Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 15-02-2023

Time for 'new world coalition'

to bring balance to global debate on serious issues affecting developing countries, President Ali says

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has said now is an opportune time for a “new world coalition” to bring balance to the international debate around the issue of climate change, food security, and energy security.

The Head of State, who delivered the feature address at the opening of the In-

ternational Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2023 at the Marriott Hotel, highlighted inequalities that hinder the growth of developing nations and the double standards that exist.

These challenges, the President stressed, should not be confronted in isolation.

“How can we lead a new world effort in building a coalition that addresses these three challenges that the world we live in will face, is facing, and will face in a more severe manner?” the President questioned.

He urged the audience to consider the realistic positioning of issues as it relates

to global CO2 emissions based on data which shows that South America, Central America and the Caribbean combined, account for just 3.6 per cent of emissions.

Dr.

Minister, Dr. Keith

ley of Trinidad and Tobago; Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines; former President of Colombia, Iván Duque, and other officials cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare open the International Energy Conference and Expo at the Marriott Hotel

President,

Irfaan Ali; Prime

Row-

Guyana positioned to become unique role model in energy transition — Hess CEO says

By Clestine Juan

GUYANA has a unique opportunity to become a role model for oil-producing and developing countries around the world, as nations forge ahead with various energytransition initiatives, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hess Corporation, John Hess, has said.

In his address to participants at the second annual International Energy Conference and Expo at the Marriott Hotel, Hess said in discussing energy realities it is important to examine the crucial role Guyana is going to play in ensuring an “orderly” energy transition.

“Oil and gas will be needed for decades to come…. and oil and gas are fundamental to ensure an affordable, just and secure energy transition.

“President [Dr. Irfaan] Ali has been an outstanding spokesperson on this subject and the important role that oil and gas play in bringing shared economic prosperity to the people of Guyana, and in providing the much-needed oil that is essential for global energy security and economic growth around the world,” Hess said.

Chief

Based on widely reported information, the world faces a massive “dual challenge,” in which it requires approximately 20 per cent more energy by 2050, while at the same time having the aspiration to get to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Hess said that while the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its World Energy Outlook offers three scenarios, it is not a forecast.

“I have to make clear these are scenarios not a forecast.

Continued on page 3

Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, John Hess

Time for ‘new world coalition’

— to bring balance to global debate on serious issues affecting developing countries, President Ali says

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has said now is an opportune time for a “new world coalition” to bring balance to the international debate around the issue of climate change, food security, and energy security.

The Head of State, who delivered the feature address at the opening of the International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2023 at the Marriott Hotel, highlighted inequalities that hinder the growth of developing nations and the double standards that exist.

These challenges, the President stressed, should not be confronted in isolation.

“How can we lead a new world effort in building a coalition that addresses these three challenges that the world we live in will face, is facing, and will face in a more severe manner?” the President questioned.

He urged the audience to consider the realistic positioning of issues as it relates to global CO2 emissions based on data which shows that South America, Central America and the Caribbean combined, account for just 3.6 per cent of emissions.

“Why aren’t the headlines about the 10 largest economies that account for 62.7 per cent of CO2? Why suddenly the 3.6 per cent bears the brunt of the headline? But we have in our societies, and in our region, people who consider themselves self-righteous, but do not base their arguments on the facts and the circumstances, but they appeal to the emotive being of people,” Dr Ali said.

The Head of State under-

scored the importance of developing countries putting systems in place to ensure that they can continue to progress under changing circumstances.

As a Region, the President said there should be a collective approach to overall development.

He highlighted the drive of CARICOM and its food-security measure, which Guyana is spearheading, while he also spoke of other regional opportunities, including the longevity of electricity from natural gas in Guyana, Trinidad and Suriname and the energy corridor among Guyana, Roraima (Brazil) and Suriname.

LOW CARBON DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Although the country is an oil-producing nation, President Ali reminded the audience that systems are still in place to decarbonise in the future.

He said Guyana demonstrated global leadership on how natural resources can be sustainably harnessed more than a decade ago. He cited the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, as a main action in its “development platform,” while explaining about how it was enhanced to ensure that Guyana stays “true to morals and principles when it comes to the issue of climate change.”

‘The LCDS is no longer a Guyana document. We are embarking on a mission to make the LCDS a global model for sustainable development, because we know what LCDS is capable of.”

He also spoke about the

country’s drive to protect its forest and to play its part to not only achieve net zero, but also being carbon negative.

The President reminded delegates that oil and gas is geared to help the country develop its other sectors.

“We’ve consistently said oil and gas is not the answer. What it does is give us much-needed revenue to catalyse the other sectors, to incentivise the other sectors to make them competitive globally, to create a framework that will allow these sectors to grow and expand and to contribute to national development. That is what it does for us.”

The focus of the next seven years, he added, will be placed on building a country that has the competitive characteristics

and the broadness in scope to be viable, resilient and sustainable in a world 2030 and beyond.

Oil and gas and proper policies have ensured that Guyana has an investment portfolio that spans many partners, including the US, UK, China, India and a number of other countries.

“All of them are part of financing transformative projects in Guyana. The investors’ confidence in the country is very high, and it’s high because there is the predictability of policy. It is high because there’s

Guyana positioned to...

Sometimes people misunderstand that and it’s how we meet this dual challenge in all three of the IEA scenarios. The world is facing a structural deficit and energy supply…it’s really important to get a reasonable estimate for what investment is going to be required to meet this dual challenge,” he said.

In terms of oil and gas, according to Hess, over the next 10 years the world has to spend US$500 billion each year to ensure that global oiland-gas efforts intensify to meet the demand.

However, for the last five years, the number has been between US$300 billion and US$400 billion, way short of what is needed.

Further, amidst those shortfalls, it is also important to take note of the significant amount of funds needed to transition to clean energy.

Business leaders and government officials must have a sober understanding of this investment challenge, especially since capital is becoming scarcer and more expensive in the current financial environment.

“The reality is that the energy transition is going to

take a very long time, cost a lot of money and need many technologies that don’t exist to them. And to have that orderly energy transition, policymakers must have climate literacy, energy literacy and economic literacy,” the CEO stressed.

In the room filled with energy experts and policymakers, Hess urged that a balance among those three issues is key for the sector.

“It’s not just climate, It’s not just energy. It’s not just economic, it’s all three together,” he advised.

Specific to Guyana, while acknowledging this process has already started, Hess reiterated that responsible development of this country’s oil-and-gas resources is fundamental to its future, especially to meet the world’s growing energy needs.

He related that Guyana has already started to track this course through the recent signing of an end-user agreement in carbon credit sale to HESS Corporation.

In December, Guyana signed a multi-year agreement with Hess Corporation for at least US$750 million.

“Hess Corporation is hon-

From page 2

oured to play a very key role in helping build Guyana’s oil-and-gas industry… and to be making some of the important investments and reliable low-cost oil and gas supply that will be needed to meet future demand in the world,” Hess said.

He told the attendees that Guyana has made tremendous progress since the first-oil discovery in 2015.

Now with more than 30 discoveries on the Stabroek Block, Hess said this underpins a gross, discovered, recoverable resource estimate of more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

“It is a remarkable achievement that the country is already producing more than 380,000 barrels a day of some of the highest value lowest carbon crude oil in the world, with a line of sight to be producing over 1.2 million barrels a day by 2027.

“At that point, Guyana will become one of the largest crude oil producers in the world. And I think that’s a remarkable achievement,” Hess said, noting that while still very capital-intensive, renewable energy must be pursued.

a clear path that we’re taking to national development. It is high because there’s a clear strategy as to what we’re doing and how we’re doing it and positioning Guyana.”

GUYANA’S POTENTIAL

The President pointed to the agricultural drive of the country and said that investments in agriculture have enormous potential in Guyana.

“The CARICOM market alone is tens of millions of US dollars in a market that is absolutely accessible to you. We are creating the incentives, the investment vehicle. We’re working on ways in which we can make the cost of capital lower.”

He noted that just two and a half years ago, Guyana’s only option was to import corn and soya for animal feed.

“We set ourselves a target of becoming self-sufficient in five years. Not only are we well on our way to becoming self-sufficient, but we might be in a position to export to the Region for the first time. We are not talking about food security in an idle manner.”

The President also spoke about the country’s housing programme, which “per capita is one of the strongest” in the region.

He said that while demand has increased, the lending rate

has decreased by two percentage points in two years. This is in contrast to the global lending rate for housing. Guyana’s drive to enhance other aspects of its development was also highlighted.

“We have to make decisions based on the realities that we’re faced with, ensuring that the people in this country have the best possible social services, the social safety nets are there to secure the vulnerable, best world-class education, world-class health services, world-class infrastructure, an economy that stands on many different footings, positioning Guyana to be a global leader on food security, a global leader on climate services, a global leader in energy. That is where we’re taking Guyana in an economy 2030 and beyond.”

Several visiting leaders also spoke at the opening ceremony, including the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley; the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves; the President of the Republic of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi (virtual) and former President of Colombia, Iván Duque Márquez.

The Energy Conference and Expo 2023 will run until Friday, February 17, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

DEVELOPING countries have the right to explore and develop their oil-and-gas resources, pushing against a global doctrine which is being promoted by some parts of the world.

This a policy is being pushed by the Secretary General of the United Nations and several developed countries, who believe that all oil-andgas development should be restricted to existing producers only.

For context, the doctrine claims that new development of these resources would be stranded and that investing in them would not achieve net zero carbon emissions.

“Countries like Guyana and Suriname and many countries in Africa, they have the right now to develop these resources…,” Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo underscored Tuesday, during his presentation on day one of Guyana’s International Energy Conference and Expo 2023, at the Marriott Hotel.

