Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 16-04-2023

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips jots down information while speaking with an Ann’s Grove resident (Delano Williams photo)

Timely relief for Ann’s Grove residents …Gov’t to address longstanding Ann’s Grove land controversy

By Tamica Garnett

SEVERAL government ministers on Saturday pledged to work along with the residents of Ann’s Grove to resolve the controversy surrounding longstanding issues that are blocking residents from obtaining land titles for their property in a housing scheme in the East Coast Demerara community.

The land title situation was among a number of issues raised by residents, on Saturday, during a government outreach led by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips. Residents turned out in their numbers at the Ann’s Grove playfield ground to engage with government officials to discuss ways in which they could work with the government to craft solutions to issues, and develop the community.

The issue with the housing scheme pertains to lands that were leased to the residents of the Ann’s Grove Two Friends Multi- Purpose Co-op Society over 50 years ago. However, as members of the Co-Op soci-

ety died, private residents have since made claims to the land.

Residents are hoping that a new Co-Op society could be formed and have the matter dealt with. Fifty-eight-year-old resident, Donna Pellew, related that she has been living in the housing scheme for over 20 years and is longing for the day that she can have documented ownership of her property.

“I came out here over 20 years and I would like to have my title. The minister noted that there are a lot of villages like this where they don’t have a CoOp anymore, but they will look into the matter. So, I am trusting God that they will look into our Co-Op and form a new Co-Op to take over so that we can get our title because I am over 50 years old, so I would like to get my title. We already paid for the land. I have the receipts and the lease to show,” Pellew noted.

Acknowledging that he is aware of the issue, Minister of Housing, Colin Croal, explained that it has not been from lack of trying that the issue has not been resolved.

“The Ministry of Housing, and Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) has tried many times but there is a history to it, but if the persons in that community are ready, we will work with them. Claims of ancestors’ land and a lot of other challenges have been posted against us moving to regularise it. Once that is sorted out and there is a clear path for this to happen, then we will proceed,” Minister Croal told the residents at the gathering.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall also promised to joined the efforts in finding a solution to the longstanding issue.

It was decided that another meeting with the relevant government agencies will be held with the residents to work through the issue.

“We have to sit down, trace the titular history of the land, see where the title is, where the controversy lies and address it. We will do that, we will come down with a team from Housing, the Guyana Lands and Surveys

Commission and we will interrogate the history of the land to find where the title is and in consultation with the people will map a process forward that will result in a title,” the Attorney General noted.

Also speaking to the residents, Prime Minister Phillips reminded them that the government is one that is always willing to work with the people of all communities across the country and to ensure all Guya-

nese benefit from governments services.

“My government, our government is a government for all the people of Guyana. One Guyana; we will not discriminate,” Brigadier Phillips said.

See below full statement issued by the Office of the Vice President:

The Office of the Vice President has taken note of the Press Release issued by the Amerindian Peoples’ Association (APA) dated 15th April, 2023. This release is regarding APA’s Complaint to the Architecture for REDD+ Transaction Secretariat (the certifying body for Guyana’s carbon programme), to suspend the issuance of carbon credits to Guyana and, therefore, future payments to Amerindian villages and local communities.

At the recently held Press Conference by the Hon. Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the public was informed of the complaint that was issued, in secret, by the APA, who recommended that the ART Secretariat suspends all future issuances of credits.

The Office of the Vice President invites the public to note the letter to the editor from Toshao Derrick John, Chairman of the National Toshaos’ Council, published in today’s edition of Stabroek News. The NTC Chairman stated unequivocally, that the APA did not inform or consult with Indigenous villages, the National Toshaos’ Council, or any representative group of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. This violates the principles of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) – including the principle that villages and communities should be free to give or refuse their consent on matters which impact on them, through their own village-led processes.

The Office of the Vice Presi-

dent reiterates that political neutrality is a virtue that the APA cannot claim. As a non-governmental organisation, the APA’s members and leadership are free to engage in partisan politics, including standing for election. However, when purporting to represent non-partisan interests, it is important to declare relevant political allegiances to ensure transparency, and uphold credibility. It is therefore relevant to point out that leading members of the APA are - and have been - politically active, including the Executive Director of the APA, Ms. Jean La Rose, who was the Deputy Representative of the list of political party candidates of the PNC-Led Coalition which was in government between 2015 and 2020.

Ms. La Rose was a leading candidate within the PNC-led Coalition’s list in the 2015 elections, and while she failed to win a seat in the National Assembly, the then-President appointed her to a senior Board position within the Coalition Government. This should be declared as it has bearing on her commentary about public policy under various administrations.

The APA is well aware that every report of the ART TREES process is publicly available for perusal. The APA’s complaint refers to the structure of the Verification Reports, the sections of the Guyana Application documents under ART, all of which prove that they have read and are aware of the public reporting process under ART. These very reports present the background and reasons supporting the Independent Verifier issuing full

approval for Guyana’s credits.

The Office of the Vice President notes that the APA is also deliberately hiding their involvement in the very audit process about which they are complaining about. As part of the audit of Guyana’s application for 2016-2020, the independent verifier conducted an assessment mission to Guyana in April 2022. Field visits were made to several Indigenous villages to inform their findings. Further, the verifier engaged with multiple stakeholders in more than 20 sessions - a key aspect of the public scoping in the audit process.

The APA was invited and participated in the independent verifier’s session. Additionally, the APA was also invited at the end of this stakeholder meeting, to follow up with the auditor should this be needed. The APA made no such request and expressed no request for follow up or concern to the auditors in the audit process. They chose instead to trigger a complaints process for no apparent, justifiable reason.

The Office of the Vice President contends that APA cannot justifiably say they were not engaged as the evidence available to the public proves otherwise. In fact, for over two years, the APA has been invited by the Office of the President to participate in, and to help lead, consultations across Guyana concerning the LCDS 2030 and ART-TREES. However, the APA was very selective in engaging in the consultation that it has now raised grievances about.

For example, the APA was

asked to join other stakeholders on the LCDS Communications Sub-Committee– yet did not attend meetings or participate in any way. They neglected – even though they made an initial offer – to come up with suggestions on addressing some challenges during the national consultations process, such as identifying translators fluent in local languages, leaving this work to others. Yet, included in their complaint to the ART Secretariat, is a claim of lack of translation into the local Indigenous languages.

Furthermore, the APA was asked – like other members of the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee - to participate in and lead consultations. Unlike other members of the Steering Committee who led consultations, and gathered input and feedback, the APA never fulfilled this responsibility. The public should note that after the consultation period was completed, other members of the Steering Committee discovered hundreds of the copies of the draft LCDS 2030, given to the APA to help with distribution and consultation, were still sitting in the APA’s headquarters in the city. The Office of the Vice President is aware that resources were provided to assist with the distribution of the draft LCDS to communities all across the country

Yet now the APA raises unspecific complaints about a consultation it intentionally did not participate in and seeks to drown out the views and voices of Indigenous leaders and other local and international stake -

holders who participated and made very valued contributions to the consultations process.

The APA’s main concern as expressed in their press release centres on triggering their default position for any programme that will benefit Amerindian people – there needs to be more consultations and, that development cannot take place unless the conditions and ultimatums they set are met to their satisfaction. This is a position that the APA will struggle to justify by facts and is entirely unacceptable. The facts show that the initial three- month consultation period, announced by His Excellency the President in October 2021, was extended to a sevenmonth long process of consultations on Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, and executed from December 2021 to June 2022. The draft LCDS 2030 for public consultation is presented in a publicly available 315 Page Report - https://lcds. gov.gy/summary-of-feedback/ providing records showing extensive consultations were conducted on the LCDS 2030 and showing names of persons consulted, dates and minutes of discussions, including some of the persons now putting forward inaccurate information.

Thousands of persons were consulted, starting with fourhour cluster sessions, which covered in excess of 200 Indigenous communities over the seven-month period. During these sessions, Guyana’s jurisdictional/national approach to ART TREES was consulted on and the benefits sharing mechanism was a main part of each

session. The sessions led to suggestions, that in turn, informed the evolution of the benefits sharing mechanism that was documented in the July 2022 version of the LCDS; this was then reviewed by the National Toshaos’ Council and other key stakeholders.

Guyana’s ART TREES engagement was also (i) consulted on at the National Toshaos’ Conference in July 2022 and a resolution passed supporting this engagement: https://lcds.gov.gy/ endorsement-of-lcds-2030-bythe-national-toshaos-council/;

(ii) approved by a Multi Stakeholder Steering Committee overseeing the LCDS: https:// lcds.gov.gy/mssc-approvesfinalisation-of-ldcs-2030/; and

(iii) tabled and debated in the Parliament of Guyana with a resolution passed in August 2022: https://lcds.gov.gy/parliamentary-resolution-lcds-2030/. The endorsement, approval and resolution each outline the focus of the LCDS 2030, Guyana’s Jurisdictional ART TREES engagement, and the proposed benefits sharing mechanism which were all part of this process of review and debate.

The APA’s accusations are also unfounded as the government is on record in saying that consultation is not a not a oneoff process. As the LCDS 2030 moves into implementation, and revenues are available through the benefit sharing mechanism, individual villages will have the opportunity to continuously deepen their engagement as set out in the strategy, which emphasises the ongoing na -

A section of the gathering at the Ann’s Grove Outreach

Evidence proves APA’s complaints are unjustifiable -VP exposes organisation’s motive of sacrificing development of Amerindian villages to foster political agenda

WE LIFT 3 provides women-owned businesses exposure, networking opportunities

By Cassandra Khan

VP dismantles Norton’s narrative of govt discrimination against Afro-Guyanese

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr

Bharrat Jagdeo has once again exposed the untruths being peddled by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton about Afro-Guyanese being subjected to discrimination by the government.

THE two-day WE LIFT 3 event, hosted by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS), commenced on Saturday and aims to provide exposure and networking opportunities to over 200 women-owned businesses in Guyana.

The Vice-President was addressing the media on Thursday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, in her

“His [Norton] problem is a bigger issue. He doesn’t

want Afro-Guyanese to progress in this country so that it can fit into his jaundiced narrative of discrimination. So, they will come out hard against any progressive Afro-Guyanese, or people who are developing,” he highlighted.

