Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 15-12-2021

WEDNESDAY 15th DECEMBER, 2021

No. 106576

Over 4,000 women to benefit from US$1.2M ‘Empowerment Fund’

Rebuilding trust in GECOM, LGE - top on agenda of GECOM’s new CEO, Vishnu Persaud SEE PAGE

3

SEE PAGE

22

US$50M Enmore industrial project to create 1,000 jobs SEE PAGE

2

Vishnu Persaud was, on Tuesday, sworn in as the Chief Elections Officer of GECOM by acting Chief Justice Roxane George (Elvin Croker photo)

EU approves €7.5M in budget support for Guyana 5 SEE PAGE

Guyana Police Force to get 50 more vehicles SEE PAGE

8

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

US$50M Enmore industrial project to create 1,000 jobs

OVER 1,000 jobs will soon be created through the establishment of an industrial plant, which is earmarked for Enmore, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

On Monday, a video showing an artist’s impression of the massive investment was posted to the official Facebook page of President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The animation shows the word ‘Rudisa’ written on the roof of one of the buildings. It was only back in August that the government, via the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Caribbean International Distributors Inc., a member of the Rudisa Group of Companies,

for the development of a landmark agro-processing facility at Enmore.

During the signing of the agreement, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, had said that the facility, once up and running, would accommodate the processing and packaging of a range of products such as pasteurised milk, natural fruit juices and water, as well as a myriad of breadlike products including hamburger buns, cookies, biscuits, croissants, bagels and donuts, etcetera.

“This here will tap into the market both locally and overseas. But locally, we already have markets like the schoolfeeding programme; you have fruit juices that are normally used there…

An artist’s impression of the US$50M investment

You have the milk; now that will be pasteurised,” Minister Mustapha told the Guyana Chronicle.

He said, too, that in addition to creating some 1,000 new jobs for the people of Guyana, the project is expected to cre-

ate a large market for fruit farmers and dairy producers, who, according to the developers, will be the primary suppliers in this venture.

The government’s Department of Public Information (DPI), which was present at the signing of the MoU, quoted the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, as saying: “Rudisa Group of Companies has a longstanding interest in Guyana, and is embarking on a new and critical venture, which will considerably contribute to the President’s vision for an Agriculture-focused Guyana, and which will be focal in the government’s mission to transform Guyana into a large-scale exporter for the Caribbean and beyond.”

At that time, CEO of Caribbean International Distributors Inc., Maurice R. Gajadhar, related his enthusiasm about embarking on this new investment, and adding to the country’s transformation effort.

“We are excited to expand our operations, and to be instrumental in Guyana’s agricultural and industrial development…

We want to make sure that our people benefit from this investment, and are eager to add value to the agriculture industry in keeping with our President’s vision for Guyana,” Gajadar said.

The establishment of the new plant will bring

Guyana one step closer to realising the government’s plan for a comprehensive food agenda, while ensuring the development of the local farming community.

“We have to move away from the subsistence way we have been doing things,” Minister Mustapha said.

He had said on multiple occasions that Guyana has been working with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to eliminate certain barriers of trade, which will ultimately pave the way for Guyana to become a major food supplier of the region, thereby realising its true potential as the food-basket of the Caribbean.

FOOD IMPORT BILL When the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) assumed office in August 2020, it had pledged to put immediate focus on tapping into at least 15 per cent of the regional annual food import bill, which ranges between US$5 billion and US$8 billion.

Minister Mustapha had said that Guyana produces much of the items that are being imported by the 15 CARICOM Member States; however, it is important that efforts be made to improve the production and sales of value-added products.

For instance, even though Guyana is a major producer and exporter of coconut, processed products such as coconut cream and bottled coco-

nut water are still being imported.

It is for this and other reasons that the government has begun investing heavily in the development of agro-processing and packaging plants, which would see more value-added products coming out of Guyana.

To this end, the government budgeted in excess of $800 million for the establishment of six high-quality agro-processing facilities across the country.

These facilities are slated to be established particularly in Aranaputa and St. Ignatius in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo); Black Bush Polder in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); and Leguan in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

Minister Mustapha has also committed to ensuring such facilities are replicated in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

In addition to improving the country’s processing and packaging capabilities, much effort was promised to be placed on ensuring that standards and quality of local products are superior.

To this end, the Ministry of Agriculture will be investing in the purchase of critical equipment for the creation of “mini labs” to test the products being processed and packaged in Guyana.

Rebuilding trust in - top on agenda of GECOM’s GECOM, LGE new CEO, Vishnu Persaud 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

GECOM’s CEO, Vishnu Persaud speaks with members of the media after being sworn in on Friday (Carl Croker photograph)

By Clestine Juan VISHNU Persaud was, on Tuesday, sworn in as the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), a role which he took an oath to execute without fear or favour.

Persaud took his oath before the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was sworn into office before Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George at the Demerara High Court.

Between 2014-2017, Persaud served as the former Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) of GECOM and was snubbed for the role in 2018. However, on December 10, he was named CEO by a majority vote of the seven-member GECOM statutory body after being shortlisted for the top position. Not only will Persaud serve as the head of the commission’s secretariat, but he will also assume the responsibility of Commissioner of National Registration.

Speaking with the media at the High Court, the

newly-sworn in CEO said, “... nobody has to have any worry about my neutrality or that I may deviate from a proper path,” adding: “I have not taken disappointment, bringing any of those stuff with me. I carry no grudge, I hold no malice…

I welcome the opportunity to now come back and represent GECOM in the best interest of all concerned.”

While away from the forefront, Persaud explained that he kept updated on all elections matters and is now ready to serve Guyana.

On top of Persaud’s agenda is preparation for Local Government Elections (LGEs) and rebuilding the public’s trust in GECOM following the 2020 elections debacle.

“I have in my mind some ideas already on how I will go about doing that.

There would be some people who might venture that the reputation of the commission is not damaged, there are others who will disagree. The perception is out there… as time goes on, we will see how these strategies will be unfolded.”

For his first task, Persaud will be visiting various GECOM departments to assess what works need to be done. “I have to get a feel as to what is happening in the various departments, what they have ongoing now, what is in the pipeline and see how I can engage myself with that,” Persaud said.

“In terms of the bigger picture, I will have to be guided and advised by the commission, and this has mostly to do with things like registration and preparations for elections. I don’t know what the thinking of the commission is at this time, so I will have to be guided by them,” the newly-sworn in CEO said.

WITHIN A YEAR When questioned about GECOM preparedness for LGEs, Persaud said that voters can expect to be heading to the polls within one year. Initially, LGEs were due by December 7, 2021, but due to the absence of a CEO, the Commission was prevented from indicating its readiness to host the elections.

Among other things,

Persaud said that he has an “open door” policy with the public and the media and with his background in public relations also, he will always make sure that the public will be informed of the affairs of GECOM. “I am one who stands for transparency and accountability…. It is something that I will always push for, so that all concerned are always abreast with what the Commission is doing,” he said.

Persaud was among an initial shortlist of six candidates submitted to GECOM Chairperson, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, for the top position. On December 11, it was Justice Singh’s vote, which effectively broke the inevitable tie between GECOM’s three People’s Progressive Party/Civic-aligned commissioners and three A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)-aligned Commissioners.

In a statement following the vote, the GECOM Public Relations Unit confirmed Persaud’s appointment and gave justification for the Chairman’s vote.

“Chairperson of the

Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Claudette Singh, in justifying the reasons for endorsing the successful applicant posited that; having heard the Commissioners and having read the endorsement of the former Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, she is of the view that Mr Persaud has acquired institutional knowledge having been employed with GECOM for seventeen (17) years,” the release said.

EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND The release quoted Persaud’s extensive background with the elections body, which began with his appointment as Public Relations Officer in the early 2000s. He remained in that position until 2014 when he climbed to the role of DCEO up until 2017 when his contract was not renewed despite his expression of interest.

The DCEO post was advertised; however, then GECOM Chairman, James Patterson, overlooked Persaud in favour of Roxanne Myers. Patterson, who was appointed by then-President, David Granger, was

later removed from his post after the Caribbean Court of Justice ruled that his appointment was unconstitutional. Myers, along with several others, is accused of electoral fraud and has since been charged and removed from GECOM. Recently, Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, issued a gazetted order recognising the limitations of the Elections Commission and effectively provided a legal pathway for postponing the Local Government Elections and extending the life of all local government bodies.

The December 8, 2021, gazetted order from the subject minister, titled Local Authorities (Postponement of Local Government Elections) Order 2021, is effective from December 6, 2021.

The Order read: “In accordance with the Local Authorities (Elections) Act and in respect of the Local Authorities Elections prescribed to be held during the period of November 1 and December 7 this year, and being satisfied, on the advice of the Elections Commission, that it is impracticable to comply with the provisions of this Act regarding the date for the holding of an election to elect members of a local democratic organ, I hereby order that Local Government Elections 2021 be posted until a date to be specified in a subsequent order.”

The minister also ordered: “Every person who is a councillor including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, the Chairman or Deputy Chairman, during this prescribed period for the holding of elections shall continue in, and discharge the functions of his office until his successor enters on the duties of his office.”

Currently, several key positions in GECOM’s administration are still to be filled including DCEO, Assistant Chief Elections Officer/Assistant Commissioner for National Registration (ACEO/ACNR), Chief Accountant, and Managers for Logistics and Civic Education.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Support efforts underway for 6,500 flood-affected households - Pomeroon area identified as most impacted by inundation

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, has said that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is moving apace with its efforts to assist flood-affected residents nationwide.

While extensive flooding over the past weeks has affected some 6,500 households throughout Regions One to Six, not all are severely impacted. Based on assessments conducted by

the relevant authorities, the Pomeroon, in Region Two, is deemed the most affected.

“We will be making some interventions over the next 48 hours to deal with those concerns. We have some people in the Kabakaburi and Wakapau that are now in shelters; I think six families we reported and we have dispatched a team from the CDC to do some assessment

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

CDC’s Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig

and to make some interventions,” the Prime Minister said.

To date, the CDC has received reports of 1,297 households being affected in Region Two; of that number, 552 households reported that water entered their homes.

“Notwithstanding the fact that the water has receded, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority continues with their interventions in ensuring that a lot of those outfalls, all those canals are cleared… they continue to maintain the pumps that are necessary in getting the water off the land,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

Through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CIIP), some 2,000 workers were deployed throughout flood-affected regions to lend support.

CDC’s Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said that there has been significant improvement in the responses by the regional authorities.

“I think that is commendable and that’s the type of decentralised disaster risk management system that we have been working to build over the years by training those personnel and equipping them, and now we are

December 11, 2021

G

5 15 16 17 26 27 4 December 8, 2021

I

3 6

8

18 23 28 4

seeing some of the fruits,” Lieutenant Craig noted.

CDC’s Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October, said the commission will continue to work in tandem with the local bodies to bring urgent relief to residents.

“By all effort by the technical agencies and the Civil Defence Commission, through policy level support and direction, we will also be in the position to provide the necessary support using the framework of the regional disaster risk management system for which the Regional Democratic Councils are the custodians,” Captain October underscored.

Even amidst efforts to provide support to those affected, Prime Minister Phillips advised residents to seek medical attention immediately should they encounter any medical challenges during the flood.

“Residents from the areas that are affected, if you have like skin rashes and other ailments, just visit the nearest medical centre and I know that treatment is available there for you,” the Prime Minister said.