He said Guyana is at the forefront of this advocacy with credibility, as it has consistently supported a 1.5-degree target above pre-industrial levels ? a global carbon-pricing policy, and the removal of fossil fuel subsidies.

Even with 10 FPSOs operating in Guyana, the nation

would still remain carbon-negative, Dr. Jagdeo explained.

He said the country has recently passed local content legislation, which the oil and gas company, among others, was not pleased with, but it has not resulted in shutting down operations, and the industry still thrived, along with more local businesses.

In fact, Guyana has faced challenges in renewing environmental permits and implementing a carbon tax for flaring, but it has been successful in making these changes with the support of the companies operating in the country.

The PPP/C government is focused on developing its gas-to-energy project and ensuring that the highest standards of regulation are in place for the safety and benefit of the people.

The country’s gas-to-energy project involves the development and utilisation of natural gas resources for domestic power generation, as well as other industrial and commercial uses.

Moreover, the stable undertaking forms part of Guyana’s efforts to tap into its significant offshore natural gas reserves and maximise the benefits for the country and its people.

“We [government] want more explorations, we want us to move from proven reserves to developing those reserves, and we are working to facilitate that, not compromising in terms of safety and due diligence, but acting in a manner that is not excessively bureaucratic,” the Vice- President said.

The energy policy is focused on promoting rapid development of the local oil and gas sector, more exploration, and transforming these resources into financial resources for the country’s development, even if it means diversifying the economy.

Dr Jagdeo said it is important to see progression in a stable government with clear goals, and Guyana is determined to make changes that effectively serve its purpose. (DPI)

‘Green’ credentials will not be compromised by offshore development — VP Jagdeo affirms

Vice-President,

Dr

Bharrat Jagdeo

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

Caribbean, Latin leaders eye Guyana as model state for energy security

––– Region’s most outstanding CAPE student urges CXC

By Naomi Parris

WITH Guyana’s policymakers investing heavily in sustainable practices and renewable energy, several Caribbean and Latin American leaders believe that this small nation has the potential to lead the region’s low-carbon efforts.

On Tuesday, when the country’s Energy Conference and Expo 2023 opened at the Marriot Hotel in Georgetown, Colombia’s former President, Ivan Duque, posited that Guyana’s rich and diverse resources have the potential to generate income that can help advance the region’s social and economic

transformation. Duque, who opened the formal ceremony as the first

speaker, explained that while oil resources should be exploited for development, focus should also be placed

on accelerating the transition to non-conventional and renewable energy.

As such he believes that

Guyana can develop an energy transition model that the rest of the world can follow.

“Guyana is a very important model to share with the world. In 2009, Guyana launched the Low Carbon Development Strategy and it was not just great paperwork, great vision, it is set coherent policies that is taking place day by day,” Duque said.

Guyana’s LCDS has since been updated with new policies to transform the energy matrix over the next decade, using oil, natural gas, and a mixture of renewables.

“I want to highlight that Guyana has today the possibility of using the richness of the underground to close the social divide, to eradicate poverty… Guyana has the condition of being a carbon neutral or even a carbon negative country. It has one of the lowest deforestation levels in the world,” Duque said.

He noted that there is also room for further diversity with the country being a major player in the region’s food security efforts.

“And there has to be a plan for any economic transition that allows this country to become a very important player in food security”, he said.

He added that these efforts can be fruitful with greater integration of energy, security, science and technol-

ogy, along with the support of the private sector in the different industries.

Meanwhile, Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who attended the conference virtually, emphasised that the need for energy continues to increase and while nations have to meet these demands, long term solutions are needed to balance the production of oil and safeguard the environment.

“While our world is facing a climate crisis and is at the crossroads to choose sustainability over immediate needs for energy demand, there’s a present current need. Therefore, we need to take adaption and mitigation measures to lessen the impact of the climate crisis and make the transition to renewable,” he said.

Further, with both Guyana and Suriname being new oil producers, Santokhi said Suriname remains open to exploring the opportunities with Guyana.

The neighbouring countries recently established a joint programme to share expertise and resources.

“Suriname and Guyana should explore these opportunities together by developing a joint programme. Suriname and Guyana with shared expertise and resources can save costs, reduce risk, improve oil basins and develop the border areas in Suriname and Guyana to develop shore bases and airports, increase production and also promote greater transparency and accountability,” he added.

IMPORTANT ROLE

Santokhi’s statements were later endorsed by Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who noted that Guyana has uniquely changed its economic landscape, building a modern,

See page 5

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves

Colombia’s former President, Ivan Duque

Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi

Caribbean, Latin leaders eye Guyana ...

competitive post-colonial economy that serves citizens and by extension the region.

“With this newfound oil wealth, Guyana has embarked from my observation on the building of a modern competitive many-sided post-colonial economy which is at once local, national, regional and global,” the veteran leader said.

He reminded his audience that nations will need to work with each other to ensure that oil becomes a blessing and not a curse.

For this reason, he said individualistic societies are not sustainable.

“I’ve seen from this government in Guyana the concept of integration which I believe is one which holds great promise for our region, and for Guyana to play an important role in the lead-

ership of that integration movement.”

Further speaking on collaborations, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, noted that oil and gas resources remain the main energy source for the world’s economic engine, and it is for this reason he believes that the Latin and Caribbean region should exploit their resources to advance economic growth and development.

Notwithstanding that the use of oil and gas resources is linked to the worsening of the climate crisis, Dr Rowley noted that clean energy is achievable but the climate change crisis should not cause developing nations to limit their use of fossil fuel.

“Fossil fuels are still the main energy source for the world’s economic engine

and it is cost effective. It is resilient and affordable energy that creates economic growth. Therefore, the concept of climate change should not prevent developing countries from using fossil fuels as sources of energy in pursuit of economic growth.”

He further noted that continued investments and collaborative initiatives and strategies are vital for the region to not only increase its productivity in the oil and gas sector, but also establish renewable and clean practices to limit the worsening of the climate crisis.

“We will continue to make the case to the major global polluters to encourage investment in green initiatives identified within the region,” he said before pointedly noting that, “The regional energy landscape does not

equip any single country to meet the energy security requirements of the region, especially at this time.”

He added that a cooperative approach allows for shared risks and diversified perspectives and will

facilitate the development and execution of innovative solutions to the challenges associated with the energy demand of the region.

This year’s conference is being held under the theme, ‘Harnessing Energy

for Development’ and will see a number of dialogue and presentations between industry experts from the Caribbean region and other parts of the world. The conference will continue until Friday.

Multidimensional Development

AFTER an absence of several years, the Guyana Prize for Literature has returned, thanks to the visionary thinking of the PPP/C administration. The awards were presented by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson (Jnr.).

As noted by the Prime Minister, the awards were restored by the PPP/C Government after a sixyear hiatus because of the importance of the written word.

The Prime Minister lamented the fact that our writers were left without a platform upon which they could give expres -

sion to their talent and be recognised for their achievements.

This, he said, was unacceptable by the current administration which, immediately upon its return to office, sought to revive this prestigious programme and return to our local writers the opportunity to hone their craft and expand their horizons through the written word.

It will be recalled that the awards were scrapped by the previous Granger administration, but restored by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali in an effort to advance the cultural and intellectual development of the Guyanese people in the area of literature and the

expressive arts.

“Government’s commitment is to ensure that the future Letitia Wrights, the future Eddie Grants, the future Martin Carter’s and Mittelholzers of Guyana are able to realize their potential right here on home soil,” the Prime Minister said in his address to participants of the award ceremony which was held at the National Culture Centre.

In this regard, the PPP/C administration is making a sizeable investment in the area of culture as manifested in the provision of grants and the soon-to-be accredited Institute of Creative Arts.

The fact is that Guyana is rich with talent

which, regrettably, was suppressed under the previous PNC regime which never placed arts and culture as a national priority. In fact, many talented persons were forced to go overseas to develop their craft or forced into a life of penury as a consequence of such neglect.

Guyanese are as talented as any in the Caribbean or, for that matter, the world. This is manifested in the outstanding academic performances by our students at the CSEC and CAPE examinations where our Guyanese students have consistently been taking the top spots in several subject areas, including the overall best.

Guyana’s achieve -

ments are multi-dimensional and cover a broad spectrum of development indicators.

It is now ranked among the fastest growing economies in the world and is well poised to become a regional leader both from an economic and cultural perspective.

The intellectual development of the society, or what is referred to as the country’s brain power, is critical for accelerated growth and development.

The return of the Guyana Prize for Literature is consistent with President Ali’s vision of an enlightened and culturally tolerant society where education and knowledge serve as the social glue to

hold the society together.

Indeed, as observed by one of the adjudicators, there was that underlying sense of “One Guyana” detected in several of the entries to the Guyana Prize for Literature. Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s awards in the several categories including the Youth Awards which is a new category introduced this year to encourage and develop youth talent.

The PPP/C administration must be commended for the forward-looking and enlightened position it is taking to transform the economic, cultural and intellectual landscape of the country.

Energy NL, Canada-Guyana Chamber sign agreement for knowledge exchange

THE Canada Guyana Chamber of Commerce

(CGCC), on Tuesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canadian energy industry association, Energy NL, to facilitate technical support and knowledge exchange.

The signing took place at the Marriott Hotel, on the sidelines of the 2023 Energy Conference and Expo.

The agreement was signed by Chief Executive Officer of Energy NL, Charlene Johnson and CGCC President, Anand Beharry.

Beharry said that the agreement is primarily about Energy NL helping CGCC navigate the en -

ergy sector and avoiding pitfalls through the lessons already learnt by Energy NL.

