Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13-11-2023

MONDAY 13th November, 2023

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE

No. 107263

Development is not guesswork - President Ali

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‘The time has come for a ceasefire’ - President Ali - calls for peace amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, other parts of the world

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Remembering our heroes: President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday led a wreath-laying ceremony which is held at the Cenotaph on the second Sunday in November each year to honour those who died in the world wars (Office of the President photos)

Diwali celebrations

Guyanese across the country on Sunday lit diyas and engaged in fun activities as they celebrated Diwali – the Festival of Lights (Office of the President and Indrawattie Natram photos)

Guyana to upscale testing, production of wheat SEE PAGE

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- plans to become competitive grain producer in the works, President Ali says

PM, President pledge $2M to Guyana Veterans Legion - each veteran to get $100,000 in additional support

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Guyana to upscale testing, production of wheat - plans to become competitive grain producer in the works, President Ali says

By Naomi Parris LOOKING to position itself as a major player in the food industry, the country will soon begin examining how it can produce wheat competitively.

President, Dr. Irfaan

Ali, while addressing private sector stakeholders at an event held recently at the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) headquarters, said that although it has already been determined that the country can grow wheat

successfully, the ultimate goal is to become a major supplier of the grain.

“We have to upscale testing and production,” the Head of State said.

Already, six strains of wheat have been tested.

Meanwhile, small plots of 320 lines and

five varieties of at least one hectare each were sown at Sante Fe, Region Nine, in September.

“What the result has shown so far is that wheat can be successfully grown. Now wheat successfully grown competitively is another

part of the equation that we have to address our minds to.”

He urged Seaboard Overseas and Trading Group, a subsidiary of NAMILCO, to partner with the government in its production of wheat as well as corn and soya beans.

“The food industry is different from agriculture production. Agriculture production is at the raw stage, the food industry requires a lot of processing, a lot of manufacturing, a lot of packaging and that is what we have to get ourselves into and that is where the revenue from oil and gas helps us to diversify the economy and build this new pillar,” he added.

The goal, the president explained is to produce as many raw materials as possible to tap into the lucrative food-production market, supplying not only the demands of the country but also the Caribbean Region.

Prices for wheat had skyrocketed globally due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Russia and Ukraine account for approximately 30 per cent of the world’s traded wheat.

To ease the negative economic impact felt locally, President Ali, in 2022, had announced that Guyana is exploring the possibility of sourcing a variety of wheat for local production.

Back in May 2022, Guyana received 49 lines of wheat from the Government of Mexico to start a trial phase. The indoor trial, which explored several varieties, was completed at the Burma Rice Station in Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Addressing the objective of the wheat trials in a previous interview, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha had said the aim is to have Guyana become self-sufficient by removing its dependence on imports.

“We are very determined! And as long as the trial is successful, we will be going to produce our own wheat because we can’t depend too much on imports…

As a country, we have to ensure that we produce our own food and be self-sufficient,” he said.

Mustapha acknowledged that the pandemic played a major role in influencing the government to explore this project.

“We can have all the money in the world and we would have seen, during the pandemic, how many countries were suffering to get food because there was a scarcity,” Mustapha said, noting: “And in Guyana, we are very fortunate that we produce most of the food that we consume.”

‘The time has come for a cease-fire’ - President Ali

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

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- calls for peace amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, other parts of the world

By Naomi Parris JOINING many international leaders, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Sunday, called for a cease-fire in the ongoing tragedy in Gaza where thousands of women and children have already been killed.

The Guyanese Head of State, while addressing those attending a wreath-laying ceremony in the vicinity of the Georgetown Cenotaph in commemoration of Remembrance Day, said the time has come for leaders and the rest of the world to honour those who fought to prevent conflicts.

President Ali said everyone should join collectively to call for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflicts across the world, especially those where women and children have been killed and harmed.

“They did not sacrifice so that we may inherit a world in which we have a continuation of wars and conflict and this Remembrance Day the least the world could do is in honour of those who sacrificed ultimately in the two world wars; the least the world can do is to return every corner of this world to a position of peace,” President Ali said.

He noted that every country and its citizenry have a duty to maintain and plan towards peace.

“This country the Co-operative Republic of Guyana plans every single day for a peaceful world and contributing towards a peaceful world in honour of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in those two world wars.”

“The time has come for a cease-fire. The time has come for children, women and men not to be awakened to their deaths by bombs, but to enjoy a world of peace, joy and prosperity,” he lamented.

President Ali had previously bemoaned the division in a global call for a cease-fire.

The Guyanese Head of State, while addressing a regional forum on gender equality and empowerment earlier this month, said it is “unacceptable and heart-wrenching” that women and children are being “slaughtered” in Gaza, “killed” by criminal violence in Haiti, and the war in Ukraine.

At the same time, some leaders remain mute on these matters, he had pointed out.

“Our women and children are being slaughtered.

Women and girls are being

President Ali interacts with veterans at the Remembrance Day wreath-laying ceremony (Office of the President photo) raped, killed through criminal violence in Haiti. And women and girls suffer in the war in Ukraine. Yet some of the most powerful voices in the world lay silently,” he had said.

“I make that point knowing full well that many arrows may be

pointed, but knowing full well that I stand on the ground of truth. There cannot be much more hypocrisy in the world.” the president further added while zeroing in on the current crisis in Gaza.

According to several international news agen-

cies, an armed conflict between Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups and Israeli military forces began on October 7, 2023.

Since then, thousands have been killed and displaced, among these are women and young chil-

dren.

Last month, the United Nations General Assembly voted in favour of a resolution for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and the Palestinian group, Hamas. Guyana voted in favour of the resolution.

Additionally, he noted that these increases and investments in infrastructure bring much benefits. These includes better schools, better healthcare and in the future, they will bring greater reliability in terms of energy and cheaper costs of energy.

Further to this, he added that the government has removed VAT on electricity and water.

Residents were told that a project will commence next year for a new water treatment plant which will cost more than $850 million to ensure

that they have treated water in their homes.

President Ali added that the results of investments in infrastructure and schools among other things improve the lives of people and add value to their properties.

“These are the consequences of the investment.

This is how the investments add wealth to the families and the more money you have in your pocket. What do you do?

You invest it in your families; you invest it in your children,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, the Head of

State said that as a result of the investments being made in technology, there will be 100 per cent trained teachers all across the country.

As a result of the GOAL scholarship programme, teachers can be right on the island and pursue degree programmes to become trained graduate teachers.

“Everything is carefully planned to give more to people; to put back more money in your pocket to create new opportunities, to create great opportunities,” President Ali said.

Development is not guesswork - says President Ali

By Shamar Meusa PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has said that the country’s ongoing development is not the result of guesswork but rather careful planning that will benefit all citizens.