VP Jagdeo also called out Norton for his attempts to paint the PPP/C government in a negative light, claiming that Afro-Guyanese were not being given contracts, only

to backtrack when they are awarded contracts, saying that they received contracts as a result of political affiliation.

Addressing Norton’s criticisms of the ICC standard facilities being installed at grounds in Linden, the VP said: “Norton said that Linden plays football. They want a ground up to the FIFA standards, rather than the ICC standards. And then he goes on to say, if we want an ICC ground, we should use the one that Kashif and Shanghai used to hold a dance on, for playing cricket.

“He is implying that people in Linden, they play football. Afro-Guyanese, football, and Indo-Guyanese, cricket. And [that] cricket is not of any major importance to the people of Region 10, particularly Linden.”

While the statement is typically what one might expect from the opposition leader, Dr Jagdeo pointed out: “He [Norton] is very upset about who holds dances on the ground and all of that. A very petty-minded person. But behind this, all is a narrative. They are very sour, they don’t want Afro-Guyanese touched for some 40 years, will be constructed in the community, Retrieve.

“But the fact is that we’re not trying to steer people. It’s not a racist thing, Mr. Norton. We’re ing two grounds; in fact, three grounds in the town of Linden that would allow us to play international-type

trast that with the APNU five years, in office when they did practically nothing in these areas… He should be ashamed to even mention the Vice-President highlighted.

address at the opening ceremony of the event, which is being held in the parking lot of MovieTowne, expressed hope that the initiative will continue to be a platform for women across Guyana to network.

The development would allow three Linden schools to have access to a sporting ground for the first time after many years.

Some $179 million has been allocated for completion of the Bayrock facility, and some $250 million was earmarked in the 2023 budget for ground enhancement across the country.

The business expo showcased different areas of business such as art, jewelry, food, peppers, seasoning, and more. The ministry’s services are also available on site, such as registering for the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN).

Dr. Persaud said her ministry partnered with Qualfon to provide jobs for women and they can either register at the site or through the ministry.

“We are looking comprehensively at how we can create a level playing field for women from the point of education, training, to the

Continued on page 5

Scenes from WE LIFT 3 (Delano Williams photos)

WE LIFT 3 provides women-owned businesses...

From page 4

actual point of being a very independent person who can head her business,” Minister Persaud said.

In addition, she also launched the Human Services Quarterly, a newsletter that gives information on what the ministry is doing, how they do it, and more.

Also speaking at the event was Mignon Bowen-Phillips, the wife of Guyana’s Prime Minister, who recognised that such events are essential for women’s empowerment.

“Here the participants are afforded networking opportunities. They will share ideas and build relationships to help grow their businesses. They will have greater exposure and increase their visibility amongst potential customers and investor,” she said.

Bowen-Phillips continued: “They will receive ac-

cess to valuable resources and information to help them develop their businesses, they will build a strong community of entrepreneurs fostering collaboration and support among each other but most

importantly they will inspire other woman to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.”

Considering the challenges entrepreneurs face globally, she said support for women in business is necessary.

While significant progress has been made in the business world in recent decades, she said women in business still face significant challenges in their success and growth.

“This includes access to finances. Recent studies show that women led companies receive only a small percentage of capital funding, making it harder for women to grow their businesses and compete with male led companies,” she explained.

Bowen-Phillips related that women also have to deal with the lack of representation and support in the business world.

“Many business networks

and organisations are still male-dominated, making it harder for women to connect with other women in business and access support they need to succeed,” she said.

She noted that as the administration considers the ongoing obstacles and challenges, it is vital that they continue to work towards creating a more equitable business world where women have access to more opportunities, support, tools, and resources that they need to exceed.

Some women entrepreneurs who are showcasing their products at WE LIFT 3, said that they expect the event to provide them with networking opportunities and more clients.

Channey Wong, owner of Designs by Channey, is a 30-year-old who has been making clothing since 2009. This is her first time partici-

pating in WE LIFT. She said that the day was exciting as she got to meet lots of people interested in her work and designs.

Taryne Hutson, owner of Organica, who has been doing cold press juicing since 2014, said that her business offers healthy juice options.

They make juice based on orders because their products do not contain preservatives, so to control the quality of it, they allow customers to place their orders and pick-up within a certain time frame.

“On a daily basis, most persons aren’t eating enough vitamins and minerals. Our juices are loaded with the vitamins and minerals,” she said.

Meanwhile, 14-yearold Aditya Persaud, a Form Three student representing the Bishop’s High School’s Agricultural Department, and one of the creators of Wema Products, said the business makes value-added products, pepper flakes, seasoning and spices, pepper sauces, and achars.

“All the raw materials are sourced from a local farmer and then manufactured in the science department… we started off as a team, we assembled a few students after the Christmas village,” he said.

They are in the process of getting their business approved.

Channey Wong, owner of Designs by Channey

Taryne Hutson, owner of Organica and her daughter

False Narrative

THE political opposition continues to peddle a false narrative of racial and political discrimination in Guyana. It continues to project the narrative of having been ‘cheated’ out of office in the March 2020 General and Regional Elections when the facts prove otherwise.

Now in its most recent distortion, the PNC Leader has once again made the preposterous allegation of Afro-Guyanese being discriminated against in terms of the awards of government contracts.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The evidence will show that the PPP/C administration has been extremely even-handed in

the manner in which the resources of the state are being administered. This is true for the allocation of jobs in the public sector, the distribution of house lots, access to social services; indeed, in all facets of national life. This, seemingly, is posing a problem for the political opposition which has been trying, thankfully unsuccessfully to play the race card for perceived narrow political ends.

The fact of the matter is that nothing that the PPP/C administration does would be enough to change its biased views and twisted opinions on the ongoing progress made in the country. As pointed out by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, at his most recent press conference, the

PNC Leader Aubrey Norton is clutching at straws in an attempt to seek political relevance.

There are already indications of growing tension, both at the leadership and rank and file levels, over the leadership style of Norton. And only recently, the junior partner in the APNU+AFC coalition had cause to sever ties as a member of the coalition. The WPA has also signalled its intention to break ranks with the APNU alliance.

According to Dr. Jagdeo, who is also General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, the PNC is faced with a much bigger problem. “The Norton problem is a bigger issue. He doesn’t want Afro-Guyanese to progress

in the country so that it can fit into his jaundiced narrative of discrimination. So, they will come out hard against any progressive Guyanese or people who are developing,” Jagdeo said.

It is precisely that jaundiced thinking on the part of the PNC that constrained it from recognising the enormous progress that is taking place in all regions of the country. Not even a state-ofthe-art stadium in Linden will suffice. The PNC is critical of the construction of the stadium on the spurious grounds that ‘Linden plays football’ and that ‘Lindeners want a ground up to FIFA standards rather than ICC standards’. And as if that were not ludicrous enough, he went on to

say that, “If we want an ICC ground, we should use the one that Kashif and Shanghai used to hold a dance on for playing cricket.”

The PNC seems politically bankrupt and is seeking to play politics with sports. It has been largely unsuccessful in stirring up racial hostility in the country and is now seeking to use sports to drive a wedge between the two major ethnic groups in the country.

With Nomination Day for Local Government Elections tomorrow, the schism in the coalition is all the more apparent. The PNC is still to officially indicate its readiness to participate in the elections. Both the AFC and the WPA had already indicated that

they will not contest the elections, no doubt in anticipation of poor performance at the polls.

The PPP/C, for its part, has indicated its full readiness to contest the elections. According to Jagdeo, the PPP/C alliance is confident that the electorate will vote overwhelmingly in favour of the ruling party as it did in the previous elections. In fact, the party hopes to improve its performance in all the contested areas including those that were considered PNC strongholds.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has indicated that all systems are in place for Nomination Day.

All roads lead to the Returning Officers today

Dear Editor,

In compliance with the legal requirements, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has signalled full preparedness to receive the nominated Lists of Candidates from all individuals, groups, and political parties contesting the 2023 Local Government Elections (LGEs). Therefore, Nominations Day on Monday, April 17, 2023, should have a buzz of supporting activities as the representatives submit their credentials.

The PPP/C is in its normal consistency mode and exuding full preparedness with its all-inclusive list of carefully selected candidates. Therefore, the party proposes and recommends its balanced teams to work and provide leadership and service delivery support in communities; while advancing a definite continuance of influence toward dominating the results at the upcoming Polls.

However, notwithstanding the recommendations, the party highly regards citizens’ choices in promoting and sustaining our democratic ideals.

On the other hand, the PNC, on the other side of the divide, along with their cabal backing in the APNU coalition, is bereft of meaningful support. Consequently, they are still trying to find a fault to challenge the conduct of these elections or have signalled their intention of not contesting. It leaves one to wonder what next the PNC/ APNU will come up with in attempting to suppress our collective development as a nation to support their thematic aggrandizement of a few.

The reasons for the latter are apparent, given the blatant attempts by the PNC+APNU/ AFC to steal the Government in 2020. The memories are fresh in citizens’ minds and severely negatively affect the PNC/APNU’s ability to find

credible candidates to contest the 2023 LGEs. Whether the PNC/APNU can back or putup candidates to compete, their targeted delaying tactics will ultimately fail, as this nation is ready to hold the overdue LGEs.

Aside from a few pompous vocals a few months ago whe n they attempted to derail the elections by trumped-up legal challenges, the PNC/APNU is extremely silent on its preparation to challenge in these 2023 Local Government polls. The PNC has always displayed a false sense of security to their followers that they can use the judiciary to frustrate all efforts to procrastinate the holding of elections and defend their wrongdoings. The strategy has woefully failed them and even served to embarrass the lawyers who have been sympathetic to their meaningless cause.

GECOM has done an outstanding job in prepara-

tion for the holding of a free and fair 2023 LGEs.

Further, all the political parties, particularly the two main parties, PPP/C and the PNC+APNU coalition, fielded a full contingent of scrutineers to monitor the continuous registration process and the Claims and Objection verification of the list. The preceding augers well for the organisation’s delivery of transparency and openness of the process and do not leave any room for frivolous legal challenges from the PNC.

