

THE wide-ranging benefits of the St Barnabas Accord are expected to take centre stage at Barbados’s highly anticipated AgroFest, as several Guyanese-owned businesses will be given the opportunity to showcase their products. This is according to Alphea Wiggins, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados to Guyana and Suriname, who recently spoke to the National Communication Network (NCN) about the May 26-29 event.

Wiggins described Guyana as a “land that is rich in resources,” and noted that this stage will provide the perfect opportunity to showcase the benefits of the bilateral agreement that was signed to foster improved trade relations between the two countries. The St Barnabas Accord was signed by President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados, Mia Mottley and seeks to create one domestic space for both countries in areas across

multiple sectors. Wiggins told NCN that a decision was taken to have Guyanese operating in agriculture and food security, mining and quarrying, tourism and international transport, trade and business, technical and vocational training, energy, and manufacturing, represented at the exhibition, which was previously centred on agriculture. She noted that since the AgroFest will be one of the major investment exhibitions on the island, with more than 12,000 persons passing

through each year, the government decided to have the local exhibitors take the stage and showcase the products available in Guyana and to Barbados through the agreement. “Guyana is rich in resources; Guyana is a beautiful, very resourceful country and I believe that the St Barnabas Accord working at the governmental level and the private-sector level, we would be spending a lot of our money here for every single thing rather than spending it extra-regionally and in that way,

we’re going to be building up CARICOM in a new way for others in the Caribbean to follow,” Wiggins said. A major part of the exhibition will see local jewellers showcasing their craft and exhibiting their products. These jewellers include Rampersud Gopaul of Gopaul’s Jewellery, Stephen Jacobs of Jacobs’ Jewellery, Karl Gobin of Gobin’s Jewellery, and Kevin Narine of Steve’s Jewellery. This exhibition is expected to take prominence as the establishment of a gold jew-

eller hub is part of the accord. The Guyana Gold Jewellery Hub will see up to 15 jewellers from Guyana establishing stores at a prominent mall in Bridgetown, which is in the heart of the tourist shopping district. There is a high demand for gold in Barbados and the quality and creativity of the jewellery produced in Guyana are of particular interest to the island’s residents and tourists. The hub is expected to become a reality in nine months.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

‘Bankrupt GPL’ inherited from Patterson being revived — authorities say uncompromising, robust maintenance regime reinstated — with broader aim being production of cheaper, sustainable energy

A PROGRESSIVE outlook is being restored to the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), which, according to the Office of the Prime Minister, was mismanaged and bankrupted prior to August 2020. In direct response to comments by former Minister of Public Infrastructure, now the Public Works Ministry, David Patterson, on the current state of the power company, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, in a statement on Tuesday, said: “We have already set the record straight with respect to our inherited burdens in August 2020 of a mismanaged and bankrupt Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) under the portfolio of former minister, David Patterson.” Prime Minister Phillips went on to say: “In his desperate quest for relevance following his stupendous ouster from the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament, Patterson continues to unabatingly promulgate smokescreens and downright falsehoods about the surreptitious operations he personally orchestrated at GPL and Power Producers and Distributors Inc (PPDI).” This, authorities said, was done in the absence of a Board of Directors at GPL for almost two years. Within this time, Patterson was the sole decision-mak-

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

er at GPL and, based on statistics from the power company, the results of those decisions were “disastrous.” Referencing an example of those imprudent decisions, the Prime Minister said that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, upon its election to office in August 2020, found that GPL had outstanding receivables of $13 billion, which was owed by government ministries and agencies -- this had a crippling effect on the company.

LACK OF MAINTENANCE “Again, we reiterate, that under the leadership of Mr Patterson we saw the lack of maintenance on the transmission lines, coupled with the little to no investment in baseload generation capacity, which are the main reasons for the blackouts we are experiencing,” Prime Minister Phillips said. He added: “As has been the hallmark of successive PPP/C administrations, the problems and burdens created for our cit-

izens by the selfish, elitist machinations of the failed PNC [People’s National Congress] of yesteryear and more recently, their cloak and dagger replacement, the APNU+AFC [A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change] regime, are being permanently corrected by us for the medium and long-term.” The government, Prime Minister Phillips said, has been working “tirelessly” to restore the progressive outlook of GPL within a broader framework of cheaper and more sustain-

able energy production to improve the daily lives of every citizen. Already, authorities have reinstated the uncompromising, robust maintenance regime at GPL, reverting to the aboveboard procurement practice for the use of original spares directly from the source; and getting back to the well-established pre2015 schedule of maintenance of transmission lines across the entire grid system. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES

In the medium term, significant increases in the generated power will be achieved in response to the demand, with the internal introduction of nine additional sets, and a request for proposals (RFP) that could potentially see the external addition of 50 megawatts to be added to the grid. Meanwhile, the 165 megawatts to be generated through the ground-breaking Amaila Falls Hydro project, which was scuttled by Patterson and others under the coalition administration, is coming back on stream shortly. This will be supplemented by 300 megawatts of power from the Wales Gas-to-Energy project, which will be a game-changer for Guyana and its people. “While David Patterson continues his struggle for relevance with smokescreens and veiled attempts to reconstruct his disastrous legacy, our government is putting the pieces back together to rescue our citizens from every last one of the albatrosses placed around their necks by the APNU+AFC’s mismanagement,” the Prime Minister said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Oil prices climb amid looming EU ban on Russian oil Workers walk as oil pumps are seen in the background in the Uzen oil and gas field in the Mangistau Region of Kazakhstan (REUTERS/Pavel Mikheyev)

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(Reuters) - OIL rose on Wednesday, following a nine per cent drop over the previous two sessions, on supply concerns as the European Union worked on gaining support for a ban on Russian oil and major producers warned they may struggle to fill the gap when demand improves. Brent crude rose $1.42, or 1.4 per cent, to $103.88 a barrel at 0232 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed $1.23, or 1.2 per cent, to $100.99 a barrel. Both contracts fell more than $1 in early trade. Oil prices have slumped with commodities and share markets this week, on worries about the hit to economic activity from prolonged COVID curbs in China and sharp interest rate hikes in the United States. However, the supply side still faces challenges. The EU has proposed to impose an embargo on Russian oil, but a vote, which needs unanimous support, has been delayed as Hungary has dug in its heels in opposition and other European nations have voiced concerns that their economies could suffer. The impact of the embargo could be limited if the ban is watered down to ease the

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concerns of eastern European members, but analysts said oil prices could still go higher. “Even if we do see some of the measures relaxed, it is likely that EU sanctions will still meaningfully reduce EU imports of Russian oil and refined products,” Commonwealth Bank analyst Vivek Dhar said in a note. Highlighting supply concerns, United Arab Emirates energy minister, Suhail al-Mazrouei, warned on Tuesday that when fuel demand recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, together called OPEC+, may not be able to meet demand without further investment. His comments followed Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman’s remarks that the world needs to pay attention not just to tight crude supply but energy capacity running short more broadly. Capping market gains, the dollar held near a two-decade high ahead of a reading on inflation that could hint at the outlook for Fed policy, making crude more expensive for buyers using other currencies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Do not hike wages to match inflation — three regional economists advise

(Trinidad Express) AS INFLATION rates climb throughout the Caribbean, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Cleviston Haynes, is cautious about wage adjustments to match it. “A wage adjustment to match inflation is really not the first best option for us,” Haynes said at an inflation discussion hosted by the Central Bank of Barbados, on Thursday night. Haynes said that once wages increase, there will be increased prices across the board. He observed that in Barbados, they had experienced this in the late 70s early 80s “where we tried to match the price increases with the wages and all you had really was very high inflation until probably the late 80s.” Caribbean economist Marla Dukharan observed that the pressure of higher prices is universal but it affects those at the lower income levels and those with fixed incomes like pensioners disproportionately. “And in these cases, I think the State must intervene to ensure that the disadvantaged among us are supported appropriately,” she said. Haynes explained that the lower income bracket will be greatly impacted by inflation because they spend more of their time and more of their income on food than those who have higher incomes. He related that the re-

Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Cleviston Haynes

Caribbean economist Marla Dukharan

Governor of the Bank of Jamaica Richard Byles

gion is importing inflation, as 40 per cent of imports in the region are related to food and energy. “So, if you have significant price increases in those areas, then that gets fed into our economies because the Caribbean economy is interdependent with the rest of the world. “And what you have to appreciate here is that the supply shock that we are facing right now is impacting largely food and impacting energy. The high-ticket items have been food and energy and that is what really is driving the inflation rate,” Haynes said. In some countries, the focus is not on the headline inflation rate, but really on what they call the core inflation rate, that is you take out food and energy because those are the things that you really have very little control over, and then you try to focus on the underlying inflation rate. “So, in terms of how

we address the impact of these prices on the average citizen is really to be able to frame targeted measures that are perhaps time bound because the food increases and the energy price increases are really likely to be transitory,” Haynes said. He related that oil prices are traditionally volatile and that the expectation is that it will taper off at the end of the year or in 2023. “So, we run the danger of trying to have wage increases that are adapting to inflation, which is a temporary cycle. And when these things change, you already embedded those wage increases in and therefore

they’re more difficult to reverse. “So, you need, I think, transfers perhaps that are time bound. So, you may be doing it for a particular period of time, so as to be able to allow people to be able to adapt, but it’s not a permanent feature of the government’s expenditure or tax or tax system,” Haynes related. Governor of the Bank of Jamaica, Richard Byles, echoed Haynes’ sentiment. He said in Jamaica, for the month of March, the country recorded 11.3 per cent inflation, with 76 per cent of it being attributed to food and energy.