“The people of Energy NL are excited to teach us, and ensure we don’t get to the pitfalls that they did,” Beharry noted.

Energy NL was Founded in 1977, to represent the supply and service sector of the energy industry.

Today, Energy NL represents over 460 member organisations worldwide which are involved in, or benefit from, the energy industry of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Energy NL members provide products and services for the energy sector, and associate members include petroleum com -

panies, trade associations, educational institutions and government bodies and agencies at the municipal, provincial and federal levels.

According to Johnson, the MoU will allow for the organisations to come together to make the most of the challenges, the transformation and the opportunities, so as to take advantage of shared experiences, know-how and desire to succeed for the mutual benefit of their respective membership.

“For many years, Energy NL members have come to Guyana to share our expertise and exchange knowledge. In many ways our energy sectors are very similar.

Guyana has an offshore oil and gas sector which has provided new opportunities and benefits; it has been transformative. Newfoundland and Labrador experienced that transformation first hand.

“Guyana is in the midst of a financial renaissance which is altering the economy and improving the lives of Guyanese people. A changing economy can be a challenging economy. And that is just one area that the Energy NL and the CGCC can collaborate on through shared experiences, talent and commitment to succeed,” Johnson said.

Chief Executive Officer of Energy NL, Charlene Johnson and CGCC President, Anand Beharry

‘Don’t be misled by the very persons seeking opportunities’ — VP Jagdeo urges Guyanese

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has urged Guyanese, more specifically Afro-Guyanese, to not be misled by negativity being peddled by persons who do not have their best interest at heart.

Dr Jagdeo made those remarks during a live interview, during which he reiterated his message to Afro-Guyanese to ignore

the negatives from known characters and to take advantage of opportunities presented by the government.

“The same ones who are telling you don’t seek out an opportunity, they’re busy calling the ministers,” he said, adding that those are the same persons who call on government officials for favours.

He added: “Don’t fool yourself that they go in parliament and they beat their chest and behave like that and talk about discrimination, they’re busy calling government to get help.”

Dr Jagdeo related that those are the persons who would go out into the various communities and mislead their constituents as was done in the situation

involving the squatters at Mocha-Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, where persons were encouraged by the APNU+AFC to not take various opportunities that were presented by the government.

He went on to add that when this is done, those actors would usually leave those communities without providing realistic and ade-

quate solutions.

Recently, efforts to remove the Mocha squatters from an area they occupied in the path of the intended Eccles to Diamond road link were foiled, when members of the APNU+AFC joined with residents to restrict officials from executing the removal process.

This came after

months of extensive work by the Central Housing and Planning Authority to ensure that those residents were relocated to developed housing schemes and were adequately compensated. The structures on the government’s reserve were eventually cleared and work on the road was allowed to continue.

Guyana has made valuable contributions to ‘25 by 2025’ initiative

AHEAD of the 44th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which is scheduled to open on Wednesday, Guyana has a lot to be proud of as it has contributed significantly to the 57 per cent achievement of the region’s ‘Vision 25 by 2025’ target.

The meeting will be held in The Bahamas from February 15-17, 2023, under the chairmanship of that country’s Prime Minister, Philip Davis.

The region’s Ministerial Taskforce (MTF) on Food Production and Food Security recently shared that the region has made significant progress thus far.

It was reported that products such as cocoa, dairy, meat, root crops, fruits, and poultry have already reached 96.13 per cent, 84.36 per cent, 72.28 per cent, 70.91 per cent, 70.77 per cent, and 70.19 per cent respectively, for the targetted production volume set for the year 2025.

Moreover, countries such as Guyana, Belize, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Dominica, and Jamaica have made significant strides in the production of commodities such as ginger, turmeric, corn, soya bean, root crops, fruits, cocoa, poultry, meat, fish, table eggs, and dairy.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently noted that the Guyana government continues to open up tens of thousands of acres of land in its bid to expand food production in the country.

The taskforce had also indicated that, for 2022,

Guyana produced some 20,195 tonnes of ginger and turmeric, 144,289 tonnes of root crops, 21,870 tonnes of fish, and 40,749 tonnes of coconut.

During the 104th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), trade policies for animal and animal products, a Regional Agricultural Health and Food Safety Policy, Special Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) guidelines for 19 commodities, and

alternative SPS settlement mechanisms were approved.

In addition to the updates on member states’ production targets, attendees were also brought up to speed on several other notable achievements.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, had said that the outcomes of the COTED meeting were commendable and that, with the approval of the various mechanisms and guidelines, a level playing

field was being created, thereby making way for a more straightforward trade in agricultural products intra-regionally.

“These four achievements are testimony to the hard work of the MTF. If

we are allowed to increase intra-regional trade, we will be well on the way to reducing the regional food import bill, which is the ultimate goal of CARICOM, in keeping with its food security agenda. In just one year,

collaborative efforts among member states have yielded much success,” Minister Mustapha noted.

Minister Mustapha, who chairs the CARICOM MTF, indicated that several priority areas have been identified for 2023. These include agriculture insurance and financing, trade and E-agriculture, resource mobilisation, and trade support.

According to the minister, these will help to advance the efforts of the MTF and CARICOM as the various countries work together to achieve ‘Vision 25 by 2025’.

Roles of women, girls, and youths in Guyana’s LCDS 2030 and gender equality

THE gender component of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) acknowledges the various effects that weather-related events and climate change have on both men and women.

It is well established from Guyana’s experience with droughts and floods over the past 20 years, in particular, that women are disproportionately affected by the immediate and long-term effects of these climate events.

The labour of restoring farms and the requirement for alternative food supplies during and after floods or droughts place a new and

demanding strain on women and the household in communities where the farms are part of the women’s work.

Women have suffered losses in both urban and rural populations, including long-term housing damage, livestock losses, and loss of kitchen gardens, to name a few.

The threat to women’s health and the long-term effects of these facts have increased the status of women unequally in all domains.

The LCDS 2030 has taken these realities under close consideration and outlines a number of mitigating measures, all of which would be

founded first and foremost on extensive discussions with women about their unique responsibilities in their families and communities.

Given the geographical diversity of Guyana, the diversity of the communities’ constituent ethnic groups, and the diversity of cultural norms, it is essential to develop sensitive and appropriate solutions, including training, to address the widespread issue of climatic change events that are becoming more frequent and more intense.

In addition, the LCDS places a particular premium on the contribution of wom-

en and girls to climate action. This will include how women and girls may affect change to accomplish climate adaptation, raise knowledge of LCDS goals, develop creative ways to address climate threats, and act as change agents at the local and national levels.

In light of the fact that a low-carbon economy aims to address climate change and its various effects on both men and women, the LCDS 2030 recognises the need for similar and distinct actions to address this reality.

The LCDS 2030 will set standards and necessary actions, considering that women are disproportionately affected negatively by climate change.

Women have previously been involved in the construction of the Strategy up to this point, and provisions have been created for female-driven deeper study and the particular mitigation and adaptation actions required.

Women-centred methods grounded in experiences and realities that acknowledge the common challenges faced by women are a cornerstone of the approaches outlined.

Particular LCDS initiatives must be designed and implemented with women in mind and take demographic, societal, and cultural norms into consideration.

To guarantee that their perspectives are heard at all levels and that they are the direct beneficiaries of resources that can help them develop their resilience, women’s representatives will play a key role in the multi-stakeholder committee of the LCDS.

Involving women will also work to give them control over important LCDS initiatives; as a result, plans will be developed to address their frequently unequal access to resources.

By giving women access to inexpensive financial resources and skill-building opportunities, the LCDS’s resources can be used to increase the chances accessible to them and broaden their range of options.

Through an intergenerational approach to policy development, decision-making, programme implementation, and stakeholder ownership, Guyana’s transition to a low-carbon route relies on all citizens.

As more than two-thirds of the population, Guyana’s

youth provide dynamism, energy, innovation, and a new perspective to the achievement of these objectives.

The LCDS was developed to support and guarantee that genuine young participation is integrated and used at all levels.

Young people worldwide actively raise awareness of climate catastrophe and push for meaningful and significant action to address it.

To raise awareness of the struggles Guyana and other Small Island Development States confront and make an appeal for environmental responsibility and action, they organise events and work locally, nationally, regionally, and internationally.

The LCDS will use characteristics in policies, projects, and programmes that bring about the necessary changes in the face of pollution and other environmental problems, increase climate awareness, and support safe and healthy living among all Guyanese.

The strategy will be included in all school curricula, fostering an awareness of environmental responsibility throughout our children’s education and upbringing. Through educational, training, scholarship, and employment opportunities across all sectors, including entrepreneurship and business incubators, micro and small business financing, academic, technical, and vocational training, internships, and other avenues, youth unemployment and underemployment will be addressed.

Information technology, business development, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) disciplines will be emphasised, as well as general skill development and mentoring.

One of the biggest opportunities for youth involvement, employment, and business development is provided by Guyana’s leadership in guaranteeing food and nutrition security in the Caribbean.

The Guyana School of Agriculture, University of Guyana, and other institutions will be able to improve the training they offer, expand and upgrade their curricula to meet these demands, which include climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience, all part of the vision of LCDS.

The LCDS would im -

Continued on page 11

New Peace Corps response trainees arrive in Guyana

turned Peace Corps volunteers with advanced degrees and specialised certification.

The new trainees will offer expert technical support to the Guyanese people in the development of policies through service with the Ministries of Education and Health.

For the next two weeks of orientation, they will learn about Peace Corps’ approach to development, Guyanese culture, and their work assignment requirements to meet the needs of service.