The Head of State made this remark during his address to residents of Wakenaam, Essequibo Islands during the commissioning of a new school recently.

It was there that he disclosed that the government carefully plans everything to give more to the people and put more money back into their pockets while also creating new opportunities.

He assured residents that the government will fix all roads in Wakenaam before the end of 2025 as part of its development plans for the island.

Further, he revealed that the relevant teams including

the Public Works Ministry and engineers have been told to get this done.

“We are not sparing resources; we are putting the resources to ensure your life gets better,” he said.

Against this backdrop, Dr Ali highlighted that investments have been made in healthcare, old age pension has increased and funds have also been invested in sea defences over the years.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Guyana to host Caribbean Investment Forum next year FOLLOWING the recently concluded Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) in The Bahamas, Guyana is set to be next year’s host.

This is according to the Caribbean Export Development Agency, which stated that in an exciting culmination to the successful event which was held last month in The Bahamas, the major announcement was made that Guyana will host the 2024 edition.

The forum is said to usually be one of the largest gatherings of business people in the Caribbean and focuses on promoting

investments in the Region.

The announcement was made following the two-day forum where Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond was present.

This year’s forum focused on four main areas: agricultural technology, renewable energy, ICT digital business, FINTECH and logistics and transport. It was noted that these can be transformational to the Caribbean Region.

During the two-day forum, investment villages, workshops and roundtables were hosted, focusing Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond at this year’s CIF

on the various areas. It was during the ministerial roundtable that Minister Walrond discussed investments in fibre-optic infrastructure to boost

growth in the ICT sector and digital government services.

At this year’s forum, there were presentations on investment projects to

investors from around the globe, along with panel discussions on why the Caribbean is ripe for investment.

The Guyana Chroni c l e h a d p re v i o u s l y reported that the forum creates a space for private sector bodies

around the Region that are looking for investment opportunities in other Caribbean countries and provides opportunities for companies to invest in government projects across the Region.

PM, President pledge $2M to Guyana Veterans Legion

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

- each veteran to get $100,000 in additional support

P R I M E M i n i s t e r, Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips, pledged a $2 million donation to the Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL) on Sunday at their annual Remembrance Day ceremony, which was held at the GVL headquarters on Carifesta Avenue.

The Prime Minister donated $1 million on his behalf, and another $1 million on behalf of President Dr Irfaan Ali. The Prime Minister also pledged $100,000 to each surviving veteran on behalf of the President, while he conveyed the government’s commitment to assist the widows of deceased servicemen.

During his speech, PM Phillips stressed the significance of honouring veterans, asserting that recognising and supporting them is a collective responsibility.

"Their endeavours, whether on the front-

lines, or in the service of the communities, contribute to the tapestry of a nation built on principles of compassion, and service."

Highlighting the crucial role of remembrance, the Prime Minister underscored the necessity to preserve veterans' legacies and pass their stories of sacrifice onto future generations.

“All of us must pledge as custodians of our veterans’ stories, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten," he said.

“May we carry forward the torch of remembrance, not just today, but every day as a testament to our vision for peace, unity, an enduring spirit of service to Guyana.”

Prime Minister Phillips also lauded the Guyana Veterans Legion's 97 years of service in honouring and supporting veterans and their families. He

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, greets veterans praised the organisation for being "a stalwart guardian of the memories of these officers and soldiers,” while applauding its members for fostering a culture of honouring veterans

and their widows.

Furthermore, Chiefof-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, pledged $1 million on behalf of active GDF members and reaf-

firmed the force's unwavering commitment to supporting veterans and their families.

Several other substantial donations to the Legion were announced, including a

$500,000 pledge from the Guyana Police Force.

Members of the diplomatic community, Joint Services and other officials were also present. (OPM)

Region Two observes Remembrance Day

SCORES of persons on Sunday assembled in the compound of the Anna Regina Town Council at the cenotaph to witness the annual Remembrance Day wreath-laying ceremony Leading up to the 08:00 hours start, there was much enthusiasm as contingents of Joint Services ranks marched in their ceremonial uniform.

After regional officials took the salute,

wreaths were laid around the cenotaph.

Among those who participated in this part of the programme were Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silv a ; Vi c e - C h a i r m a n Humace Oodit, Regional Commander Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran; Regional Executive Officer (REO), Susanna Saywack; Prime Minister representative, Arnold Adams and Mayor Devin Mohan.

De Silva in her remarks said that the efforts of those who died in the two world wars must not be forgotten.

She said that this is a time to remember the sacrifice of all those gallant men and women who died in the line of duty.

According to her, the nation is indeed indebted to the fighters who made sacrifices for freedom and peace.

She added that in remembering and giv-

ing gratitude, Guyanese must also remember the sacrifices others are making to ensure human dignity, social justice and freedom.

De Silva said that the history is rich and must be taught to the younger generations.

She thanked all those who came out to support and remember the fallen heroes and she also extended sympathy to those who had lost relatives in the wars.

Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva lays a wreath at the cenotaph

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Celebration of Light and Reflection DIWALI, the Festival of Lights, traditionally celebrated by Hindus, has found a special place in the diverse cultural tapestry of Guyana.

This vibrant South American nation, known for its rich blend of ethnicities, has embraced Diwali as a unifying celebration that transcends religious boundaries. As the flickering diyas illuminate the night, Guyanese of all backgrounds come together to participate in the festivities, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy.

The significance of Di-

wali lies not only in its religious roots, but also in its broader message of triumph over darkness and the victory of good over evil.

In Guyana, where various ethnic communities coexist harmoniously, Diwali serves as a symbol of unity and mutual respect. The festival's message resonates across the diverse populace, encouraging a collective celebration that goes beyond religious affiliations.

Despite being rooted in Hindu traditions, Diwali celebrations in Guyana transcend religious lines, becoming an inclusive affair that

promotes cultural exchange and understanding. Communities across the nation engage in the age-old rituals of lighting lamps, decorating homes, and sharing delicious sweets. It is a time when Guyanese of all faiths join hands to celebrate the shared values of hope, positivity, and community spirit.

Beyond the festivities, Diwali provides a unique opportunity for individual introspection and reflection.

The symbolism of light dispelling darkness encourages people to ponder their personal journeys and the potential for positive change.

The festival becomes a catalyst for self-improvement, inspiring individuals to overcome challenges and embrace a brighter, more optimistic future.

This period of introspection extends to the community and the nation as a whole. Diwali prompts Guyanese citizens to reflect on the unity that binds them together, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the well-being of the society they share. The festival encourages acts of kindness, charity, and goodwill, reinforcing the idea that a stronger, more

harmonious community starts with individual efforts.

As the diyas illuminate the night sky, Diwali in Guyana becomes a celebration not only of cultural diversity, but also of the shared values that connect its people. It serves as a reminder that, despite differences, there is much that unites us all. By embracing the spirit of Diwali, Guyanese individuals are inspired to contribute positively to their communities, fostering a sense of togetherness that extends beyond the festival season.