“So, I think that Governor (Haynes) has made a really important point in managing wage expectations which are genuine and need to be met. We need to do it in creative ways that allows for when inflation deflates or when we have deflation, that we’re not stopped with these high costs up at the top,” he said. Dukharan said that wage adjustments should match productivity. “Wage earners who are currently engaged in salary negotiations or unions negotiating on their behalf will likely ask for wage increases commensurate with inflation. However, one thing important to remember is that, in the absence of increases in productivity, wage increases that simply reflect inflation and which are completely delinked from performance, will only serve to make whatever you are producing uncompetitive over time and drive you out of the market; this

doesn’t benefit anyone. “We have to ensure that when we are negotiating for higher wages, we are also adding higher value,” she said. With the US inflation rate at a 40-year high, the US Central Bank, on Wednesday, announced its biggest rate increase, lifting its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point, to a range of 0.75 per cent to 1 per cent after a smaller rise in March. India’s Central Bank also announced a surprise increase to its benchmark rate. Meanwhile, Australia’s Central Bank recently enacted its first interest rate hike in more than a decade. “Inflation is much too high and we understand the hardship it is causing,” Federal Reserve Chairman, Jerome Powell, had said during a press conference in Washington on Wednesday. He added: “We are moving expeditiously to bring it back down.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Press Freedom GUYANA has made significant strides in several spheres of development due in large measure to good governance and prudent economic management. The return to office of the PPP/C administration in August 2020 after a hiatus of about five years following the controversial May 2015 general and regional elections, has once again set the stage for accelerated growth and development. In fact, the rate of economic growth has exceeded by far all reasonable expectations, as the country is now ranked as one of the fastest-growing economies, not only in the region, but in the world

as a whole. The growth-and-development momentum is not limited to the economic sphere. The country has shown progress in several other domains of development, including that of adherence to the rule of law, democratic forms of governance, respect for human rights, freedom of expression and press freedom, among others. Only recently in observance of World Press Freedom Day, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali underscored the importance of a free and independent press and pledged to enhance the professionalism of media workers in Guyana. In an address to launch a two-day National Media Conference and

Symposium at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, President Ali made the point that the government has always been the most accessible to the media, an approach that he said will continue. “There has never been anytime I am called upon, anywhere and not make myself available, not only to the media but the people of this country, because there is where I belong, there is where I feel comfortable; I would not run away from that,” President Ali assured. The freedom of the press in Guyana has not gone unnoticed by the international community. This was reflected in the fact that Guyana has moved up by 17 places on

the World Press Freedom Index to 34 from among the 180 countries. This is indeed a commendable development for which the PPP/C Administration must be given credit. The fact is that the press has an important ‘ ‘watchdog’ role to play in any democracy. Indeed, the role of the independent media was instrumental in exposing the fraudulent intention of the APNU+AFC Administration in collaboration with rogue elements from the GECOM Secretariat to derail democracy in the March 2, 2020 elections. Guyana has come a long way in terms of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Gone are the days when

the opposition press was denied newsprint and faced with libel actions by the then PNC regime for daring to publish the truth. The media today is free to comment on issues of national importance without fear or intimidation. This is good for the political health of any society. Ethical and responsible journalism is particularly important during elections period in terms of reducing tension, providing accurate information and creating space for exchange of ideas and creating room for compromise. Journalism must be based on facts and high ethical standards. The need for balance and high ethical standards

in the way information is presented to the public cannot be overstated. Too often, the tendency is for the media, especially the so-called free press, to engage in sensationalism and in some cases peddle their own agendas, which may or may not be in the best national interest. Guyana has every reason to be proud of its current ranking, which can only get better under the enlightened policies of the PPP/C administration. This is unlike what is happening in several other countries, where journalists and media workers are killed for attempting to cover the news, as is currently the case in the Ukraine war.

The Coalition should stop harping about election outcome and engage in constructive dialogue

Dear Editor,

APPEARING in the news is a claim of having in possession original SoPs that showed the then incumbent won the March 2, 2020 elections (presumably from Region Four), since the other certification of the counts of the other nine regions showed then opposition PPP well ahead. The election law mandates that every party agent and polling agent be given an ‘original (duplicate) copy’ of the SoP, duly signed by the presiding officer after the count and posted on the wall. So it is hardly any news that a person or party was in possession of the original SoPs. All parties had the same original; the numbers for each agent in the corresponding SoP at

each voting station would not be different. Anyone who claims possession of SoPs that showed their party won is an impossibility. I was there as a media agent and observer. I verified numbers on my own as each party would also have done. A count and recount of the original SoPs in the March 2, 2020 elections revealed that the then opposition PPP won the elections. Any further recount of original SoPs would be an almost exact duplicate of the recount SoPs that showed the then opposition PPP won the elections. I was in Guyana days before the elections as well as for voting, counting of ballots, and certification of SoPs (aggregation of the counts for each region). I was at the counting certification building (Ashmin) from March

3 as an independent media observer/watcher and also visited it early on March 2, when there was hardly any activity. I visited several polling stations in Regions Three, Four and Five. There were some issues in the stronghold of one party in Greater Georgetown and on the East Coast, during which there were attempts at skulduggery. These were limited in scope and the opposing party did not make much ado about it. On the evening of the elections, following the count of the ballots, numbers from the original SoPs (as posted on the door/wall) of the polling places were read to me by my contacts (agents/ observers) from several polling stations in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and 10. The trend showed the

incumbent had lost ground and the PPP made gains everywhere and was on course to victory. The incumbent would have known that it lost from the preliminary count as presented to it by agents. On the very evening I projected a PPP victory. In fact, queries to me from phone calls from North America and the Caribbean as well as in Guyana late that evening, as well as on early Tuesday morning March 3, I stated the projections showed the PPP had won. The certification of SoPs for nine regions were completed and they corresponded with numbers given to me on Monday evening as posted at polling stations. What was disturbing was when GECOM officials delayed the certification of SoPs for Region Four. It was not until late in the day at Ashmin’s

counting station that I realised that an attempt was being made to alter the results of the elections. Numbers were being rattled off at random that did not correspond with those on original SoPs from Region Four. Officials were getting (feigning) sick and also seemingly fainting. Certification of results was stopped. There was the attempted spreadsheet fraud that was followed a day later by the bedsheet fraud. Attempts were also made to alter results on the computer. The Region Four official fraudulently declared results using the bedsheet fraud. It was done in a most shameful and transparent manner as the former Jamaican PM Bruce Golding (leading the OAS team) stated. This led to CARICOM intervention and the recounting process. I also observed the at-

tempt to change numbers on the computer and when the laptop, when the input person disappeared, and when the laptop was moved out of the room to fudge numbers. There were so many acts of skulduggery that I observed. All of these were noted by the observers and diplomats. I was at a daily press conference by observers and or diplomats exposing attempts of fraud. I was also in the room at the Ashmin’s building when the Foreign Minister threatened withdrawal of accreditation status. Observers were asked to assemble in a room for a meeting with the Foreign Minister who requested it. There, the Foreign Minister threatened to withdraw accreditation status of the observers – that could have

Continued on page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

The Elon Musk Project

Dear Editor,

ONE of the concepts, a project really, I intend to introduce into my classes very soon as a means of encouraging and exposing my students to business and product creation is The Elon Musk Project. For those unfamiliar with Elon Musk, he stands among the wealthiest, most brilliant, creative and industrious

business persons of our time. He is particularly impressive because of his achievements and efforts in trying to bring electric vehicles to the broader consumer base by either encouraging or directly investing in cost-reducing technologies for these vehicles. The agenda for the Elon Musk project is to set children’s minds on becoming billionaires, successful cre-

ative business leaders. This might sound lofty, but children have demonstrated that they have abilities and capacities beyond our grasp, so it’s best to just open the gates and let them show what they can achieve. On consideration also, I think it’s an excellent long-term strategy to address income deficiencies and broader welfare issues if employed nationally. The primary objectives are to de-

velop one or more products/ services along with marketing strategies to transform the product idea into a live business strategy. There’s an initial time limit, but of course the children can continue with these ideas during the course of their lives. They will naturally be coached in the idea that the real money is to be made when they reach global markets, so they will always see their long-term

goal as gaining a foothold in the international arena. A major area of return would be software and operating system development, along with both Internet and system-specific security, but the floor is open to whatever students can generate. Guyana’s own private sector could toy with applicable concepts and become more proactive in product innovation and development in and out of their primary economic activity as a means of increasing profitability by lowering costs, which will

also translate into increased competitiveness, locally and abroad. They will also diversify their revenue base, and become more involved in employment and income creation. Efforts may also be applied where feasible to establishing businesses out of the major economic hubs to benefit from lower rental costs, while creating jobs and increasing welfare within the targeted local communities. Yours faithfully, Craig Sylvester

Some useful steps for fire prevention and safety in event of a fire

Dear Editor,

RECENTLY, the country has been plagued with a series of fires, both in the rural and urban areas. As a result of these unpleasant experiences, many were left homeless, jobless and in some cases with

permanent loss of businesses. Sometimes sadly enough, lives were lost. As someone who has a little experience in fire prevention, I thought that it would be useful to remind my fellow Guyanese that a fire must have three ingredients: fuel, heat and air. You take away any of these

The Coalition should... From page 6

led to deportation. I vividly remember former Barbados PM, Own Arthur, head of the Commonwealth team, taking the accreditation ID around his neck and handing it to the Foreign Minister who politely walked away. Arthur said it was an insult. “We are not doing a job that can be threatened,” he stated emphatically. Many observers complained that a minister of government should not have visited the counting centre and speak with observers

while the counting was going on, unless she was there as a rep of her party. She should not have assembled the observers. The counting was a sacrosanct process that should not have been violated by a minister making threatening remarks to observers to behave themselves (read, accept the rigging). As for the claim that the original SoPs of Region Four had showed a victory for the incumbent, why engage in all the delays and acts of skulduggery? Why ask

and the fire cannot continue to burn. Now where your homes and buildings are concerned, ask yourself the following: 1. Is there a free passageway to all exits and how many are there? If it’s a building, do the occupants know where they are?