Tuesday’s task force engagement was the second meeting since the unit was officially activated by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Monday. (DPI)

09/12/21 - 3 8 12 23 24

09/12/21 -

7

3

6

08/12/21 -

3 9 5

09/12/21 -

1 6 11 16 18 19 21

10/12/21 - 3 14 15 18 19

10/12/21 -

4

1 5

10/12/21 -

0 0 6

10/12/21 -

2 5 6 7 8 11 21

11/12/21 -

4

6 0

11/12/21 -

3 2 7

11/12/21 -

3 5 6 11 16 18 21

6 1

13/12/21 -

8 7 4

13/11/21 -

1 2 3 7 9 15 16

11/12/21 - 8 9 11 17 21 13/11/21 - 1 4 20 23 24

13/12/21 -

6

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

EU approves €7.5M in budget support for Guyana - says it is impressed with authorities, wants to nurture political friendship

By Rehana Ahamad THE European Union (EU), as part of its Budget Support Programme, has approved the disbursement of some €7.5 million for Guyana, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. It was related at a news conference, on Tuesday, that the funds represent the final tranche of payments under a multi-year programme valued at €30 million, which came on stream after Guyana lost Europe as one of its preferential markets for sugar.

“Over the years, the European Union remained our largest provider of grant resources to support our development programmes,” Dr. Ali said.

He told reporters at his office that over the years, funds received under the EU’s Budget Support Programme for Guyana were expended on the enhancement of critical sectors including housing, climate adaptation, improved infrastructure, and importantly, repairing the country’s fragile sea defences.

The EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó, specified that under the programme, Guyana was able to build in excess of 10 kilometres of sea defences, while maintaining almost 60 kilometres.

“You have [also] planted six new mangrove sites; mangroves are those wonderful trees, as you know, that not only improve the quality of the air, not only improve the environmental richness of the country, but it also protects the country from the rising sea level,” Ambassador Cantó said.

Asked whether the disbursement of the final tranche of funds marks the

end to the contract partnership between Guyana and the EU, President Ali responded in the negative.

“That is why we have such a high-level visit today. The intention of this visit is to define the strategic way forward, and the emerging challenges and opportunities and for us to come up with a common framework and a plan as to how, together, the EU and Guyana will navigate the future, and how the EU will be a stronger partner for Guyana,” Dr. Ali said.

He said too that very soon, the new framework outlining focus areas will be documented.

In the meantime, Javier Niño Pérez, Deputy Managment Director for the Americas in the European External Action Service (EEAS), has signalled the EU’s intention to strike up a “genuinely effective political partnership” with Guyana.

“We want to be political friends of Guyana because we both face the challenges of today’s world, believing in the same principles and with the same objectives,” Pérez posited.

Responding to President Ali’s commitment to ensure that Guyana steers clear of mismanaging its oil resources, Pérez said that the EU has been very impressed by the lucidity and courage with which the President has managed the petroleum industry.

CONFRONT REAL CHALLENGES He congratulated Dr. Ali for “taking a longterm vision, taking a prudent approach”, and understanding that that the country’s oil resources need to be used to confront the real challenges of today’s world.

Similar sentiments

Deputy Management Director for the Americas in the European External Action Service, Javier Niño Pérez (Adrian Narine photo) were shared by Ambassador Cantó, who said that the latest contribution to Guyana is also proof of the trust and confidence that the EU has in People’s Progressive Party/Civic government.

It should be noted that last year, under the same budget support programme, Guyana benefitted from a disbursement of $19.8 billion. However, due to political instability in 2019, the EU withheld its funds.

At that time, a no-confidence motion had already been passed against the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC),

which had refused to demit office and call elections, as was constitutionally required.

Nonetheless, with a legitimate government in place, Cantó said: “We trust Guyana to manage these money that will go directly to the Treasury of Guyana.”

He added that the disbursement also means that the PPP/C government has provided the proof of good management of the finances and the proof of realisation of the works that the EU is paying for.

In expressing his appreciation, President Ali said that the resources provided by the EU will

greatly assist in improving the lives of the people of Guyana.

“And will help to offset the expenditure that has been incurred in our relentless struggle to defend our coastal zone from the intrusion of the aggressive Atlantic Ocean,” Cantó related.

In recognising the EU as a generous partner to Guyana, President Ali said that he is elated that the partnership is blossoming into one that is multidimensional. “…because political partnership, that is not language you hear from international organisations very often, but there is a

tremendous strength when an organisation say, ‘we are looking to build political partnership’,” Dr. Ali posited.

Also present at Tuesday’s press conference were Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips; Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd; Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, and other members of the EU delegation.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Strategic Discussions President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has indicated that strategic discussions involving Guyana, Suriname, Brazil and French Guiana are set to commence early in the New Year. These discussions emanate out of some major developments that are likely to come on stream in the coming period ahead.

Among these are the building of the Corentyne River Bridge, the construction of a deep-water port in Region Six; the gas-toshore project and the potential for new oil and gas finds. Taken together, these developments could create new opportunities for the neighbouring countries, which, together with French Guiana could constitute a new development frontier with new and vast opportunities for all the countries involved.

These are all exciting developments which will usher in a new era of business opportunities not hitherto possible. It is part of a much larger hemispheric project linking Guyana to its neighbours and, conceptually, to the whole of the Americas.

The truth is that a large part of Guyana’s economic potential remains largely untapped which could only be fully realised when a number of key infrastructural projects are undertaken.

Among these are the road link between Brazil and Guyana, the completion of the deep-water project at the mouth of the Berbice River, the completion of the Corentyne River Bridge and the construction of a new four-lane bridge across the Demerara River, among others.

These are all transfor-

mational projects which will catapult Guyana to new levels of prosperity and opportunities. These projects have already gone past the conceptualisation stage and in the case of the Corentyne River Bridge, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries have already been signed. Requests for proposals from firms to undertake the works have already commenced. The bridge will be built under a ‘Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain’ (DBFOM) model and when completed will link not only the two countries but the people and cultures of the two neighbouring countries.

Construction works on the deep-water port in Berbice have already commenced and is expected to be completed in 2023. This will be beneficial not only

for the oil and gas sector but for the mining sector as well by way of improved transportation and communication logistics.

With Georgetown already connected to Linden by way of road, a Lethem-Linden road which actually link Georgetown to Lethem, will provide a gateway into the adjoining landlocked Brazilian state of Roraima. The Takutu Bridge was already completed in 2009 and with the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge in another few years, a road link with Suriname, Guyana and Brazil will become a reality.

A highway link from Brazil to Georgetown is part of the Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRISA) which envisions connectivity with our coastal highways connected to a

bridge across the Corentyne River. This would greatly facilitate trade and commerce between the private sectors and the business communities of the respective countries.

The piping of gas from the Liza field to the shore of Guyana will lower the cost of energy to Guyana.

This would make the country much more competitive and could very well pave the way for the construction of an aluminum plant.

Guyana has one of the largest deposits of A-grade bauxite which could be a great foreign exchange boost.

The government is also operationalising plans for renewable energy projects to support its cleaner energy mix. The energy corridor could potentially see the three adjoining countries teaming up to

share power based on their respective energy needs and their ability to collectively meet those needs. These initiatives would require the development of local capacity, especially in the area of logistics and logistical support.

These are indeed visionary and forward looking ideas for which the PPP/C administration must be given credit. The project had been at the discussion stage for quite some time and the benefits have been recognised by the Inter-American Development Bank based on baseline and pre-feasibility studies done. According to the bank, the main benefits of such a project would be lower cost of energy for consumers, reduced carbon dioxide emissions and greater export earnings.

An appeal to the University of Guyana

Dear Editor, I want to express an urgent call to the University of Guyana Academic Board to complete the process of certifying potential graduates; hence, paving the way for an

early graduation ceremony. Editor, my niece is currently on an online scholarship through the GOAL programme; however, she is required to provide the diploma certificate or official tran-

script for her programme that she completed since August 2021 to the online university for successful entry. Unfortunately, she cannot progress on this issue, since UG has not held graduation as yet for

the students of 2021, and the Online University is adamant about seeing the student certified. Editor, I hope that UG doesn’t keep its graduation in March as it did in 2021, as this will seriously push

my niece further off her potential academic pathway. I call for UG to immediately implement a process for students who have immediately matriculated to higher learning outside of UG, to be given

precedence in the processing of their certifying documents, so that they can continue without any of this red tape.

Yours sincerely, Shondell Henry

FAO collaborates to promote sustainable fertiliser use 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

The MoU was signed virtually by Beth Bechdol, FAO’s Deputy Director-General, and Svein Tore Holsether, IFA’s Board Chair

THE Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Fertiliser Association (IFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), setting out a path to extend their existing co-operation on the promotion of sustainable food and agriculture, the importance of soil health and statistics on fertilisers.

The MoU was signed virtually by Beth Bechdol, FAO’s Deputy Director-General, and Svein Tore Holsether, IFA’s Board

Chair. The partnership will see FAO and the IFA work together to raise awareness on the International Code of Conduct for the Sustainable Use and Management of Fertilizers (Fertiliser Code), as well as the improvement and dissemination of Fertiliser Statistics.

Beth Bechdol commented, “Innovation, technology and data are increasingly important to our overall strategic emphasis. As FAO and IFA continue to work together, these are natural places where we can build on work that’s already been

established, and we can also demonstrate impact and very concrete results.”

“The fertiliser industry is committed to the sustainable production and use of fertilisers. We are proud to support the FAO’s vision of transformative change and innovation with measurable, sustainable impact and benefits,” said Svein Tore Holsether.

The agreement promotes collaboration between FAO and IFA in the field of sustainable food and agriculture – including soil fertility assessment, sus-

Two arrested after police discover 13.4lbs of suspected drugs

The parcels which were uncovered by officers of the GPF at a house in West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown TWO persons are now operation at 18:00 hrs cel and 114 packets of in police custody fol- at Lot 122 West Ruim- suspected marijuana. lowing an operation at veldt Housing scheme, The alleged narcotics a house in West Ruim- which led to the arrest was weighed in the veldt Housing Scheme, of two males, a vendor presence of the susGeorgetown, on Tues- of the said address and a pects, and it amounted day. taxi driver of Lot 1,705 to 13.40 lbs.

According to a police Dedication Place, South The items were report, officers from the Ruimveldt. lodged and the suspects Guyana Police Force Following a search were placed in custody (GPF) Headquarters and of the premises, police at the East La Penitence ‘A’ Division conduct- uncovered nine bulky Police Station pending ed an intelligence-led parcels, one small par- charges.

tainable use of fertilisers, and continuous improvement of FAO Statistics to support evidence-based decision-making.

The MoU lays out plans for FAO and IFA to co-operate on the follow-up to the Fertiliser Code, which

was developed to increase food safety and the safe use of fertilisers. A global dissemination event and regional workshops will aim to highlight the implementation of the Fertilizer Code and its principles, focusing on regional needs and priorities; and to evaluate feasibility, practicality, and implementation of the code’s provisions within specific regions.

FAO and IFA will continue to collaborate on the analysis and discussion of their historical fertiliser statistics, focusing primarily on the data publicly available in their respective databases, FAOSTAT and IFASTAT, with particular emphasis on fertilizer con-

sumption.

A STRONG PARTNERSHIP FAO and IFA share common objectives on the provision of global statistics on fertilisers as well as the promotion of sustainable soil and plant nutrient management through international research and outreach activities.