In essence, Diwali in Guyana is more than a religious observance; it is a celebration of light, unity, and the potential for positive change. As the festival's glow permeates the nation, it leaves behind a trail of inspiration, urging individuals to embark on a journey of introspection and collective betterment.

In the spirit of Diwali, Guyanese come together to illuminate not just their homes, but also the path towards a brighter, more harmonious future for their community and country.

PM Phillips, ministers, MPs issue warning to Maduro regime

Dear Editor, MOST if not all Guyana should be mindful of the fact that a remarkable feat took place on Monday November 6, 2023, when the government and the opposition parties joined in a show of unity and strength to defend and preserve Guyana’s border at an extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly.

On this day, every sitting member of parliament from both sides of thea isle including the Leader of the Opposition Mr. Norton and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Hugh Todd vehemently condemned the recent actions by the Maduro regime for its threats to use force to unilaterally annex the Essequibo region which is approximately 73 per cent of Guyana’s territo-

ry. This type of unity has not been seen or witnessed in the country in decades.

Following the debate, the MPs unanimously and vigorously approved a parliamentary motion rejecting the planned Venezuela referendum scheduled for December 3rd that seeks to annex Essequibo. The debate was led by the capable and effective leader of the House for government business, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who in a gut-wrenching speech in the presence of members of the diplomatic corps, senior public servants and schoolchildren emphatically declared that in the face of incessant and baseless threats from Venezuela, the people and government of Guyana have remained resilient and assertive and will not succumb to the tyranny and intimidatory tactics of

Caracas.

The former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips passionately and unforgivingly reiterated what President Dr. Irfaan Ali has on several occasions profoundly told members of the international community that the time for negotiation is over; there will be no need for dialogue with President Nicholas Maduro and absolutely no meeting between the irrational tyrant and himself.

While the President was firm, committed and vowed to defend Guyana’s territory, PM Phillips candidly told the National Assembly that Essequibo is not Bird Island which Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica ceded to Venezuela a decade ago, or Patos Island which Trinidad and Tobago

surrendered to Venezuela.

As a patriot and proud and loyal Guyanese, the Prime Minister resolutely said there will be no concessions, no to invasion, annexation, or any other acts of aggression

by Venezuela. He distinctly reaffirmed the validity of the 124-year-old 1899 Arbitral Award which settled the border dispute, established a “full, perfect and final” settlement of the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela and confirmed that Essequibo is part of Guyana’s territory.

Like His Excellency, the leader of the House for government business is steadfast in his quest to have the dispute settled through peaceful and legal means before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Echoing President Dr. Ali, Prime Minister Phillips avowed that every square

inch of Guyana belongs to Guyanese, and the nation will not yield any territory to Venezuela, despite the recent threats from Caracas to use force to annex Essequibo. He said the government remained committed to the legal process to resolve the border controversy to secure and protect the nation’s sovereignty.

PM Phillips further told the House that the Maduro regime’s malicious claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory is flawed and without any merit and its plans to hold a referendum on Guyana’s Essequibo on December 3, 2023, is groundless and will not deter the will of the people to defend Guyana who have sought the intervention of the World Court at a hearing scheduled for December 14

and 15, while a case on the border controversy itself is still ongoing in the ICJ. The former army chief joined several of his colleagues and MPs in the House to forewarn President Maduro that Guyana’s stance on the border controversy is non-negotiable and this is a fundamental right that Venezuela must respect, because there would be grave consequences on his regime if it attempts to annex the Essequibo region.

Maintaining that Essequibo belongs to Guyana, the Prime Minister said that every square inch of the country means everything to its people, whose ancestors comprise Indigenous, Africans, East Indians, Portuguese, Europeans and Chinese.

Respectfully, Dr. Asquith Rose

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Why don’t they go to Israel to investigate?

I HAVE been writing newspaper columns for 35 years and I will ask all those who stuck with me over those long years to accept the words in the next lines because they are sincerely based on the feeling I had.

Here I go. On reading that the Government of Guyana has refused to meet with the non-governmental American delegation that is supposed to arrive here today to carry out so-called investigation into discrimination, I honestly said to myself immediately; I mean it just flew into my mind right away – why don’t they go to Israel?

In the history of world politics, no recipient of aid has ever received the immeasurable amount of aid the country of Israel has got from the United States.

If you put together all the developing countries in the world that have special bilateral relations with the US, they collectively would not

have received the amount of aid in one year that one country alone collected – Israel.

This is tax-payers’ money that over a period of 60 years is simply staggering.

With Israel the centre of world criticism, why did the delegation not go there? Israel has a greater obligation to talk to American taxpayers than any other country on Planet Earth.

The question is not why the delegation is coming here but two aspects need interrogating – their status and the dangerous precedent that the visit will create in the future for Guyana. Let’s analyse both. First, Guyana is a signatory to certain international institutions whose request to come to Guyana to investigate a complaint, the Guyana Government cannot refuse.

The list includes the UN, OAS, Commonwealth, World Court, International Criminal Court, WTO, and

of crucial importance CARICOM. Guyana has bilateral relations with some powerful countries, particularly the EU and the US. If a dialogue results in either the US or the EU asking for acceptance of a fact-finding mission, it is likely the Guyanese administration will concede.

As it stands today, no government in any part of the world and not one internationally recognised legal institution has made a comment on Guyana’s politics and sociology. No CARICOM nation has commented adversely at any time on the policies and behavior of the administration in Georgetown.

Why should an unofficial, non-governmental group in the United States, not representing the Congress and Government of the US come to Guyana and arrogate to itself the right to investigate the policies of a sovereign nation. That should never be accepted

by any sovereign nation on Planet Earth.

Let’s look at the second aspect. For the government to accept an unofficial delegation from the US to meet with it to discuss how the government relates to its citizenry is creating an incredibly dangerous precedent that over a period of time will lead to the erosion of Guyana’s sovereignty.

This story is not about the UN General-Secretary, US President, Chairman of CARICOM having expressed a desire to have a dialogue with the President and his Cabinet on some curious area of governance.

This is a non-governmental group deciding it wants to meet with the President of a sovereign state and enquire from him about the complaints of discrimination made by the opposition in Guyana.

The University of Guyana, civil society groups, media houses, NGOs have not made any request to this so-called delegation to come to Guyana to investigate racial discrimination. What is ugly and repugnant about the intention of this delegation is that it wants to probe a government for discrimination when that very government is headed by one of the most popular presidents in any country in the world at the moment and a president that enjoys widespread acceptance across cultural, ethnic and religious communities.

Why the precedent is dangerous and the President was right to refuse to meet the group? There are two dimensions to the answer.