2. Can these exits be easily opened from the inside? 3. Are all emergency exits marked clearly? 4. Do you know how to get out of the building and is your alarm system working? When was the last time you checked your equipment and do your occupants

CARICOM to intervene in the process? Why go to the High Court, Court of Appeal, CCJ? Why not simply present the SoPs to the world to show that they aligned with those presented to the other parties and observers on the evening of March 2? Why make it a secret? The opposition should stop harping on the election outcome and engage

in constructive dialogue. Instead of making a claim of victory that cannot be substantiated by the initial count, SoPs, and a recount, opposition figures should take measures to win back supporters that deserted the party that led to its defeat. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

know how to get out of the building when it is on fire? 5. Last, but not least, do you know the number of your fire brigade service and when last you conducted a fire drill? In conclusion, I must admit that the above observations pertain more to offices, factories, night-

spots, workshops and libraries. However, all are relevant to wherever heat, air and fuel are available. Yours sincerely, Percy Oswald Munro Former Engineering Manager GuySuCo

‘Norton not ready for the big league’

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 11, 2022

–– Vice-President Jagdeo says Opposition Leader ignores every fact if it does not suit his narrative

VICE-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, is not ready for the “big league.” Norton was sworn in as Opposition Leader months after the resignations of Nicolette Henry as a Member of Parliament and Joseph Harmon as Opposition Leader and Member of Parliament. “I do not think he is ready for the big league, he is complaining, cannot stick

the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice, the recount cannot be considered to be invalidated, at least not at this point in time. In this context, the Section 84 (1) declarations can no longer be considered useful,” the acting Chief Justice said. Justice George later added that: “… as determined by the CCJ, unless overturned by a Court in an election petition, the only data that could be used for the declaration of the results of the elections would have to be the recount results or data.” Subsequent to the acting Chief Justice’s ruling, the Guyana Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed an appeal challenging the legality of the Recount Order which preceded the recount of the votes cast at the March 2 general and regional elections. “Being the junior player he was in the last elections, I thought he would create some distance between himself and their argument [APNU+AFC]… He embraced it wholeheartedly… he has nothing else to

with one issue at a time, has a high opinion of himself and, in the process, ignores all facts,” the Vice-President said in an interview which was posted on his official Facebook Page. His critique of Norton follows an engagement between the two on the sidelines of Europe Day, held at the Georgetown Club on Monday night. The Vice-President, in his analysis of Norton and his comments, also concluded

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo that the Opposition Leader ignores every fact if it does not suit his narrative. “For him, he will ignore every fact if it does not suit his narrative… and his narrative is on discrimination… it is a jaundice view, not fact based,” Dr. Jagdeo related. An indication of Norton’s ignorance of the fact, as outlined by the Vice-President, is his intention to challenge the recount order, which initiated the recount process that essentially ended a protracted electoral process in 2020. “He wanted to debate the order promulgated by GECOM… I pointed out that the Representation of the People’s Act pointed out how a recount should take place… and, in any case, every one of the international community reports pointed to a PPP victory,” Dr. Jagdeo said The national recount of all votes cast showed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC Coalition got 217,920 votes. Back in 2020, Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, validated the recount process by saying that the results of the General and Regional Elections must be declared based on the data generated during the National Recount, effectively ruling out the notion that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) could revert to declarations made by the 10 Returning Officers in March. “As concluded, given the decisions of

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton offer and he said he has the SoPs [Statements of Poll] that show that they won… I almost fainted from surprise,” Vice-President Jagdeo said. The APNU+AFC has repeatedly claimed that it won the elections, based on its SoPs, but had never presented them to the public, or in court during the five-month impasse. Guyanese, after casting their votes on March 2, 2020, had to endure an unimaginable wait for the results of the General and Regional Elections, as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Authorities enhance maternal, child health services in Region Three

THROUGH the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Region Three has received $20 million in medical equipment to boost its maternal and child health services. The project was developed in 2017 to support and improve maternal and child healthcare in Guyana. The country is among those with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the Caribbean. “When the project was first conceived, they looked at Region Three, Region Nine and Region Four as the regions where we need to boost the maternal and child health services so having done

the initial assessments, they recognise that some of these things would be required at the health facilities, and that is why we spent quite a lot of money in procuring these things,” Minister of Health, Dr. F r a n k A n t h o n y, s a i d during the simple handing-over ceremony. Some of the equipment include scales, examination stools and gynaecology examination beds. The minister said these will be sent to the healthcare facilities that are most in need, as well as areas that are ‘population centred.’ This way more persons can benefit from these improved services. Training will also be

provided to healthcare workers so that the equipment can be appropriately utilised. “If there’s a need for training on any of the equipment that we have given, I think some of the contracts that we have come with that type of training so we want the staff here to make sure they utilise the equipment in the right manner as prescribed by the manuals that are here,” Dr. Anthony noted. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e medical items are the first batch of equipment to be delivered and distributed to maternal and child healthcare facilities in Guyana. (DPI)

Some of the equipment donated to the region

Another set of the medical equipment

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony handing over equipment to Region Three RHO, Dr. Erica Forte (DPI photos)

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 11, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Parliamentary procedure the foundation for upholding democracy — Prime Minister Phillips says at Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) seminar

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Tuesday, said parliamentary procedure is the foundation for upholding any country’s democracy, He emphasised that elected members must maintain their responsibility of representing the interests of all citizens.

the CPA must be commended. With over 56 years of affiliation with the Commonwealth, Guyana has actively participated in the association’s activities, through regional and international conferences over the years. As the country with the largest Commonwealth

Speaker of National Assembly of Trinidad and Tobago, Bridgid Annisette-George, said she was thankful for the opportunity to be part of the dialogue which seeks to strengthen parliamentary work to better serve the people of Guyana. Serving also as the ParlAmericas’ Vice-President,

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips makes his virtual address during day one of the CPA Seminar for Members of the Twelfth Parliament of Guyana

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir

The Prime Minister made the statement during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) training seminar of the Twelfth Parliament of Guyana, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). The two-day session focuses primarily on establishing a framework to examine the core elements to strengthen democracy through good governance. “We are elected to represent the people of Guyana and to ensure good governance under its Constitution. In Guyana, we have seen detrimental effects and disadvantages that the threat to our democracy could cause,” the Prime Minister said during his virtual address. He said the sessions will provide critical capacity building for legislators, overseers and representatives of all aspect of the nation’s democracy. “So, not only is this seminar valuable to us in our role as ambassadors for our people, but it is a primary refresher of the need to continually uphold our positions with the honour and integrity as we serve our people,” the Prime Minister said. He pointed out the importance of parliamentarians receiving good guidance, noting that institutions like

Speaker of National Assembly of Trinidad and Tobago, Bridgid Annisette-George

Deputy Speaker of Suriname’s National Assembly, Dewanchandrebhose Sharman

chamber in the Caribbean, the administration intends to ensure the country is able to work with fellow Caribbean parliamentarians on matters of regional interests. “We must also ensure that our parliamentarians operate with distinction as we conduct the Assembly’s business, administratively and financially. Our access to the partner networks that the CPA offers for women, parliamentarians and parliamentarians with disabilities do not go unnoticed. As we are aware, inclusion and equality are important tenets, to which often is fully permitted,” the Prime Minister underscored. Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, said though contentious issues might be highlighted during the forum, it is important to draw on the experiences of the world. “We still have a lot to learn, everyday it’s a new challenge, it’s a new experience that requires new solutions and considerations. I wish that we all share our views as the Prime Minister said, with the rules of order. Let us continue to dialogue and find a way forward to improve the lives that we represent,” the Speaker emphasised.

Annisette-George underscored that the seminar sets up an ambitious agenda of relevant and complex topics essential to effective parliamentary functioning. “Social equality and minority rights must not be isolated from decision making on national development which form our resilience building in times of crisis or from our economic recovery efforts,” she said. She believes that the consultation is a continuous commitment to growing the knowledge base and creating greater opportunities for the prosperity of citizens in the respective countries. Also speaking at the opening ceremony were Deputy Speakers of Guyana and Suriname, Lennox Shuman, and Dewanchandrebhose Sharman, respectively. Several members of the diplomatic community were also in attendance. The training seminar will also see participation from the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada, the National Assembly of Suriname, the House of Representatives of Trinidad and Tobago, and organisations such as ParlAmericas and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). (DPI)

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 11, 2022

EU remembered for ‘significant’ role played in safeguarding Guyana’s democracy

AS it celebrated 50 years of cooperation with Guyana, the European Union (EU) was on Monday recognised and applauded for the role it played in ensuring that freedom and democracy reign in Guyana. Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo in brief remarks at a reception held at the Georgetown Club, disclosed that prior to the 2020 General and Regional Elections, there were a number of engagements with the EU delegation in Guyana and other members of the diplomatic corps, and they had discussed the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)’s fears moving into the election period. “They listened carefully to us and they worked to strengthen the system at GECOM, but our worst

fear materialized; and many people would not know, but the European Union team stayed on after the debacle at GECOM after the blatant attempt to steal the election,” he said. Dr Jagdeo who was among diplomats, ministers and other government representatives, said that the union had helped in a very significant way to ensure that information about what was really happening during that period came to light. He indicated that it is important for the public to know how integrally involved the union was in ensuring that democratic values were maintained. Meanwhile, the event was touted as a double celebration, as while it was the occasion of the Day of Europe, it also marked 50 years of the EU’s partnership with

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana Fernando Ponz Canto (left) and Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo (right) at the Europe Day celebration held on Monday evening (Delano Williams photo) Guyana. It was revealed that Europe Day was being celebrated under the theme, “European Year of Youth.” To this end, it was related that on May 9, 1950, the

Schuman Declaration was signed, marking the start of the European Project. The Schuman Declaration, which was presented by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, proposed

the creation of a European Coal and Steel community to foster the pooling of these resources. According to the EU Ambassador to Guyana, Dr Fernando Ponz Canto, the greatest achievement of the European Union has to be peace among its member states. He added that it is important to note that the world is currently living through the longest period of peace among European Union member countries. “We don’t have war between our member states any longer, peace is in the DNA of the European Union and I say we want peace in our union, but also we want this elsewhere,” the Ambassador said. In giving some background, the Ambassador stated that the Schuman Declaration contains the es-

sential element of peace, but also contains a number of other principles, including solidarity, cooperation, democracy and the rule of law. As such, he noted that the union has also been working hard in Guyana to uphold those principles alongside the government and civil society. In relation to the 50th anniversary of its presence here, Ambassador Canto stated that just after establishing relations with Guyana, the union was dealing with development cooperation but has since expanded this to cover a full range of relations with this country. He noted that a lot has been achieved over the years through cooperation, and he used the occasion to express hope that the good relations continue.