IFA is an international association for the global fertiliser industry and value chain, whose mission it is to promote efficient and responsible production, distribution and use of plant nutrients to ensure sustainable development and help achieve global food security. (FAO)

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Guyana Police Force to get additional 50 vehicles

- officers to also get assistance to pursue higher education, says President Ali AS part of efforts to enhance the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) ability to combat crime, the government will be procuring an additional 50 vehicles with the use of supplementary funds, which are being sought through the National Assembly.

Speaking at the GPF’s annual Christmas Breakfast at the Police Officers’ Mess, on Tuesday, President Ali said that building on the government’s supply of 50 new vehicles, 65 bikes and other assets to the force, a supplementary provision has been set aside for 50 more vehicles.

A commitment was also made to replace the engines on more than 20 vehicles, which are out of service, to get them back into working condition.

This is all part of the overarching objective to equip the force with the necessary vehicles to execute their duties.

“There are some areas that we have to tweak.

And we have to be bold in our decision-making. We have to take a strategic look at our organisational structure or operational structure and come up with the best-suited model for a modern Guyana. That

President Dr. Irfaan Ali is saluted by officers of the GPF upon his arrival at the Police Officers’ Mess (Office of the President photo)

is why you are seeing legislative changes. We’re looking at a national drone programme,” President Ali related.

The Head of State also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to not only equip the force with the necessary tools and infrastructure to effectively fight crime, but also to provide opportunities for ranks to improve their personal lives and by extension, the country.

President Ali said that the joint forces will continue to lead by example. He also said that the Guyana Defence Force will embark on a national enhancement programme to improve the medians across the country, to enhance Guyana’s overall standards.

“As Commander-inChief, I will be leading an effort with the army and we are going to include the Police Force in going out there and lead by example in the cleaning up [of] this city to make it a point that the city and the cleanliness of our environment...is not a political matter. It is a matter that defines us as a people, that defines us as who we are,” the Head of State said.

Officers stationed on Main Street for the Christmas light-up were praised

by Dr. Ali for their “excellent policing.” He said that the environment is encouraging and allows them to

execute their duties with pride and respect.

Officers of the GPF are integral to the development of the government’s ‘One Guyana’ policy, the President said.

To this end, Dr. Ali said: “You are my greatest asset and ally in building this “One Guyana.” And we will do it. I want to assure all of you that it will come and it will come very soon.”

The lawmen were described as having attitudes and value systems that are patriotic and nationalistic.

The President said that eventually the people of Guyana will triumph above all obstacles and barriers and will join together as “One Guyana,” where all of Guyana will be the brothers and sisters of each other and move forward in harmony.

GOVERNMENT’S DEVELOPMENT THRUST President Ali explained the importance of the force understanding the development thrust of the government.

He said this will ensure that they formulate strategies in line with the country’s projected growth and execute their work with more efficiency and effectiveness. The government will support the force in this development, by way of technological development.

He said that the new highway from Mandela Avenue to Diamond will have certain technological features, including speeding cameras that will be incorporated into the infrastructure to assist the lawmen.

The President said that drones have already been deployed as part of the force’s crime-fighting strategies and there are also plans to utilise them on the country’s waterways as the first line of defence.

In addition to the capacity of the GPF, the welfare of its officers, as it relates to working conditions and salaries, will continue to be addressed.

“We know that whilst you give your best, and those under your command give their best that you also have to ensure that you give your best to your families,” Dr. Ali said.

President Ali said this is why education is one of the most important pillars of the government.

He said he has already spoken to the head of the police so that every branch or division commander can be sponsored by the government to pursue their educational goals in a degree programme. Those who already have degrees will be enrolled in a master’s programme for defence studies.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

China vows to work with developing countries to promote international human rights

The 2021 South-South Human Rights Forum is held in Beijing, China, December 8, 2021. /South-South Human Rights Forum (CGTN) China, as the world’s largest developing country, pledged to work with all developing countries to promote the sound development of the international human rights cause, at a forum on human rights on Wednesday.

The 2021 South-South Human Rights Forum, a biennial event held this year for the third time in Beijing, was themed “putting people first and global human rights governance”.

Stressing that human rights practices are diverse, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing is ready to work with other developing countries to promote the common values of mankind, in his congratulatory letter to the forum.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN CHINA’S HUMAN RIGHTS CAUSE Countries around the world can and should choose the human rights development path that suits their own national conditions, Xi said.

Noting that human rights are a symbol of human civilisation progress, he emphasised that putting people first and taking people’s longing for a better life as the goal is the responsibility of all countries.

In recent years, China has made progress in human rights development, particularly in reducing poverty.

“The Chinese people now have a greater sense of

gains, happiness and security in terms of human rights protection,” Xi said.

Since the launch of reform and opening up in 1978, 770 million rural residents living below China’s poverty line have been lifted out of poverty, according to a white paper on human rights progress through moderate prosperity attainment released by the State Council Information Office in August.

The country realised its poverty-reduction goal from the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule, the white paper noted.

In September, China released the Human Rights Action Plan of China (20212025), detailing nearly 200 objectives and tasks, ranging from rights to basic standards of living, public participation in environmental decision-making, and rights of ethnic minority groups.

SOUTH-SOUTH CO-OPERATION IN INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS With the COVID-19 pandemic having forced major changes around the world, how developing countries should address human rights issues in the post-COVID era was a focus at the forum.

Xi has described SouthSouth co-operation – economic and technical co-operation among countries of the Global South – as a

great initiative by developing nations seeking strength through unity.

When the first forum was held in 2017, he stressed that the development of human rights worldwide cannot be achieved without the joint efforts of developing countries, which account for more than 80 per cent of the world’s population.

China has attached great importance to South-South co-operation. Along with political dialogue and financial co-operation, it promotes the exchange of knowledge and expertise through pro-

grammes, projects and initiatives designed to solve countries’ specific problems.

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, China has offered assistance to countries in need to support their efforts to promote economic and social development, and has laid a solid foundation for long-term friendship and co-operation with those countries.

Over the past five years, the South-South Co-operation Assistance Fund set up

by China has worked closely with a dozen international

organisations to implement more than 100 livelihood projects in over 50 countries, benefitting over 20 million people.

At this year’s forum, attendees explored the potential of the future international human rights system amid challenges from global issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

Nearly 400 people, including senior officials, experts, scholars and diplomatic envoys from over 100 countries and international organisations, attended the forum online or offline.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

China appreciates support for Beijing Winter Olympics: FM spokesperson

(Xinhua) -- A Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday expressed China’s appreciation for the support shown by relevant countries and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the Beijing

Winter Olympics and their stance against politicising sports.

Leaders and senior officials from many countries have recently expressed their stance that the Olympic Games should not be

politicised and they support the Beijing Winter Olympics. The declaration of the 10th Olympic Summit also voiced firm opposition to the politicisation of the Olympic Games and sport in general.

“It is the common call of

the international community, especially the Olympic Committees and athletes of various countries, to respect the principle of the political neutrality of the Olympic Games and avoid politicising sports,” spokesperson Wang

Wenbin said at a daily press briefing.

Noting that the Olympic Charter clearly states that the practice of sport is a human right, Wang said politicising the Olympic Games is not only a violation of athletes’ human rights, but also an act of blasphemy against the Olympic spirit, which goes against the trend of the times of solidarity and co-operation.

“With the joint efforts of all parties, it is believed that the Beijing Winter Olympics will surely become a stage to demonstrate the Olympic Motto of ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger -- Together’, achieve the goal of engaging 300 million people in winter sports, and make contributions to promoting a peaceful and better world,” he said.

Coordinated care system for the elderly in Chongqing, China

A senior receives care service at home in Chongqing, southwest China, Dec. 2, 2021 (Xinhua/Tang Yi) (Xinhua) -- China has 264 ban areas. Meanwhile, home million people aged 60 appliances and facilities will years and above, account- be updated so that the elderly ing for 18.7 per cent of can enjoy the convenience its 1.4 billion population brought about by smart techin total, according to the nologies. seventh population census Currently, there are 18 conducted in 2020. elderly care centers at the Yu b e i D i s t r i c t o f sub-district or township levChongqing has actively been el, 158 stations at the comdeveloping a co-ordinated munity level, and 101 sites service system for the grey- in rural areas. A total of ing population, featuring a 6,700 beds can be provided combination of rehabilitation to senior citizens. Moreover, and medical care, home- and over 80,000 people have community-based care ser- been provided with online vices, covering all elderly services and another 30,000 care facilities in rural and ur- with door-to-door services.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Health Minister: Omicron variant inevitable, take all precautions known to the world around the 24th of November, so we’ll see more people getting sick with it and we’ll probably see hospitalization; but at this point in time, we haven’t seen many persons who would have had the severe disease and not many deaths as yet, so hopefully it stays that way.”

The minister is adamant that booster doses work and the ministry will need to increase vaccination numbers

A customer following protocols at a store GUYANESE are being encouraged to take all precautions against COVID-19, especially now that health systems around the world are facing a new challenge with the Omicron variant.

Speaking during the daily COVID-19 update, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, said with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent announcement that the variant is already present in more than 67 countries, it’s only a matter of time before it reaches here.

“Obviously, on a daily basis this is going to increase because people are travelling, people are moving around and therefore we have to be attentive; for most countries, it’s going to be difficult to prevent omicron from coming to your country, it’s just a matter of when,” Dr. Anthony said.

The Health Minister added that with the high rate of transmission, scientists predict that the Omicron variant will be the dominant variant worldwide.

“Therefore, we have to start preparing, we have to start taking the precautions.

Christmas is upon us and I know a lot of people want to go shopping and socialising and, unfortunately, if they do that and they are exposed to people with whether its Delta or Omicron or whatever variant there is circulating… they are going to spread it and when people socialize, especially if they are drinking, they obviously are not wearing masks, they will be in close proximity to each other and these are ideal conditions for spread,” Dr Anthony said.

The minister related that persons should not be complacent as there is still more to know about the variant, and trends are still emerging.

“What the scientists are telling us, this particular variant has about 50 mutations and about 32 of those mutations are located on the spike protein and most vaccines have

used the spike protein as the antigen, for the human body to react to it and to be able to produce antibodies. So, a variation with so many mutations, with about 32 mutations can, of course, create problems in the human body identifying, or the antibodies that you would have developed, to identify this new variant,” he noted.

Thus far, the omicron variant has been observed, by scientists, to be more transmissible, with cases doubling every two to three days, so the scientists have estimated that there is a three-fold higher transmission than the delta variant.

Another characteristic of the omicron variant is that even with two doses of a covid-19 vaccine persons can still be affected.

“Persons who would have had two doses of vaccine, they have shown a reduced efficacy in fighting the omicron variant, so what is being recommended in many countries across the world, those countries who would have completed their two-dose vaccination, is for those persons to come and get a booster dose, because with the booster dose, your antibody levels go up and you are more prepared to fight this variant,” Dr Anthony said.

POSSIBILITY OF REINFECTION Dr Anthony noted too that there is also the possibility of re-infection for persons who already had the disease and the possibility is three to eight times more than the delta variant.

In terms of the severity of the disease, Dr. Anthony noted that vaccinated persons mostly experience milder forms of the disease.

The Health Minister said: “Yesterday the UK reported that one person died from the omicron variant, but we haven’t seen a lot of deaths as yet, but again, remember that this variant only became

as there are still many persons unvaccinated or partially vaccinated in Guyana.

He reiterated that persons 18 years and older are eligible for the booster shots locally.