One is that particular delegation would be empowered to inquire into any complaint it is in possession of from the opposition. It would

feel it can descend upon Guyana and seek dialogue with the President whenever it wants to. So today is discrimination. Tomorrow will be investment policy. The next year, it will be foreign policy. The following year it will be local government elections. Where will it end?

The second dimension is that other groups from other parts of the US, and maybe Canada or the EU that have some form of connection with the opposition in Guyana can write a sovereign nation and claim it wants to investigate governance in this country. The group is supposed to come today. I want them to know as an opinion maker in this country, they are out of line by a far, far way.

Next – a question for the delegation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Moral Hazard in Guyanese Politics

MORAL hazard is a term used in economics to describe a situation where people behave differently when sheltered from risk than they would when exposed to similar risk.

In other words, people can act boldly and perhaps competently when they are support-

ed (or perceived to be protected) by formidable authority figure.

The bold competent person loses potency when the protection is removed. This concept is not dissimilar to the “Peter Principle” in management. In that, a person can be promoted to a “level of respective

incompetence.” That is to say, persons may be promoted based on success in their previous position to the point where they exceed their personal competence threshold.

Enter Aubrey Norton. In PNC circles, he was considered a political pitbull, a workhorse

and competent political organiser of national repute. The government of the day took notice when Norton was on their heels. I’m not sure that anyone can successfully label Norton a political slouch at that level. Led by Hoyte, Corbin and Granger, Mr. Norton found the perfect big brother cover to pick political fights and be a political thorn in the flesh of the PPP government. At the last party leadership contest, Norton ran on his track record as a political organiser. On that level, his record outshone Joe Harmon’s; he was thus promoted to lead the PNC and the opposition in parliament.

In that instant, the pitbull became a poodle, the workhorse became a show pony, the opposition has no luster and is now the weakest opposition in the history of Guyana. Let’s take a quick detour to examine the tenure of every previous opposition leader of Guyana. Burnham became Prime Minister and President.

Jagan became president. Desmond Hoyte ran a competent opposition that won an election petition and cut short one term of the PPP. His tenure also saw a resistant PPP government agreeing to the Herdmanston Accord.

Robert Corbin

formed APNU and its success sheet is long.

Granger formed the APNU+AFC coalition and won power. Jagdeo’s brinksmanship got the coalition out of power.

Since Norton became Opposition Leader, The PNC lost two original members of APNU along with the coalition partnership with the AFC. Then PNC took the whooping of its life in the last LGE. The Office for the Leader of the opposition on Regent Street is ghost town.

Several scandals were reported in the press that indicate that Norton is hardly in control of his Party’s Central Executive. He didn’t get along with his treasurer, General Secretary and numerous other members of his executive. It is unprecedented that so many party stalwarts and towering political figures such as Granger, Harmon, Basil, Amna, Greenidge, Van West Charles and Bond, to name a few, have gone quiet and do not contribute to the day-today political life of the opposition.

Only political hardheadedness and incompetence on the part of the political leader can account for this predicament. This is a textbook case of the Peter Principle, a good party organiser is, in this case, an incompetent party lead-

er. Norton was clearly promoted beyond his competence threshold.

Incompetence as a leader is probably hardwired in his veins. Sooner than later the party rank and file will come to this realisation.

The AFC is now at its weakest since its inception, in fact, near dead, compounded by unprecedented membership attrition. Yet, most of the original thought and opposition motions so far in the current parliament came from its benches. That should say something about the state of the PNC under Norton. Norton’s own presentations are near empty. PPP’s GS Jagdeo is probably on point when he said that, “Norton is a low-level political operative who has no clue how to lead a party.” Do you ever wonder why the government gives the opposition leader no time of day? Do you ever wonder why a handshake became the centerpiece of Norton’s political activism? Regardless of the party you support, deep in your heart, you know that Guyana will benefit from a formidable, sensible and strategic opposition, but Norton is not currently providing this kind of leadership.

T h a t ’s m y t a k e .

What do you think of it?

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Police investigating suspected murder of Berbice woman at Sunset Hotel POLICE are investigating an alleged murder committed on Romona Lall, a 32-year-old woman of Lot 1503 Kilcoy Chesney, Corentyne, Berbice, which occurred between 17:50 hours on Saturday and 12:15 hours on Sunday at Sunset Hotel located in Kitty, Georgetown.

According to the police, Khersattie Bettencort, the hotel’s proprietor, told investigators that the victim and an identifiable male companion went into the hotel at around 17:55 hours on Saturday and booked a room. They were given the keys to the room, which is situated on the first floor, and they were expected to book out at

12:00 hours on Sunday.

However, at 20:07 hours on Saturday, the identifiable male exited the room alone and left the hotel.

“According to the receptionist at the hotel, at about 07:00 hours this morning (Sunday), she reported for work and took over duties from another receptionist. She then checked the overnight sheet and observed that 11 persons had to check out of the hotel at 12:00

hours. At about 12:15 hours today (Sunday) she observed that the victim did not check out from Room 4, and as such, she decided to make checks.

The receptionist said she knocked on the door and called out but got no answer.”

“She then took another key, opened the room door, and saw the victim lying motionless on the floor, naked. She immediately informed

the owner of the hotel and summoned the police.”

“A broken Guinness bottle and a 592 beer bottle were seen on the floor. What appeared to be blood stains were seen on the bed and walls of the room,” the police said.

Emergency medical technicians responded to the scene, and the victim was pronounced dead by Doctor Rampersaud of Georgetown Public Hos-

pital Corporation.

The scene was photographed and processed by detectives.

“The body of the deceased was examined for marks of violence, and one stab wound was seen to the left side of the chest with a broken Guinness bottle head seen in the wound. There were also abrasions to the lower abdomen and three stab wounds to her back,” the

police said.

Detectives have extracted CCTV footage from cameras on the building, which captured when the victim and the male suspect entered the hotel and when the male left the hotel.

The body is presently lying at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Driver arrested for possession of forged currency

POLICE ranks, during a 'Stop and Search' exercise in front of the Fort Wellington Police Station in West Berbice, on Saturday, arrested the driver of a vehicle who was searched and found to be in possession of a quantity of suspected forged Guyana currency.

According to the police, during the exercise, a white motor car bearing licence plate number PTT9098 overtook several vehicles on the solid double lines in the ranks view and was stopped.

As a result, one of the police ranks told the driver of the offence and asked him to produce his relevant documents, and he refused.

“The driver began behaving disorderly and was instructed to park in the Fort Wellington Police Station compound, and he complied.”

“When questioned, the driver said his name was Kenio Thomason. Police searched the car in Thomason's presence and found nothing illegal. However, when they carried out a search on Thomason's person, they found a quan-

tity of suspected forged Guyana currency ($5,000 notes).”