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 11, 2022

Three-day business workshop aims to promote financial independence –– among over 350 women

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security through the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute has launched its first Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) business workshop at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara. The workshop which will end on Thursday, focuses on enhancing the skills of potential and existing entrepreneurs. Facilitators will teach them how to write a business plan, network and access financing. The workshop caters to 2021 WIIN graduates, women entrepreneurs, and women-owned businesses and startups. During the opening ceremony, Minister of Human Service and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, encouraged those present to

utilise the practical aspects of the workshop and absorb information on the requirements to start and sustain a business. Speaking to participants, Minister Persaud said: “This is where it gets very exciting, because it is important to look outside of the norms to find your niche in your community and in the wider country. Look for creative ways that your business could provide solutions and services.” The idea of the WIIN business workshops is for women to create their own livelihood and their own opportunities rather to seek employment in their pursuit of being financially independent. When asked by Minister Persaud if financial stability and independence is what they wanted, the room re-

sponded with a unanimous “yes!” Minister Persaud further said: “Once a woman in a home is financially independent, once she is empowered, that home becomes more stable because she is able to provide for her family, she is able to look after herself and she is able to fully understand her inherent potential.” Minister Persaud emphasised that the activity is by no means just a “talk shop”. The ministry has partnered with several entities to provide practical guidance on how to create an effective business plan, source financing, and register their businesses. Partners include the Small Business Bureau, Centre for Local Business Development, Guyana Tourism Authority, Nations Incorporated, Demerara Bank, Republic Bank Guyana Limited, Scotiabank Guyana and the Guyana Revenue Author-

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, launched the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) business workshop at Cove and John on the East Coast of Demerara (Ministry of Human Services and Social Security photo) ity, among others. Altogether, over 700 participants registered for the workshop. However, due to this overwhelming response,

additional workshops are being scheduled to facilitate the high demand and will be announced shortly via the ministry’s social media

platforms. Some of those workshops will be held in other regions based on the applications of interest.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

West Demerara Regional Hospital gets $30M blood bank

MINISTER of Health Dr Frank Anthony on Tuesday commissioned a $30 million blood bank at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, in Region Three. Speaking at the open-

ing ceremony, the minister said building and upgrading blood-banking facilities is an area of priority for the ministry this year. “One of the things that we want to do is to

improve health services generally, and as we look at how we are going to improve health services, we felt that this is a very important area that we have to bring more focus on,” Dr. Anthony said

Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Three, Dr Erica Forte, supported by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and other officials cut the ribbon to declare open the new blood bank (DPI photo)

He related that the government has been working to decentralise blood-banking services across Guyana. Dr Anthony said, over

ity will be provided with all the necessary equipment for blood storage. This will allow the hospital to perform surgeries faster and save more

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony

time, every region should be able to provide the service, as this will allow persons donating blood to be screened and treated for various illnesses. “If that blood has a pathogen that we detect, then we’ll not be able to use that blood, but it would also tell us that this person has whatever pathogen…and for many years we have been screening blood and we’ve been detecting people with Hepatitis C,” Dr Anthony related. Additionally, the facil-

She said the region is one of the highest blood-donating regions across the country. It is for this reason that she is hopeful that the facility

Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Erica Forte

lives. Minister Anthony said within a month, the blood bank will be fully equipped. Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Three Dr Erica Forte, welcomed the new facility, noting: “This opening is not just symbolic of the government’s push and drive to get things done because in this short time we’re seeing the opening of a very first blood bank in this region, that just shows how efficiently and speedily things are being done.”

will encourage more persons to come forward and donate. “We have persons here who are willing to donate. We do a fair number of blood drives…now that there is a facility that is easily accessible to them, I expect to see even more donations in the near future,” Dr Forte said. Also attending the opening ceremony were Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, Dr Pedro Lewis and Regional Executive Officer, Jagnarine Somwar. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

12 Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts launched — to give young offenders a second chance By Clestine Juan THE Supreme Court of Judicature, on Tuesday, launched 12 Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts (DTC) in magisterial districts around the country as part of its efforts to reduce crime and substance use by adolescents, through the use of therapeutic interventions and judicial supervision. The programme is being done in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Organisation of American States Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (OAS. CICAD.) The formal ceremony was held at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, which houses one of the courts that are the first of its kind to be opened in Guyana. The others are located at the magistrate’s courts at Suddie and Charity in Region Two; Wales, Leonora and Vreed-en-Hoop in Region Three; Vigilance and Sparendaam in Region Four; Fort Wellington in Region Five; Whim and New Amsterdam in Region Six; and Linden in Region Ten. The programme adds to the adult pilot project for reforming drug offenders, which showed that participants, upon completion, were significantly less likely to be repeat offenders, compared to those sentenced with traditional punishments. During the launch, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan stressed that the programme gives young offenders a choice beyond traditional court proceedings to help them get the treatment needed to overcome their addiction and be productive people in society. “The Juvenile Drug Treatment Court is a specialised court that will target persons who are youths under the age of 18…These will be youths who are charged with a minor non-violent criminal offence,” she told the gathering. For cases involving drug possession, the quantity of narcotics must be less than 14 grams. “The goal of the court is to provide a treatment option for young persons with substance use disorder, who may have committed minor offences to support their substance use, and to reduce minor offences committed by young persons with substance use disorders. The mission of the court is to reduce crime and substance use by youths through therapeutic interventions and judicial supervision,” she added. McLennan explained that juveniles who meet the eligibility requirements must have pleaded guilty to the related charge(s). The offenders’ sentences

in the lives of our young people by providing support and enhanced treatment even after graduation,” McLennan said. ALL HANDS-ON-DECK Meanwhile, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, in her remarks, disclosed that there has been a total of 625 cases of juveniles in conflict with the law over the years from 2019 to 2021. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan (Delano Williams photo)

would then be deferred while they participate in the DTC programme. “To enter the treatment court the participant is required to submit to an assessment, which would include a drug test on the controlled conditions within 24 hours of expressing a desire to be a part of that court,” she said. The treatment plan has four stages consisting of a minimum of 10 months, which can go all the way to a maximum of 12 and is supervised by a competent and dynamic” team. The Chief Magistrate later disclosed that the team comprises magistrates, state counsel from the Director of Public Prosecutions chambers, defence counsel, police officers, probation and social services officers, drug or substance abuse treatment providers, the case manager, representatives from the Ministry of Education, family members, and other selected personnel. “The goal of this team is to provide a juvenile in conflict with the law with the option to enter a treatment programme that fosters abstinence as an alternative to an institutional penalty,” she said. According to the Chief Magistrate, the team’s responsibility is to assess the participant to determine eligibility for the programme. The team members will also work together to formulate a treatment plan to supervise the youth participant throughout the programme, until graduation. The treatment plan includes mandatory drug testing, court supervision, family involvement and community support. “Throughout the programme, participants are rewarded for virtue and sanctions for noncompliance. After completion of the programme, a report is sent by the team to the originating court, which may impose a probationary period, issue a warning or even order a complete discharge of the offence for which the participant was charged,” she said. She added: “The Juvenile Drug Treatment Court will continue to make a difference

Continued on page 18

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards (Delano Williams photo)

The inside of the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Public consultations commence on electoral reform

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. (centre) leading public consultations on the draft electoral laws

THE Government of Guyana has commenced its first round of public consultations on the draft amendments to electoral laws. Leading the consultations, on Tuesday, was Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. According to a press release from the Attorney General’s Chambers, the engagement dealt specifically with the draft amendments to the Representation of the People’s Act, which were publicly circulated by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, inviting a review, written recommendations and general views on the proposed law. Many stakeholder organisations, as well as individuals made recommendations and expressed their opinions in writing. “They were all invited to yesterday’s engagement. Representatives of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Electoral Reform Group attended. These were among the organisations who had made submissions and recommendations pursuant to the invitation extended. At the meeting, those submissions were thoroughly interrogated and discussed,” the Attorney General said in the statement. He added that he used the opportunity to explain the nature and purpose of the legislative proposals, and also made it clear that it was outside the scope of the exercise to address issues which will require amendments to the Constitution.

He advised that those recommendations be deferred and be presented when the constitutional reform process begins. The stakeholder organisations, Nandlall noted, expressed their broad support for the proposed reforms. The draft legislation is highly anticipated because of the protracted national and regional elections of 2020. Guyanese, after casting their votes on March 2, 2020, had to endure an unimaginable wait for the results of the General and Regional Elections, as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges. In this time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as electors observed what was described as attempts by the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation, with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by a wide section of society. It was only after the legal challenges and international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened and the figures showed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC Coalition got 217,920 votes. Owing to what had occurred throughout the electoral process, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had committed that Guyanese will never have to endure that again.

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 11, 2022

Building a Brighter Future for the Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership between China and Caribbean Countries

China-Guyana relationship is the starting point of China-Caribbean relationship. In 1972, Guyana took the lead in the English-speaking Caribbean to establish diplomatic ties with China, opening a new chapter of friendship between China and Caribbean countries. Over the past 50 years, especially since President Xi Jinping’s visit to Caribbean countries in 2013, China-Caribbean relations have kept deepening, and our cooperation in various sectors has yielded fruitful outcomes, setting an exemplary model of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and common development between countries of different sizes. On April 29, 2022, the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting among China and Caribbean Countries Having Diplomatic Relations with China was held via video link. Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Acting Prime Minister of Dominica Reginald Austrie, Guyana’s Foreign Minister Hugh Todd and the Foreign Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago gathered in the “cloud” to review the development of China-Caribbean relations over the past 50 years and discuss the new blueprint for future cooperation. At the meeting, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi comprehensively summarized the achievements of China-Caribbean friendship and cooperation in terms of political mutual trust, pragmatic cooperation, cooperation against COVID-19, people-to-people exchanges, multilateral coordination, and put forward four suggestions for building the China-Caribbean partnership at a higher level, such as jointly promoting peace and development, jointly drawing up a blueprint for the development of China-Caribbean relations, jointly deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly continuing to

promote friendship between the two peoples. The participating Caribbean countries responded positively to the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, praised China’s leading role as a major power, and commended China as a reliable and important development partner of the Caribbean countries. The participants reached broad consensus on building an even closer China-Caribbean countries community with a shared future.