“We have some work to do in encouraging those who are unvaccinated to get vaccinated, and those who are partially vaccinated to become fully vaccinated, and we want to move these numbers because a lot of the scientists would have

predicted with the Delta variant circulating, that we need to move the numbers up between somewhere 80 to 85 per cent second dose coverage, so that we can contain the virus.

“We have a different challenge now that omicron is emerging, and with that, omicron is more transmissible, so we’ll require a higher number if we are going to meet herd immunity,” Dr. Anthony said.

The good news is that per-

sons can protect themselves with existing protocols. He noted that it is preferred that medical grade masks are worn.

“These masks, they’re specially designed, in the case of an N95, they have five layers; in the case of a surgical or a procedural mask, they have like three layers, so it helps to filter out viral particles,” he said, adding that no case of Omicron has been detected locally so far. (DPI)

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Help combat climate change – Minister Bharrat urges global community

Minister of Natural Resource, Vickram Bharrat

MINISTER of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, said climate change and the reduction of emissions should be a global effort, and called on the global community to do their part.

He said the fight should

not rest on the shoulders of Guyana and other developing countries around the world.

The minister made the call during an award ceremony for the winners of the secondary schools’ Green Energy and Renew-

able essay competition, held at the Promenade Gardens, on Tuesday.

“It is everyone’s business, because climate change is impacting every single human being in the world. All countries around the world need to take up that responsibility and ensure that we work towards transitional renewable energy, work towards cutting our emissions, work towards minimising the impact of the extraction of natural resources on our environment,” Minister Bharrat said.

He said international climate change forums should not just be conversations, but action should be taken to ensure young people have a better future.

He noted that thousands of Guyanese de-

pend on the forestry, mining and oil and gas sectors for a living and therefore, countries must find alternative ways to address climate change.

“And if people are calling on Guyana, to stop exploration, new exploration; if people are calling on Guyana, not to cut our forests, if people are calling on Guyana to stop mining activities, they’re calling us to have 100 per cent renewable energy,” the minister said.

He continued, “If we stop that exploration activity, where will they work and these are average Guyanese people who work daily to provide for their families.

So, the question should be, what are the alternatives?”

The minister said he believes in protecting the environment, but Guyanese must also be able to make an “honest living.”

He noted too that there must be a balance between carrying out Guyana’s explorations and doing what is necessary to prevent climate change. (DPI)

Minister Bharrat has said that Guyana will work to extract its natural resources in a manner that minimises environmental impacts

Guyana to get US$3M economic boost from ICC U19 tournament 13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

this. I know that the public is a little bit skeptical because we’ve spoken about this many times before, and we’re always saying why are we not able to host the CPL finals and other countries have kind of outbid us, that’s what the issue is prior,” Minister Ramson said.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., has said that over US$3 million is expected to be pumped into Guyana’s economy when it hosts the 14th edition of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) under 19 World Cup tournament early next year.

Guyana has been named one of the host countries for the tournament, which will run from January 14 to February 5, 2022.

“We’ve quantified internally at the ministry that in excess of US$3M of economic value will be coming to Guyana within the month of January,” the

minister said during his address at a ceremony held at the National Stadium, Providence, on Sunday.

Given the international interest the tournament will generate, Minister Ramson said the government will not allow the opportunity of hosting the event to “fritter away,” especially considering the revenue stream that it will bring to the country.

“When you think about the transportation, the logistics, all of the people connected to catering, it’s hundreds of millions of dollars in economic value, security, everything.

“The catering of the food, it’s connected to the

farmers wherever they plant, in Berbice, in Essequibo or on the islands, wherever they plant it’s all connected to the value chain of generated economic activity that multiplies in the economy,” he said.

Guyana is also negotiating to host the finals of the 2022 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which the minister said, is bound to expand Guyana’s economy.

The highly anticipated annual regional sporting event is something President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, hopes Guyana could host.

“It’s something he has publicly spoken about, that he is setting out to do

He continued: “Sport is very important to the President and the President understands how important sport is to the country, but not just from a sporting perspective which is some of the things I spoke about at the press conference, but also at the point of view

of how it generates economic activity and the excitement and the energy in the country.

“What is also important is the attention for Guyana, the marketing opportunities to tourism, and how it’s all connected, in a much more comprehensive way.” (DPI)

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

$16.6M being sought for City Hall’s restoration project

FLASHBACK: Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall; Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud; Mayor Ubraj Narine and other officials following the signing of the $780M contract at City Hall in September WITH City Hall’s Restoration project well underway, the government is seeking approval for $16.6 million for the mobilisation advance to conduct the restoration works.

This request is part of the $21.4 billion supplementary fund being sought

by Senior Minister in the office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, to cover current and capital expenditures.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

had established an interministerial committee comprising the Ministries of Local Government and Regional Development, Public Works and Agriculture, to work together to rebuild and refurbish the city, including the restoration of the historic building.

The initiative aims to preserve and maintain City Hall and its adjacent buildings known to be among the city’s main tourist attractions. President Ali had stated, “the city and the

national heritage of the city is a reflection of ourselves” and as such, hopes to accelerate this project through a collaborative effort.

Back in 2018, the European Union (EU) provided $60M (€300,000) to conduct a feasibility study for the long-awaited restoration project.

Some $100 million was allocated in the 2021 National Budget for the restoration works. A cheque valued $30M was also handed over to the Council to ad-

A national monument, government has pledged to restore the iconic Georgetown City Hall to its former glory vance the construction of Local Government Min- try… It is quite an extensive its administrative building. ister, Nigel Dharamlall, had and expansive exercise that Later this year, a $780M said, during the signing cer- His Excellency is pursuing, contract was signed and emony of the contract, that and we hope that it will reawarded to Fidis Guyana In- the project was a part of a bound to the benefit of the corporated to be completed greater development plan citizens of Georgetown,” he

by March 2023. Local ma- envisioned for the country. noted. terials, including wood, will “The restoration of City This nineteenth-century be used for the project, via Hall should not be seen as gothic revival building was a joint venture among the something by itself, but is designed by architect, RevLocal Government Ministry, part of the greater whole, in erend Ignatius Scoles in the European Union and the terms of how we are pursu- 1887, which was completed Mayor and City Council. ing development in the coun- two years later. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

15

$10M Matthew’s Ridge well to be completed in January

THE drilling of a new well to increase water coverage in Matthew’s Ridge, Region One, has commenced under the management of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and is scheduled to be completed in January, 2022.

On Tuesday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, visited the site, along with GWI’s Director of Hinterland Services, Ramchand Jailall and several regional officials.

The minister said that the new water supply system will provide firsttime water access to several communities such as Minab and will improve the overall water supply in Matthew’s Ridge.

“This signals the People’s Progressive Party’s plan for the hinterland by ensuring that we have increased or improved access to potable water,” he added.

The drilling of the well was also in keeping with a commitment he made in October.

Residents in the area are currently receiv-

ing water from nearby springs, which are 40 per cent depleted during the dry season. GWI provides relief in the form of sectional delivery.

The well is expected to be drilled to the depth of 150 meters and completed at the end of 2021, after which GWI will complete auxiliary works.

By the end of January 2022, residents will begin to benefit from the new system.

An estimated $10 million will be expended to complete the project.

Minister Croal noted that the water company has cut operational costs significantly, given that it owns the rig that is being used to drill the well. He said more than double the operational cost would have been spent if the rig was contracted for the works.

The well is among four to be drilled under GWI’s 2021 programme in the Martakai sub-region of Region One. The others are to be drilled at Port Kaituma, Baramita and Arakaka.

The well drilling machine

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and GWI officials overlook the drilling operations at the new well site

UN Women partners with company on gender lens investment 16

(Loop Caribbean News)Gender lens investing is paramount for the Caribbean’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crises and inclusive and sustainable development.

This, as McKinsey Global Institute found, that by closing the economic gender gap, there could be an estimated increase of US$28

Masterzphotois/iStock photo

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

trillion to the global gross domestic product (GDP) by the year 2025.

On Human Rights Day, December 10, 2021 government leaders, regional and multilateral development finance institutions (DFIs), public and private investors, and the private sector gathered for the launch of the “Partnership for Gender Lens Investment in the Caribbean between UN Women and Portland Private Equity” in collaboration with the 2X Collaborative.

The event included a virtual MOU signing between UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO)- Caribbean and Portland Private Equity with a view to facilitating cooperation, to increase Innovative Financing Options for Gender Equality in the Caribbean region, and enhancing capacities across the private sector and governments to ensure women-owned or led businesses have access to capital to develop and scale their businesses.

Regional Director for the Americas and the Caribbean, UN Women, Maria-Noel Vaeza, highlighted that the MOU partnership is a direct outcome of the June 2021 webinar series held under the recently concluded “Win-Win: Gender Equality Means Good Business” programme – a joint initiative of UN Women, the International Labour Organization and the European Union - that promoted gender equality in the private sector in six countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Vaeza said: “Today is a pivotal day for UN Women and for the Caribbean as this MOU with Portland Private Equity will implement gender lens financing with the Caribbean Basin Gender Equality Fund (the Gender Equality Fund), leading the region in gender equality investments across the wider Latin America and the Caribbean region.”

With the technical support of UN Women, Vaeza continued that: “This Fund is the first regional investment under the Global 2X Collaborative launched by the 2X Challenge founded by the DFIs from the G7 as a call to action for investment capital to empower women.”

SEE ON PAGE 17

17

UN Women partners with company...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

FROM PAGE 16

The Fund will build on lessons from the Innovative Financing and Gender Lens Investment Initiative launched in Latin America in 2020 by UN Women to attract private sector investment, strengthen the ecosystem of gender-sensitive investments and contribute to the generation of partnerships for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5, mainly through the promotion of capital mobilisation and investments oriented towards the gender lens.

As founding members of the 2XCollaborative which is designed to serve investors across the globe making their first gender-focused investment, Doug Hewson, Managing Director of Portland Private Equity, explained why gender lens investing was good for business.

Hewson said: “As a general partner of growth equity funds, our job is to attract, understand, do due diligence and influence the growth of our portfolio businesses and we think incorporating gender lens investing will help us find more interesting business in the region to invest in, and, in terms of value, we think that more diversity leads to better corporate cultures, better decisions and better outcomes.”

Hewson also mentioned that, as a private equity company adhering to standard industry practices, gender lens investing proves more profitable, referencing the significant rise in gender-smart investing, with a reported US$4.8 billion raised in 2019.

He said: “Consistent with our experience in building ESG (environmental, social and governance) principles across our investment process and portfolio, incorporating a gender lens is necessary as a value lever resulting in competitively advantaged businesses and superior investment results.

Failing to incorporate a gender lens is the equivalent of deliberately ignoring a key driver of business performance.”

Though this area of financing is in the nascent stages, there are already successful examples across the globe and in the Caribbean region.

During the launch event, the Belize Power Connect Limited, a women-owned company in Belize, was highlighted because of the innovative financing mea-

sures employed to support their business growth.

While celebrating the progress of women in participating in higher levels of education and the increase of women in the labour force, during his keynote speech, Prime Minister of Belize, John Briceño, underscored the importance for women to be able to access financing to grow businesses.

He also noted the urgent need to have more women in public life leading policy development and influencing development.

UNDERREPRESENTED Prime Minister Briceño said: “Here at home, women are underrepresented in small and medium enterprises. The COVID-19 Socioeconomic Impact Assessment conducted

by UNDP indicated that 83.9 per cent of business owners in Belize are micro-enterprise owners with 11 per cent as small enterprise owners. Of that number, 55 per cent of micro-enterprise owners are women but results revealed that most small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are owned by men. Many women-owned or led businesses continue to struggle with a lack of access to capital to develop and scale their businesses.