“When police informed Kenio Thomason of the offence committed, he (Thomason) grabbed the forged currency from the hands of one of the ranks and ran to the back of the Fort Wellington Police Station. Police ranks gave chase and saw Thomason throwing the suspected forged currency between a clump of bushes,” the police said.

It was later retrieved by ranks who arrested Thomason. The forged currency was counted in his presence and amounted to $95,000.

According to the police, when Thomason was told of the offence committed, he responded: "Officer I just trying a thing because me girl just get a baby and things tight, do a thing for yuh boy nah."

The suspected forged currency was photographed, marked, sealed, and lodged in his presence.

He was placed into custody and is slated to be charged.

G$95, 000 in forged $5, 000 bills were reportedly found on the person of Kenio Thomason during a ‘Stop and Search’ exercise in West Berbice (GPF photo)

Police patrol finds 50lbs of marijuana in boat at Rosignol ABOUT 23:30 hours on Friday, police ranks in Regional Division #5, who were conducting mobile patrol duties in the Blairmont Station

District, d iscovered 22,700 grams of marijuana in a boat near the Rosignol Stelling.

“While in the vicinity of the Rosignol Stelling

area, the ranks observed two unidentifiable men walking around the 'Cabbage Factory' koker.”

“On seeing the police, the men ran in different

The boat that the parcels of ganja were in (GPF photos)

directions and escaped into the bushes. The police ranks observed an aluminum boat with a 15 hp outboard engine next to the koker. The ranks searched the boat and found five parcels wrapped with transparent

plastic containing suspected cannabis,” the police said in a press release.

The suspected narcotic, boat and engine were confiscated and lodged at the Blairmont Police Station. The parcels with suspected cannabis were

weighed and amounted to 50 lbs (22,700 grams).

The suspected narcotic was sealed and lodged. Investigations are ongoing.

The parcels of ganja that police found near the Rosignol Stelling

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Elderly pedestrian dies in Soesdyke-Linden Highway accident POLICE are investigating a fatal accident which occurred about 18:30 hours on Saturday on the Adventure Public Road, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The dead person has been identified as 78-year-old pedestrian, Frank London.

According to the police, the accident involved motorcar PXX 1989 (a white Toyota 212), owned and driven by Daniel James, a 28-year-old of Mackenzie and London, a resident of Adventure Village.

“Enquiries disclosed that the car was proceeding North along the western side of the road when the driver alleged that he saw a man sitting on the road in his lane. On seeing

him, the driver said he pulled East to avoid a collision, but because of the short distance, the front left portion of the vehicle collided with the pedestrian.”

“As a result of the collision, the vehicle was damaged, and the pedestrian received injuries to his body. He was picked up in an unconscious condition by public-spirited citizens, placed into a passing vehicle and taken to the Mackenzie Public Hospital, where he was seen and examined by doctors on duty and was pronounced dead,” the police said in a press release.

The body was placed in storage to await a post-mortem examination.

GPL linesman recovering following ‘electric shock’ at Vreed-en-Hoop

I S H WA R P e r s a u d , a 49-year-old linesman employed with the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) and attached to the Vreed-en-Hoop branch, is presently hospitalised in a stable condition after he came into contact with a live electric wire on Saturday.

According to the police, Persaud was with other GPL crew members doing maintenance work within

the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling Road area when he came into contact with a live wire while on a GPL pole.

“As a result, he was 'shocked' and left hanging on the pole. He was removed in an unconscious state by his co-workers and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he is receiving medical attention. His condition is listed as stable,” the police said.

With assistance from a tow truck, the damaged motorcar was taken to the Highway Patrol Base, where it was lodged to be examined by a Licensing and Certifying Officer.

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver, but no trace of alcohol was found in his breath. The driver is in custody, assisting with the investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Diwali motorcades foster unity, team spirit - Dr Vindhya Persaud

Story and photos by Indrawattie Natram

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Dr Vindhya Persaud has said that the Diwali motorcades has grown tremendously over the years and has been promoting team spirit, togetherness and unifi-

cation among Guyanese.

Dr Persaud was at the time delivering a feature address at the annual Essequibo Coast Praant Diwali motorcade, which was held on Thursday evening at the Anna Regina Car Park in Region Two. Dr Persaud said that 49 years ago, her father Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud,

conceptualised the motorcades which today serves as a vehicle for unification.

She said the motorcades provide avenues for persons to be in an atmosphere filled with peace, love and fraternity.

Dr Persaud used the opportunity to thank all those who played a part in making this year’s motor-

cade a success. This year, 16 floats, some from as far as the Pomeroon River and Spring Garden, sent a strong message that the Indian culture has been preserved.

Dr. Persaud said that she is impressed with the “masterpieces” that were put together by mandirs and she has seen the ad-

Scenes from the Region Two Diwali motorcade

vancement of technology used on the floats.

“No one had envisioned how big these motorcades would have been across the region…There is no [better] place to celebrate Diwali than in Guyana,” Dr Persaud said.

Meanwhile, copping first position in the large category was Spring Bhu-

vaneshwar Mandir. The mandir is located at the southern end of the coast and its members were able to convince the judges that their creative design was deserving of the top accolade. The masterpiece and carvings were done

by Mahindra Sharma and team from the Spring Garden Village.

Over 30 persons from the community came together to create the float, which had flower designs was complemented by art pieces and carvings showcasing the message of Diwali.

Sharma told this publication that from the time the date of the motorcade was announced, the excitement filled the air.

This year’s float was a tribute to Humal Jaggernauth who drowned in 2020.

Copping second position was the Golden Fleece Vishwa Jyoti Mandir. The float was adorned with lotus flowers and was fully illuminated. Third position went to the Anna Regina Mandir, while Reliance and Queenstown Gyaan Sagar Mandir came in fourth and fifth respectively.

In the small category, Airy Hall Mandir was awarded the first position while, Affiance Vishnu, Annandale, Bounty Hall and Better Success Vishnu Mandir were second, third, fourth and fifth respectively.The New Road Sada Shiv Mandir, the Mahadeo Family, the New Road Vishnu Mandir, the Charity Eshwar Jyotir Mandir, the Siriki Mandir and the Aurora Estate Mandir received prizes for participating in the motorcade.

Youths from the various floats were extremely excited to be a part of this year’s activity.

Overseas-based Guyanese were among those who came out to see the spectacular designs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

UN supports CARICOM advances in developing a regional approach to migration

A ‘regional approach’ to migration was the focus of discussions during a twopart workshop held at the UN House in Barbados from 1-3 November 2023.

Institutions and entities of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), UN agencies, other international and regional development partners, and representatives of civil society came together in response to the 2019 decision of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to create a regional migration policy.