On the basis mentioned above, one can easily be satisfied that the final register of voters’ list for these LGEs was prepared correctly and verified by the political scrutineers, who were all paid. Therefore, we must commend GECOM for following the process thoroughly and ensuring the proper authentication of all the transactions by the signatures of Political

Parties Scrutineers. Thus, this Voters List evidences the best possible preparation for holding the upcoming LGEs.

The PPP/C will contest all 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and 10 Municipal Councils. The PPP/C’s well-balanced list of representatives is and will give them a significant advantage in accumulating votes. In this sense, the party continues to focus on working even harder with ministers and walking the ground to work with citizens and community leaders to advance development across the country.

Therefore, following the presentation of the List of Candidates on Nominations Day, citizens across the country could expect the intensification of engagements from PPP/C leaders and supporters in various forms, including meetings and house-to-house visits. Focus points to these inter-

actions will not be limited to, but likely to provide updates concerning plans at the Village, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, and Municipal levels, address concerns where possible, and obtain consultative feedback from the grassroots level.

Naturally, the promotion of candidates comes as part of the package, as it will increase awareness of our representatives; they will be working at the Council level. The approach will also provide appropriate information to enable residents to make rational choices at the polls. It is unlikely that the electorate will waste their ballots and they will vote for the best candidates. Therefore, these LGEs will reveal the well-anticipated feedback on PPPC’s ‘One Guyana’ agenda.

Sincerely,

Neil Kumar

Infections, vaccinations and Chagas Disease

By Vanessa Cort

OVER the years, the world has faced many health crises, some reaching pandemic proportions, like the recent COVID-19 outbreak. However, countries have come together to devise scientific and social solutions and have managed to control the spread of many dangerous diseases.

With the formation of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, the world has been able to adopt a more coordinated and cohesive approach to fighting disease. Since then, we have seen the enormous contribution made by vaccines to health across the globe with two infections – small pox and rinderpest – eradicated.

With the WHO’s Expanded Programme of Immunization in 1974, and the Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization in 2000, global coverage of vaccination against serious infections has been greatly enhanced.

Polio has been almost eradicated and success in controlling measles makes eradication likely. However, development of vaccines for more complex infections, such as HIV, malaria

and tuberculosis has had limited success.

Still, six and a half million children die each year from infectious diseases which could be prevented by vaccination. And enhanced circulation of the relevant vaccines is expected to reduce childhood mortality.

While vaccination has been heralded as a major contributor to global health, research has shown that improvements in sanitation, the introduction of clean water, better housing and nutrition have also played an important part in the decline in mortality.

However, experts point out that it is “indisputable” that vaccination has made a huge contribution to both human and animal health, particularly in developing countries.

Deaths from smallpox and measles were widespread prior to the development of vaccines, with nearly half of the population dying from smallpox and slightly less from measles, in vulnerable populations.

An English physician and scientist, Edward Jenner, pioneered the smallpox vaccine and is credited with vaccine development as a public health tool, which was then adopted by Europe and the

United States. Even back then, there was huge opposition to this, especially when vaccination became compulsory in the UK in 1871.

To date, smallpox is the only human infection that has been eradicated along with rinderpest, which attacks and kills cattle, causing suffering among poor people who depend on cattle for their livelihood.

The treatment of any disease or infection is dependent on its being recognised, monitored and reported. This put developing countries at a distinct disadvantage because of the general lack of funds to oversee such initiatives and limited health programmes.

World Chagas Day, marked last Friday and first celebrated in 2020, takes a closer look at another disease affecting mostly people in poor countries, who have little access to healthcare or who are without a “political voice”.

The first case of this disease, which has been termed, “silent or silenced” was reported in Brazil in 1909 and was once endemic to Latin American countries. It earned the terminology because it can be asymptomatic, progresses slowly and affects mostly impoverished people.

However, in recent decades, the disease has been spreading and the WHO declared World Chagas Day to raise awareness of what it terms “this neglected tropical disease, which is often diagnosed in its late stages…”

The disease is vector and food borne and can be transmitted from mother-to-child or through infected blood and organ transplants. It is spread in the faeces or urine of the triatomine bug, also known as the ‘kissing bug’, which lives in the wall or roof cracks of poorly constructed homes, chicken coops and pens. It can also be found in warehouses in urban areas,

In the first stage of the disease, parasites circulate in the blood with mild to no symptoms. In the latter stage, these parasites hide mainly in the heart and digestive muscles, eventually causing gastro-intestinal and heart problems and even sudden death.

This year’s theme – “Time to integrate Chagas disease into primary health care” – aims to promote surveillance and universal care at the “most decentralized level of the health system, which would involve instituting specific health practices at the community level.

Evidence proves APA’s complaints...

FROM PAGE 3

ture of village-led village sustainability plans which must be approved following the engagement of villagers. Each year, opportunities will be provided for input.

The APA makes claims that remarks were made in the consultations that were not captured in the 315-page report on the consultation. The APA – like all members of the Steering Committee – were asked to review the 315-page report before it was finalised and to raise any issues and recommend changes. The public should note that the APA opted to absent themselves from those meetings which considered stakeholders’ feedback and later claimed they had the meeting dates confused.

Guyanese citizens – including Indigenous Peoples and members of local forest communities – have a lot to be proud of in Guyana’s long-standing stewardship of the forests. They are creating a pathway to overcoming difficult issues for which there are no straight-forward answers, and where the world will benefit from these solutions. Most Guyanese stakeholders are demonstrating innovation and dedication in identifying solutions, as well as respect for others who are wholeheartedly participating in the process.

The Office of the Vice Pres-

ident is concerned and disheartened that thousands of citizens across hundreds of Indigenous villages and local communities who are working hard to identify how to advance developmental priorities for their people – are totally unaware that the APA has called for the suspension of the finances to fund these priorities they are formulating for their future.

The APA’s recent efforts fall woefully short on transparency and accountability is needed by the Guyanese public now that they have been called out. The APA should also provide answers, as the Chairman of the NTC has done in his letter to the Editor of the Stabroek Newspapers, has demanded.

The public must be told why the APA is seeking to prevent the process of village planning in each community? Why should this process to develop villages utilising revenues from the carbon credits programme be frozen? And why would APA, in good faith, prevent Indigenous villages and local communities from accessing carbon credits revenue from 2016 that are already in their bank accounts? What option does the APA offer the 242 villages and communities to meet their most pressing needs, and those they have developed for their own development?

These answers will be hard to come by for the APA, as it reveals their true motive of sacrificing development of Amerindian villages, to foster their political motives. They are not

protecting the rights of Amerindian people; the APA is taking that right away from Guyana’s first people.

Office of the Vice President

Guyana is no longer a ‘heavily indebted poor country’

Summary

CONTRARY to a news article by a local media entity, Guyana is no longer a heavily indebted poor country as per the IMF and World Bank’s classification. Three decades ago Guyana was considered a heavily indebted country, but it has

successfully graduated out of this state before becoming an oil producer. Guyana’s debt sustainability indicators are sound which further corroborates the argument that it is no longer a heavily indebted country. Moreover, there is adequate fiscal space to cushion any

adverse impact arising from exogenous factors?and to comfortably advance the country’s aggressive development agenda.

1. Background On April 14th, 2023, an article was published in a certain section of the media with the caption “oil-rich

Guyana among five countries in the region listed as heavily indebted poor countries”. The article was based on an International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Economic Outlook Report, 2023. The contents of the article and the interpretation of the analytic metric cited from the IMF report implied that the author/ journalist does not understand the analytic metric and the classification altogether. As such, Guyana’s classification as illustrated in Table E in the referenced IMF report was completely misunderstood and misinterpreted by the author/media entity. This is despite the IMF report of itself?contained explanations of the analytic metric, the method of classification, and footnotes with explanation just below the table, all of which were completely ignored.

This article, therefore, seeks to explain the IMF’s classification and the analytic metric used in determining “heavily indebted poor countries”.

2. Discussion and Analysis

2.1 The IMF Report

The IMF report in its statistical appendix explained that “emerging markets and developing economies are classified according to analytic criteria that reflect the composition of export earnings and a distinction between net creditor and net debtor economies”. The analytic criterion source of export earnings distinguishes between the categories fuel (Standard International Trade Classification [SITC] 3) and non-fuel and then focuses on non-fuel primary products (SITCs 0,1,2,3,4, and 68).

Economies are classified into one of these groups if their main source of export earnings exceeds 50 percent of total exports on average between 2017 and 2021.

The financial and income criteria focus on net creditor economies and net debtor economies, heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC), low income developing countries (LIDCs), and emerging market middle-income economies (EMMIEs). Economies are classified as net debtors when their latest net inter-

national investment position investment, where available was less than zero or their current account balance accumulations from 1972 (or earliest available data) to 2021 were negative. Net debtors are further differentiated on the basis of experience with debt servicing.

The HIPC group comprises the countries that are or have been considered by the IMF and the World Bank for participation in their debt initiative known as the HIPC initiative, which aims to reduce the external debt burdens of all the eligible HIPCs to a sustainable level in a reasonably short period of time.

Many of these countries have already benefitted from debt relief and graduated from the initiative.

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook Report, 2023

2.2 Commentary

Guyana was classified as a HIPC country three decades ago but is no longer part of the HIPC programme. Guyana has already benefitted from the debt relief pro-

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Nomination Day 2023

IT is just hours before political parties, individuals and voluntary groups officially kickstart the contest for the Local Government Elections slated for June 12 this year by submitting their candidate list to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and its sub-offices coun-

trywide.

This day also signals the official season of open campaigning in communities, townships and administrative regions.

The last local government polls were held in 2018 when the APNU+AFC was in power and was defeated by the People’s Progressive

Party Civic (PPP/C) which amassed a whopping 61 per cent of the votes leaving the APNU with 34 per cent and AFC with a mere four per cent.

After receiving a thrashing at those polls and losing the general elections, the AFC walked away from the coalition

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Guyana is no...

FROM PAGE 8

gramme and has graduated from this initiative. In this respect, the footnote below the table in the report explained that under the “Heavily Indebted Poor Countries” column, a “Dot instead of star indicates that the country has reached the completion point, which allows it to receive the full debt relief committed to it at the decision point”. In other words, the ‘dot’ below this column for Guyana (in the table) indicates that Guyana was once a HIPC country but has now graduated from the HIPC programme. On the other hand, a ‘star’ under this column would indicate that the country is still an eligible HIPC country. This is clearly not the case for Guyana.