Representative, UN Women MCO- Caribbean, Tonni Brodber, reiterated to attendees the importance of the gender lens investing in advancing the theme of Human Rights Day 2021: EQUALITY - Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights. “Although women in the Caribbean are highly entrepreneurial, they struggle to access suitable finance and support for their businesses. Lack of access to capital is one of the main reasons women-led businesses fail and the region has the second-highest failure rate of women-owned businesses globally.”

There was consensus among the panellists: - The Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Jamaica, Anne-Marie Levesque, Director, Gender and Impact Management, FinDev Canada, Ambassador Capricia Marshall, Ambassador-in-residence, Atlantic Council and Sumayyah Cargill, Head, Strategic Development and Initiatives, Bahamas Development Bank – that the lack of diversity was costing

investors and if employed, gender lens investing could bridge the gaps towards sustainable development in the Caribbean.

Cargill said: “Gender equitable financing provides an avenue for Caribbean small island developing states to increase the rate of growth in our economies.”

In acknowledging the

gap in capital for SMEs in the region, General Manager, Caribbean Country Department, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Therese Turner – Jones, implored all stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration to grow gender lens investing in the region and commended UN Women for the work to develop this innova-

tive approach to financing while signalling the IDB’s support for the Gender Equality Fund.

This event took place on the heels of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with the panellists shedding light on the role of gender lens investing in addressing the safety and security of women.

In response to this year’s Human Rights Day theme, the partnership between UN Women and Portland Private Equity is one such solution to address the current global crisis and build a more sustainable, inclusive society, by designing solutions for women to access innovative financial resources.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Three persons win with GTT’s ‘Opt in & Win’ e-billing campaign

GTT Customers, Randy Ramsaroop and Nadira Gangapersaud share a moment with GTT’s Marketing Coordinator, Diangelly Singh (centre) THREE more Guyana Telephone and Telegraph company (GTT) customers have won prizes through the telecommunications company’s “Opt in & Win” e-billing campaign.

Randy Ramsaroop from Diamond; Nadira Gangapersaud from Gordon Street, Kitty, and Carol Carmi-

chael from Berbice were announced the winners of the competition, on the company’s social media page, on December 14, 2021.

Ramsaroop and Gangapersaud won two new Samsung Galaxy smartphones, while Carmichael won oneyear free GTT’s residential internet service.

The winners all thanked GTT upon collecting their prizes and encouraged other customers to “opt into” the company’s e-billing system.

Gangapersaud said: “I am fortunate to receive this prize. I opted to receive my bill online and it is very fast, convenient, and reliable. I would definitely encourage other customers to get their bills on Whatsapp or email; it will save them a lot of time.”

Meanwhile, GTT’s Mobile Marketing Coordinator, Diangelly Singh, congratulated the winners and said the company is pleased to see more customers opting to receive their bills online.

“We have seen a positive response from many custom-

ers, and we look forward to seeing more customers, optin; not only to win but to also enjoy the convenience this platform offers,” Singh said.

She related that the company will be selecting four more winners in January, 2022, and encouraged customers to opt in for a chance to win.

In November, GTT announced Chaitnarine Puran from Best Village, West Coast Demerara, as its first grand-prize winner of the ‘Opt in and Win’ e-billing campaign.

With the new e-billing platform, customers could view their full, detailed GTT bills instead of a summary bill via WhatsApp or email. Customers could now easily opt in to receive their bills via Whatsapp or email via https://gtt.gy/ ebillx or they can simply send their account number to 627-bill.

All customers that receive and download their bills for this month until January will be automatically entered to win prizes.

GTT Customer, Carol Carmichael wins one-year free residential internet service

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Leonora Hospital not understaffed - Health Minister says SMART conversion works constraining some services

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has refuted claims that the Leonora Cottage Hospital, on the West Coast of Demerara, has been understaffed for almost a year.

Dr. Anthony’s statement follows claims made by Stabroek News on Monday, December 13, about the institution’s human resources.

The health minister said the

Development (DFID) “So, over the past year, services at the Leonora hospital have been constrained because of these repairs that we have been doing now. So, they have not been operating at the scale that they used to, but we have displayed some of those services to health centres and health facilities in the neighbouring areas,”

Government Member of Parliament, Dr. Tandika Smith hospital was among several health facilities identified for upgrade under the smart hospital initiative, which seeks to link structural and operational safety and disaster resilience protocols, with resources, while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It was being done through a partnership between the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the United Kingdom Department for International

he explained.

Minister Anthony pointed out that the change also caused the volume of the hospital’s workload to be lessened, even with seven doctors on a shift system.

Despite this, departments such as the 24-hour Accident and Emergency (A&E), and outpatient, among others, continue to provide healthcare services to residents.

During November

Leonora Cottage Hospital

alone, the hospital’s A&E and Outpatient departments catered to some 753 and 698 patients respectively. Each department saw about 22 cases on average per day.

In light of that, the health minister said that “each doctor’s patient load is very low so I am not sure what the complaints are about because from these numbers, the patient load is extremely low.

We should get them to do more work over there.”

Dr. Anthony said he was working assiduously with PAHO to conclude the works so that the health facility could resume operation at full capacity. Works are expected to be completed by year end.

Government Member of Parliament, Dr Tandika Smith, said Monday, that even with the shift system, “the doctors provide outpatient, emergency and, of course, on-calls which are done after four, so as it is, we are not short of staff in any way. We will continue to deliver services to the population and, of course, we do it to the best of our ability.”

In 2020, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, along with Dr. Anthony joined PAHO/WHO Guyana Representative, Dr Luis Codina, among others, to unveil a billboard to mark the commencement of the upgrade works at the Leonora hospital.

Apart from Leonora Cottage Hospital, the Diamond Diagnostic Cen-

tre, Mabaruma and the Lethem Regional Hospitals will also be retrofitted as part of the Smart Health Care Facilities in the Caribbean Project. (DPI)

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Over 4,000 women to benefit from US$1.2M ‘Empowerment Fund’

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, with some of the graduates, on Tuesday PARTICIPANTS of the Wo m e n ’s I n n o v a t i o n and Investment Network (WIIN), upon collecting

their graduation certificates on Tuesday, received an unexpected surprise when Minister of Human

Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, announced that they would also be taking home

$50,000 to help with their businesses.

Dr. Persaud made this announcement at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI), Cove and John, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to loud cheers from 143 women who completed the WIIN courses.

Since the launch of the programme in Baramita during May, 1,533 persons from across all ten Administrative Regions have benefitted from training in a number of areas, including care for the elderly, child care, patient care, information technology, graphics designing, photography, garment construction, business administration, among other things.

According to Dr. Persaud, Global Affairs Canada had provided funds to the World Food Programme’s Caribbean Multi Country Office, and the Government of Guyana, in turn, was able to access a grant valuing US$1.2 million.

With this sum, 4,760 women, who participated in the WIIN training programme, will be able to benefit under an initiative called the ‘Empowerment Fund.’

The criteria for qualifying was developed by the World Food Programme to determine who would receive the grant over the next few days. The beneficiaries will be persons from the WIIN programme who need help with their businesses, are unemployed or earn less than the minimum wages.

Coordinator of the project, Mahendra Budhram, said that 80 persons were able to uplift the grant and

that the ministry will be moving through all of the other regions over the course of the next nine days to distribute the remainder.

“Stringent criteria were used to ensure transparency and determination of the beneficiaries. We want to make sure that you get every penny of what was earmarked for you. I want you to take every penny and use it wisely,” Dr. Persaud said, adding: “So you are not only leaving here with an accredited certificate but with a financial grant to get you started.”

She also related that the country’s economy will benefit from over $230 million, which the Empowerment Fund is expected to generate.

Minister Persaud could not contain her excitement as she spoke with the women and related to them the opportunities at their disposal, if they would only embrace them.

“I wanted to make sure that you had tangible support,” she said, adding: “It is our initial investment in you financially as the Government seeks to empower women, encourage women to be their own bosses and give them a kickstart to start their businesses.”

While 2,000 persons are expected to complete training under WIIN by the end of this year, Dr. Persaud said that phase two of the project will commence early next year.

In the meantime, Minister Persaud has seen to it that GWLI has been equipped with a modern computer lab, a multi-purpose training centre and a state-of-the-art culinary centre.

EXPERT ADVICE The business incubator has also been launched there for the benefit of women who need help to start up small businesses. She encouraged women to drop in at the business incubator and benefit from the support towards their business, through expertise from partners like the Exxon Mobil Centre for Local Business Development, Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Her Venture.

Senior Training Officer at

GWLI, Sanjay Pooran, in his remarks, said that the WIIN programme is expected to expand as additional effort has been placed into ensuring that as many registrants as possible are captured.

According to him, over 500 persons were able to be trained via online platforms, while the remaining number was trained via the face-toface mode.

Other speakers at the event included United Nations World Food Programme Policy Officer, Gonzalo Jimenez; Director of the Center for Local Business Development, Dr. Natasha Gaskin; and Vice-President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Latoya Jack.

Meanwhile, almost in tears because her goal of starting up a business was finally becoming a reality, 29-year-old Nini France shared that, for a long time now, she wanted to move her ideas forward but just didn’t have the money.

A single parent to two boys, ages nine and seven, Nini is from Kuru Kururu and loves cooking.

“I also love caring for children. It’s something that I really wanted to do and couldn’t. I am now overjoyed I am able to do it. I don’t have words to explain,” she said.

Fareeda Rasheid, a 25-year-old resident of Enmore, ECD, has been a single parent ever since her child was born seven years ago.

“It was tough. I have worked, stopped, went through so much, and this is my first achievement toward my goal and I wish that I can continue to move on ahead,” she said.

Naudia Simmons of Kitty felt the same and said that the training she received equips her with the skill and knowledge required for employment.

“The level of training during this period was very beneficial. What I love most about it was that they offered continuous support after the training,” Simmons said. (Ministry of Human Services and Social Security)

23

Young environmental enthusiasts awarded for outstanding essays

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Guo Haiyan; Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson and President of CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL), Liu Xiaoxiang.

Meanwhile, Janae Bristol, the winner for the junior category, received an Apple Tablet Pro for writing an invigorating essay on the need for Guyana to adapt to sustainable sources of energy to cut back on emissions.

The 14-year-old student of The Bishops’ High

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat delivering the feature address at the simple prize giving ceremony SIX exemplary students the last years or so. The gas sector to build on our were, on Tuesday, awarded more we see evidence and renewable and transitional for their participation in effects of climate [change], energy platform that we are the China National Off- the more the conversation going to embark on.” shore Oil Corporation goes,” the minister said.

He said that it is perti(CNOOC)’s Green Enernent that Guyanese and peogy and Renewables Essay He told the gathering ple as a whole, be reminded Competition. that with proper planning of the significant importance The competition which and sustainable manage- of the environment. concluded on December 3, ment, the country is bound To this end, he men2021, saw students aged 11- to thrive for the future gen- t i o n e d t h e s i g n i f i c a n t 18 submitting well written erations. gas-to-energy project which pieces about what climate “We as a country and as will cut emissions significhange, sustainable energy government, we are com- cantly and transform the and the environment means mitted to ensuring that we economy by effectively reto them. build on that, to ensure that ducing the cost of living.