THREE Peace Corps Response trainees arrived in Guyana on February 10, 2023, to begin their 12 months of service to the

people of Guyana.

The short-term, high-impact programme, according to the US Embassy, includes senior professionals and re-

Roles of women, girls, and youths in Guyana’s LCDS 2030...

From page 10

prove coastal infrastructure, drainage and irrigation systems, and incorporate precautions against climatic events.

Along the value chain, the LCDS will also focus on boosting productivity and value-added production to create more employment opportunities and businesses.

The cutting-edge LCDS Strategy must be implemented while simultaneously requiring technological innovation, research and development, and the development of specialised talents.

To address the oil and gas sector’s new and developing needs and enable national transition to clean and renewable energy, policies, programmes, and projects of the Strategy would encourage, support, and incentivise these capabilities, particularly among the youth.

Marine biologists, hydrologists, climate scientists, and other specialists provide additional human capital needed for Guyana’s low carbon trajectory based on the four LCDS pillars, providing more

opportunities for the youth.

In general, the LCDS aims to train youth leaders and give them the tools to tackle problems like social injustice and other obstacles to their development and, eventually, Guyana’s future development.

To address these concerns, youth perspectives would be incorporated into programme design, project implementation, and policy-making.

To foster young influencers and positive role models, youth participation and expression, through a variety of channels, such as the arts, culture, and athletics, would be encouraged.

The LCDS recognises youth as today’s partners and tomorrow’s leaders who will advance Guyana’s socioeconomic development while protecting our priceless natural resources and safeguarding citizens’ futures.

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

The group is expected to be officially sworn in as Peace Corps Response Volunteers on Monday, February 27, 2023.

The new group supplements the 27-month volunteers already in service in communities across Guyana as well as Peace Corps Virtual Service Programme volunteers who are supporting local priorities virtually.

Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more

than 250,000 Americans have served in 142 host countries.

Peace Corps first served the people and Government of Guyana from 1966 to 1971, and returned in 1995, with more than 1,400 volunteers supporting Guyana’s communities through service, relationships, and partnerships for a sustainable future.

“Peace Corps Response volunteers last served in Guyana in 2017. We are excited to restart this programme,” the US Embassy said.

Peace Corps volunteers

reflect the diversity of America and return to the United States as more informed global citizens and with increased understanding of the people and countries in which they worked.

The Peace Corps has extended its gratitude to the People and Government of Guyana for the hospitality and opportunity it offers these volunteers to assist in the pursuit of the nation’s development aspirations.

Gas-to-energy project set to power economic growth, energy security

GUYANA’S gas-to-energy project involves the development and utilisation of natural-gas resources for domestic power generation as well as other industrial and commercial uses.

The project is part of Guyana’s efforts to tap into its significant offshore natural gas reserves and maximise the benefits for the country and its people.

It is expected to provide a reliable and cost-effective source of energy for Guyana, reducing the country’s dependence on imported fuels and contributing to economic growth.

The energy project also has the potential to create new jobs and opportunities for the people of Guyana, particularly in the energy sector. Additionally, the use

of natural gas for power generation is expected to help reduce Guyana’s carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner environment and helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Overall, the gas-to-energy project has the potential to bring significant benefits to the country and its people, helping to drive economic growth, improve

energy security, and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Guyana.

PARTNERSHIP WITH EXXONMOBIL

For this transformational venture, the government has partnered with ExxonMobil, which has extensive experience in the exploration, production, and development of natural

gas resources.

ExxonMobil is working with the government to develop the necessary infrastructure and facilities to transport and process the gas for use in power generation and other applications. Government will finance the development of the plant while ExxonMobil will develop the pipeline, which is expected to carry an estimat-

ed cost of US$1.3 billion. Already, the government has awarded a US$759 million contract to LINDSAYCA/CH4 for the construction of the integrated Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant and the 300-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant located at Wales,

See page 13

Gas-to-energy project set to power ...

West Bank Demerara.

The government has decided to construct the two plants together, as it was determined there will be substantial savings from combining the two facilities.

The partnership is expected to bring significant investment and expertise to the project, helping to ensure its success and the realisation of its full

poses, such as industrial and commercial applications, transportation, and as a feedstock for the production of chemicals and other products.

The sale of natural gas and the production of electricity will generate significant revenue for Guyana, contributing to the country’s economic growth and helping to support social and

bon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Increased Foreign Investment: The proj-

ect is expected to attract significant foreign investment in Guyana, which will help drive

economic growth and create new opportunities for all Guyanese. Some $43.4 billion

has been allocated in this year’s budget for advancement of the gas-to-energy project.

potential benefits for Guyana.

HOW DOES THE GAS-TO-ENERGY PROJECT WORK?

This will see a 300-megawatt (MW) power plant being constructed at the old Wales Sugar Estate on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), which will generate 250 megawatts (MW) of power to approximately 220,000 households that are connected to the grid.

A 200km pipeline will transport gas from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to the natural gas power plant that is being constructed at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The first step in the project is the extraction of natural gas from offshore fields using drilling and production facilities. The natural gas will then be processed to remove impurities and prepare it for transportation to shore.

The processed natural gas will be transported to shore through pipelines or other transportation systems, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers.

Natural gas will be used to generate electricity at onshore power plants. The electricity generated will be distributed to the national grid and used to power homes, businesses, and other consumers.

In addition to power generation, natural gas can also be used for other pur-

infrastructural development programmes.

Importantly, the project requires the investment of significant capital, as well as the development of specialised infrastructure and facilities, such as drilling and production platforms, pipelines, and power plants.

The project will also require the participation of a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, energy companies, and communities, to ensure its success.

BENEFITS TO THE PEOPLE OF GUYANA

The gas-to-energy project has several potential benefits for the people of Guyana:

Economic Growth: The project is expected to generate significant revenue for the country through the sale of natural gas, which will help drive economic growth and create new jobs.

Energy Security: Guyana is currently dependent on imported fuels for its energy needs, but the gas-to-energy project will increase the country’s energy independence and reduce its dependence on imports.

Improved Electricity Access: The production of natural gas for power generation can help improve access to electricity for the people of Guyana, particularly in rural areas where access to electricity is limited.

Environmental Benefits: Natural gas is a cleaner source of energy compared to other fossil fuels, and the gas-to-energy project will help reduce Guyana’s car-

China actively supports Türkiye, Syria in overcoming impacts of earthquakes

(Xinhua) CHINA will actively support and help Türkiye and Syria to overcome the impacts of the recent devastating earthquakes as soon as possible,

an official from the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) said on Monday.

Zheng Yuandong, an official with the CIDCA, said that China has been actively providing support and assistance in the two countries since the massive earthquakes hit in Türkiye and Syria.

The first batches of relief supplies bound for Türkiye and financed by the Chinese government arrived in Istanbul on Feb. 11 and 12, included urgently needed blankets and cotton tents, Zheng said.

More supplies provided by China, including electrocardiograph machines, ultra-

sonic diagnostics equipment, medical transport vehicles and manual hospital beds will be shipped this week. Rescue teams from China, including those dispatched by the Chinese government, have rescued over 10 survivors, he added.

Zheng said the Chinese government is stepping up its humanitarian aid to Syria, and shipments will include 30,000 first-aid kits, 20,000 blankets, 10,000 cotton-padded jackets, 300 cotton tents, ventilators, anesthesia machines, oxygen generators and other materials. These items will be shipped as soon as possible.

“At the same time, the food aid project will be ac-

celerated, with 220 tonnes of wheat already on its way to Syria and a further 3,000 tonnes of rice and wheat to be shipped in batches this month,” Zheng said.

The first shipment of medical supplies from the Red Cross Society of China to Syria has arrived in Damascus. The second shipment of supplies was dispatched from Beijing on Feb. 13 and will help more than 10,000 earthquake victims, he added.

“China will work with the international community to actively support and help the people of Türkiye and Syria to overcome the disaster and rebuild their homelands as soon as possible,” Zheng said.

China’s renewable energy industry continues to lead globally: official

(Xinhua) China’s renewable energy industry continued to lead globally in 2022, National Energy Administration official, Wang Dapeng, said on Monday.

China-made photovoltaic modules, wind turbines, gear boxes and other key components accounted for 70 per cent of the global market

share last year, Wang said at a press conference.

“The center of gravity of the global new energy industry is shifting further to China,” he said.

China’s renewable energy development has made positive contributions to global emissions reduction.

In 2022, China’s renewable en-

ergy generation was equivalent to a reduction of 2.26 billion tonnes of domestic carbon dioxide emissions.

China’s exports of wind power and photovoltaic products helped other countries reduce emissions by approximately 573 million tonnes.

The two figures added up to 2.83 billion tonnes of emissions,

or about 41 per cent of the world’s total carbon emissions reduction converted from renewable energy, data from the administration shows.

“China has become an active participant and important contributor in the global fight against climate change,” Wang said.

Wu’s victory historic for Chinese tennis

(Chinadaily) Wu Yibing made tennis history on Sunday, when he became the first Chinese men’s player to win an ATP Tour event in a thrilling comeback victory at the Dallas Open in Texas.

The 23-year-old saved four match points to defeat United States favourite, John Isner, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 7-6 (12), triggering celebrations across China’s tennis community for the breakthrough in the men’s game, and following the great strides made by the nation’s women’s players.

The win helped Wu climb to No 58, his highest position in the Association of Tennis Professionals’ men’s world rankings, and propelled him toward his goal of cracking the Top 30 by the end of the season.

“It’s not only about winning the title. It’s more about me personally making history, (and) also for the country,” said Wu, a native of Zhejiang province.