Based on the financial and income criteria, Guyana is classified as a net debtor country and an emerging market middle-income country respectively. For simplicity, a net debtor country runs a current account deficit or an external trade balance deficit whereas a net creditor country runs a current account surplus or external trade balance surplus.

Guyana is considered a net debtor country because prior to becoming a crude oil exporting country, it has always recorded a current account or trade balance deficit. During this period, gold exports accounted for the larger share of export earnings. Following oil production in December 2019, Guyana is now a crude oil exporter resulting in a current account surplus balance. However, it is a nominal surplus to a large extent since the nominal value of crude oil exports includes 100% of the crude oil produced offshore Guyana which is reflected as part of the total export value of crude oil. Thus, the real crude oil export value that Guyana actually earns in foreign exchange (FX) is derived from Guyana’s share of profit oil and royalty.

In applying the IMF’s analytic criteria to determine whether Guyana is a net debtor or net creditor country, given that crude oil export accounts for more than 50% of total exports, by excluding this sum from total exports?this adjustment will result in a current account deficit. Hence, it is on this basis that Guyana is classi-

fied as a net debtor country though it is an exporter of crude oil with a nominal current account surplus.

In the medium to longterm, however, considering the development trajectory of the economy aimed at achieving greater national competitiveness, viz-á-viz, halving energy cost and ensuring more reliable energy, coupled with all of the investment in building out the physical infrastructure to support the growth across all sectors etc., Guyana is poised to become a net creditor country.

2.2.1 Debt Sustainability Indicators

Guyana’s debt sustainability indicators are sound which further corroborates the argument that it is no longer a heavily indebted country. To this end, in FY 2022, the debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 26% and external debt-to-GDP ratio stood at a record low of 11%. In 2023, debt-to-GDP ratio is an estimated 25% and external debt to GDP ratio is an estimated 12%. The debt service to revenue ratio in FY 2022 was also low at 12.5%, and external debt service to non-oil export ratio was low at 6%. Altogether, these are sound debt sustainability indicators which indicate that the country can comfortably service its domestic and external debt obligations with sufficient fiscal space available to help the country navigate any adverse impact arising from unforeseen exogenous factors.

3. Conclusion In view of the foregoing, the referenced local media report incorrectly interpreted the IMF classification of Guyana as a ‘heavily indebted country’. Guyana has in fact graduated from this state and in so far as its debt sustainability indicators are concerned, these remain sound and stable. Moreover, there is adequate fiscal space to cushion any adverse impact arising from exogenous factors?and to comfortably advance the country’s aggressive development agenda.

3.1 Recommendation

These (IMF/World Bank) reports, as illustrated herein, are beyond the simplistic comprehension by journalists who do not possess the relevant technical training and background. Therefore,

it is strongly recommended that media houses seek an interpretation and explanation of these often times highly technical and complex reports from the relevant professionals, in this case, a finance professional or an economist. In so doing, this will help to improve the quality of reporting on technical issues and minimise unnecessary errors.

About the Author: Joel Bhagwandin is a public policy/financial analyst?and an experienced financial professional with more than fifteen years’ experience in the financial sector, corporate finance, financial management, consulting, and academia. He is actively engaged in providing insights and analyses on a range of public policy, economic and finance issues in Guyana over the last six years. He has authored more than 300 articles covering a variety of thematic areas. Joel has also written extensively on the oil and gas sector. Academically, Joel is the holder of an MSc. in business management with a specialism in banking and finance from Edinburgh Napier University. He is currently pursuing his second and third masters: 1) MBA (Finance) (Top-up) through Edinburgh Napier University, and 2) MSc. in Finance (Economic Policy) through the University of London.

References:

1. https://www. kaieteurnewsonline. com/2023/04/14/new-imfreport-oil-rich-guyanaamong-five-countries-inthe-region-listed-as-heavily-indebted-poor-countries/.

2. https://www.imf.org/ en/Publications/WEO.

Prosperity FPSO arrives in Guyanese waters

LAST week, ExxonMobil Guyana announced the arrival of the Prosperity Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in the waters offshore Guyana. The Prosperity FPSO follows the Liza Destiny and Liza

Unity FPSOs, which are currently producing more than 380,000 barrels per day. Production from the Prosperity vessel is expected to push daily output from the Stabroek Block to some 600,000 barrels a day next year.

ExxonMobil Guyana Production Manager Mike Ryan heralded the new FPSO as a continuation of the partnership and said, “The arrival of the Prosperity FPSO is a testament to the strong partnership between ExxonMobil Guyana, the Government of

Guyana, our co-venturers and the many suppliers that support our operations. We are excited to contribute to Guyana’s energy future and create lasting opportunities for the nation’s growth and prosperity.”

FPSOs are some of the

largest, most sophisticated vessels in existence and form a key element of oil production in offshore areas like those in the Stabroek Block.

Guyana is a prime example of the investments being made in offshore oil and according to analysts, is one

of the countries driving the global market for FPSO this decade.

The Prosperity FPSO will be used in production at the US $9 billion Payara field in the Stabroek Block. Prosperity arrives at an op-

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Nomination Day...

FROM

and opted out of participating in the local government polls this year, making a set of excuses. The APNU coalition or the People’s National Congress (PNC) still has not said it is going to the polls and has remained tightlipped about its plans.

Considering how well it performed and its track record in office, the PPP/C is ready for the polls, preparing to submit its list on Monday.

One would hardly be joking when one chooses to state that these elections are both critical and timely for testing the mood of the voters and the political climate in the country. The polls will partially indicate how political parties will perform when General elections are due in 2025.

They will serve as a litmus test of GECOM’s ability to hold any election after its systems were compromised and infiltrated with rigging at every level in the 2020 elections that would have resulted in the wrong party and person being in the seat of power had it not been

for the PPP/C attention to small details, the letter and spirit of the Constitution.

GECOM must ensure it adequately trains the junior, middle and senior staff for polling day and the secretariat for the upcoming LGE. It must, additionally, check all of the legal and statutory boxes to ensure that the nomination day proceedings and the events run smoothly and is transparent, credible, free and fair.

Further, it must have sweeping changes that will be visible and testimony to the fact that it is not as gullible and ignorant of things that may come up along the way.

GECOM must know that the voters’ list is an area of fierce contention and must be prepared to solve every hiccup that may arise with the list. Again, the Chairman and Commissioners must exercise the right level of oversight at all parts of the elections to protect GECOM from negative public perception.

It will be unsurprising and totally within the character trait of the Op-

position Leader, Aubrey Norton, to hear him announce the APNU or PNC will be contesting the polls on Sunday or Monday while stating a barrage of lengthy reasons why the party must compete against the PPP/C.

Monday, you will probably hear the opposition continue their narrative about discrimination and race, as well as, its attack on the government’s management of the oil and gas sector. The PPP/C will respond to every accusation and public allegation, relying heavily on the facts and its track record, assumingly, to counter the opposition’s political diatribe.

Also, the recently reconstituted Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and the media/press will have their work cut out because there are bound to be persons and parties that will dabble in pushing narratives to support their racial hate, racism and political divisiveness.

Starting Monday, they must be firmer, prosecuting all or any of the culprits that breach the

Prosperity FPSO arrives...

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portune time as Guyana is at the centre of an offshore oil surge and FPSO market boom. According to Rystad Energy, offshore spending will account for 68 per cent of spending on newly sanctioned oil and gas projects over the next two years and will eclipse US$100 billion in 2023 and 2024.

FPSOs represent a key component of Guyana’s offshore development strategy as much of the current and future oil fields will be serviced by FPSOs, with up to 10 expected to eventually be in operation.

Prosperity began construction in late 2020 after Final Investment Decision (FID) and regulatory approvals for the Payara project were granted. The two-year period between FID and arrival underscores the necessity of timely but thorough review of projects to maximise Guyana’s earnings from oil and manage overall costs for the projects. The longer projects take to reach FID, the more risks grow that

they will delay other critical investments.

Guyana has continued to improve its reputation as a place to do business—and the investments necessary to support developing its resources have flowed as a result. This underscores the importance of contract sanctity and creating the environment to unlock investments in other sectors of the economy.

With a booming economy and many areas ripe for investment, potential partners are carefully watching developments in this area.

Prosperity is the second FPSO from SBM that earned accolades for its sustainable design. The vessel was awarded the SUSTAIN-1 notation by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its adoption of new or redesigned technologies and better methods to reduce emissions by reducing venting and turning gas that might otherwise be flared or reinjected into electricity to power onboard equipment.

The new vessels are expected to be more energy

Racial Hostility Act and other laws during this time. The ERC must be allowed to function with independence to protect the Guyanese public. It must focus its attention on civil society, the so-called rights lobbying groups and non-governmental bodies apart from the politicians.

Notably, the media must be fearlessly fair, accurate and balanced in its approach to events which will unfold in the lead-up to elections. The media must not allow it-

self to be used by private political interests because it is the gatekeeper for the public’s interest.

Lastly, it is voters that every party and group contesting will try to dazzle or capture with either their record of service in the community or their campaigns aimed at change and reform or policies.

Every Guyanese should be listening to the various candidates with a view of choosing the best to represent their constituencies, making the best

decisions on their behalf.

The public must know too that they are holding the local government officials accountable to them for the state of their villages, communities and areas, the garbage disposal, the roads and drainage and sports facilities which impact their quality of life.

They must exercise judgement carefully in the local government because it is the public’s voice and the public’s choice that matter.

efficient and have lower air emissions than any other similar vessels operating around the world. This is proof that Guyana can uphold environmental standards while expanding production in the oil and gas sector.

There is a direct link between increased production numbers and increased oil revenues flowing in to support the development and advancement of Guyana’s economy. With production steadily increasing and the price of oil rising, now more than ever, time is of the essence to keep things moving in Guyana’s oil and gas sector—especially as the global transition away from fossil fuel begins.

Guyana has continued to defy the odds and successfully manage the influx of oil wealth and spur growth in other areas of the economy.

The Prosperity is expected to start production later this year and with daily production set to eventually reach 600,000 barrels, so too will Guyana’s annual revenues grow.