China-Guyana relationship is a highlight of China-Caribbean relationship. I would like to share with you examples of China-Guyana cooperation in the context of five major areas of achievements of China-Caribbean friendship and cooperation. First, political mutual trust between the two sides has been strengthened as time goes by. The Chinese people have always remembered that, in 1971, Guyana resolutely voted in favor of the Resolution No.2758 in the United Nations (UN) and contributed to the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the UN. China highly appreciates the commitment of successive governments of Guyana to adhere to the one-China principle. China also firmly supports Guyana in pursuing successful development path suited to its national conditions. In March last year, President Xi Jinping and President Ali talked over the phone and reached important consensus, which has drawn a new blueprint for the development of China-Guyana relations. This year, we will take the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to continue to deepen the mutual political trust between the two countries. Second, pragmatic cooperation has yielded fruitful results. The trade volume between China and Guyana has

increased significantly year after year despite the impact of the epidemic, reaching US$710 million in 2021. The conference centre, roads, hotels, airport and other projects built with China’s assistance or participation had added to the beautiful sight of Guyana. Ferries and water plant projects have served to improve the livelihood of local people. Many training programmes have contributed to capacity building and sustainable development in Guyana. The development of bilateral relations has brought tangible benefits to the two countries and the two peoples. Jointly advancing Belt and Road cooperation will continuously inject new impetus into mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Guyana.Third, the two sides have rendered each other support and assistance through thick and thin. In the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic, China and Guyana have offered each other a helping hand and overcome the difficulties together. Guyana provided China with invaluable support when China’s fight against the pandemic was at its toughest period, and China also took the lead in providing urgently needed medical supplies to Guyana. Guyana is also the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean to receive the donated vaccines from China. Fourth, public support has grown more solid. As President Ali puts it, Guyana stands as a proud example of how persons from diverse ethnic backgrounds can co-exist in harmony, co-operate for the common good and respect one another. Multiculture, harmony and tolerance are the precious social legacies of Guyana. The Guyanese has just celebrated the “Arrival Day” with the participation of the local Chinese Lion Dance Team. Chinese culture and Chinese community have integrated deeply into the local society, which are historical ties between China and Guyana.

Chinese Medical Teams, Chinese Government Scholarships and Confucius Institute in University of Guyana have become new benchmarks for people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Guyana. Fifth, the two sides have worked closely to safeguard justice. China and Guyana have strengthened coordination and maintained communication in the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Group of 77 and China and other international organisations, jointly safeguarding the overall interests of developing countries, upholding the basic norms governing international relations and defending multilateralism. At the same time, I would like to emphasize that China attaches great importance to the concerns raised by Guyana on climate change, development financing and other issues at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. China is ready to provide the utmost

support to help Guyana tackle climate change and make the most of the upcoming China-Caribbean disaster prevention and mitigation fund to improve Guyana’s capacity to respond to natural disasters. And we are ready to enhance pragmatic cooperation with Guyana in economy and trade, investment and financing, infrastructure construction and other areas, and jointly advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China-Guyana relationship is the fulcrum of China-Caribbean relationship. A few days ago, in her speech to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Guyana and China, the Guyanese Ambassador to China, Mme. Anyin Choo, quoted the old Chinese poem “Bosom friends from afar bring a distant land near” to describe the relationship between the two countries. I would like to echo it with a Latin Amer-

Guo Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana ican proverb: “a real friend is someone who is able to touch your heart from the other side of the world.” Fifty years ago, China and Guyana echoed each other and jointly started a half-century-long friendship between China and Caribbean countries. Standing at a new historical starting point, I believe that Guyana, as an important country in the region where the CARICOM Secretariat is located, will become a pioneer and set good example for promoting China-Caribbean cooperation and building China-Caribbean countries community with a shared future. Let’s look forward to the next 50 years of even brighter future together!

12 Juvenile Drug... From page 15 This data was provided by the Guyana Police Force, in conjunction with the Director

of Public Prosecutions (DPP). “Over the years from 2019, if we look at the summary offences, we have 138 males and 59 females engaged in matters

of a summary nature; on the indictable side, we have 83 males and 63 females, a total of 343 cases,” she disclosed. According to the Chancellor, for the year 2020, 26 males and 8 females were charged for indictable offences, while 82 males and 50 females were

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022 charged for summary matters - a total of 166 cases. However, she added that for 2021, only 21 males and one female were charged for indictable offences, while 51 males and 43 females were arraigned for summary offences bringing that year’s total to

116 cases. “The important factor garnered from the stats is that the numbers seem to be dropping, and we wish for it to drop even more… We hope that with a rolling out of the drug treatment court and the services provided, the statistics

will paint a brighter picture in terms of our youth involvement, or conflict with the law,” the Chancellor said. She explained that an “all hands-on deck” approach is required for the success of the juvenile justice court. “When a child comes into conflict with the law, early identification, screening and treatment of the underlying issues that cause the offending conflict are important. This provides an opportunity for us to treat the issue, the offending conduct, and the needs of the child,” the Chancellor said. She added: “And in this court, there will be no human rights breach or administrators’ breach, as participation is voluntary and participants are given a chance to be heard to express their views on their behaviour, any disagreement on the fact and other relevant matters.” She reminded the gathering of the famous proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” before she explained that children’s safety and well-being should not be left to their own devices or to their parents alone, but should be a collaborative approach with the community and other bodies. “The state has an important role to play in this regard. And the judiciary as an arm of the state must stand up to the task and play its part. Hence, we see the need for the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court, which will provide early intervention services,” she said. To this end, she explained that, according to the statistic worldwide, there have been positive outcomes from having such courts. “Today’s temperature and landscape do not require us to just lock up children, put them away in juvenile detention centres without having their substance use addressed. If we have locking up or incarceration as the only alternative available, it will not deal with the issue affecting our children,” she added. According to the Chancellor, when juveniles are mixed with other hardcore offenders, and issues are not addressed, they become worse. If left unaddressed, she added, children will come back into society and be of the view that society has failed them. “They engage in behaviours mixed with hardcore assailants, commit more crimes and are thrown into adult prisons, and they graduate from penal institutions, sometimes with honours,” she said. In concluding, she said that the Juvenile DTC represents a new paradigm which allows the court to practise and dispense comparative jurisprudence, and that which allows the intersection of law with reason, common sense logic, experience, compassion, empathy, and restorative justice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Newly adopted Seoul Forest Declaration identifies priority action areas (FAO) THE world’s largest ever gathering on forests has adopted a declaration identifying priority areas with potential to lead to a green, healthy and resilient future. The Seoul Forest Declaration concluded five days of discussions at the XV World Forestry Congress, with a key focus on how forests can help combat the multiple crises humanity faces, including climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, hunger and poverty. The gathering, co-organized by the Republic of Korea and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) drew more than 15,000 participants from over 140 countries either in person or online, in the first event of its kind since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Seoul Forest Declaration sends a powerful message that forests, forestry and forest stakeholders offer major solutions to the challenges the world currently faces, but action is needed now,” FAO Deputy Director-General, Maria Helena Semedo said. She added: “We must now scale up political will and increase financial and technical investments. The Declaration will add to the sense of urgency to accelerate action, strengthen partnerships and enhance cross-sectoral collaboration.” The Seoul Forest Declaration urges that responsibility for forests should be shared and integrated across institutions, sectors and stakeholders, underlining that forests transcend political, social and environmental boundaries and are vital for biodiversity and the carbon, water and energy cycles at a planetary scale. Investment in forest and landscape restoration globally needs to triple by 2030 to meet internationally agreed commitments and targets on restoring degraded land, according to the Declaration. One of the key takeaways from the Congress was the importance of moving towards a circular bioeconomy and climate neutrality. The Declaration called for innovative green financing mechanisms to upscale investment in forest conservation, restoration and sustainable use, and highlighted the potential of sustainably produced wood as a renewable, recyclable and versatile material. Healthy, productive forests must also be maintained to reduce the risk of future pandemics and to provide other essential benefits for human physical and mental health, the Declaration stressed. Lastly, the Declaration urged the continued development and use of emerging innovative technologies and mechanisms to enable evidence-based forest and landscape decision-making. Close cooperation among nations is needed to address challenges that transcend political boundaries. This was strengthened at the Congress by the launch of new partnerships such as the Assuring the Future of Forests with Integrated Risk Management (AFFIRM) Mechanism, and the Sustaining an Abundance of Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) initiative. Participants also agreed that forest-based solutions must be inclusive of the perspectives of family farmers, smallholders, forest communities, Indigenous Peoples, women and youth. The outcomes of the Congress, which also included the Youth Statement on Forests and the Ministerial Call on Sustainable Wood, will be transmitted to the next Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP15), taking place this week, as well as the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the Conventions on Biodiversity (CBD) and Climate Change (UNFCCC), and other important fora. The World Forestry Congress

is held every six years. Under the theme Building a Green, Healthy and Resilient Future, this year’s event, hosted by the Republic of

Korea and co-organized with FAO, was the second congress held in Asia, with Indonesia hosting the first Congress in Asia in 1978.

The Seoul Forest Declaration sends a powerful message that forests, forestry and forest stakeholders offer major solutions to the climate crisis

The new housing development in Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, Region Three (Minister of Housing and Water photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Land owners identify plots in new Stewartville Housing Scheme

SOME 26 land owners were given an opportunity to identify their individual house lots at the new housing development scheme in Stewartville, West Coast Demerara. According to the Ministry of Housing and Water, the house lot identification exercise was led by a team from the Surveys Unit of the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA). It follows the completion of infrastructure works such as land clearing, and the construction of access roads and drainage systems. “The proud allottees related that this is a defining moment in their journey to homeownership, as they can now move forward with their construction plans after years of waiting,” the Housing Ministry noted. In April, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, inspected the works at that and several other schemes in the region, and subsequently urged contractors to expedite works so that the allottees would be able to occupy their lands soon. More than 400 house lots have been allocated in Stewartville. In the coming weeks, CH&PA will be engaging a number of other persons who were allocated lands to conduct similar exercises.