“It’s huge for the next generation (of Chi-

nese players). For me, I need to keep going, keep my body healthy and I’m sure there’s more to come.”

Before last week, no men’s player from the Chinese mainland had ever reached a tour-level final in the Open Era or defeated an opponent in the Top 10, according to the ATP. Wu achieved both of those in one week, with his semifinal victory over world No 8 Taylor Fritz and his milestone victory on Sunday.

Touted as the next big thing for Chinese tennis after he won the 2017 US Open boys’ title, Wu was absent from international tennis for nearly three years since 2019 due to multiple injuries and a tough rehabilitation programme.

When he returned to the ATP Tour in March, his ranking had plummeted to No 1,869.

The magnitude of the challenge to mount a comeback and the way he achieved it in the

final was huge. Wu stands 1.83 meters tall, while big-serving Isner, who has won 16 ATP singles events, is a towering 2.08 meters.

Drawing on his mental toughness and composure, Wu also proved he has sharpened his craft on the court. He overcame 44 aces and four match points to prevail with solid ground strokes from the baseline to upset the US favourite in just under three hours of play.

“Of course there were a lot of doubts because I had surgery and the rehab wasn’t going well,” said Wu, who will skip the next tour event in Florida to concentrate on the more prestigious ATP 1000 tournament in Indian Wells, California, next month.

“It took longer than it should, but it turned out I’m here,” Wu said. “I trust myself and I work hard for it. In the gym, on the tennis court, off the court, I always think about tennis.

The way I look at tennis now is more relaxing, more enjoyable than before.”

Wang Yi’s trip to Europe, Russia, attendance of Munich conference to convey China’s security vision

(Global Times) Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will visit France, Italy, Hungary and Russia from Tuesday to February 22 at the invitation of the governments of the four countries, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced on Monday.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, will also attend the 59th Munich Security Conference, and deliver a speech at its China session to communicate the vision of a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security advocated by President Xi Jinping, make clear China’s abiding commitment to peaceful development and share China’s position on major international issues in light of the theme of the Conference.

The key of Wang Yi’s trip to the four countries and the attendance of the Munich Security Conference is to convey China’s

vision on security in a face-to-face fashion not only to European countries, but also to the world, which will help it better understand China’s stance on global security issues, especially on the Ukraine crisis, promoting China’s image as a peace builder as well as crisis resolver, Li Haidong, a professor at the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Monday.

As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Wang’s trip will be a start for this year’s high-level exchange between the two sides, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Monday during a daily press conference.

Wang Yi will conduct in-depth strategic communication and push forward new development in bilateral ties with the three European countries during his trip, enhance China-EU mutual trust and exchange opinions on major global issues, the spokesperson

revealed.

On Wang Yi’s Russia visit, Wang Wenbin said that China will work with Russia to push forward the development of bilateral ties on the track agreed upon by the two countries’ leaders, safeguard the legitimate rights of the two countries and together make contributions to world peace.

This year’s Munich Security Conference is of particular significance, as the world sees the Russia-Ukraine conflict approaching its one-year mark, Cui Hongjian, director of the Department of European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Monday.

“The world wishes to hear China’s voice and know more about China’s stance on these issues and questions,” the expert said.

With the senior Chinese diplomat’s trip, China could play a constructive role in mediating peace between Russia and the NATO and help the world find common ground in post-COVID recovery, Lü Xiang, research

fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday.

“In fact, Wang Yi’s decision to first visit some major European countries and then Russia shows the active endeavors China is making. China is hoping to help the relevant parties engage in more dialogue and increase mutual trust through diplomatic activities, as China is the only major power in the world that can play a mediating role in promoting talks between Russia and the West,” Cui told the Global Times.

Several global leaders, including US Vice President Kamala Harris, will be attending the Munich conference, media reported.

Whether Wang and Harris will have a bilateral interaction during the event is not yet known, but Li believed that participants of the Munich conference will be keen to discuss the development of China-US relations, and it will be a focal point of the event.

Wu Yibing

Work underway to boost cherry production locally

CONSUMERS and producers might see an increase in cherries on the local market, thanks to an interven-

tion by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in collaboration with the Government of

Guyana.

The West Indian Cherry (Acerola) is a beloved and popular fruit that many have

enjoyed for years in its raw form or in fresh juices, jellies, and other preservatives. While the demand for cherry remains strong in the country, especially for use in the fruit juice industry, the country has not been able to maintain a consistent sup -

ply. Although the Guyanese grown cherry is preferred, some local fruit juice producers have had to rely on imported concentrate to meet their demand.

To address these supply issues, over 170 stakeholders participated in a week-long

training programme held from February 7 to 10, 2023. Among the participants were cherry farmers and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Agricultural

See page 17

Extension officers being trained in cherry production

Work underway to boost cherry ...

Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the New Guyana Marketing Corporation, and the Tropical Orchards Products Company (TOPCO).

The trainings form part of a project of the FAO focused on the Sustainable Development of Resilient Value Chains and the Implementation of the CARICOM COVID-19 Agri-Food Recovery Plan.

The training in West Indian Cherry production sought to help the country increase its production of cherries for local market consumption by addressing some of the technical production challenges.

Some of the primary areas of focus included good agricultural practices to aid

in improving yields and helping farmers to manage Anthracnose, a major disease that affects cherry trees.

Specifically, partici -

pants received classroom training and were taken to cherry nurseries to receive hands-on training in orchard management,

soil management, irrigation, pruning, fertilisation and nutrition, pre- and

West Indian cherries

Work underway to boost cherry ...

post-harvest handling, propagation, grafting and pest and disease management.

Chandreka Lall, a cherry

farmer who participated in the trainings, said that he learnt a lot about grafting and budding which will help in his production.

Similarly, Dexter VanVeen from TOPCO said that the trainings were informative, especially regarding the planting material being used,

and helped him to realise how cherry production could be improved.

He added that he had a good learning experience and that the sessions would be particularly helpful for trainers who will train other farmers.

The trainings were delivered by FAO Tree Crop Expert, Dr. Rogério Ritzinger, who will continue to support the National Value Chain team in Guyana in the production of cherry to use the techniques learned during the trainings.

Dr. Gillian Smith, FAO Representative for Guyana remarked: “Our aim is to help build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable value chain. By increasing knowledge and skills in good agricultural practices among all stakeholders involved in the chain, Guyana can achieve its objectives of improving its production, in an environmentally responsible way, while promoting food security and the consumption of locally grown produce.”

She concluded that this would also contribute to re-

ducing the CARICOM food importation bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

As FAO continues to support Guyana in building resilient value chains, ensuring a consistent and high-quality supply of produce is an important step in this process. It is expected that trainers taught during these sessions will train other farmers and share their knowledge with other farmers across Guyana to help further the sustainable production of cherry. (FAO)

Unicomer invests $25B in commercial complex, logistics park

Unicomer (Guyana) Inc. has announced a massive commercial investment of twenty-five billion Guyanese dollars ($25B GYD) in Guyana, which is slated to be completed by 2025.

Redstart investments Guyana Inc., a real estate development and property management division of the Unicomer Group, has

— project slated for 2025 completion

disclosed plans for two major projects: A Commercial Complex on the East Bank

Demerara (EBD) Public Road and a Logistics Park in Houston, EBD.

Both developments are expected to commence construction in May 2023, pending regulatory and governmental approvals.

Continued on page 21

The Commercial Complex will have some 30 retail spaces with 400 parking spaces

Unicomer invests $25B in commercial...

Courts doing business in Guyana. This multi-billion-dollar investment demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to

the economic development and growth of Guyana. We are providing a world-class facility and a stellar shopping experience for residents and

visitors alike. Truly it will take the employee and customer experience in Guyana to the next level”.

The Unicomer Group will be featuring these Redstart Investments Guyana Inc. projects, and other new initiatives in its booth

at the International Energy Conference and Exposition from Tuesday to Friday, February 17th from 8am to 5pm. The exhibit will be held at the Georgetown Marriot Hotel. For more information, persons can visit booth 193.

From page 19

According to Unicomer (Guyana) Inc., the Commercial Complex, along the River Bank, in a prime East Bank location, will house up to 30 retail spaces with some 400 parking spaces. The complex will be anchored by a Courts Mega Store and an Ashley Homestore, together occupying fifty-thousand square feet (50,000 sq. ft.) of retail space. These stores will be complemented by an array of retail stores, a gym, as well as restaurants and eateries from local and international brands. Discussions are also ongoing with top international hotel brands to be included in the complex.

Further, Unicomer (Guyana) Inc. noted that fifteen-billion-dollar ($15B GYD) Logistics Park will be constructed on 60 acres of land already acquired.

The introduction of the Logistics Park will streamline

the retail giant’s supply chain management process and allow for similar arrangements to be extended to other companies in the region.

When completed, the Logistics Park will also contain Unicomer Guyana’s brandnew 250,000 sq. ft. Logistics and Distribution Center.

In sharing his excitement about this ground-breaking investment, Mr. Vincent Gordon, Sub Regional Managing Director, Unicomer Guyana and the Dutch Caribbean, explained that the commercial project will be built in three phases: Phase I to include the erection of the Courts Mega Store and Ashley Signature Stores, Phase II the buildout of the Commercial Park and Phase III will deliver the hotel and final parking structure.

Mr. Gordon stated, “In November of this year, the Unicomer Group will celebrate thirty (30) years of

An artist’s impression of a section of the Courts Mega Store

Harnessing energy

THE second edition of the much-anticipated International Energy Conference and Expo got underway at the Marriott Hotel, on Monday. (Delano Williams photos)

for development

An economic, environmental win for Guyana

STARR-LOOP EV charging solution to reduce country’s carbon footprint

(EVs).