Viability of pharmacies in two developed nations

VIABILITY is defined as a commercial judgement to meet ongoing financial obligations, with an additional margin of comfort to support future investment and trading. Assessing the viability of a business is key to determining the stage of its life cycle, knowing when to invest in development and when to decline in business closure.

The BBC news in December 2022 warned that some pharmacies of Northern Ireland may not be viable due to funding. The Financial Times had supported this view, citing reason such as the price for commodities like antibiotics which exceeded the compensation from NHS. However, these fears were not supported by the officials of Northern Ireland.

On the ground reports from pharmacists indicated similar losses from other such commodities like asthmatic inhalers and omeprazole, a drug for stomach ailments.

Other factors for closure considerations were overhead costs such as employees’ payroll and electricity.

As a result, an emergency review was set up and is currently in process, after which the findings and next steps are anticipated to be shared.

Company Chemists’ Association in England shared findings from their research posted in October 2022 which indicated that over 40 per cent or just over 800 permanent community pharmacies were disproportionately closed during the period 2015 to 2022; half of which were located in the most deprived parts of England. It is important to note that only 138 new pharmacies opened during this period.

The macro impact of such closures significantly affected their governmental “levelling up” policy to smoothen the unequal access to healthcare by the various strata of society.

These closures diminished social support for un-

derserved communities and reversed the call by NHS England for pharmacies to play a bigger role at this time, when resources were stretched, due the aftermath of the pandemic, having filled the gaps.

These threats further widened the gaps of health inequality and posed a national pressure to universal healthcare.

The influence of community pharmacies in the undeserved parts of England was demonstrated by performance output during the COVID-19 vaccination drive in the period January to November 2021. One third of the total vaccination numbers were done by collective efforts of these front-line entities, of which 20 per cent were from deprived communities.

A similar pattern seemed to have occurred in the United States as highlighted in a December 2022 Forbes edition which reported that Rite Aid had planned to prune more than the 145 unprofitable retail outlets from their fleet of 2324 in 2023. It had reported a quarterly loss in excess of sixty-seven million with anticipation of further losses in 2023.

Published in a December 2022 edition of USA Today, other major chains of pharmacy in the United States such as Walgreens started cutting hours of work due to labour shortages, affecting access to prescription medications especially for the vulnerable such as lowincome patients, the elderly and ethnic minorities. Other stated factors for these closures were customer buying habits and local market dynamics.

CVS, another lead player in retail pharmacies had slated to close approximately 900 pharmacies over the next three years and is on target with its 300 closures in 2022. Those pharmacies that provided service to the publicly insured population generated a slimmer

Manchester University features Prof. Prem Misir’s book

COINCIDING with World Health Day on April 7, 2023, the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) Library presented Guyanese-born professor and former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Prem Misir’s book (COVID-19 and Health System Segregation in the US) as the E-Book of the week.

The book identifies and offers solutions to the racial and ethnic health inequities that Americans of colour experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the book, disparities in racial and ethnic health are not caused by racial characteristics but rather

the Solomon Islands Campus; and professor and head of the School of Public Health at the University of the South Pacific (immediate past).

In addition to journal articles, he is the author of 11 books, the most recent being HIV/AIDS and Adolescents: South Pacific and Caribbean,

Singapore, Palgrave Macmillan, 2019; The Subaltern Indian Woman: Domination and Social Degradation, Singapore, Palgrave Macmillan, 2018; and HIV/AIDS: Knowledge and Stigma in Guyana, University of the West Indies Press, 2013.

The UK-based MFT Li-

brary is a multidisciplinary resource accessible to all trust-based clinical and non-clinical staff, students, researchers, educators and learners. It also plays a critical role in facilitating research proceedings in the trust, enabling staff and students to meet their

ongoing professional development needs. The library upholds MFT’s clinical governance and patient care commitments, hence impacting the improvement of health and quality of life of the diverse population through which the trust operates.

by social factors that are firmly rooted in systematic racism and are mediated by the white racial frame. It also stated that any analysis of health equity and disparity must take race and ethnicity into account; therefore, the health system and medical care cannot realistically reduce racial health disparities.

The theory of structuration, which looks at the tension between agency and structure, is examined in the book as a potentially effective method for eradicating systematic racism, the White racial frame, and racialised social structures.

Misir specifically looks at COVID-19 with a focus on the segregated US healthcare system. The separate but equal philosophy that governs the US healthcare system means that while members of the majority group have access to high-quality care, individuals of colour have either no access or very limited access to it.

He also shows that racial and ethnic health disparities are worse than COVID-19. According to him, the gap will endure if the US legislative and economic engines do noth-

ing but say that the pandemic will eventually fade like other infections.

Some of the topics covered within the chapters are Epidemiology of COVID-19; Introduction: Segregation of Health Care; Systemic Racism and the White Racial Frame; and Dismantling Systemic Racism and Structuration Theory.

The book is also used as a theory-informing inductive data analysis study design to explore COVID-19 deaths in 760 counties in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, among Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics.

Professor Misir is the holder of the following degrees: PhD (University of Hull, England); MPH (University of Manchester, England); M.Phil. (University of Surrey, England); B.S.Sc. (Honours) (Queen’s University of Belfast, United Kingdom); Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (FRSPH, England); and Certificate, Harvard University—Improving Global Health: Focusing on Quality and Safety.

He is also the former vice chancellor of the University of Fiji; pro vice chancellor of

Guyanese-born professor and former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Prem Misir

E-Book of the Week

AG warns of unfair, unlawful conduct in hire purchase transactions

THE Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs says it has noted with “great regret” the complaints of many as it relates to the alleged unfair and “possibly unlawful conduct” in hire purchase transactions.

A statement from the AG’s Chambers said it is principally because of these reasons that the government enacted a modern Hire Purchase Act which came into force in 2022.

The main objective of the Act is to bring greater balance and fairness in the relationship between the hirer and owner which was skewed heavily in favour of the former over the latter, prior to the enactment of the legislation.

“Unfortunately, based upon the complaints received, many of which have been circulating on social media, it appears that provisions of the Hire Purchase Act are not properly implemented or

complied with, or are being completely ignored,” the statement noted.

A copy of this legislation can be obtained from the Parliament Office, Public Buildings at a most affordable price or can be accessed on the Official Gazette website at https://officialgazette.gov.gy/index.php/ publications/1996-extraordinary-gazettes-12thdecember-2022-act-no23-of-2022-the-hire-purchase-act-2022.

Members of the public, more specifically, those who intend to enter into hire purchase agreements are being urged to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Act or to secure legal counsel to do so on their behalf in relation thereto.

A few important sections of the Act are hereby summarised with the view of bringing greater awareness to the protection which they accord to the parties in a hire purchase transaction.

Section 3(1) imposes the obligation on the owner to disclose in writing the cash price before the hire purchase agreement is entered into. Section 3(4) requires all hire purchase agreements to contain clauses that state the hire purchase price and the cash price of the goods; the amount of instalment required to pay the hire purchase price; and the date each instalment is payable.

Section 5 gives the right to the hirer or buyer to terminate the agreement. Section 6 lists the clauses in agreements which, if included, will be void and therefore unenforceable. These include, among other things, giving an owner or seller

the authority to forcibly enter premises to possess goods; denying the hirer or buyer of the right to terminate/determine the agreement; subjecting a hirer or buyer on termination of an agreement to a liability which is greater than the liability provided for under the Act; or clauses which relieve the owner or seller or any person acting on his behalf from liability for any acts or defaults.

Section 10 entitles the hirer or buyer to cancel the agreement within seven days of signing. Section 13 entitles a hirer or buyer who has cancelled under section 10 to recover monies paid under the agreement, subject to a restocking fee charged by an owner or seller to a maximum of 10 per cent.

Section 23 states that where the hirer or buyer

has paid 70 percent or more of the hire-purchase price or total purchase price, the owner is prohibited from enforcing any right to recover possession otherwise than by action in a court of law.

Section 28 provides for rebate on early payment of five percent per annum or such rate as may be prescribed where the balance of the hire purchase price is paid at least one month before the date it is due, calculated on the amount of such balance for the period in respect of which it was prepaid. This section also provides that where a balance remains unpaid for more than one month, it may attract an interest on such balance at a rate of five percent per annum or such rate as may be prescribed, calculated on the amount of such balance for the period in respect of which it is due.

Section 29 provides that in cases where a hirer or buyer has paid less than 70 percent of the hire purchase price the owner or seller must give at least 21 days prior notice of his intention to recover possession before he can enforce his right to recover possession of the goods.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Shopping platform on WIIN mobile app will be launched in May

having the option to upload their brand logo and photos of their work.

After registering, a team from the ministry will review each application, and

provide approval for their business to be listed. Registrants will be notified, via email, that their application has been approved and listed. Registrants can

then view their profiles, and make updates, as needed, since each business will be allowed to manage its business information provided on the app.

The app can be downloaded from the link, https://wiin.gov. gy/#/ or through the Google Play Store or the App Store.

By Cassandra Khan

THE shopping platform on the mobile application for the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) will be launched on May 1, 2023 by the Ministry of Human Services (MHSSS), in collaboration with Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA).

This will allow businesswomen to introduce MMG payments for entrepreneurs’ products. At the opening of the ministry’s WE LIFT 3 exhibition on Saturday, in the Parking Lot of MovieTowne, it was noted that over the past few months, MMG officials have been working with a team from NDMA to enable entrepreneurs to sell their products Online, and for customers to make purchases through MMG, and then have them delivered.

“A lot of the time what happens is that these lovely products are available, but the reach is limited… Sometimes you have to go to the store; sometimes you have to wait until they’re open. And so, what MMG brings is that extended reach,” the MMG representative noted.

With MMG now available on the WIIN application, people will be able to buy the product Online, pay for it, and within eight seconds, the transaction is complete, and the entrepreneur will deliver the product.

The MHSSS launched the free ‘WIIN GY’ App to promote women-owned businesses in February 2022.

The WIIN app is designed to facilitate both the advertising and marketing

needs of women-owned businesses across several sectors in Guyana. Not only does it provide opportunities locally, but may open doors globally, since it is available for free download anywhere.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security

Dr. Vindhya Persaud, in 2022 said that the WIIN App is perfectly poised to tangibly support women in growing their businesses, by increasing visibility and raising their business profile, using an information and communication technology (ICT) platform at absolutely no cost to them.