Speaking at a simple we cut our emission even In closing, the minisprize giving ceremony held further, to ensure that we ter reiterated that climate at the Promenade Gardens, place more emphasis on the change and cutting emisNatural Resources Minister, environment, he said. sions has global effects and Vickram Bharrat, highlightFurther, he emphasised as such must be tackled ed the importance of bal- the importance of our natu- through a global effort. “… ancing and preserving the ral resources, noting that we It is everyone’s business environment. must ensure that “we place because climate change “The conversation on more emphasis on sustain- is impacting every single climate change and the re- able mining and logging country,” he said. duction of emission has activities and ensure that we Also in attendance at grown significantly over use revenue from the oil and the event were the Chinese

The six Green Energy and Renewables Essay Competition winners (Adrian Narine photos)

School told the Guyana Chronicle that she hopes to go back to her hometown, Linden, to share with her peers and those in her community, the importance of protecting the environment.

A writer at heart, Bristol noted that she is hoping to write more essays and poetry on environmental issues and to one day have them published so that they can be shared worldwide.

Ege Ochasi, a student of School of Nations, who copped third place in the

senior category, rode away with an electrical scooter.

He considers himself to be very passionate about the environment.

The young man noted that he participated in the competition to build his academic portfolio and to share with others the importance of protecting the environment.

Thuraia Thomas was the winner of this category while Shamari Cyrus copped the second position.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

27

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

29

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 15, 2021

K&S Super 16 tourney

Linden hammer Victoria Kings 9-0; GFA outclass East Coast 3-1 THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League club, Victoria Kings, received a drubbing they’ll never forget, when they faced the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) All-Stars in the ongoing Kashif and Shanghai Super 16 tournament.

Playing at the National Track and Field Centre, the UDFA All-Stars drubbed the once feared East Coast outfit 9-0; one of the largest margins of victory in the tournament’s history, and the largest (so far) in this year’s competition.

It’s hard to fathom that Victoria Kings, winners of the 2001 Kashif and Shanghai tournament, would now be the whipping boys of Linden.

Maybe it’s redemption, since Victoria Kings had defeated Netrockers, a Linden

club, 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on January 1, 2002.

Fast forward to present-day, Victoria Kings faced a Linden side that comprised primarily players who turned out for the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School’s football team during their glory days of the nationwide Digicel Schools championship, along with their coach.

With $2M up for grabs, Jamal Haynes (3rd, 32nd) and DeShawn Joseph (44th, 61st) netted a double to lead the charges for UDFA AllStars, while Kelon Primo (49th), Andre Myers (67th), Quailon Andries (77th), Shane Haynes (80th) and Tyric McAllister (86th) were the other goalscorers.

Meanwhile, Georgetown All Stars, having played two matches more than the other

Foster to seek... sociations and the umpires association received financial subventions.

Female cricket was also invested into heavily by the BCB and three Berbicians are now currently in the West Indies female team.

Foster was quick to point out that a total of 19 players from the Ancient County have either played for the regional team at different levels since 2018 or were called to training camps.

Asked to name his greatest achievement, the veteran administrator stated that he was very proud of the state of unity that existed in county cricket and the fact that dozens of former players based overseas are

American Racing Tips Gulfstream Race 1 Adios Senor Race 2 Lunar Blast Race 3 Champagne Lady Race 4 Queen Domina Race 5 Cidstayinurlaine Race 6 Concrete Glory Race 7 Create Again English Racing Tips Lingfield 08:10 hrs Rose Fandango 08:40 hrs Spy 09:15 hrs Marion’s Boy

teams, made it to the roundof-16 with a comfortable 3-1 win against East Coast All Stars. This follows the GFA’s 4-0 whipping of West Demerara All Stars on the tournament’s opening night.

Like in their opening win, Tequan Taylor (5th) and Stephen Alfred (70th) once again found the back of the net, while Shemar Welch slotted home the game’s final goal just before the final whistle.

The tournament will continue on Friday at the Buxton Community Centre ground with another double-header.

Georgetown All Stars will be vying for a place in the quarter-finals when they oppose Police Football Club from 20:30hrs. An all-East Coast line up in Buxton United FC against Ann’s Grove United will be the night’s final game.

(From back page)

contributing to the game.

This he stated is based on their confidence in his team.

Another major achievement has been to make sure that no ghost member clubs exist in the county. Clubs like Guymine, Kildonan, Mt Sinai are all back on their feet and are very active in playing tournaments.

He also stated that his board has been very transparent with the general public via very aggressive public relations campaigns on social media and the national printed and electronic media.

The 52-year old BCB president expressed gratitude to the hundreds of sponsors and donors who

have supported the board and made special mention of overseas Guyanese like Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, Dr Puran Singh, Brian Ramphal, Sureain Sawh, Bobby Deonarine among others.

Three sub-associations and 13 clubs would vote in the elections. They are West Berbice Cricket Association, Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, Berbice River Cricket Association, Blairmont, Police, Guymine, Mental Hospital, Mt Sinai, Rose Hall Canje, Young Warriors, Chesney, RHTYSC, Port Mourant, Albion, Kildonan and Whim.

Each club has two votes and the three sub-associations four votes each.

09:50 hrs Vazire 10:25 hrs Pablo Del Pueblo 10:55 hrs Pillars Of Earth 11:25 hrs Semser

14:15 hrs Mosyawaa 14:45 hrs Dutch Decoy

Newbury 08:20 hrs One Journey 08:50 hrs I Am Maximus 09:25 hrs Valsaherda 10:00 hrs Silver Forever 10:35 hrs Wonderwall 11:35 hrs Poetic Music Kempton 11:45 hrs Adace 12:15 hrs Spirit Of Nguru 12:45 hrs Asaassi 13:15 hrs August Place 13:45 hrs Keeping Hoping

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:25 hrs Zippy Over 09:00 hrs Douglas 10;10 hrs Star Master 10:43 hrs Artic Drift 11:20 hrs Fort Red Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 12:00 hrs Samrogue 12:30 hrs Elzaamsan 13:00 hrs Summit Star 13:30 hrs Annecherie 14:00 hrs In Ecstasy 14:30 hrs Bears Hug 15:00 hrs Mulgrave 15:30 hrs Alhaajeb

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 15, 2021

Richardson or Neser: Aussies weigh up Adelaide selection AUSTRALIA believe they can't go wrong with whoever they pick out of Jhye Richardson or Michael Neser, but the younger bowler's pink-ball record could give him the edge to resume his Test career this week.

A side strain to Josh Hazlewood has opened the door for either Richardson or the uncapped Neser to play the second Vodafone Ashes Test in Adelaide, where the Aussies have arrived on a high after a comprehensive victory over England at the Gabba.

The strength of Australia's pace attack has seen the highly-rated Neser restricted to 12th man duties for more than two years, with Travis Head suggesting today the skilful Queenslander's relentless seam bowling makes him the more like-for-like replacement for Hazlewood.

But Richardson, who Head labelled the quicker of the two, is in devastating form having collected 23 wickets at 13.43 in four Sheffield Shield matches this summer and was not far off

edging out Mitchell Starc for a spot in the series opener, according to Ricky Ponting.

The clincher for the 25-year-old could be his outstanding record with the pink ball, albeit from a small sample size, with no daynight Shield cricket played since the last time England toured in 2017-18, while there was at least one daynight Shield round for five seasons before that.

In his two first-class matches under lights (including his Test debut against Sri Lanka in January 2019), Richardson has snared nine wickets at just 14.

Neser on the other hand has eight wickets at 42 in his two day-night outings, though neither bowler has played a long-form day-nighter recently.

"I think both are highly skilled," Head told reporters today. "We've seen Jhye with the pink ball against Sri Lanka a few years ago with that late swing and high pace.

"Josh (Hazlewood) is obviously a huge asset for us, he bowls so tight and aggressive, great areas. Jhye and

Pacers Michael Neser (left) and Jhye Richardosn

'Ness' do exactly the same thing. They've been sitting there in the wings through a little period of time now waiting for their opportunity.

"Both of them are ready to go, whoever gets the nod.

They've both put up (strong) Shield performances, bashed the door down for a while now – it's just we've had three great fast bowlers for a period of time now. hould Richardson earn selectors' approval to partner Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, it would continue Neser's agonising wait for a Baggy Green.

The 31-year-old has

starred with the ball (and with the bat, too, at times) at domestic level, earning rave reviews from coaching staff and Test players having been an almost permanent squad member since the 2019 Ashes tour.

The retirement of James Pattinson from Test cricket before the Ashes, combined with the likelihood of the Aussies rotating their bowling attack through a condensed six-and-a-half-week Ashes campaign, has put both him and Richardson in the frame to play key roles in the series.

While Richardson has

taken Neser's mantle as the Shield's leading quick this summer, statistically at least, Neser's less flattering returns of three wickets in two Shield matches this summer are somewhat misleading.

The Bulls' first game of the season was a Karen Rolton Oval bat-a-thon against Tasmania that saw just 14 wickets fall in four days One of them will get the opportunity and there's no doubt they'll take it."

Due to no fault of his own, Neser then missed two crucial opportunities to advance his case.

The first was a Shield game at Adelaide Oval, which he skipped due to the birth of his first child, while the second was a hamstring injury that saw him limited to just 8.4 overs against Western Australia at the Gabba.

His injury, which saw him also miss Queensland's ensuing Shield match, came as Richardson bowled WA to victory in a player-of-thematch performance.

That performance at the

venue for the Ashes opener saw Richardson, whose international career has been stalled shoulder injuries in recent seasons, seriously considered as an alternative to Starc to face England last week.

Neser showed he had regained full fitness with a player-of-the-match performance of his own in his return to cricket last week, taking seven wickets including a first-innings haul of 5-29 for Australia A against England Lions in Brisbane.

It was a further reminder of his prowess with the ball having taken 236 wickets at just 24.47 over a 70-game first-class career.

"Jhye has a bit a more ball speed … we've seen him break games open," said Head.

"And 'Ness' is probably a bit more in the mould of Josh, he (applies) relentless pressure, can get the ball to move around, we've seen that over a long period of time.

"I think the pink ball suits their bowling really well. Whoever gets that spot is ready to go."

Curry closes in on three-point record in Warriors win STEPHEN Curry moved to within one three-pointer of the NBA record as Golden State Warriors earned a 102-100 win at Indiana Pacers.

Curry registered five three-pointers to reach 2 972 for his career, one adrift of legend Ray Allen.

He could break the record when the Warriors take on New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

"I'm enjoying the moment and now you're knocking on the doorstep, it's pretty surreal," Curry said.

"But (I am) just trying to let it happen. It's one thing I've learned these last three games, is keep playing basketball, keep taking shots

you think you'll make and enjoy the experience of it because it's a long time coming."

Warriors coach Steve Kerr, though, believes 33-year-old Curry has been trying "a little bit too hard" to surpass Allen's mark in recent games.

"It will be a relief for him I think, and for our team, when he does break it," said Kerr. "He just needs to make the simple pass, he knows that, but he's kind of trying too hard to make a big play."

Monday's win - earned when Kevon Looney made a lay-up with 13 seconds remaining - put Warriors top of the Western Conference after second-placed Phoenix Suns

Stephen Curry moved to within one three-pointer of the NBA record

lost 111-95 to LA Clippers.

Monday night's stand-out performance came as Jayson Tatum scored 42 points in Boston Celtics' 117-103 home win over Milwaukee Bucks.