One of the proud allottees hammering down a stake with her name and lot number attached (Ministry of Housing and Water photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Government Technical Institute to get $140M boost — new state-of-the-art building to have O&G laboratory, lecture theatres, smart classrooms STUDENTS of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) are set to benefit from a $140 million state-of-the-art building, which will be constructed within the school’s compound. The project is part of a public-private partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Ken Subraj Foundation, headed by a former student of the GTI. Once completed, the building will boast an oil-and-gas laboratory, lecture theatres, smart classrooms, a welfare unit, and an administrative block among many other amenities. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this project was signed on Tuesday, followed by a sod-turning ceremony at GTI’s Woolford Avenue compound. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Alfred King, in his address at the ceremony said the ministry’s mission is to improve technical and vocational skills training throughout the country. He said that with the current developmental trajectory the country is on, it is important to modernise education delivery and to equip persons with the necessary skills needed to take advantage of the opportunities. “The working environment is dynamic and is evolving and for our training to meet the needs

of the learners and possible employees and to of course be relevant, then we will have to be at the cutting-edge, knowing what is required to take us to that next century,” King said. Similarly, Deputy Chief Education Officer responsible for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DECO-TVET), Dr Ritesh Tularam, deemed the project “momentous” as it will ensure the equitable and quality deliverance of TVET education. Project Manager Richard Mahase, said that Mr Ken Subraj credits GTI for his many successes, as it was the institution that molded him. “Today in our small way, as a small team, the rehabilitation of the quadrangular building at GTI will make it better for hundreds of students; so when they look back, they would have seen that the movers and shakers of their time were caring and proactive to their needs,” Mahase said. During brief remarks at the sod-turning ceremony, GTI Principal, Dr. Renita Crandon, expressed gratitude on behalf of the staff and students of the institution. Avinash Construction and Scrap Metal Company Inc has been contracted to undertake the project and has committed to completing it within the stipulated timeframe.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand oversees signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the project at GTI’s Woolford Avenue compound (Ministry of Education photo)

Duo accused of 2016 murder freed 22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Rocky Lallu

TWO men who were on trial for the 2016 murder of 22-year-old Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) resident, Dewaun Baksh, were, on Tuesday, acquitted of the crime by a jury. Rocky Lallu and Somar Shako were on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court for the capital offence which read that on January 1, 2016, they murdered Baksh at Greenwich Park, some four villages away from where he lived. After deliberating for almost two hours, the 12-member jury found the two accused not guilty. Lallu was represented by attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir, while Shako was represented by attorneys-at-law Sophia Findlay, Konyo Sandiford and Narissa Leander. Prosecutors Latifah Elliot and Marisa Edwards presented the state’s case. According to the evidence presented, the men allegedly had a misunderstand-

Somar Shanko

DEAD: Dewaun Baksh

ing during which Baksh was beaten and stabbed about the body, including to his neck and shoulder. He was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A post-mortem examination revealed that Baksh died of shock and haemorrhage due to the five stab wounds he’d sustained.

Bicycle gang robs Critchlow Labour College students TWO female students were, on Monday, robbed at knife-point by eight identifiable bandits on bicycles, minutes after they finished classes at the Critchlow Labour College on Woolford Avenue. According to Police Headquarters, the two female students, a 20-year-old of Camp Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown and a 28-yearold of Block Eight Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, were robbed of two Samsung Galaxy cellular phones valued collectively at $87,000, and $31,000 in cash. Initial enquiries revealed that the victims had finished classes at around 21:00hrs and were awaiting transpor-

tation to return home when they were approached by the eight perpetrators who were on bicycles. Police said one of the suspects was armed with a knife, and he pointed it at the victims in a menacing manner, while the other suspects relieved the women of the mentioned articles. After taking the valuables, the suspects escaped west along Woolford Avenue and onto Albert Street. Police are currently investigating the robbery.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Climate: World getting ‘measurably closer’ to 1.5 degree Celsius threshold (United Nations News) THERE is a 50:50 chance of average global temperature reaching 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in the next five years, and the likelihood is increasing with time, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), published on Tuesday in Geneva. The Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update also revealed a 93 per cent likelihood of at least one year between 2022 and 2026 becoming the warmest on record, thus knocking 2016 from the top spot. The chance of the five-year average for this period being higher than the last five years, 2017-2021, is also 93 per cent. The 1.5 °C target is the goal of the Paris Agreement, which calls for countries to take concerted climate action to reduce g reenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming. PROBABILITY RISING “This study shows – with a high level of scientific skill – that we are getting measurably closer to temporarily reaching the lower target of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change,” Petteri Taalas, the WMO Secretary-General said. He added: “The 1.5°C figure is not some random statistic but rather an indicator of the point at which climate impacts will become increasingly harmful for people and indeed the entire planet.” The chance of temporarily exceeding the 1.5°C threshold has risen steadily since 2015, according to the report, which was produced by the United Kingdom’s Met Office, the WMO lead centre for climate update predictions. Back then, it was close to zero, but the probability increased to 10 per cent over the

past five years, and to nearly 50 per cent for the period from 2022-2026. WIDE-RANGING IMPACTS Mr. Taalas warned that as long as countries continue to emit greenhouse gases, temperatures will continue to rise. “And alongside that, our oceans will continue to become warmer and more acidic, sea ice and glaciers will continue to melt, sea level will continue to rise and our weather will become more extreme. Arctic warming is disproportionately high and what happens in the Arctic affects all of us,” he said. The Paris Agreement outlines long-term goals that guide governments towards limiting the global temperature increase to well below 2 °C, while pursuing efforts to limit the increase even further to 1.5 °C. EDGING EVER CLOSER The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change further states that climate-related risks are higher for global warming of 1.5 °C than at present, but lower than at 2 °C. “Our latest climate predictions show that continued global temperature rise will continue, with an even chance that one of the years between 2022 and 2026 will exceed 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels,” said UK Met Office representative, Dr. Leon Hermanson, who led the report. “A single year of exceedance above 1.5 °C does not mean we have breached the iconic threshold of the Paris Agreement, but it does reveal that we are edging ever closer to a situation where 1.5 °C could be exceeded for an extended period,” he said. Last year, the global average temperature was 1.1 °C above the pre-industrial baseline, ac-

Wildfires raging across parts of the western USA turned the sky over San Francisco orange (United Nations photo)

cording to the provisional WMO report on the?State of the Global Climate. The final report for 2021 will be released on May 18.

The WMO said back-to-back La Niña events at the start and end of 2021 had a cooling effect on global temperatures. How-

ever, this is only temporary and does not reverse the long-term global warming trend. Any development of an El

Niño event would immediately fuel temperatures, the agency said, as happened in 2016, the warmest year on record.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday May 11, 2022

Titans book playoff spot by thrashing Super Giants (ESPNCRICINFO) - Gujarat Titans booked their spot in the playoffs in their first IPL season by comfortably defending 144 on a spinning pitch in Pune as Lucknow Super Giants collapsed to 82 all out. The IPL's newest franchises knew that the winner of Monday night's game would officially seal a spot in the playoffs as well as take big strides towards a top-two finish, and the game looked in the balance after Titans posted the joint-lowest total batting first this season in Pune, while losing only four wickets in a curious innings. Shubman Gill batted through the 20 overs for 63 not out off 49 balls as Titans focused on keeping wickets in hand and rotating strike after choosing to bat, but the value of his innings only became fully apparent when Super Giants crumbled against spin in the chase. Rashid Khan and R Sai Kishore - the left-arm spinner from Tamil Nadu on debut for Titans - finished with combined figures of 6 for 31 from 5.5 overs as they ran

through Super Giants' middle and lower order. The convincing margin between the teams dented Super Giants' net run rate and left them looking over their shoulder at Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore and with their hopes of a top-two finish - and qualification for the first qualifier - taking a significant blow. TITANS EYE SINGLES, NOT BOUNDARIES Hardik Pandya became the first captain this season to choose to bat in a night game against Punjab Kings last Monday and did the same again a week on, suggesting that the success of teams when batting first in Pune had played a role in his decision-making. His side got off to a slow start, reaching 35 for 2 after the powerplay with the two Khans - Mohsin and Avesh each taking an early wicket. Mohsin could have had a second - which would have seen Gill dismissed first ball but Karan Sharma put down a tough chance diving forward at deep third man at the end

of the first over. Hardik set about rebuilding with Gill but fell immediately after the strategic timeout, edging Avesh behind, and with Rashid carded at No. 7, Titans were cautious in their approach. They opted to rebuild by knocking the ball around rather than playing with much attacking intent, and David Miller's six, over cover, was the only one of their innings. Krunal Pandya, who had bowled a solitary over in Super Giants' last two games, rolled through his four overs for 24 runs; with Ravi Bishnoi dropped, he was the only spinner they used. The 61 singles they hit were the joint-third most in an innings this season, with Gill alone hitting 31 of them. Miller and Gill put on 52 in 41 balls, while Rahul Tewatia's cameo - after he was dropped by Deepak Hooda and Jason Holder's expensive final over of 16 runs ensured Titans reached a score that looked somewhere near par. DAYAL RETURNS Yash Dayal, the left-

arm fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh, had not played for Titans since their win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, missing their last three games with a niggle, but returned as Titans reshuffled their side, leaving out Lockie Ferguson, Sai Sudharsan and Pradeep Sangwan for Dayal, Kishore and Matthew Wade. Dayal struck twice in the powerplay, having Quinton de Kock and Karan caught at cover point and deep third respectively, and was unfortunate to concede 24 runs, with 10 of them coming from false shots immediately before he dismissed those two batters. With Mohammad Shami banging away on a hard length and inducing a top-edged pull from KL Rahul once the pressure burst the pipe, Titans had taken three wickets in the powerplay. RASHID ROLLS THROUGH Super Giants had shown few signs of vulnerability against spin to date but crumbled against Rashid and Kishore on what Rahul