The UN Network on Migration (UNNM) oriented the group in using the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) as a guiding tool for developing an effective regional migration policy for CARICOM, strategically aligned to the region’s ambition of achieving free movement of citizens within the Caribbean Community in 2024. Multi-partner Advisory Groups for policy develop-

ment met on Day 3 to identify opportunities and needs for further research to inform the policy, in a follow-on event organised by the CARICOM Secretariat in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM-UN Migration).

The activation of the recently established Advisory Groups is a key milestone in the policy development process for CARICOM, as they will provide support to the Steering Committee and subsequently to national focal points. The Advisory Groups dissected key areas to be addressed in a migration policy, including border management and protection of vulnerable migrants; climate change and adverse drivers of migration; and labour migration and social and economic development.

IOM’s Coordinator for the Caribbean, Patrice Quesada, noted that the GCM is useful “as a sort of lighthouse to help steer us in the right direction. That's important

because the Global Compact is the highest level of consensus ever reached among a vast majority of the member states of the UN system on migration issues; it is truly a goldmine of information to expand our vision on what is migration governance."

A strategic approach to regional migration can support accelerated progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as good migration governance contributes to all 17 SDGs. The GCM advocates therefore, for a whole-of-government approach to address key issues related to migration. Francesco Carella, International

Labour Organisation (ILO) Regional Specialist on Labour Migration and Mobility, noted the connection of migration to all the SDGs. He commented on the correlation of migration with gender for instance.

"We see that out of all Caribbean migrants in the United States for example, 55 per cent are women; that in the case of Caribbean countries, such as Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad

and Tobago, over 50 per cent of the migrants are women; in the case of Barbados, approximately 60 per cent. So, it's crucial to take that aspect into account.”

The workshop and meeting of the Advisory Groups were supported through a collaboration with IOM’s Coordination Office for the Caribbean and the UNNM which comprises UN organisations with cross cutting responsibility for migration.

The European Union funded the activity under the Building Migration Partnerships Programme. The overall initiative for a “regional approach to migration policy” is supported jointly by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) and by the European Union.

The next phases in this policy development pro-

cess include gaining feedback and consensus from CARICOM Member States on the roadmap that was developed over 2023 and the activities scheduled for the next 14 months. These activities include hiring of consultants to complete the policy framework and provide coordination support for CARICOM; capacity building and sensitisation in CARICOM Member States; and the development of a communications plan and a fundraising strategy to support the implementation of the policy through capacity building, research, technical support and investment in key infrastructure, contributing towards further regional integration among CARICOM Member States.

(IMO UN Migration)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday November 13, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 11 (2) Surav Ganguly (183- IND vs SL, Taunton) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which of the teams have qualified for the semi-final stage of the current World Cup? (2) Which two teams will be contesting the first semi-final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue …………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………

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KEMPTON 08:45 hrs Queen's Gamble 09:15 hrs Scroll On By 09:50 hrs El Rio 10:25 hrs Danny Kirwan 11:00 hrs Irish Hill 11:30 hrs L A Romanee 12:00 hrs Angee's Dream WOLVERHAMPTON 12:30 hrs The Pug 13:00 hrs Lenormand 13:30 hrs Pickwell 14:00 hrs Lynwood Lad 14:30 hrs Bednie The Bea 15:00 hrs Starfighter 15:30 hrs Cspital Guarantee 16:00 hrs Intoxicata 16:30 hrs Dark Side Prince

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Iyer, Rahul lead india in destruction of Netherlands

(ESPNCRICINFO) Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul led India's batting masterclass as the hosts completed their undefeated run into the knockouts with a hammer blow to Netherlands, who ended their World Cup with a 160run defeat.

Centurions Shreyas and Rahul staged a 208run partnership after a 100-run stand between first-wicket pair Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill had laid the foundation for India's 410 for 4.

Virat Kohli also passed fifty and put on 71 with Shreyas as the Netherlands bowlers - save for a short period as Kohli bedded in - had no rebuttal for an India batting line-up which swung the door off its hinges as it burst into the room and delivered an overpowering monologue with the home crowd hanging off every word.

It began with the 18th ball of the match when Gill charged down the pitch and launched Aryan Dutt onto the roof of the stand past long-on. Dutt had already conceded 16 runs from his 11 balls to that point, 12 of those in fours to Rohit, who swept and cut to great effect. If ever there was an example of the muscle India have shown at this tournament, this was it.

And while Netherlands didn't exactly crumble in pursuit, batting deep into the 48th over for their 250 as India used nine bowlers including Kohli and Gill, they had been left with too much to do.

Rohit tormented the Netherlands bowlers either side of the pitch while Gill was downright cruel, clearing the boundary almost at will. Leftarm spinner Roelof van der Merwe entered in the ninth over to try and prise apart a stand between two righ- handers which by now had ballooned to 73 runs. He was the fifth bowler to try, all of them in vain after 10 overs, as Rohit and Gill closed out the powerplay on 91 without loss with five sixes and 10 fours between them.

So it was with audible disbelief that the crowd exhaled when Gill departed for 51 off 32 balls, failing to clear Teja Nidamanuru just inside the boundary rope at deep backward square leg.

Then, having managed to stem the flow of runs, Netherlands rejoiced when Rohit picked out Wesley Barresi wide of long-on to fall for 61.

Kohli took time to get going with just seven runs from the first 18 balls he faced but he found his rhythm and ended up raising his half-century off 53 deliveries. It was his hundred that onlookers were most interested in, Kohli poised to pull clear of the ODI-record 49 centuries he shares with Sachin Tendulkar, but it wasn't to come on this occasion.

Kohli faced just three more balls and added only one run before his off stump was rattled by a van der Merwe delivery that skidded on as the batter sat back in his

crease attempting to cut.

In the meantime, Shreyas had taken India past 200 in the 29th over.

He then brought up his half-century, sublimely threading a Bas de Leede delivery through extra cover, marking the first time in 50-over World Cups that the top four batters in any team had all scored fifty. Rahul became the fifth when he brought up a 40-ball half-century in only the third instance of the top five passing the milestone in ODIs. It was the fourth-wicket pair who converted their starts, Shreyas signalling as much with a disdainful six off Paul van Meekeren over extra cover and when he thumped van Meekeren for another maximum over long-on, the slackjawed expression on van der Merwe's face said it all. Rahul followed suit two balls later, whipping the ball over deep square leg and the crowd positioned there into a frenzy.

S h re y a s re a c h e d his maiden World Cup century, and fourth in ODIs, off 84 balls with a single and he didn't let up, thrashing three sixes off Logan van Beek in the 49th over. Rahul had punished anything outside off stump with the most elegant of hands but he could be brutal too, moving into the nineties with a six over deep midwicket and bringing up his ton off just 62 balls - and India's 400 - with a flick over deep square leg.

KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer capitalised on India’s solid foundation•Nov 12, 2023•Associated Press

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Liverpool 3-0 Brentford: Reds close the gap

(BBC) - Jurgen Klopp famously coined the phrase "heavy metal football" when once describing his favoured style but after his Liverpool beat Brentford on Sunday, he revealed it was the way his opponents played that he once strived for as a young coach.

Liverpool needed a positive result to take into the international break after an unconvincing 1-1 draw at struggling Luton Town in the Premier League last weekend was followed by a defeat at Toulouse in the Europa League.

They got just that with a 3-0 win that moved them up to second in the Premier League, and just a point behind leaders Manchester City following their thrilling 4-4 draw with Chelsea.

But it took a player of Mohamed Salah's quality to get the breakthrough as Brentford frustrated Liverpool for much of the first half, while also looking a threat on the counter.

"More than 20 years ago when I started my career, I wanted to create a team that nobody wants to play against and we faced that team to-

day," said Klopp.

"It's crazy! This spell where they had six corners in a row I thought 'oh god.'

But we defended with so much passion in the moment.

The goals we scored were fantastic."

'Exceptional' Salah stars again While Klopp may have once aspired to coach his teams to play in a similar style to Brentford, he has gone in a different direction, creating teams that often possess the attacking quality to open up any type of opponent.

The Egypt international scored twice against Brentford, taking his Premier League tally for the season up to 10 and his overall number of goals in English football to 200.

His first strike to break Brentford's resistance was one of pure quality.

After winning back possession, Liverpool countered quickly before Mohamed Salah has now scored 200 goals in Darwin Nunez provided English football playing for Liverpool and Chelsea the pass for Salah, who kept his composure to Liverpool's forward one constant and signifplace a finish out of the line has changed over the icant piece of quality is goalkeeper's reach. years under Klopp but the Salah.

Lewandowski scores twice as Barcelona beat Alaves

(BBC) - ROBERT Lewandowski scored twice as Barcelona came from behind to beat struggling Alaves in La Liga.

Samu Omorodion's goal after 18 seconds had given the visitors a shock lead.

Lewandowski headed the hosts level from Jules Kounde's cross and then scored the winner from the penalty spot after Raphinha was fouled.

The result leaves Barca

Barcelona have won 11 points from losing positions in La Liga this season

third in the table, four points behind surprise leaders Girona and two adrift of second-placed Real Madrid.

Lewandowski's goals were his sixth and seventh in the Spanish top flight this season, ending a run of six games without a goal for the 35-year-old, his worst sequence at club level since February 2011 with Borussia Dortmund.

However, they masked a disjointed performance from

Palmer’s penalty helps Chelsea draw with City (BBC) - COLE Palmer's stoppage-time penalty denied former club Manchester City victory in a thriller against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

In a game of the highest quality in treacherous conditions, fortunes swung both ways.

City thought they had the three points when Rodri's shot from the edge of the area touched off Thiago Silva past Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez with four minutes left.

Chelsea, showing superb resilience, were not to be denied and Palmer - a £40m summer signing from Pep Guardiola's side - stayed cool amid the mayhem to beat Ederson from the spot to leave City just a point clear of Liverpool at the Premier League summit.

The reigning champions led in contentious fashion

after 25 minutes when they were awarded a penalty for Marc Cucurella's pull on Erling Haaland, despite Chelsea's protests that the fullback had been fouled first.

Haaland dispatched the penalty with ease, but the hosts were level four minutes later when Brazil centre-back, Silva, glanced home Conor Gallagher's corner at the near post.

Chelsea turned the game around when Raheem Sterling also scored against his former club after 37 minutes, turning in Reece James' cross after Josko Gvardiol's mistake.

City, though, levelled on the stroke of half-time when the unmarked Manuel Akanji headed in Bernardo Silva's cross.

Two minutes after the break City went in front again when Haaland scrambled in Julian Alvarez's cross

at the far post.

Yet Chelsea again battled back and deservedly drew level in the 67th minute when Nicolas Jackson pounced after Ederson pushed out Gallagher's low drive.

Guardiola's side thought they had won it with Rodri's stroke of good fortune - until the late penalty drama capped an entertaining, eventful encounter.

Defender Ruben Dias was penalised for a foul on Chelsea substitute Armando Broja and Palmer's calm finish left honours even.

Chelsea - and manager Mauricio Pochettino - have not just had their most eventful week of the season, but their best week of the season.

The 4-1 win at Tottenham on Monday was overshadowed by the blizzard of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) interventions which

reduced Chelsea's opponents to nine men before striker Jackson's hat-trick settled the outcome.

Here, the Londoners went toe-to-toe with Treble winners City in a magnificent, free-flowing eight-goal classic where no-one could begrudge them a point after Rodri's deflected shot looked like it would inflict a cruel defeat on Pochettino's men.

Their Argentine boss will understandably be dissatisfied with conceding four goals at home, even against a side of City's threat and calibre, but Chelsea showed quality and huge reserves of character to come from behind three times.

It was a measure of the improvement that can finally be seen in the side under Pochettino and they must take great confidence from the performance and result.

Xavi's side, with Omorodion's goal the fastest conceded by Barcelona in a home league match this century.

The hosts, who were playing in a half-empty Barcelona Olympic Stadium, with the Nou Camp under renovation, were also fortunate not to fall further behind with Omorodion missing a glorious close-range chance to double Alaves' lead.

"We need to be conscious about our moment and be

self-critical, we are not playing good football lately and need to improve mightily going forward," Xavi told Movistar Plus.

"The international break has arrived in good time and will do good for us, so we can reflect and work hard to correct our mistakes. I'm optimistic and I think we have enough talent and grit to come back much better in two weeks."

Imlach named...

FROM PAGE 23

Seales, 22, has featured in ten Tests after making his debut three years ago as a teenager.

Shermon Lewis, a 28-year-old who played two Tests five years ago, has also been named in the squad.

Batsman Tevin Imlach, 26, who has played 15 first class matches, will serve as Da Silva’s deputy.

“We had a very good ‘A’ Team tour to Bangladesh earlier this year, when we saw a number of players improve and grow,” Haynes continued.

“That tour was great for development in the red ball format – we saw some excellent individual performances which led to the team’s overall success.

“Now with continued investment by CWI in our players, we want to see the

same kind of progress on this trip to South Africa.”

Test head coach, Andre Coley, will oversee the management team, with former director of cricket, Jimmy Adams, serving as assistant coach along with former Australia fast bowler Shaun Taitt.