The purpose of the App is to ensure women-owned businesses gain the visibility they need to succeed in the economy.

Among the categories featured on the App are: Health, Beauty and Wellness, Fashion, Food, Arts and Craft, Event Planning and Décor, Media, Graphics Designing, Photography and Videography, Printing, Stationery, Janitorial, Academic, Transportation, Gardening, Landscaping, Construction, Tech and Media, Entertainment, E-Commerce an even Automotive Repairs.

It is as simple as downloading the App, and searching through the various categories to select a product or service that is right for you and available to you.

For persons interested in using the platform for their business, registration can be done by simply clicking the ‘register business’ icon after downloading the app.

After that, entrepreneurs will be required to complete their profile with particulars such as location, service type, and contact, while also

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud (left) and B Socially Intact Founder Brittany Singh exhibit the WIIN App in 2022

Guyana-born Narine Dat Sookram creates history

…advocates for policy change

IN what is deemed a first in Canadian history, Guyanaborn Narine Dat Sookram has won a “battle” to allow staff members of a company to use their pronouns on their business cards.

Pronouns come in many forms. They are linguistic tools that are used to refer to people, such as they/them/ theirs, she/her/hers, he/him/ his. Someone’s pronouns inform us how to best refer to and honour them.

Like names, pronouns are an important part of how people identify; assuming someone’s gender can be hurtful, especially to members of the LGBT community who are transgender, genderqueer, or gender ex-

pansive.

According to Sookram, who is a social worker registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and a Doctor of Social Work candidate, he learnt of a Canadian notfor-profit organisation that existed since 1951, denying employees the right to use their pronouns on their business cards.

Sookram pointed out that when he approached management to question the reasoning, he was told that the company’s policy does not allow staff members to use their pronouns on their business cards.

Lost for words and dis-

gusted that management failed to address the issue, Sookram, who is also a licensed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Trainer, said he felt obligated to address the issue at all costs and had no choice but to bring the matter to the attention of the company.

Sookram disclosed that when he approached management to question the rea-

soning, he was told that the company’s policy does not allow staff members to use their pronouns on their business cards. Upon requesting to see the policy, it turned out that there was no such written policy and that the staff was not fitting to hold the post they represented.

Sookram assessed that the organisation was “playing games,” and was untruthful, and urged one of the directors to take courses related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, an area he is very knowledgeable in. He further pointed out that it’s a shame that in this modernised world, there are still many people who work in a blind spot which is dangerous because they don’t have the competencies to lead an

organisation and should not be placed in such positions.

Because of Sookram’s effort, for the first time in over seven decades, a policy is now implemented where staff can use their pronoun on their business cards. He, however, added that he was still shocked how the organisation got away with such action, describing it as a form of discrimination.

Sookram said he will continue to keep an eye on things to ensure no organisation, particularly this one, takes advantage of staff, adding that it happens all the time because management does not care.

Sookram hosts the award-winning community radio show Caribbean Spice and Let’s Chit Chat with

Narine Dat, which airs on 102.7 CKMS FM Radio Waterloo, Ontario.

Sookram is the last child of seven children and the first to have completed post-secondary and postgrad education. He graduated with several degrees, including a Master of Social Work from Brescia University, Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Professional Arts from Athabasca University, Bachelor of Education in Adult Education from Brock University, Social Service Worker Diploma from Mohawk College, Post-Grad in Career Development from Conestoga College. (Frederick Halley)

Narine Dat Sookram

House lot allocations now three times what APNU+AFC allotted in five years

- Minister Rodrigues contends; says Norton is in no position to criticise PPP/C’s track record

IN just under three years, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has allocated some 21,600 house lots, three times more than what the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For

Aubrey Norton. Rodrigues went a step further to highlight that out of the 7,000 house lots allocated by the coalition during its tenure in office, 2,000 were allotted in 2020, when the citizens were contending

drive.

“The housing sector is perhaps one of the worst performing sectors under the APNU+AFC government during the period 20152020,” Minister Rodrigues said.

She added that despite the coalition inheriting a “vibrant housing sector,” they reduced it to a mere department and neglected the true potential of the housing ministry.

Labelling his comments as untruth and “lofty language,” Minister Rodrigues said that Norton should revise his statement that the coalition has a “proud track record.”

“I don’t know which track record Norton is looking at and speaking very proudly of,” she said, noting that he is acting oblivious to his party’s actual track record.

“They did not see the importance or relevance of the housing sector…” she said.

According to Minister Rodrigues, the opposition has failed to understand the ability of the housing sector can play in transforming a

person’s life.

She further noted that, the PPP/C has always understood what the housing sector is capable of and that it does not only empower and provide financial freedom, but it can also give people a sense of security.

Minister Rodrigues said that the opposition has been spreading untruths about the development of housing schemes within their time,

and there is evidence to prove that no money was allocated in the budget for infrastructure for three years.

“The first time they allocated monies for infrastructure development under the capital budget was in 2019 during the period when they were a caretaker government,” she said, noting that the coalition was toppled by a no-confidence motion in 2018.

Change (APNU+AFC) allotted in five years, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues has said.

Rodrigues, during her weekly programme, Making the Case, referenced the government’s track record as a direct response to criticisms of the ongoing housing drive by Leader of the Opposition,

with the APNU+AFC’s efforts to influence the results of the elections.

She said: “[Most of those house lots] went to themselves and people who were known to them.”

Owing to this track record, Minister Rodrigues said the opposition members, especially Norton, have no right to criticise the housing

Viability of pharmacies...

FROM PAGE 12

profit margin than privately insured clients. Similarly, independent pharmacies faced closures from reduced profitability due to pharmacy benefits manager, where the top three (CVS, Cigna Express Scripts and United Health Group) controlled 80 per cent of the market.

Just this past week the Business Insider announced that Walmart will be closing 20 of their retail outlets located in eleven states due to poor performance attributed to sales, product margins and expenses.

These closures further create economic hardship due to loss of income for the persons who were gainfully employed. An incremental two per cent increase

is projected in pharmacist employment in the United States for the period 2021 to 2031; slower than all other occupations. Transfers, exits and retirements were the optional reasons foreseen for job openings in this career choice according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For further discussion, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express Pharmacy located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@ gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/ burg. Tel #225-5142.

Some of the houses that have been built so far

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues

Free hypertension treatment at Suddie Hospital

HYPERTENSIVE patients living in the Pomeroon Supenaam Region now have access to additional medicines to combat the chronic illness as the government’s Chronic Disease Department launched the ‘HEARTS’ technical package at Suddie Public Hospital.

‘HEARTS’ is the acronym for Healthy lifestyle counselling, Evidence-based protocols, Access to essential medicines and technology, Risk-based cardiovascular disease management, Teambased care and Systems for monitoring. It is fundamentally evidence-based practice in diagnosing and treating arterial hypertension.

During the launch on Friday, it was announced that two medications were added to the essential drug list as part of the treatment for patients with hyperten-

sion and cardiovascular disease. These two drugs are Telmisartan, available in two strengths, 40mg and 80mg, and Chlorthaidone, available in 12.5mg and 50mg.

The drugs will be available in Region Two and will be distributed to various health facilities by Friday of the new week.

Hypertension is deemed a “silent killer” and can lead to chronic kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, dementia and even death.

Coordinator of Chronic Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Michel Pereira, said the ‘HEARTS’ technical package is a collaborative effort between the ministry, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and aims to reduce some of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.

Dr Pereira explained that

stroke and ischemic heart disease, arising from hypertension, are among the top three causes of death in Guyana, hence HEARTS aims to reduce premature death and disability from hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Now that this is available at the Suddie Hospital free of cost, it will ease the travel time for residents who in the past had to travel for hours to access treatment.

Dr Pereira urged residents to ensure they test their blood pressure regularly and to practise a healthy lifestyle.

Chandrapattie of Perseverance Village, who is a hypertensive patient, said she was happy that such treatment is available in the region. She noted that the medication was very expensive and she was pleased that it was free of cost.

Coordinator of Chronic Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Michel Pereira (centre) and other officials at the launch of the HEARTS initiative at the Suddie Hospital

‘Caribe Snackz’ eyes local, regional markets

- new factory can produce 200,000 packs of chips per week

A NEW agro-processing facility was officially opened on Friday at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, to aid the government’s ongoing commitment to continuously develop the agricultural sector.

The facility is an essential part of the administration’s determination to not only ‘slash’ the food import bill but also meet the ’25 by 2025’ goal. Additionally, this new plant offers farmers a chance to promote their local produce, in addition to offering employment opportunities to others.

The Chief Execu -

to expand into North America and Europe

tive Officer (CEO) of Caribe Snackz, Chief Samsair, told those gathered at the launch ceremony on Friday that the company is “ready to hit local and regional markets”.

The new line will offer five different varieties of plantain and cassava chips with plans to expand in the future. Caribe Snackz will supply both domestic and regional markets, with plans

According to Samsair, the government’s commitment to the sector inspired him to take action, especially after hearing President, Dr Irfaan Ali encouraging Guyanese living abroad to return home and invest.

The CEO said that the Parika plant can produce 200,000 packs of plantain chips each week with the intention of continuously growing and evolving.

He noted that although they are now hiring 25 employees, he intends to increase this number as the business expands.

Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture,

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; CEO of Caribe Snackz, Chief Samsair; Chairman of the PSC, Paul Cheong, among other officials at the launch of the event

Employees are preparing to produce the plantain chips (Adrian Narine photos)

‘Caribe Snackz’ eyes local...

FROM PAGE 19

Zulfikar Mustapha, highlighted that farmers in the community who grow “provisions” previously noted that they had trouble locating reliable markets. But this factory will now allow them to not only earn an income but also display their

goods on a local and regional scale.

“We must add value to these products”, Minister Mustapha said, adding, “This occasion provides opportunities for us to reduce our food import bill and increase local production and promote exportation of our pro-

duce.”

He noted that the agro-processing industry in Guyana is rapidly expanding with government support and promotion of investments in the sector.