CSA formally and unreservedly withdraws... (From page 32) want to single out any player. In his oral testimony, Adams had recounted the anecdote which led to him being given the nickname "b** s**" and it was the ombudsman's assistant Fumisa Ngqele who then asked him, "When Mark Boucher called you "b** s***, did you address him personally?" Adams responded: "No, well, I never addressed them personally. Mark was probably just one of the guys that did all that." Adams' written statement made no mention of Boucher either. Further, Boucher apologised to Adams and CSA's lawyers have ascertained that Adams had accepted the apology, which left them with no case to make against Boucher with regards to the song. On the matter of Nkwe, the chargesheet against

Boucher claimed that he had not provided "roles and responsibilities" or "meaningful key-performance indicators" for him, did not define his role or any development plans for him, and thus, "allegedly treated Mr Nkwe in a manner unbecoming of a leader in your position". Nkwe's unwillingness to testify meant CSA could not pursue this route either. There was no mention of why CSA could not sustain the charge around the handling of the BLM movement other than a comment that they had "engaged with various other potential witnesses over the last month and concluded that none of the three charges were sustainable". While Boucher had intended to call several current players to testify on his behalf, ESPNcricinfo understands that CSA could not secure the

same, and, having noted the outcome of Smith's arbitration, felt it would not be able to make the charges against Boucher stand. In the case of Smith, who was cleared last month, CSA failed to prove that Smith's appointment of Boucher as head coach discriminated against Nkwe on the basis of race. CSA's shortcomings in that case, where it was also unable to prove factual causation that Smith had influenced Thami Tsolekile's non-selection on the basis of race, and led the board to believe it would not be able to make a strong legal argument against Boucher. With Smith's case concluded, and his tenure as director of cricket ended, and the withdrawing of the charges against Boucher, CSA's battles with two of the most influential men in

the country's cricket have ended, and the board is eager to take a big-picture view of the anti-racist process over the last 18 months.

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called "a tricky and challenging pitch", which offered plenty of assistance for spinners throughout. They were 44 for 3 when Rashid came on to bowl the eighth over but were 70 for 9 after the first ball of the 14th. The first two wickets were stumpings by Wriddhiman Saha: Krunal was foxed by a googly and overbalanced, while Ayush Badoni found himself halfway down the pitch as Kishore tossed one up and beat him in the flight. Hooda, Marcus Stoinis and Jason Holder were Super Giants' last hopes, but Hooda called Stoinis through for an impossible second run and

left him stranded mid-pitch as Miller's throw came in from square leg, and Holder was trapped stone-dead by a fast, flat leg-break from Rashid. Kishore grabbed another as Mohsin fell to a wild heave before Hooda fell top-edging off Rashid. Avesh's consecutive sixes denied Rashid a hat-trick and took some of the shine off his figures but a sharp take by Saha via a thin inside edge ensured he finished with 4 for 24 - remarkably, the first time in his 88-match IPL career that he had taken a four-wicket haul.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday May 11, 2022

‘Tage’ Chanderpaul cracks 139* on day two of practice match OPENING batter Tagenarine Chanderpaul made amends for his failure to convert in the first innings and has grafted his way

to an unbeaten 139 at the end of day two of the Guyana Harpy Eagles practice match at the Guyana National Stadium, Provi-

dence, yesterday. Scores: Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s XI 119 (Chanderpaul 22, Kemol Savory 19; Junior Sinclair 4-44, Demetri

Cameron 3-23) & 245-5 (Chanderpaul 139*, Savory 49; Sylus Tyndall 1-16, Keemo Paul 1-18) v Leon Johnson’s XI 202 (Anthony

Bramble 77, Vishaul Singh 50, Paul 24; Ronsford Beaton 3-41, Gudakesh Motie 3-43) His majestic knock has guided his side to a lead of 162 runs as they reached stumps 245-5 from 72 overs. Kevin Sinclair is unbeaten on one. Chanderpaul, who has thus far faced 229 balls, striking 18 fours and one six, shared a 96-run partnership with Kemol Savory for the fifth wicket. Savory made 49 (7x4; 1x6) from 95 balls while Matthew Nandu (23) and Mavindra Dindyal (21) also got starts.; Kevlon Anderson (7) and Sachin Singh (0) were the other dismissed batters. Wickets were shared for Leon Johnson’s XI, as Sylus Tyndall (1-16), Keemo Paul (1-18), Joshua Jones (1-21), Junior Sinclair (1-37) and Antony Adams (1-58) got in on the act. Johnson’s XI, resuming on 158-5 were bowled out

for 202 in 56.5 overs, as Anthony Bramble only added ten to his overnight score of 67 while Keemo Paul made 24 from 25 balls. Ronsford Beaton was the pick of the bowlers with 3-41 while Gudakesh Motie had 3-43 and Nial Smith 2-28. The action resumes today from 10:00hrs and this match serves as vital preparation before the Guyana Harpy Eagles return to Trinidad and Tobago for the remaining three rounds of the Regional Four-Day Championship from May 18. Guyana Harpy Eagles squad: Leon Johnson (captain), Keemo Paul (vice-captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Vishaul Singh, Akshaya Persaud, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Nial Smith, Demetri Cameron, Antony Adams, Kevin Sinclair and Ronsford Beaton.

CSA formally and unreservedly withdraws misconduct charges against Boucher (ESPNCRICINFO) Cricket South Africa has "formally and unreservedly" withdrawn the charges of gross misconduct against men's national head coach Mark Boucher, less than a week before his disciplinary hearing was scheduled to begin. The board is no longer seeking his dismissal over the tentative findings of the Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) report, which concluded that Boucher may have engaged in conduct that was prejudicial on the basis of race. Following Paul Adams and Enoch Nkwe deciding to not testify at the hearings, and the outcome of former director of cricket Graeme Smith's arbitration, which cleared him on all counts, CSA found the charges were no longer sustainable. Boucher was facing three charges over his handling of historical and current racebased issues during his time as a national player and a coach. This included his role

in singing a team song with the words "b** s***" in it, directed at Adams during their playing days, his handling of the Black Lives Matter movement with the current squad, and his working relationship with former assistant coach Nkwe. Since the SJN report could not make definite findings on the seriousness of these incidents, CSA "was advised by external lawyers that the appropriate formal process to follow in respect of Mr Boucher was a formal disciplinary hearing in front of an independent ombudsman". However, CSA could find no basis to sustain the charges because of a lack of witnesses. In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, CSA confirmed that Adams' announcement on Sunday that he would not testify reiterated his initial statement that his testimony at the SJN was about the "overall culture" of the national team in the early 2000s and that he did not (Turn to page 31)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday May 11, 2022

60M Euro deal for Haaland (BBC) - Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign Norway striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. Haaland, 21, will join in July after City activated a 60M euro (£51.2M) release clause in his contract. The deal ends the club's hunt for a successor to their all-time top scorer Sergio Aguero, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer. "We can confirm that we have reached an agreement

in principle for the transfer of striker Erling Haaland," City said. "The transfer remains subject to the club finalising terms with the player." Haaland, who passed his City medical in Belgium on Monday, has scored 85 goals in 88 appearances for Dortmund since joining from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020. La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona also spoke to Haaland about a potential deal, but he opted for

a move to Etihad Stadium. Speaking earlier yesterday, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said he could not discuss the incoming signing for legal reasons. "Everybody knows the situation. I shouldn't talk because I don't like to talk about the future or next season," he said. When asked what impact a new number nine would have on the Premier League champions, Guardiola said: "New players always help to be a stronger team. But

Raducanu forced to retire from Italian open (BBC) - British number one Emma Raducanu was forced to retire from her Italian Open first-round match when she was again hampered by a back injury. Raducanu has been managing the issue in recent weeks but, after needing off-court treatment, could not continue against Canada's Bianca Andreescu. The 19-year-old trailed 6-2, 2-1 in Rome when she decided to stop. It is the latest in a series of niggles that have dogged the US Open champion in her first full year on the WTA Tour. "I was definitely disappointed with how today went, but I guess I wanted to give it a try," Raducanu said. "I never really knew how bad it was until I kind of went out there. "I'm still learning when it's right to push my body and push through it, and when it's not. I guess that's something I'm learning at these tournaments. "After Madrid, I thought that maybe taking one, two days off, it would just go away because a lot of the other small niggles I've had, they've kind of gone away after taking two days off." Raducanu, ranked 12th in the world, will be hoping the injury improves before the

Emma Raducanu had won four of her previous six clay-court matches this season

French Open starts. The clay-court Grand Slam begins on May 22 and Raducanu will be playing in the main draw for the first time. Raducanu struggled with a back injury during her defeat at the Madrid Open last week and said before facing Andreescu in Rome she was "managing" the problem. The British teenager needed an injury timeout at 5-2 in the first set, going off court for lengthy treatment. After initially appearing to serve better in the second set, she told the umpire she could not continue after losing serve for the third time in

the match. It was a disappointing end to a highly anticipated first contest between two of the most talented youngsters in the game. The match-up between the pair - who have parallels as unexpected teenage US Open champions and both born in the same part of Canada with Romanian heritage - made for an intriguing prospect. Andreescu, 21, has suffered serious physical issues herself since winning the Flushing Meadows title in 2019, admitting recently she had considered quitting the sport.

Norway striker Erling Haaland was born in Leeds in July 2000, the same summer his footballer father Alf-Inge left Leeds United to sign for Manchester City

not one defender or striker will solve our defensive or scoring problems. "The club always has to have a vision for the future. The decisions the club makes I am aware and supportive of 100%." The transfer would be one of the biggest of the summer. Sports agent Mino Raiola had been involved in the discussions prior to his death, with associates taking the process on to its conclusion.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday May 11, 2022

RHT NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour teams host annual DTV-8 Mother’s Day Programme THE management and members of the NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour cricket teams/Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS last Saturday hosted their annual Mother’s Day programmes in conjunction with Dave Television Station Channel 8. The teams under the direction of Club Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster hosted the 13th annual RHTYSC/ DTV 8 Mother-of-the-Year Programme and the third edition of the RHTYSC/ Jessica Sandian Mother’s

war Bisram and plays a major role in his cricket development. On a regular basis, Mrs Bisram takes her elevenyear-old son to practice in the afternoons via cycle and returns for him covering over five miles every day. Wiggins is the parent of another club member, Tyrell Hutson, who plays a major role in assisting Club Secretary Hilbert Foster in fulfilling his duties and also plays for the club Under-17 team. Foster urged the parents to continue to look after the

make a positive difference in the lives of others under a wide range of community projects. He expressed thanks to the management of the popular television station for being a longtime supporter of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation. The teams also distributed hundreds of food hampers to single and elderly mothers under the Jessica Sandian Mother’s Day Programme. Members of the team used two vehicles to drop off the hampers to the mothers whom they had selected.