Although Mohan doesn’t have a booth at the conference, he collaborates with three agencies: AmCham Guyana, GTT, and WASA Enterprise.

He noted that the proliferation of eco-friendly electric vehicles is becoming an irresistible trend, and the government has already taken note in keeping with its commitment to developing the country along a low-carbon pathway.

All forms of electric vehicles, he said, can help improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs, and reduce emissions.

Additionally, he said the government would also support businesses that invest in more environmentally friendly vehicles by increasing the write-down allowance applicable to all EVs to 50 per cent annually.

Underscoring that Guyana is at the very beginning of its electric vehicle transition, Mohan said his company would be offering charging systems this year and in multiple versions, including the EV-Flex Lite Level 2 Station for home users and the EV-Fleet Level 2 Charging Solution for communities and small shopping malls, along with the EVFast Level 2 Charge Station that is suitable for revenue generating business which can full charge between 15 to 60 minutes.

He explained that the STARR-LOOP EV charging solution aims to help reduce the country’s carbon footprint by promoting and supporting the growth of EVs and chargers in the country.

“The solution includes the option of a 10KW solar installation that will allow consumers to charge their vehicles for free. In addition to creating employment opportunities for renewable energy installers, the initiative aims to

THE environmental benefits of going electric are clear, and local tech giant

STARR Computer plans to introduce a universal electric vehicle (EV) charging

solution in Guyana within the first half of 2023 as the government removes the

14 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on the importation of new electric vehicles

This is according to President of STARR Computer,

Mike Mohan, in an interview with this publication at Guyana’s second International Energy Conference and Expo at the Marriott Hotel on Tuesday.

President of STARR Computer, Mike Mohan

EVs: An economic, environmental win ...

generate revenue for users and help Guyana create an increased surplus to its green economy,” Mohan emphasised.

The STARR Computer President said that the global EV market size reached 18.1 Million Units in 2022 and expects to reach 148.4 Million Units by 2028.

In underscoring the bene-

fits, Mohan said electric vehicles represent self-propelling automobiles that are widely used to transport goods and passengers from one place to another.

He highlighted that such vehicles generally include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), amongst

others.

These vehicles, he explained, run on the energy stored in batteries and are charged by self-charging devices, such as regenerative braking systems and turbochargers, that can convert kinetic energy into electrical energy.

“In line with this, EVs reduce the dependency on oil, do not emit tailpipe emissions,

and are more economical to operate than traditionally utilised automobiles. Consequently, they are gaining extensive traction across the globe,” he added. Further, he said that the expanding automotive industry and the inflating levels of urbanisation are primarily driving the electric vehicle market.

Besides this, he noted government bodies across countries are launching favorable initiatives to encourage sustainable development by offering several benefits, such as subsidies, low buying costs, tax exemptions, free charging facilities, amongst others which are acting as significant growth-inducing factors.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) expects the first electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, part of a pilot project, to arrive this month.

The government does not expect widespread importation of EVs to occur at this juncture but sees the installation of charging stations as a catalyst.

Motie makes history as...

wickets in a Test.

With the victory, West Indies earned a 1-0 series result, to keep intact their record of having never lost a Test to the African nation. Resuming the morning on 290 for eight, the Caribbean side managed to add just a further two runs, the innings lasting only 11 more deliveries.

Jason Holder (3) edged the very first ball of the day from seamer Victor Nyauchi (5-56) to be caught at the wicket and Motie holed out in the bowler’s next over for 12, to leave the 30-year-old with his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests.

Armed with a handy lead, West Indies pressed home their advantage when seamer Alzarri Joseph induced Tanunurwa Makoni (1) to nick a drive behind and Holder got Chamu Chibhabha (1) to play on at 15 for two.

Captain Craig Ervine then came to his side’s rescue with a defiant 72 while opener Innocent Kaia counter-attacked in a breezy 43 from 57 balls, the pair taking Zimbabwe to lunch on 46 for two, during a stand of

CONTINUED FROM BACKPAGE

41 for the third wicket.

The 37-year-old Ervine struck four fours off 105 balls in just over 2-¾ hours at the crease while Kaia hammered seven fours, including three in a row in one over from Holder.

Motie broke the stand in the third over after lunch when Kaia feathered a sweep to wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva and he claimed his second wicket when he drew Milton Shumba down and bowled him for seven, after the left-hander put on 32 for the fourth wicket with Ervine.

With Motie at the forefront, Zimbabwe lost four wickets for 46 runs to tumble to 132 for seven before Ervine found an ally in Brandon Mavuta (16) with whom he added 34 for the eighth wicket, rallying the hosts to tea on 158 for seven.

However, things fell apart quickly following the resumption. Mavuta squeezed a forward defensive stroke to Raymon Reifer at short leg off off-spinner Roston Chase in the second over and Motie mopped up in the next over with the wickets of Ervine and Nyauchi.

Ervine’s resistance ended when he played back and across and was lbw and Nyauchi (2) missed a heave and was stumped by Da Silva.

ZIMBABWE 1st Innings 115

West Indies 1st Innings (overnight 290 for eight)

*K Brathwaite lbw b Masakadza 7

T Chanderpaul c Tiripano

b Mavuta 36

R Reifer run out 53

J Blackwood c Nyauchi b

Mavuta 22

K Mayers c Masakadza b

Mavuta 30

R Chase b Nyauchi 70

+J Da Silva b Nyauchi 44

J Holder c wkp Tsiga b Nyauchi 3

A Joseph c Makoni b Nyauchi 4

G Motie c Mavuta b Nyauchi 12

Extras (lb3, w2, nb6) 11

TOTAL (all out, 92.3 overs) 292

Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-86, 3-117, 4-124, 5-184, 6-269, 7-270, 8-274, 9-290, 10292.

Bowling : Nyauchi 17.31-56-5, Masakadza 20-558-1, Chivanga 14-0-59-0 (w1, nb5), Tiripano 13-226-0 (w1, nb1), Mavuta 24-3-73-3, Shumba 4-017-0.

ZIMBABWE 2nd Innings

I Kaia c wkp Da Silva b Motie 43

T Makoni c wkp Da Silva

b Joseph 1

C Chibhabha b Holder

*C Ervine lbw b Motie 72

M Shumba b Motie 7

+T Tsiga b Motie 2

D Tiripano b Gabriel 0

W Masakadza c Reifer b Motie 7

B Mavuta c Reifer b Chase 16

V Nyauchi st Da Silva b Motie 2

T Chivanga not out 3

Extras (b18, lb1) 19

TOTAL (all out, 47.3 overs) 173

Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-15, 3-56, 4-86, 5-102, 6-103, 7-132, 8-166, 9-170, 10173

Bowling: Joseph 7-2-23-1, Gabriel 7-1-20-1, Holder 4-1-16-1, Motie 17.3-162-6, Chase 11-2-30-1, Brathwaite 1-0-3-0.

Player-of-the-Match: Gudakesh Motie.

Player-of-the-Series: Gudakesh Motie

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 GARNETT STREET, CAMPBELLVILLE, GEORGETOWN (TEL: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 49 players

(2) 48 players

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was the result of the first Test of the current WI/ZIM series?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

10:28

09:30

10:00

12:10

12:40

Women’s T20 World Cup..

Australia beat Bangladesh to move closer to semi-finals

DEFENDING champions Australia took a step closer to the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup with an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh.

Chasing 108 in Gqeberha, they won with 10 balls to spare, with captain Meg Lanning hitting an unbeaten 48 after opener Alyssa Healy made 37.

Bangladesh made 1077 with Nigar Sultana Joty scoring 57, while the returning Georgia Wareham claimed 3-20.

Australia go top of Group 1, while Bangladesh sit fourth after two losses.

Lanning’s side were solid in the field and were able to restrict Bangladesh after pace bowler Darcie Brown had opener Shamima Sultana caught, before bowling Murshida Khatun through the gate.

Joty built a 31-run stand with Sobhana Mostary, before Wareham,

who was returning to international cricket after a 16-month knee injury, had the latter caught at

mid-wicket.

Shorna Akter then made a painstaking 12 off 27 balls which slowed any

momentum in the Bangladesh innings, despite Joty striking at more than a run-a-ball at the other end.

Shorna’s 12 was the second-highest score in the innings and that left Bangladesh well short

of a match-winning total against Australia’s fearsome batting line-up.

Teenager Marufa Akter did have Beth Mooney caught at slip in the third over, before Lanning edged her fourth ball just short of slip.

From there Lanning and Healy grabbed control of the chase, putting on 69 for the second wicket, before Healy was caught in the covers off Shorna.

It was a stodgy chase from Australia, who largely scored in singles, only hitting four boundaries in the final 11.3 overs of the chase.

They comfortably got over the line though with Lanning and Ash Gardner, who sold for a joint-record of £320,000 for an overseas player in Monday’s Women’s Premier League auction, sharing an unbroken 33. Australia play Sri Lanka in their next game tomorrow, while Bangladesh face New Zealand on Friday. (BBC Sport).

West Demerara finals

set for Friday at Pouderoyen

Belgian goalkeeper dies after saving penalty Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’

IT was an evening of penalty shoot-outs, as Showstoppers, Jetty Gunners, Ballerz Empire, and Bagotstown Warriors clinched semi-final berths when the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West Demerara edition continued on Saturday last at the Pouderoyen Tarmac.

Another mammoth crowd descended on the venue to support the home side, and three-time winner Showstoppers, who edged inaugural cham -

pions West Side Ballers

2-0 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended 1-1.

Stephon Jupiter and Dexroy Adams were on target to seal their berth in the semi-final round.