The debut of this product line, in his view “is a clear indication of the significant

strides we have made in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and value addition in the agricultural sector.”

He highlighted that the industry not only provides agricultural products but also plays a critical role in generating employment opportunities and improving food security.

Paul Cheong, the Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), praised Caribe Snackz and affirmed that “this is a great opportunity for our farmers to increase their income.”

Region Five issues bid for over $67M in developmental projects

THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) plans to execute 16 projects costing over $67 million.

The RDC has officially opened bids for eligible and qualified contractors to bid for projects, including the maintenance of schools, health buildings, among other infrastructural projects.

An advertisement in the April 12 edition of this newspaper noted that the region plans to install an entrance culvert in District #10 Health Cen-

tre, East Coast Demerara and maintenance works will be done on Building B 291-RDC Annex, Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice.

According to the engineer, the region plans to conduct maintenance works on several education facilities, which

include: No. 29 Primary School, Rosignol Secondary School, Belladrum Primary School and Fort Wellington Secondary, all located in West Coast Berbice.

Tenders are also invited for repair works to be done on eight facilities for education delivery.

Restoration of the fences of the Blairmont Primary School, Water Loo Nursey School, Liberty Hall Nursey School, are just some of the works that are anticipated.

As for health services, over $10 million has been estimated for planned works. The region plans to install entrance culvert at Essau and Jacob Health Centre in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara and ex-

ecute maintenance works to the Environmental Health Building, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice.

It is advised that tender documents be purchased from the Tender Board Secretariat, Office of the RDC, Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) at a non-refundable fee of $2,500 per copy.

Bidders are asked to adhere to all of the necessary requests for information found in

the tender documents, and valid certificates of compliance from the Guyana Revenue Authority and the National Insurance Scheme must accompany the Standard Bidding documents. It was also said that completed documents could be deposited in the tender box at the Office of the RDC on April 18, 2023, no later than 09:00 hours.

Guyanese icon Dave Martins is enjoying the simplicity of life

…after a stupendous career

By Cindy Parkinson

GUYANA has undoubtedly produced some talented artistes but no one can debate the fact that one of the most iconic, successful, respectable, and loved singers/composers of all time is the country’s very own, Dave Martins.

Much can be said about this prestigious individual’s career, but while relaxing comfortably in his Nibbi chair and petting one of his dogs at his abode, the 88-year-old legend, in an exclusive interview

with the Sunday Chronicle, described himself as a country boy who was born and raised in the village of Hague in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to Joseph and Zepherina Martins. However, at the tender age of 10, his parents relocated to Vreed-en-Hoop where he completed his primary education and went on to attend St. Stanislaus College in Georgetown. And this is where the young Martins developed an interest in literature, music, and a love for different languages.

He fondly recalled that his mother was the one who enjoyed playing and singing songs while his father farmed extensively in the Pomeroon River in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Dave enjoyed travelling back and forth with his dad from Pomeroon to Vreed-en-Hoop, which allowed him to interact with a number of people he encountered along the way. The conversations would entail their “real life” stories, which he found fascinating, and because of those conversations, Dave believes the composer/musical side of him was trig-

TURN TO PAGE 23

Dave and Annette Martins

The legendary Dave Martins

Guyanese icon Dave Martins is enjoying the simplicity of...

FROM PAGE 22

gered.

Dave also credited the Trinidadian Calypso, which in those days had “drama, suspense, comedy, bravery, and power in the music. I became familiar with the old Trinidad Calypso music from recordings, and I knew I wanted to do that type of music but with my twist.”

How was Trade Winds formed?

After some time, Dave said that he and his family moved to Toronto, Canada, and, there, he was exposed to the “business side” of his musical life. According to him, one day he came across an advertisement in the newspaper for a new Caribbean band. He applied, got through, and played with four other musicians. The band (the Debonairs) was hired to play for six evenings a week, and they performed exceptionally well.

The band moved away from the traditional Latin

music to playing a calypsoheavy blend. For several years, the band performed in this style, but Dave’s life was adversely affected by the demanding schedule, and in 1963, he quit his weekly job and only performed at the weekends, but the music kept calling him, and in 1966, he founded an entirely new Caribbean band and named it “The Trade Winds.”

“We were a natural group who loved the music, the stories, and the people, and we just grew. When we started to record, Canada didn’t have any radio stations that played Caribbean music as they do now, and so we were the pioneers at that time. The market was there at the time, and if you had started a band with good music, you would have gotten work, which we did.

“I don’t know why I felt like I needed to write the type of music that I did, but I knew I must be true to myself and my roots, which

Dave and one of his pets are in Guyana. The song about the honeymooning couple, I wrote that from a joke that I heard, and it blew up, and of course the famous ‘Not a blade of grass’ came from the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. I also

wanted people to relate to what I was singing and get a message from the songs, so I wrote and sang about what was happening at the

moment.”

Advice to young artists

Dave agreed that money is a big factor in a person’s life; however, he wants young artistes to know that they should have a passion and a love for what they do and everything else will fall into place. He advised young singers to write the type of music that people will enjoy, love, and relate to.

“I am hesitant to give people advice because no one gave me any about my career path or much of my life, but what I found on my own is that you have to have an interest in what you do. Do not write or sing just because you want to; think about what you are singing; don’t just sing whatever comes to your mind; listen to it and hear if it makes sense before you put it out there,” the musician said.

Dave expressed that he

was grateful to his parents, especially his mother, for instilling in him the values of life and the importance of his faith, which he believes is responsible for him living a “clean” life, away from drugs or “bad” company.

“I could have lived a different life because I was exposed to a lot in my career, but I remembered my mother and my family and the trust they had in me. I am also thankful to my wife Annette; she is a gem in my life and that of my three children.”

As much as Dave loves his music these days, he enjoys the simpler side of life while relaxing with his wife, Annette and exploring the country. According to him, there is no place in the world he would rather be than right here in beautiful Guyana.

GBA congratulates Guyana’s first IBA ranked female fighters

SISTERS Abiola and Alesha Jackman have now become the first female fighters to appear in the International Boxing Association (IBA) rankings.

Both represented Guyana at the Women's World Championship in New Delhi, India last month, and the Guyana

Boxing Association (GBA) has extended their congratulations to the talented duo.

Abiola is now ranked 27th in the Elite 81kg while Alesha is ranked 58th in the 60-63kg category.

A statement from the GBA detailed that, "Their subsequent world ranking

is testimony to the fact that with greater exposure comes bigger successes."

“The Guyana Boxing Association will leave no stone unturned in its quest to provide the best for its athletes and officials. We congratulate the two sisters and urge them to remain focussed

Sport Ministry concludes...

From page 32

The two-week long event, which saw over 2000 children participating in the five locations country-wide, was hailed a major success by both the organisers and the parents. The event was free of cost and this year, registration was facilitated online.

During the closing ceremony yesterday, Sport Minister, Charles Ramson Jr. was present and shared remarks that expressed gratitude to all that helped make the

event a success. He posited, “There is no other sport programme that has over 2000 persons taking part. Thank you (parents) for having that confidence in us. And, to all the parents who came to the sessions to supervise their babies, thank you as well.”

Ramson Jr. relayed that the success of this programme is a success for the government, which is committed to the overall development of sports and Guyanese.

Representing the Guyana Amateur Swimming

Association (GASA), Rajpattie Boodhan always heaped praises on the parents, who she described as the backbone of this programme and she thanked them for entrusting their children to the organisers of the event. She further posited that she hopes the support continues for the next ‘Learn to Swim’ event in July-August, which is anticipated to be an even bigger programme in terms of participation.

Corach Rambler wins...

From page 32

"Sadly, while racing in the Grand National, Hill Sixteen sustained an unrecoverable injury. Our sincere sympathies are with connec-

RACING TIPS

tions," said a Jockey Club spokesperson.

"Recite A Prayer and Cape Gentleman were assessed on course by our skilled veterinary staff and walked on to the horse ambu-

09:25 hrs The Bomber Liston

10:00 hrs Prince Nino 10:35 hrs Odin’s Quest 11:10 hrs O’faolains

lance for further assessment in the stables."

On his final day in the saddle, jockey Davy Russell came down at the first aboard Galvin. (BBC Sport)

11:45 hrs Obey The Rules

12:20 hrs Meatloaf

American Racing Tips

Aqueduct

Race 1 Makart

Race 2 Honey Money

Race 3 Malavath

Race 4 fancy Joke

Race 5 Rum Runner Ready

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday April 16, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Sachin Tendulkar-618 runs (MI)

(2) Murali Vijay-127 (CSK vs RR)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who took most wickets in IPL 2010?

(2) What were the best bowling figures in a single game in IPL 2010?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

as the road they are on is littered with opportunities.” Meanwhile, Alesha Jackman, in comments, stated that, “Firstly, I want to thank God. Thanks to the GBA for being there

for us when needed and to our coach, who we couldn’t have done it without.

And, thanks to our family.”

“I’m super proud of myself and my big sister

for this achievement. Going forward we will be more disciplined and dedicated to the sport to keep excelling.

Babar Azam, Haris Rauf star as Kiwis brushed aside twice in two nights

IT wasn't quite the comprehensive mismatch Friday's game was, but that didn't mean the outcome was ever in any doubt. A sumptuous Babar Azam century, his ninth in T20s - he's now behind only Chris Gaylepowered Pakistan to 192. Babar was supported by a half-century from Mohammad Rizwan and a useful unbeaten 19-ball 33 from Iftikhar Ahmed as Pakistan posted another total well above par.

( Scores: Pakistan 192 for 4 (Babar 101*, Rizwan 50, Henry 2-29) beat New Zealand 154 for 7 (Chapman 65*, Bowes 26, Rauf 4-27) by 38 runs Babar and Rizwan more than made up for their failures yesterday with an outstanding opening partnership. After taking three overs to get set, they caught up with the rate superbly across the first half of the innings, powering at about ten an over across their 99-run stand.

And while a cluster of wickets immediately after threatened to derail Pakistan's progress, an unbroken 87-run stand between Babar and Iftikhar in 43 balls ensured Pakistan were firmly on top once more.