Nikola Jokic produced 28 points 19 rebounds 9 assists before being ejected from the game as his Denver Nuggets side beat Washington Wizards 113-107.

Jokic was out of the game halfway the fourth quarter for arguing against calls made by different referees, but Nuggets held on to make it backto-back wins and stay eighth in the Western Conference.

Trae Young scored 41 points but Atlanta Hawks lost 132-126 to Houston Rockets.

A season-high 32 points from Eric Gordon was crucial as Rockets came back from being 13 points adrift going into the final quarter.

Cleveland Cavaliers claimed a fourth successive win, beating Miami Heat 105-94 to sit fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Nine members of Toronto Raptors squad scored double figures in a 124-101 success over Sacramento Kings.

Memphis Grizzlies beat Philadelphia 76ers 126-91, while Kristaps Porzingis hit 24 points and made 13 rebounds and five blocks as Dallas Mavericks eased past Charlotte Hornets 120-96. (BBC Sport)

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 15, 2021

Archer recalls his Connolly included in Australia dangerous bouncer to Under-19 World Cup squad Smith during Ashes 2019 … You don’t ever want a cricket-related death

Jofra Archer and Steve Smith

ENGLAND pacer Jofra Archer recalled the enticing faceoff with Australia’s Steve Smith during the 2019 Ashes when he had struck the latter on the head with a deadly bouncer that left him concussed. At the time, Smith, who was scoring runs for fun, was inching closer towards his third consecutive century in the series. However, the head blow meant he had to leave the field on 80.

Smith had fallen flat on the ground immediately after he copped the blow before being attended by the medics and physios. He got back on to his feet after treatment but did not bat and chose to walk out instead, with Marnus Labuschagne walking in as a substitute.

A couple of years after the incident, Archer recalled the moment and stated that

delivery could have caused a lot more damage to Smith.

Archer also relooked at the unfortunate incident involving Australian batter Phillip Hughes, who succumbed after being hit on his head by a short-pitch delivery from Sean Abbott during a Sheffield Shield encounter in 2014.

“I think in England personally when the ball hits you it can feel a lot worse than it is because sometimes it’s a bit cold and I thought it was that until I actually saw him roll … when he went down and then he rolled on his back, I went ‘oh dear,’ you know.

“I thought it was very serious, but he came out and he batted again. Obviously, you don’t ever want a cricket-related death. There was one already and there’s no need for another one. It’s hard

enough trying to get the kids to come and play cricket,” Archer said while speaking to NewsCorp.

Smith had to sit out of the next fixture at Headingley.

However, he managed to notch a record tally of 774 runs at a stellar average of 110.57, including a double-century, two centuries and three half-centuries.

“I know they say he’s tough as nails anyway, but I don’t think he would have come out to bat again if he wasn’t. Just his resilience.

You are putting yourself out there and risking everything for your team.

“Honestly, throughout that whole series, I just think his wicket wasn’t for me. There were a few top edges that could have gone to hand. But I just enjoyed the challenge,” Archer further said. (CricTracker)

CRICKET Australia, yesterday, announced Australia’s Under-19 squad for the 2022 U-19 World Cup, which gets underway in January next year.

Having last won the title in 2010, the Boys in Yellow would like to end their side’s drought in the global competition. Notably, Western Australia’s Cooper Connolly, who featured in the 2020 edition, has also been selected in the 15-man squad.

The 18-year-old Connolly is contracted with Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL) and expectations are sky high from him. Jack Nisbett, Nivethan Radhakrishnan and Jackson Sinfield are the other players in the squad with state rookie contracts or experience within domestic cricket.

Radhakrishnan, who is an all-rounder, was a net bowler for Delhi Capitals during IPL 2021.

Meanwhile, the squad was finalised following trial matches at a training camp in Adelaide. Owing to the border restrictions, all of the initial 37 players were not able to attend the camp. Owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, the past couple of years have seen less junior-level cricket played. Acknowledging the same, Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, Graham Manou, said the selection was significant-

Western Australia’s Cooper Connolly

ly harder.

“From a talent ID perspective, we’ve had access to world-leading technology that has allowed broader and more in-depth conversations between the coaches and players. Inevitably, there were difficult selection decisions, but we will continue to support and monitor the development of all players in our pathway systems,” Manou was quoted by Cricket. com.au.

“Our squad includes players of all disciplines with experience in domestic cricket environments, and many have produced eye-catching performances across a variety of strong competitions this season. The Under-19

World Cup provides players with an exceptional development opportunity and we look forward to seeing them represent their country with distinction,” he added.

Australia U19 World Cup squad: Harkirat Bajwa (VIC), Aidan Cahill (NSW), Cooper Connolly (WA), Joshua Garner (VIC), Isaac Higgins (SA), Campbell Kellaway (VIC), Corey Miller (NSW), Jack Nisbet (NSW), Nivethan Radhakrishnan (TAS), William Salzmann (NSW), Lachlan Shaw (NSW), Jackson Sinfield (QLD), Tobias Snell (QLD), Tom Whitney (QLD), Teague Wyllie (WA). CricTracker. com)

Hall wants Reggae Boyz to play attacking, possession-based football REGGAE Boyz head coach Paul Hall says he wants the team to play attacking, possession-based football but noted that it will be difficult to change the personality of the team in the short term.

“It is very difficult to change the personality of a team in the short term because we’re looking for results and looking to pick a squad and a team that is going to get us results,” said Hall, speaking at his intro-

ductory press conference on Monday.

Hall explained the style of play he wants the team to exhibit under his leadership while once again indicating that the changes will take time.

“I do like to press high.

I also like to make sure the team is attack-minded and play a possession-based style.

How much of that we can get out of them in the short term is down to the work

we can do beforehand, but tactically, we’re looking to press and counter-press and hopefully, in the five phases of the game, try to dominate the opposition.” Hall said.

The interim coach also said a change he will implement is centred on the team's wide play and the use of rotations when necessary.

“We could get our wingers to come inside, get our fullbacks attacking or the opposite way around and

Reggae Boyz interim head coach Paul Hall

we could have rotations. I’m very much about rotations,” Hall said.

Hall took charge of Reggae Boyz last week after the Jamaica Football Federation fired Theodore Whitmore.

Whitmore lost his job after Reggae Boyz managed to win only one of their first eight matches in the final round of qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and now lies sixth in the eightteam standings with seven

points. Only six matches remain in the qualifiers and Reggae Boyz are seven points off the top three, who are automatic qualifiers for the World Cup. Reggae Boyz will resume their campaign on January 27 against Mexico at the National Stadium in Kingston. The match will come seven days after Reggae Boyz play Peru in an international friendly on January 20. (Sportsmax)

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 15, 2021

VVS Laxman takes charge as NCA head FORMER India cricketer VVS Laxman has begun his stint as the new head of the National Cricket Academy on Monday. He thus took it to his official Twitter account to share pictures of his first day at the office.

Laxman takes the responsibility from his former India teammate Rahul Dravid who is now appointed as the head coach of the senior Indian team. He replaced Ravi Shastri whose tenure with the Indian team ended post the T20 World Cup 2021.

Laxman wrote that he is all raring to take up the

VVS Laxman on his first day at the NCA

Jadeja considering Test retirement to prolong white-ball career IN what can be called a shocking development, Ravindra Jadeja is likely to announce retirement from Test cricket.

One of the finest all-rounders going around, the southpaw has been a cornerstone of the Test team in recent years and his numbers are also staggering. The leftarm spinner can take crucial wickets and his ability to score handy runs lower down the order makes him even more effective.

Now, who can forget about his fielding capabilities? These skills make Jadeja a captain’s delight in the longest format of the game.

In fact, he has been considered over star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in overseas Tests. However, it has been learnt that the 33-year-old might bid adieu to Test cricket to prolong his white-ball career.

Meanwhile, one of Jadeja’s teammate has told Dainik Jagran that the all-round might farewell to Test cricket. Notably, Jadeja had suffered a forearm injury during the home series against New Zealand last month and had to sit out the final Test.

Owing to the same issue, he is not part of the Test squad for the South Africa series either. While fans are expecting him to make a comeback soon, the all-rounder may not feature in Test matches anymore.

Speaking of Jadeja’s staggering numbers in Test

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja

cricket, the left-handed batter has featured in 57 Tests, scoring 2 195 runs at an average of 33.76. He also has a hundred to his name.

Jadeja has also bagged 232 wickets at an average of just under 25 and an economy of 2.41. Notably, he’s the fastest left-arm bowler to complete 200 wickets in Test cricket, achieving the feat in his 44th game in 2019.

Meanwhile, India are scheduled to play three Tests in South Africa, starting from

December 26 with the Boxing Day taking place at the Supersport Park in Centurion.

Besides Jadeja, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Axar Patel will also give the Test series a miss due to fitness issues.

Hence, it would be interesting to see how the visiting team’s playing XI would look like. With Axar and Jadeja being unavailable, Ashwin is likely to get a nod as the first-choice spinner.

(CricTracker)

new challenge and work on the future of Indian cricket.

“First day in office at the NCA! An exciting new challenge in store, look forward to the future and to working with the future of Indian cricket,” his Tweet read.

The former India cricketer has a plethora of experience under his sleeves.

Previously Dravid groomed the younger talents at the NCA and the results of it were seen by the cricketing fraternity as the youngsters exuded their flair to climb greater heights. His efforts in building the budding cricketers are also evident by the fact that India currently

possesses a strong bench strength.

Dravid had taken over the mantle in the year 2019 after having served as the head coach of the U-19 and India A teams. The same is expected from Laxman as he has been also associated with IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad as their mentor. He was also the batting consultant for six years at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

Opening up on his appointment the former India pacer Irfan Pathan wished Laxman for his new role. He also added that currently, he is the best person to take up

the role and that under his guidance the NCA will only flourish.

“Congratulations @ VVSLaxman281 Bhai for your new role in Indian cricket. There is no better man at this moment to hold this post of NCA than you.

Under your guidance NCA will only flourish!,” Pathan’s tweet read.

India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also came forward to wish the former cricketer. He took it to his official Twitter account and wrote, “New class teacher in town!

Good luck lachi Bhai!.”

(CricTracker)

Kohli has sent no formal request to skip South Africa's ODIs - BCCI official INDIA are scheduled to play three Test matches and as many ODIs against South Africa starting December 26.

Ahead of the start of the series, there have been certain talks that Virat Kohli is likely to miss the ODI series against the Proteas. However, a BCCI official has now come forward to open up about the same.

Kohli will captain the side for the three-Test matches against South Africa with the final Test ending on January 15 in Cape Town.

But regarding the ODI series, it is being speculated that the batter might skip it to spend time with his family. The official of the board asserted that Kohli hasn’t sent any formal request for the same.

“As of now, Kohli hasn’t sent any formal request to skip the ODIs, to either BCCI president Sourav Ganguly or secretary Jay Shah.

If something is decided at a later date or God forbid, he sustains an injury, then it’s a different matter,” a senior BCCI official said as quoted

by HT.

Virat Kohli will captain India in the three Test matches

The BCCI official also said that as of now, Kohli is playing the three-match ODI series. He also added that if in case he decides to take a break owing to bubble fatigue he will inform the concerned authorities.

“As things stand today, he is playing the three ODIs on January 19, 21, 23. The skipper is travelling with his family. But yes, if he feels bubble fatigue after the Test series and wants to take a break, he would definitely inform the chairman of selectors and secretary (Shah), who is the convenor of the selection committee,” the source added.