Similarly, their impending opponent in the semi-final section, Jetty Gunners, overcame Up Like 7 by a 6-5 score on sudden death penalty kicks compliments of a Kevin Cummings strike. The score at the end of full-time was 0-0.

Meanwhile, Bagotstown Warriors upset ESPN 1-0 on penalty kicks, following a score-

less affair. They will now meet Ballerz Empire, who defeated Team Family 2-0 via penalty kicks after regulation time was unable to separate the teams at 0-0.

In the Plate section, Team Anti-Social defeated Up Top Bosses via walkover, whilst Ramsay Clan mauled Hillside by a 4-0 score. Identically, Red Triangle crushed Team Upset 4-0, whilst Pouderoyen Brothers edged CN Ballers.

The semi- final and finals for both sections will commence at the same venue on Friday 17th.

(REUTERS)-Belgian goalkeeper Arne Espeel died aged 25 after he collapsed on the pitch on Saturday moments after saving a penalty for an amateur team.

According to reports in Belgian media, Espeel saved the spot kick but dropped to the ground immediately afterwards.

Winkel Sport B, who play in the second provincial division of West Brabant in Belgium, were 2-1 up against Westrozebeke when their opponents were awarded a penalty in the second half.

According to reports in Belgian media, Espeel saved the spot kick but dropped to the ground immediately afterwards. Emergency ser-

vices rushed to help Espeel and tried to revive him with a defibrillator but he was pronounced dead shortly after he was taken to a hospital

The game was played at the club’s home ground in Sint-Eloois-Winkel in the West Flanders Province.

“Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning by the sudden death of Arne Espeel,” the club said in a statement.

“We wish family and friends of Arne our heartfelt condolences in this heavy loss. Football is an afterthought.”

An autopsy was scheduled to have taken place on Monday to determine the cause of Espeel’s death.

A report in the Het Nieuwsblad newspaper said more than 1,000 people turned up to pay tribute to Espeel on Monday evening.

Aussie captain, Meg Lanning, hit an unbeaten 48

Sinclair opened batting for Guyana at U-19 level …explains how he started bowling off-spin

By Sean Devers

THOSE who have followed Regional Youth and local Division one cricket would not be surprised of the batting ability of 23-year-old West Indies ‘White ball’ Off-spinner Kevin Sinclair, who scored a match- saving unbeaten 77 against the Windwards in Grenada in the second round of the Regional First-Class tournament.

Sinclair, who played three ODIs and six T2OIs for West Indies, batted for over three hours, facing 138 while reaching the ropes nine times and clearing it once.

Sinclair, picked for his spin bowling, was joined by last man Ronsford Beaton with Guyana Harpy Eagles on 211-9 and the pair featured in a last-wicket partnership of 49 to draw the game.

Sinclair made 43 in the opening round when Guyana beat defending Champions Barbados in Antigua before his 23 and 77 in the last round.

Last year March, Sinclair, opening the batting for Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, scored a century against Blairmont at Albion, along

with Kevlon Anderson. In the BCB’s Division one cricket Sinclair has two centuries.

The first one was in the Pepsi 50-over final in 2018 when he scored 130 against Young Warriors.

While Sinclair was always an opener for his club and Guyana at youth level, he was not always an off-spinner.

The Berbician played for Guyana as an opener at the Regional U-15 level in 2014, at the U-17 level in 2015 and 2016, and at the U-19 level in 2017 and 2018. His highest score at U-19 level is 82 against Canada when he opened with Raymond Perez.

Sinclair, who is set to play for GCC this season explained when he was picked for the academy in 2019, he was used as a bowler in the nets, bowling especially to the lefthanders, adding that he did not get much batting.

The young all-rounder explained that while he has been picked by West Indies and Guyana primarily as a bowler he works hard on his batting.

“I spend a lot of time at sessions in Georgetown and in Berbice when I’m home and credit must be given to coach Esuan Crandon, who always

stressed on my batting abilities...I do enjoy both batting and bowling.

Being able to bat well is very important and it brings more value to whatever team I play for and I always want to be able to be outstanding with bat and ball” informed Sinclair, who born in Guyana’s oldest Town, New Amsterdam.

The West Indies off-spin-

Record-breaking Briton John cops Beacon Café ‘Paceline’ Cycle race

to shatter the 35-lap circuit record at Beacon Café’s ‘Paceline’ cycling race at the inner circuit of the National Park on Sunday last.

The United We Stand standout was part of the initial break to set the initial pace of the race at the front of the 29-man peloton.

After 20 laps of racing, John changed gears and proceeded on a gutsy solo escape as his breakaway mates failed to respond.

Jamual John , who dominated the field a day earlier, had to settle for second as he and Robin Persaud started the sprint in the bunch and was inches away from placing second, but Jamual pipped him on the line in a close photo finish to relegate him to third.

Alex Mendes, Marlon Williams and junior rider, Aaron Newton completed the top six rewarding positions.

Persaud (Vets U-50), Newton (Junior), Christian Dudley (Juvenile), Talim Shaw (Vets O-50) and Tandecia Noel (Female) emerged as winners of their respective categories during the multi-race fixture.

ning all-rounder explained how he became an off-spinner “I was an opener from the age of 14 and a medium fast bowler. My grandfather changed that when he told me to bowl off spin against Albion. He told me the Albion batters don’t play off-spin well. I bowled to some senior National players and I got 4-25

My aim is to perform for

the West Indies team at the international level…that’s my dream.” added Sinclair who made his First-Class debut against Barbados in Barbados on January 16, 2020.

He feels his form with the bat (which is being shown on YouTube) will be seen by many who don’t know he could bat, which is a good thing for him.

“Yes! I am pleased with my work with the bat this season since I was known for my bowling. Now my batting is coming together,” continued the lad who has bowled 17 times in first-class games and taken 20 wickets with a best of 3-65 and averages 24.53 with the bat after scoring 368 runs with two fifties.

Sinclair, who has played 26 List ‘A’ and 15 T20s, came to prominence when he had lowest economy rate in the 2009 Regional Super50 in Trinidad which helped the West Indies emerging players win the tournament in their debut season.

Sinclair’s fast and flat style of bowling is well suited for ‘white Ball’ cricket, especially T20 clashes with dot balls without taking a bag full of wickets, will more often than

not win matches.

“I consider myself an all format player and pushing to be that it will require a lot of work and I’m willing to do so.

I’m looking to be consistent with bat and ball. My biggest challenge in Red ball cricket is bowling on different surfaces and obviously trying to spin the ball more and bowling at the right pace......but I am getting better … I just have to continue to improve.”

“Getting 4-41 against New Zealand in my second ODI game was most memorable. I was very emotional because my grandfather’s house was on fire a day before the game, to do so well I know he would have been proud.

“Well, I always wanna give back to the sport and in my community where younger one is there to help them reach their goals in the sports.

“So many people have helped, they are too numerous to mention but mainly my grandfather, Kevin Darlington, Narain Ragganandan, Mark Balgobin, Ramdhani Narine; ex commander of Region 6 Bryan Joseph; Clyde Butts, Sean Devers, Ian Bishop and Esuan Crandon” concluded Sinclair.

Tottenham fail to narrow first- leg loss at Milan

TOTTENHAM will have to produce a Champions League comeback after Brahim Diaz gave AC Milan a narrow win in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the San Siro.

Diaz nodded in early on after Spurs goalkeeper Fraser Forster had saved a Theo Hernandez shot and then superbly got a hand on the scorer’s initial follow-up attempt.

Antonio Conte’s side looked relatively comfortable for long periods of the contest against the seven-time European champions - as a youthful pairing of Pape Sarr and Oliver Skipp deputised ably for the suspended Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and the injured Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield.

However, they were rarely able to build any attacking momentum with their front three of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and, until his withdrawal, Dejan Kulusevski well shackled by a disciplined home defence.

Aside from ambitious

long-range efforts from Emerson Royal and Sarr, Conte’s side appeared most capable of threatening from set-pieces but neither Kane nor Eric Dier were able to direct headers on goal from two excellent Son deliveries.

In the end, Spurs were grateful for the profligacy of the hosts as Belgian midfielder Charles de Ketelaere and German defender Malick Thiaw both headed excellent opportunities - to put the Italian

side firmly in control of the tie - wide. Had either nodded in from close range, Spurs would have faced an even more challenging recovery operation in the return leg in London on Wednesday, 8 March.

As it is, they must try to turn the tie round without Dier, who will be suspended after he collected a second-half booking.(BBC Sport).

BRITON John won the season opener in record-breaking fashion with a time of one hour, nine minutes, and 24 seconds

Kevin Sinclair acknowledges his half-century in his stand with Ronsford Beaton against Windward Volcanoes on Saturday last.

Brahim Diaz’s only two Champions League goals have come against English opposition.

Briton John (left) won the race ahead of Jamual John.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) –Uncapped Alick Athanaze and Akeem Jordan were Tuesday named in a West 15-man squad for the two-Test tour of South Africa starting at month end.

Both players were leading performers in the first two rounds of the Regional first class Championship and will replace left-arm spinner, Jomel Warrican, and batsman Nkrumah Bonner, who have been dropped from the squad which toured Zimbabwe

Athanaze, 24, a left-handed batsman with 22 first class matches, gathered 244 runs at an average of 61 for Windward Islands Volcanoes,

Athanaze, Jordan earn maiden Test call ups for South Africa series

an opportunity at this level. He has also showed leadership, as captain of the Windwards at the start of this season.”

Jordan, meanwhile, a 28-yearold right-arm seamer who has made just five first class appearances, picked up 12 wickets for Barbados Pride at 16 runs apiece.

the success of fellow left-armer Gudakesh Motie against Zimbabwe is likely to push him even further to the margins.

following up on the 222 runs he scored last season.