The four mothers who were honoured pose with DTV-8 and RHTYSC officials

Day Project. The teams honoured four outstanding mothers namely, Alicia Wiggins, Tulsi Dai Bisram, Shayvon Singh and Angela Fraser. Singh and Fraser were selected based on an Essay competition that was organised with the television Station, while Bisram and Wiggins were selected by the cricket teams. Bisram is the mother of RHTYSC member Tamesh-

welfare of their children with special emphasis been placed on education, religion, personal character and discipline. He committed the RHTYSC and its different cricket teams to working beyond the call of duty to make a positive difference across the Ancient County. He stated that the RHTYSC MS is the only cricket club in Guyana and perhaps in the Caribbean, where members are mandated to

Food hampers were also handed over to the Anglican Church, headed by Pastor Sydney Jackman, at No 64 Village and to every mother at the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in Port Mourant. The team also handed over special gifts to several youths who had their first communion at the church. RHTYSC Assistant Secretary/CEO Jonathan Rampersaud, a member of both

the RHT NAMILCO Thunderbolt Under-21 and first division teams, stated that the cricketers were delighted to honour the mothers and wished them well in the

future. Special thanks were extended to Andy Moonsammy, NAMILCO, DeSinco Trading Ltd, Bakewell, Feroze Islam, Rommel

Ayasammy and others. The RHTYSC cricket teams are officially sponsored by the National Milling Company of Agricola, East Bank Demerara.

Johonel Munroe honoured as BCB/Brian Ramphal Mother-of-the-Year 2022 JOHONEL Munroe, a resident of New Amsterdam was last Saturday named the Brian Ramphal Mother-of-the-Year 2022 by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB). Ms Munroe is the mother of Under-15 player Thierry Henry, who captained the Selected Under-15 team at the recent Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-15 tournament. BCB president Hilbert Foster stated that the board started to honour parents under a special programme in 2009 under the leadership of his elder brother Keith, who served as the BCB president between 2009 and 2015. The current president served then as Chairman of a Special Events committee under his brother and implemented a wide range of social programmes including an annual Mother-and-Fatherof-the-Year award. Foster explained that it is vital to recongise the role that parents play in the development of players especially in the first ten years of their career. Most players, he stated, would join a club at about ten to twelve years when they would have already develop a trait where discipline, attitude and manners are already set. The influence of parents is also important and he hailed Ms Munroe as a positive role model in that regard as she attends all of her son's cricket matches and is always encouraging him even when he is disappointed with his own performance. The BCB president re-

BCB president Hilbert Foster hands over the Brian Ramphal Mother-of-the-Year 2022 Award to Johonel Munroe

called that at the Berbice trials, young Thierry Henry was run-out for a low score and his mom was there to still give him a standing ovation and a warm hug with words of encouragement. Foster urged the 2022 Mother-of-the-Year to uphold her high standards as a parent, and to share her experience with the younger generation of cricketing parents. He stressed the importance of parents teaching their children the importance of discipline, hard work and faith in the God they serve as once a tree becomes bent, it cannot be straightened. Ms Munroe expressed

thanks to BCB for honouring her and stated that is was an honour to be selected by a cricket board that she greatly admires and respects. The Mother-of-the-Year disclosed that she is very proud of her son, who has the potential to go far in the game. She urged other parents to attend matches and to look into the educational career of their children as education is the key to success on and off the cricket field. The BCB Mother-ofthe-Year received a framed certificate of excellence, a medal of excellence and three special gifts.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday May 11, 2022

Wong reaches quarter-finals, but no medals for Guyana … Caribbean Youth Table Tennis Championship COLIN Wong provided a glimmer of hope for a medal at the ongoing Caribbean Youth Table Tennis Championships in The Dominican Republic but that was dashed after he lost his Under-15 quarter-final tie to Yadier Lopez of Cuba 4-0 (5-11, 6-11, 3-11, 3-11) yesterday. The national Under-15 champion had swept Jamaican Jayden Ebanks by an identical 4-0 (17-15, 11-3, 11-8, 11-2) in his roundof-16 match. Wong was the only Guyanese player to progress to the last eight, as all three of

his Under-19 compatriots – Jonathan Van Lange, Niran Bissu, and Krystian Sahadeo – lost their round-of-16 ties. Van Lange went down to 8-11, 11-13, 11-13, 8-11 to Puerto Rican Jose Nieves, while Bissu waged the biggest fight against the hosts’ Yoel Mendoza but eventually lost 11-13, 11-3, 10-12, 6-11, 14-12, 14-12. Sahadeo, who was unbeaten in the group stage, and had defeated a player from the host nation, lost on this occasion to the host nation. Cristopher Rodriguez won 11-9, 8-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-7. Neither the Under-15s

Colin Wong

nor the Under-19s managed to progress to the knockout phase of the team segment.

Players not meeting minimum fitness standards worrying – Haynes (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) lead selector Desmond Haynes and director of cricket Jimmy Adams bemoaned the failure of players to meet “even minimum fitness standards”. This follows the announcement of the West Indies One-day International squad for tours of The Netherlands and Pakistan, and come on the heels of key left-handed opener Evin Lewis being left out of the squad due to fitness reasons. CWI said in a news release announcing the 15-member squad that Lewis “was not considered because he failed to meet fitness criteria”. Haynes, a former West Indies captain, said it was always disappointing when the selection panellists are unable to choose from the full array of players because of failure to reach minimum fitness standards. “When you look at the amount of cricket being played around the world, there’s a certain level of fitness that is required,” Haynes said during a virtual news conference on Monday fol-

lowing the announcement of the ODI squad. “I think that is a standard that you should set as a professional cricketer. I do get concerned when you are selecting a side not sure if these guys are going to be fit enough to finish the tour. As a professional cricketer, there’s a level of fitness that is required, and all players should try to reach that.” Adams said it was the player’s responsibility to maintain a certain level of fitness in keeping with CWI’s standards, and there were consequences for contracted players that failed to meet them. “For contracted players who are unavailable for fitness, there are consequences that are outlined in the contracts,” Adams said. “We have players who, in our eyes are good enough to be considered for selection who are unavailable because of not even coming in on minimum fitness standards. That is very disappointing. For players who are contracted, that is doubly disappointing. “It means we would have made an investment in them going back a year, and we

have nothing to show for that investment. It’s something that is concerning to us, and something we have to think very seriously about when we go into the next cycle of contract discussions. “I can’t say enough how much we consider this a letdown, not just for the individual, but for the region.” Adams added: “It begins with the player. There’s always support that a player needs. All that support can be given, but in a lot of fitness cases we’ve seen in the recent past, the players – if they were being honest – would say they’d let themselves down. “We want to compete with the best in the world, and we want our players to go out on any cricket field anywhere in the world and know that they’re equals. “This is one area we’ve worked very hard on over the last few years, and we’ll continue to keep moving the bar upwards. We believe this is something that doesn’t require as much resources as other areas that players need to improve upon to become worldclass.”

Balance needed between T20 Leagues and International matches – Adams (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) director of cricket Jimmy Adams said a holistic approach to the transfer of players into various Twenty20 leagues around the world was needed to bring balance to the sport at the domestic and international level. Adams, a former Jamaica and Windies captain, conceded that T20 will remain an important format of the sport around the globe and the various leagues popping up in diverse places will not stop. He said, however, the situation needed to be managed better to the benefit of all concerned and CWI had done a commendable job of handling the situation in recent times. Adams was speaking during a virtual news conference on Monday following the announcement of the West Indies One-day Interna-

tional squad for tours to The Netherlands and Pakistan. “We try to ensure that we do not have any overlaps with either the IPL (Indian Premier League) or CPL (Caribbean Premier League), so all of our contracted players know that there’s a minimum of two windows, where they will not have any competing international cricket,” he said. “I think now, it is not something that sees us losing control, and you will have players who will opt not to have (central) contracts because they want the freedom to play whenever and wherever, and while I respect that, I think we kind of understand where those players’ priorities lie …” CWI, like many other international cricket governing bodies around the world, have been grappling with players choosing fran-

chise-styled T20 leagues over the humdrum of mainly Tests because of the financial rewards. “We will live with them, and we will move on if we have to, but I do not think that is a majority, and I don’t think it impacts us in a negative sense because we have had many players in recent years who have played who have not been contracted players,” Adams said about the current Windies situation. “It is something that needs managing at the international level, and the levels within the regions around the world, but I think that given where we are in world cricket and West Indies cricket, we are doing a pretty good job of it.” Adams said the situation came down to choices, which players such as himself and current lead selector Desmond Haynes - who was also

Jimmy Adams

part of the news conference - did not have. “I don’t necessarily think the T20 leagues are a bad thing, but I think what players have nowadays that they did not have in my time and (Desmond’s) time is choice,” he said.

“Choice is not a bad thing – but choice has to be regulated by all parties concerned, starting from the ICC (sport’s world governing body), and how many leagues are permitted around the world and so on. That is sort of a macro approach to it.”

Adams said though the talent drain will perhaps continue over a period of time, CWI must remain committed to producing international, quality players. “I strongly believe that we have a responsibility to produce the best cricketer that we can, as early as we can,” he said. “If we do that and we do that well, I have no doubt that a lot of those young cricketers will get opportunities in leagues outside of the Caribbean.” He said: “But I think the ICC has given us the (no-objection) certificate as one way of controlling contracted players playing outside of the region. “In other words, if we select a player and he is a contracted player to CWI, then we have first call on that player versus any league in the world.”

West Indies players take part in a training session, St Lucia, June 10, 2021

Players not meeting minimum fitness standards worrying – Haynes

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