After the South Africa tour, the Indian team will be

inside an extended bubble for three weeks as they will host Sri Lanka for Tests and T20 Internationals. Talking about Kohli, he has been quite vocal about bubble fatigue and the impact it has on one’s mental health. Last year, he was on paternity break during the 2020-21 Australia series and was also rested for the home T20I series against New Zealand.

About the India-South Africa series, the former hasn’t won a Test series in South Africa yet. However, considering team India’s recent overseas performances they will have their spirits high to turn the tables this time around.

(CricTracker)

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 15, 2021

King 63, Shepherd’s late blast unable to prevent Windies T20 series loss KARACHI, Pakistan (CMC) – Late fireworks from Romario Shepherd rattled Pakistan briefly but the hosts held their nerve to carve out a nine-run victory in the second Twenty20 International and condemn West Indies to a series defeat here yesterday.

In pursuit of 173 at the National Stadium, West Indies were carried early on by a maiden half-century 67 off 43 balls from opener Brandon King, but they lost six wickets for 46 runs to find themselves tottering on 131 for eight at the end of the 17th over.

After entering at the fall of King’s wicket in the previous over, Shepherd injected hope into the run chase with a cavalier unbeaten 35 from only 19 balls, with two fours and two sixes.

With 23 runs needed from

Brandon King put together a career-best knock (Photo by Michael BradleyAFP via Getty Images)

the final over, Shepherd skied the first ball to backward point and dashed for a couple as Shadab Khan grassed a difficult chance, before clearing mid-wicket with the second delivery for a towering six.

Kept scoreless off the third ball, Shepherd sliced a boundary to backward square

off the fourth delivery, to further reduce the target to 11 runs from the last two balls of the contest.

And the game appeared headed to the final delivery when Shepherd’s bullet-like drive to deep extra cover seemed destined for the boundary only for Asif Ali to

parry the ball with his thigh inches inside the ropes, and limit the damage to a single.

“Tough (loss) for us (but) big improvement from yesterday’s game,” captain Nicholas Pooran said after his side were dismissed for 163.

“Felt like we lost this one here with some silly mistakes. It was very irresponsible of me as well (when I got out). It felt like we had this one here but in all, I’m very proud of the way the guys played.”

Coming off Monday’s 63-run win, Pakistan needed Iftikhar Ahmed’s 19-ball 32 and Shadab’s 12-ball 28 not out to get up to 172 for eight off their 20 overs after choosing to bat first.

The innings was stumbling on 124 for six at the start of the 17th over but Iftikhar belted a four and two sixes and Shadab, a four and

three sixes, helping Pakistan to plunder 45 runs from the last three overs.

Opener Mohammad Rizwan, with a half-century in Monday’s opener, top-scored with 38 off 30 balls including four fours and a six, while adding 48 for the third wicket with Haider Ali (31), to revive the innings after captain Babar Azam (7) and Fakhar Zaman (10) perished cheaply.

Fast-bowling all-rounder Odean Smith, who accounted for both Rizwan and Haider, finished with two for 24.

West Indies were set back early when Shai Hope holed out to wide long-on for one in the third over and Shamarh Brooks missed a sweep at left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz and was lbw for ten in the fourth over at 31 for two.

Recalled for this series following 13 months on the sidelines, King struck

half-dozen fours and three sixes as he put on a crucial 54 for the third wicket with left-handed Pooran who made a run-a-ball 26, the pair patching up the innings.

He reached his fifty off 34 balls in the 13th over with a four to backward point off Nawaz but was part of the cluster of wickets when he lofted Haris Rauf (2-40) to long-on in the 16th over at 118 for five.

Superstar left-arm seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-26) then put the game firmly in Pakistan’s favour when he snatched three wickets in the next over – Smith taken at deep square for 12, Dominic Drakes caught at the wicket for a first-ball duck, nicking a full-length ball and Hayden Walsh castled first ball also without scoring.

The final game of the series is carded for tomorrow.

U19 World Cup gave me that extra push and confidence - Seales CRICKET West Indies (CWI) will host the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup from January 14 to February 5, 2022.

The 14th edition of the premier age-group event will feature 16 teams in four groups with matches to be played in Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Guyana. In the build-up to the tournament, we will share several feature articles with players and officials,

who represented West Indies in Youth ODIs and Youth Tests.

Young West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales has credited the increased amount of youth cricket, organised by Cricket West Indies (CWI), before participating in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa as key to early career development.

So far, Seales is the only player from that “class of 2020” youth tournament to

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday December 15, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Desmond Haynes-65 ODIs (2) Javed Miandad & Wasim Akram-64 ODIs each Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI has scored most ODI runs against PAK to date?

(2) Which Pakistani has registered most ODI runs against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

graduate to full international honours. He made his Test debut against South Africa in June at the Darren Sammy Ground in St. Lucia. Two months later, he announced himself on the world stage with a heroic Man-of-theMatch performance against Pakistan at Sabina Park in Jamaica. He took 5-55 to become the youngest West Indian to take a five-for in West Indies’ 93-year Test history.

During the 13th edition of the age-group tournament, West Indies played some exciting cricket to finish fifth, winning four out of six matches. He was among the leading fast bowlers with 10 wickets at an average of 18 runs per wicket, with best figures of 4-19. He spoke to CWI Media and sent his encouragement to the current West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 team as they prepare.

“These experiences gave me a lot more encouragement and showed me the things I needed to do to play at the highest level. So, playing in these tournaments made me work harder from then and I brought it into my game now,” said Seales.

He continued: “Play-

Jayden Seales (left) of West Indies receives his debut cap from former fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose at the start of Day One of the 1st Test vs South Africa at Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, St Lucia, on June 10, 2021.

(Photo by Randy Brooks/AFP)

ing in the U19 World Cup gave me that extra push and confidence. Playing in the international scene for the first time allowed me to see how it is, playing in that setting, and it allowed me to understand the things I needed to do to become an international cricketer.”

A few months ahead of

the World Cup, Seales had experience of the regional Under-19 tournament in St Vincent, camps in Antigua and Tri Series against England and Sri Lanka on home soil. He was also a member of the West Indies Emerging Players team which won the CG Insurance Super50 tournament.

“I’m definitely excited to see this group of guys play at home. I know most of the guys are fairly young compared to when we were playing U-19s, but they are good cricketers as well and I hope they put on a good showing and get themselves onto the international scene as well.” (CWI)

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 15, 2021

Ramdhani siblings among winners on day one of Trophy Stall Badminton Christmas Tournament GUYANA’S top badminton players Narayan Ramdhani and Priyanna Ramdhani joined in a moment of silence for their father Gokarn Ramdhani before they highlighted his years of teaching on the badminton court - the end result was a flawless performance on day one of the Trophy Stall Badminton Christmas tournament.

The three-day event, which served off at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Monday evening, saw players armed with their black sweatbands to mourn the loss of the long-standing head of badminton.

Female champion Priyanna, who is one of the better players in Guyana, also competed in the Men’s Doubles, which saw her reach the semi-finals. Her older

brother Narayan also made it to the semi-finals.

By the end of play, the Men’s Doubles had completed the quarter-finals with Narayan and Jonathan Mangra defeating Anthony Stephens and Jaurel Hendricks 21-11, 21-7 and Marlon Chung and Priyanna Ramdhani beating Kevin Hamilton and Kristoff Shepperd 21-4, 21-7.

In the other two quar-

ter-final clashes, Easa Sanichara and Matthew Beharry got the better of Chet Bowling and Zachary Persaud 2110, 21-7, while Akili Haynes and Tyrese Jeffrey defeated Avinash Odit and Grandison Robinson 21-13, 21-14.

Three games have been completed in the Mixed Doubles quarterfinals. Jonathan Mangra and Shivannie Persaud defeated Ayanna Watson and Matthew Beharry

Some of the badminton players who competed on the opening day

Action in the Mixed Doubles competition

21-19, 21-14, Marlon Chung and Ambika Ramraj defeated Tyrese Jeffrey and Christina Kumar 21-19, 21-23, 21-18, while Narayan and Mishka Beharry defeated Anthony Stephens and Anna Perreira 21-15, 21-15.

Priyanna Ramdhani and her partner Akili Haynes will take the court this evening for their clash.

The top female player would also begin her quest in the Women’s Doubles today in quarterfinal action with her

partner Shivannie Persaud.

In the lone quarter-final clash on Monday, Mishka Beharry and Priyanka Shivnauth beat Deandre Assing and Elesa Sangster 21-12, 21-9.

Meanwhile, in the first Mixed Doubles consolation semi-final Tyrese Jeffrey and Christina Kumar defeated Anthony Stephens and Anna Perreira 19-17, Retired.

In the Men’s Doubles Consolation semis, Mahender Sharma and Jason

Stephney defeated Andrew Browne and Andrew Browne (same names, but no relations) 21-11, 21-12, while Matthew Klautky and Matthew Singh defeated Manav Sharma and Jonathan Robinson 25-23, 21-17.

The consolation competitions are for duos who were knocked out in the first round. All players were paired together by a fun mix draw.

The tournament continues today from 1700hrs.

K&S Super 16 tourney

Goalscorers for UDFA, following their 9-0 demolition of Victoria Kings (Photos compliments of Franklin Wilson/ Kaieteur News)

Linden hammer Victoria Kings 9-0; GFA outclass East Coast 3-1

PAGE

30

Georgetown All-Stars in full celebration mode during their 3-1 victory over East Coast All Stars

Foster to seek re-election for 3rd successive term INCUMBENT president of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Hilbert Foster will be seeking re-election on Sunday, when the board holds its general meeting at the Port Mourant Cricket Club.

Foster, who is also vice-president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and a director of Cricket West Indies (CWI) was first elected to the presidency in February 2018 and has spearheaded a major transformation of the county’s cricket over the last four years.

He stated that he has no interest in the politics of cricket and would be running solely on his unmatched list of achievements. The BCB head inherited a cricket system that was on the verge of total collapse and stated that despite achieving the impossible to date, much more still has to be done as the intention is to make Berbice, the jewel in the crown of West Indies cricket.

Foster further stated that his administration took over a system with less than $50 000 in the bank account, no proper cricket tournament completed in two years, no developmental programme in place, no proper office to operate from, while players were quitting the game at a very fast rate.

The current executives such as leaders like Albert Smith, Angela Haniff, Dr Cecil Beharry, Leslie Solomon, Qualis Winter and Ameer Rahaman from day one in office. worked as a collective body and their record of achievements is unmatched in Guyana and the Caribbean cricketing circle.

The board has started or successfully completed a combined 75 cricket tournaments at junior and senior levels, raised close to $60M of sponsorship in cash and kind, organised hundreds of developmental programmes, assisted clubs and youth players with over

$20M, inclusive of items, further launching an ambitious educational campaign to make sure Berbice youth players place special emphasis on obtaining an education.

Hundreds of educational grants have been handed out to youths along with educational materials, cycles and uniforms in a massive effort to get youths to stay in school.

The BCB for the first time also handed out a scholarship to the University of Guyana and unveiled a countywide coaching programme which has trained thousands of youths.

The board also created history when it became the first cricket board to publish its own coaching manual and also spearheaded a total restoration of its office.

Other achievements include the distribution of grass-cutters, catching cribs, water pitchers, cricket pitch covers while for the first time, sub-as- TURN TO PAGE 30 ►

Hilbert Foster will be seeking re-election for a third term as BCB president

King 63, Shepherd’s late blast unable to prevent Windies T20 series loss 34 PAGE

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021