More significantly, he impressed with a hundred in the second round last week, pummeling a fine 141 against Guyana Harpy Eagles.

“Athanaze is one of the young players who we have invested in, and he played well in the ‘A Team’ and CWI President’s XI,” said chief selector, the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes.

He showed great promise in the CG United Super50 last year and then got his first hundred in the West Indies Championship last week.

“We believe he should be given

He also took 12 wickets from three matches in the 2022 campaign, in which he made his first class debut.

“Jordan has been very impressive from last year, he has continued to bowl well, and has been excellent in the first two matches so far this year,” Haynes continued.

“He is very skillful, can bowl the new ball, and looks to put the ball in the right areas. He is also a sharp fielder and good catcher close to the wicket.”

Neither Warrican nor Bonner featured in the two Tests against Zimbabwe. Warrican’s last outing came nearly 15 months ago and

David Fernandes is back as GSA President

Bonner, 34, was one of West Indies’ leading Test batsmen in 2021 but despite scoring a hundred against England last March, has averaged only 10 from his last five Tests.

West Indies, who thrashed Zimbabwe by an innings and four runs on Tuesday in Bulawayo to take the two-match series 1-0, will now turn their attention to the much more challenging tour of South Africa

They arrive in South Africa on Friday for two Tests – at SuperSport Park in Centurion from February 28 to March 4 and the Wanderers in Johannesburg from March 8-12.

Prior to the first Test, they take on a South Africa Invitational XI in a four-day match starting February 21.

SQUAD – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood

(vice captain), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Akeem Jordan, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Devon Thomas

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE

21 to 24 February: vs South Africa Invitational XI at Willowmoore Park, Benoni

28 February to 4 March: 1st Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion

8-12 March: 2nd Test at the Wanderers, Johannesburg

16 March: 1st ODI at Buffalo Park, East London (day/night)

18 March: 2nd ODI at Buffalo Park, East London (day/night)

21 March: 3rd ODI at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

25 March: 1st T20Is at SuperSport Park, Centurion

26 March: 2nd T20I at SuperSport Park, Centurion

28 March: 3rd T20I at the Wanderers, Johannesburg

CONCACAF launches exciting new youth competitions format

CONCACAF has announced that its council has approved a new competition format for the region’s men’s and women’s youth tournaments starting in April 2023.

The new competition format, created following an extensive analysis of the current format, includes three rounds – qualifying stage, group stage, and knockout stage – and will improve development by increasing the number of matches in the qualifying rounds, as well as producing more competitive and exciting matchups in the Championship stage.

The new format increases the total number of matches for CONCACAF Men’s and Women’s youth teams by at least 20%.

Teams that advance from the qualifying stage are now guaranteed multiple matches against the region’s top ranked nations

ranked teams (pre-seeded into this round) and the six group winners of the Qualifying stage. After round robin play, the top two teams of each group and the two best third places will advance to the Quarterfinals (eight teams).

The knockout stage – quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final - will be played in a single match direct elimination format, with the semi-finalists (four teams) qualifying for the respective youth FIFA World Cup.

Furthermore, for every other edition of the Men’s U-20 tournament, the finalists (two teams) will qualify for the Summer Olympics Men’s Football Tournament.

David Fernandes is back at the President of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) for the period of 2023-2024 with support from a team mixed with youth and experience.

Fernandes was elected to the top post when the Association held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 9 at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street.

The past president was Owen Verwey, and Fernandes served as Vice-President.

According to a GSA release, stepping down to give the younger members a seat at the table were long-serving Executives Garfield Wiltshire and Suzanne DeAbreu.

Wiltshire has given decades of service to the sport, as a player, executive treasurer, and manager to both junior and senior teams on regional and international tours.

The Wiltshire name is synonymous with the sport, with Garfield at the head of a family of talented CASA Champions and National players.

DeAbreu was also a player and board member, spending years in the role of executive secretary before sidestepping to head the fundraising committee.

She too will remain within the close squash fraternity despite her exit from the board.

Also handing over the reins was Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Anabelle Singh after five years of service.

GSA expressed their gratitude to all the exiting members “who have and continue to be the cornerstone of the sport.”

According to the GSA, the new board has the value of experienced members along with the vitality, enthusiasm, and technological capabilities of the younger generation.

Fernandes thanked the previous committee for their hard work, celebrated the successes for 2022, and looked forward to the future of the sport.

Guyana Squash Association

Executives: David Fernandes (President), Lorraine Ince (Vice-President), Ashley DeGroot-Khalil (Treasurer), Victoria Arjoon ( Secretary), Ashley Khalil (Asst. Secretary/Treasurer), Robin Low (Chairperson for Clubs Committee), Deje Dias (Chairperson for Competitions Committee), Taylor Fernandes – Henry (Chairperson for Junior Affairs Committee), Alex Arjoon (Athletes Representative).

The Appointed Sub-Committees: Juanita Fernandes (Chairperson for Fundraising), Jonathan Antczak (Chairperson for Competitions), and Tian Edwards (Chairperson for Junior Affairs).

“This new CONCACAF youth competitions format reflects our football first philosophy and our commitment to delivering more competition for all of our Member Associations,” said CONCACAF General Secretary, Philippe Moggio.

“We know that the best way for players to develop is to play and compete in official matches and tournaments. This format will provide more opportunities for all of our federations and their young players to shine on the regional and global stage,” added Moggio.

Men’s Under-17 and Under-20 competitions will commence with a six group Qualifying Stage played amongst teams ranked between 7 and 41, according to the relevant Concacaf Rankings. The number of teams per group may vary depending on the number of participating teams.

The Qualifying Stage will be played in a round robin format, with each team playing one match against each of the other teams in the same group. After round robin play, the six group winners will advance to a centralized Group Stage.

The Group Stage will be composed of three groups of four teams each (12 teams in total). This will include the six top-

Women’s Under-17 and Under-20 competition will commence with a six group Qualifying Stage played amongst teams ranked between 3 and 41, according to the respective Concacaf Rankings. The number of teams per group may vary depending on the number of participating teams.

The Qualifying Stage will also be played in a round robin format and the six group winners will advance to a centralised Group Stage.

The Group Stage will be composed of two groups of four teams each (eight teams in total).

This will include the two top-ranked teams (pre-seeded into this round) and the six group winners of the Qualifying stage. After round robin play, the top two teams of each group will advance to the semi-finals (four teams).

The knockout stage – semi-finals, third place match, and final - will be played in a single match direct elimination format, with the finalists (two teams) and the third place match winner (one team) qualifying for the respective youth FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The 2023 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship will be the first competition to feature this new format.(Sportsmax).

From left: Akeem Jordan and Alick Athanaze (CWI photo)

The new executives of the Guyana Squash Association

Motie makes history as Windies complete dominant series win over Zimbabwe

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, (CMC) – Rookie bowler Gudakesh Motie notched a record-breaking 13-wicket match haul to spin dominant West Indies to a crushing innings and four-run victory over minnows Zimbabwe in the decisive final Test here Tuesday.

The 27-year-old, in only his third Test, claimed six for 62 to follow up his career-best seven-wicket haul in the first innings as Zimbabwe, trailing by 177 on first innings, collapsed to 173 all out in their second innings, about 15 minutes after tea on the third day of the contest at Queens Sports Club.

Motie finished with Man-of-theMatch figures of 13 for 99 – the best ever by a West Indies spinner in Tests – while surpassing the legendary trio of Sonny Ramadhin, Alf Valentine and Lance Gibbs, all of whom claimed career-best 11-wicket hauls.

The Guyanese, who also earned Man-of-the-Series honours, became the first West Indies left-arm spinner since Valentine 60 years ago to take 10

See Page 48

Guyana’s Patrick Haynes elected head of CONCENCABA

GUYANA Basketball Federation (GBF) General Secretary, Patrick Haynes, was elected President of the Central American and Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CONCENCABA).

Haynes ran against former Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) president Glyne Clarke of Barbados for the position at the CONCENCABA Assembly and Elections yesterday in Miami, USA.

He will become the first Guyanese to head CONCENCABA and will also serve as the FIBA Americas’ First vice-president.

Modesto Robeldo of Mexico, president of the Confederación Centroamericana de Baloncesto (COCABA) will serve as Haynes’ first Vice President, while Interim president of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC), Leslie Collymore (St Lucia) is the second vice-president. Sabrina Mitchell (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) is the CONCENCABA Secretary.

The CBC At Large Members are Claire Mitchell (Trinidad and Tobago) and Kenneth Vrojijk (Aruba ); the COCABA At Large Members are Jair Peralta (Panama) and Frank Martinez Arias (Costa Rica).

The GBF was represented by vice-presi-

dent Rawle Toney and Technical Director Sileena Arjune at the important CONCENCABA event at the Novotel Hotel in Miami

Founded in 1926, CONCENCABA is a body of FIBA Americas with mirrored powers and responsibilities for its geographic region. CONCENCABA recognises the superior authority of FIBA and FIBA Americas.

Subject to the overriding authority of FIBA and FIBA Americas, CONCENCABA is the only competent authority to promote the practice of basketball and to organize competitions within the Sub-Zone of Central America and the Caribbean.

Currently, the National Member Federations assigned to CONCENCABA by the FIBA Central Board are: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, British Virgin Islands , Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Virgin Islands.

FIBA Americas President, Carol Callan (left) and CONCENCABA President Patrick Haynes.

Gudakesh Motie ‘s match-figures of 13-99 are the best ever by a West Indian spinner in Test cricket.