SQUAD – Joshua Da Silva (captain), Tevin Imlach (vice captain), Kevlon Anderson, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Shamar Joseph, Shermon Lewis, Jair McAllister, Zachary McCaskie, Kirk McKenzie, Abhijai Mansingh, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair; Andre Coley (head coach), Dwain Gill (team manager), Jimmy Adams (assistant coach), Shaun Tait (assistant coach)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Mayers stars for LA Ballers, Hardknocks undefeated

…ExxonMobil/New Era Entertainment Futsal continues Wednesday IT was another thrilling night of futsal at the Retrieve Hard Court, as the ExxonMobil-sponsored New Era Entertainment tournament heated up the Linden scene on Saturday, delivering a goal extravaganza.

Hardknocks unleashed a goal bonanza, slamming an impressive 15 past Genahside, who could only muster three of their own in this

one-sided showdown.

It was a hat-trick fiesta as former youth National player, Omar Brewley, along with John Waldron and Shavane Seaforth, showcased their scoring prowess.

Pernell Schultz added a double, while Harley Major and Clive Nobrega each added a strike.

Tekua Wilson even contributed with an unintentional own goal, rounding up Hard-

knocks' total and leaving the opposition scratching their heads.

In another jaw-dropping match, Coomacka dominated Fearless with a 13-2 whipping.

Deandre Willson and Marcus Willson stole the spotlight with a helmet-trick each, propelling their team to their first victory in the tournament.

Kevin Charles and Jamal

Action in the New Era Ent./ExxonMobil Futsal in Linden White chipped in with a with Andre Mayers shining Golden Stars danced their double each, and Shimwell bright with five goals in LA way to a 5-3 victory against Jordon sealed the deal with a Ballers' 12-6 victory. Tyric Hillsyde Ballers, and Gold is single strike.

McAllister and Marcus Tu- Money breezed past BlueberFearless fought back with dor added to the excitement ry Hill with a 7-6 win. goals from Revon France with a double each.

The tournament saw six and Nolan Moses, but it was The Gorillas swung into matches last evening and Coomacka's night to shine. action with an 8-4 triumph will continue on WednesLA Ballers and West Side over One Side, while Youth day with seven games on Ballers went head-to-head in United narrowly edged out the card. a high-scoring showdown, Anybody Gets It 7-6.

Imlach named as vice-captain for West Indies A tour of South Africa

CMC – THE inexperienced trio of Kevlon Anderson, Shamar Joseph and Abhijai Mansingh have been granted their first international call-ups, in a 14-man West Indies-A squad for the tour of South Africa starting later this month.

Anderson is a 23-yearold right-hander, Joseph is a 23-year-old right-arm quick while Abhijai Mansingh is a 26-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder. They have played only 13 first class

Tevin Imlach matches combined. gloveman Joshua Da Silva, The unit, led by Test will face South Africa-A in

three four-day “Tests” from November 21 to December 8.

“Da Silva did an outstanding job as captain in the ‘Tests’ in Bangladesh and he is again the captain for this tour,” chief selector, the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, said in reference to the tour of Bangladesh earlier this year.

“Anderson is a young batsman who has benefitted immensely from his time in the West Indies Academy, and we saw his quality of

batsmanship in the Headley-Weekes Tri Series.

“Mansingh showed quality with bat and ball in the first-class competition and gets this opportunity to showcase his skills and progress.

“Joseph is a young fast bowler who has impressed everyone with his genuine pace, his tremendous fitness and a huge desire to gain more knowledge about the game. You can see he wants to learn and get better.”

Da Silva is one of four current Test players in the touring side, with rookie left-handed openers Kirk McKenzie and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, along with fast bowler Jayden Seales, also included.

McKenzie, 23, played his only Test last July against India in the Caribbean while Chanderpaul has already struck a double hundred in eight Tests since making his debut last November.

TURN TO PAGE 22

Nandu, Nedd and Sinclair named in academy squad to face Ireland Thorne to participate in red-ball format

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) today announced the West Indies Men’s Academy squad for the upcoming home series against Ireland Academy. The two teams will play three List A matches (50 overs) and two four-day first-class matches from 17 November to 5 December. These matches will be played at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS) in Antigua.

The West Indies squad is made up mainly of the players in the West Indies Academy programme, who have just played in the CG United Super50 Cup as well as the

Headley-Weekes Tri-Series earlier this year.

The CWI Selection Panel has included four new players. Two of these are teenagers – Jordan Johnson, a left-handed middle-order batter and fast bowler Isai Thorne. The others are: Junior Sinclair, a right-handed spin bowling allrounder and Kadeem Alleyne, a batting allrounder.

Johnson was the standout player in the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under 19s tour to Sri Lanka in September when he made three centuries. Sinclair was impressive in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and was a member of the Guyana

Amazon Warriors which won their first CPL title on home soil in September.

Alleyne, who will play the white ball series, was impressive batting at the top of the order for Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) in the CG United Super50 Cup. Thorne, who will play the red ball fixtures, bowled with pace and penetration on the Rising Stars Under 19 tour to Sri Lanka.

Graeme West, CWI’s High Performance Manager said: “The Ireland Series has great significance to the CWI High Performance Pathway as it will be the first bilateral Series since the Academy programme

was introduced in July 2022. Playing both 50 over and red ball four-day Series will provide the Academy squad with further opportunities to progress their skills following promising showings in the Headley-Weekes Series and more recently in the CG United Super50 Cup.” West added: “The Academy squad really embraced the challenge that the CG United Super50 Cup provided, and it was encouraging to see the conversion of winning positions as this was a focus area coming out of 2022. We will look to see the learning over the past three weeks come through

during the 50 over series against Ireland. “ T h e t w o f o u r- d a y games will allow the players to gain more experience and reinforce the gameplan that worked so successfully during the Headley-Weekes Tri-Series. With Kirk McKenzie and Kevlon Anderson graduating to their respective franchises, the series will provide Jordan Johnson with the platform to build on his exceptional performances for the West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 side in Sri Lanka.”

FULL SQUAD: Nyeem Young (captain), Ackeem Auguste, Joshua Bishop, Teddy Bishop, Carlon

Bowen-Tuckett, McKenny Clarke, Jordan Johnson, Leonardo Julien, Johann Layne, Matthew Nandu, Ashmead Nedd, Kelvin Pitman, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Wickham, Kadeem Alleyne (white ball matches only), Isai Thorne (red ball matches only) MATCH SCHEDULE 17 November: 1st 50Over match at SVRS 19 November: 2nd 50Over match at CCG 21 November: 3rd 50Over match at SVRS 25-28 November: 1st four-day match at CCG 2-5 December: 2nd four-day match at CCG

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, November 13, 2023

Nandu, Nedd and Sinclair named in academy squad to face Ireland SEE PAGE

Thorne to participate in red-ball format

Mattew Nandu

Ashmead Nedd

Junior Sinclair

Iyer, Rahul lead india in destruction of Netherlands SEE PAGE

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KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer capitalised on India’s solid foundation•Nov 12, 2023•Associated Press

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| MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023