In response New Zealand offered a more representative account of their abilities than they had in the first game,

with a classy half-century from Mark Chapman headlining the chase. Showcasing both his technical ability and long-range hitting, he clubbed an unbeaten 40-ball 65 in what was largely lone resistance, keeping his side's flame flickering until the final three overs.

But the damage Haris Rauf was doing at the other end proved too much to counter. He followed up his career-best performance last night with another scintillating display, ripping through the New Zealand middle order and killing off any hopes of a nascent chase with figures of 4 for 27. Shaheen Afridi and Zaman Khan snuffed out the chase at the death, and even as Chapman

finished off the game with a magnificent six over cover, Pakistan coasted to a 38-run victory.

The stutter

As was the case Friday, there was a wobble midway through the Pakistan innings, and just like yesterday, it was Matt Henry-inspired. After Pakistan's crisp start, Henry sent down a priceless 11th over that saw one run scored and two wickets fall. Rizwan was the first to go, miscuing a slog soon after he brought up his half-century.

Then, for the second successive game, Henry found himself on a hat-trick, forcing Fakhar Zaman to chop one back onto his stumps. Saim Ayub kept his first ball out to deny the fast bowler

consecutive hat-tricks, but New Zealand were suddenly on top.

Final-overs frenzy

Having slowed down somewhat after the powerplay, as Babar is wont to do, not even his most ardent backers entertained notions of a ninth T20 hundred for the Pakistan captain. With three overs to go, Babar was still 35 runs away, but two sixes and a four of Henry's final over saw him climb into the 80s. A canny penultimate over from Ben Lister though, with Babar deprived of the strike, looked to have dashed those hopes once more. He was still 15 away with the innings' final four balls to go, and Gaddafi began to dream once more.

By the time Neesham was powered back over mid-off for six and Babar crept into the 90s, the crowd had been whipped up into a fervour. Seven runs away with two balls to go, he thumped another over midoff for four to take it down to the wire. And, almost as if it were scripted, he would save his best shot for last, a glorious drive over cover that sailed to the boundary and brought up the most unlikely of his nine hundreds. He rocked back and let out a roar, and Lahore roared with him.(Cricinfo)

Delhi Capitals suffer fifth IPL defeat to stay bottom

DELHI Capitals suffered their fifth successive Indian Premier League defeat as their batting order was decimated by Royal Challengers Bangalore, who took a 23-run win at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Bottom-of-the-table Delhi looked to be in contention for their first win of the season when they limited RCB to 174-6, but they lost four wickets within the first six overs of a dire run chase, Manish Pandey's half-century only serving to salvage some pride.

Virat Kohli's 50 off 34 deliveries put RCB in a decent position after they were put in by Delhi skipper David Warner, but their momentum was stunted when he was caught in the deep off Lalit

Reggae Boyz drawn with USA, T&T face tough road to group stage

Yadav's bowling in the 11th over.

Faf du Plessis (22) and Mahipal Lomror (26) supported Kohli ably before both were caught off the bowling of Mitchell Marsh, whose

figures of 2-18 helped Delhi keep RCB within range.

Delhi, however, made a dismal start to their run chase, losing three wickets before the end of the third over and two more by the

close of the ninth.

A superb piece of fielding from Anuj Rawat accounted for the first as Prithvi Shaw was run out, before Marsh handed Kohli a routine catch to join his team-mate in being dismissed for nought.

Having watched the wickets tumble around him, Warner (19) gave Vyshak Vijaykumar a maiden IPL wicket when he was caught by Kohli at midwicket, and Vyshak went on to scalp two more on a fine debut.

Pandey restored some respectability with 50 off 38 balls, but any hopes of a Delhi fightback were extinguished when he was bowled lbw by Wanindu Hasaranga in the 14th, allowing RCB to cruise to their second win of the season.

MIAMI, Florida, (CMC) – Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz have been drawn alongside CONCACAF powerhouses United States in the group stage of this year’s Gold Cup.

In fixtures announced Friday by organisers for the June 24 to July 4 campaign in the United States and Canada, the Caribbean giants Jamaica were pitted in Group A against the seven-time reigning champions, along with Nicaragua.

The fourth team in the group will be finalised following the qualifiers which run from June 1620 and involve 12 teams, including the likes of Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis.

Jamaica have never won the Gold Cup but reached back-to-back finals in 2015 and 2017 when they lost to Mexico and United States respectively.

They were knocked out in the quarter-finals by the United States in the last edition of the tournament two years ago.

Meanwhile, French

Kohli knock decisive Kohli took 33 balls to deliver the 47th half-century of his IPL career, and while the RCB opener was dismissed with the next delivery, his excellent knock ultimately proved decisive.

He slammed six fours and one six to guide his side to a respectable tally, one his team-mates struggled to build on after his exit.

Fortunately for RCB, their attack was in scintil-

Caribbean side Haiti have been drawn in Group B alongside eighttime champions Mexico, Honduras and Asian Cup Champions Qatar.

Group C comprises Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador and a yet-to-be determined qualifier while Group D will also include a nation from the qualifiers, along with Canada, Guatemala and Cuba.

In round one of the preliminaries, Trinidad and Tobago will meet French Caribbean nation Guadeloupe in their bid to reach the group stage, but will have to first get past the winners of the clash between Guyana and Grenada in round two.

St Lucia will take on Martinique with the winners meeting the winners of the Suriname/Puerto Rico fixture while St Kitts face Curacao in hopes of reaching round two where the winners of French Guiana versus Sint Maarten await.

If Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Grenada advance to the group stage, they will join Jamaica in Group A.

lating form as Delhi never looked likely to complete the chase.

Debutant Vyshak on song Vyshak's IPL debut was one to remember as he had Warner caught for his maiden wicket before adding the scalps of Axar Patel and Yadav.

He took 3-20 across four overs while Mohammed Siraj added 2-23 on a day for the bowlers in Bangalore.(Sportsmax).

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will renew their rivalry against the United States

Babar Azam roars after getting to his ton (•PCB)

Virat Kohli celebrates his third half-century of the season

General Marine Company supports DCB’S ‘Friends of Demerara Cricket Fund’

GENERAL Marine Company, of 231 Middle Street, Georgetown is the latest to provide support for the Demerara Cricket Board’s initiative “Friends of Demerara Cricket Fund”. This new initiative was launched recently. The Company, distributor of marine equipment, motorcycles, power products, bearings, as well as dealing in licensed firearms and ammunition, joins Gafoors of Guyana, KW Logistics and Bus Services and Sunita Travel Agency.

The DCB will use the funds raised to cushion the cost of its junior Inter Association Cricket tournaments. Funds will also be used to assist in fulfilling its mandate to develop the game.

The DCB is aggressively embarking on playing cricket competitions at all levels, from Under-13 to Senior males and females. Training programmes for coaches and cricketers, seminars for managers, book, board and electronic scorers and match referees will be done. Academies for junior cricketers will also be held across the five Sub Associations.

At a simple ceremony, held recently, Business Owner Rahaman Khan, a softball cricket legend and member of Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association, stated

that he is impressed with this innovation, hence his support. He promised to continue to support the game in Demerara and further afield.

DCB newly elected Marketing Manager, Anil Beharry, was grateful for the support as the board aims to dominate cricket at all levels.

The DCB urges Guyanese to support General Marine Company so that they can continue to contribute to the development of cricket in Demerara, Guyana and the West Indies. Meanwhile,

the sponsorship has risen to $760 000.

The DCB, while in negotiations with several sponsors, some of whose approvals have already been secured, recognises the limited sponsorship dollars available resulting in this innovation and encourages private individuals, private businesses, and Corporate Guyana to support it.

According to the DCB, “we assure accountability for the funds with widespread print and electronic media

Went out there with 'I don't care' mentality - Brook

coverage”. It should be noted that sponsorship for sports and charitable organisations can enjoy tax breaks which the law allows.

The DCB release said that anyone willing to support this project can contact Bissoondyal Singh, club president, at 623 0055; Davteerth Anandjit, Secretary, at 617 8502; Vicky Bharosay, Treasurer, at 652 0947; Anil Beharry, Marketing Manager, at 623 6875 or any other executive member of the DCB.

IN the first two matches of Sunrisers Hyderabad's IPL 2023 campaign, Harry Brook was used in the middle order. Batting at No.4 against Rajasthan Royals, he struggled to get going and was dismissed for a 21-ball 13.

Against Lucknow Super Giants he came out at No.5 and lasted only four deliveries for his 3. On both occasions, he fell to wrist spinners while in his third outing, promoted to open against Punjab Kings, he could only score 13 before being bowled off a knuckle ball from Arshdeep Singh.

JASPRIT Bumrah has started his rehab, from Friday, at the BCCI's National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru after having undergone back surgery in New Zealand last month.

The surgery was successful and Bumrah was "painfree", according to a media statement from the BCCI. The plan is to get him fully fit for the home ODI World Cup, which is likely to start on October 5.

Bumrah has not featured in any cricket since late September last year, when he pulled out of the home whiteball series against South Africa - the reason, reportedly, was a stress reaction in his lower back. He attempted a comeback in January this

year for the home series against Sri Lanka, but that didn't happen after he experienced pain in the back. He was subsequently sidelined from the ongoing IPL 2023 and the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, which begins on June 7 at The Oval.

Former India head coach

Ravi Shastri had recently expressed his frustration at frequent and recurring injuries to senior Indian bowlers.

"Let's put it this way: there are quite a few in the last three or four years who are permanent residents of the NCA," Shastri said on ESPNcricinfo's T20 Time:Out show. "Soon, they'll get a

resident permit there to walk in any time they want, which is not a good thing at all. It's unreal."

Shreyas Iyer to undergo surgery this week

Shreyas Iyer, who has also been ruled out of IPL 2023 and the WTC final, is set to undergo surgery on his back next week. He will report to the NCA for his own rehab after remaining in the surgeon's care for two weeks.

An impinged nerve caused by a bulged disc in the lower back area on the right side has troubled Iyer ever since he returned from the Bangladesh series last December. Despite taking about six injections, Iyer continued to experience discomfort. (Cricinfo)

Despite his Test cricket taking off in exemplary fashion and the 24-year-old entering the IPL on the back of a truckload of runs in the T20 format as well, he wasn't able to hit the straps in the Indian league straightaway and people, especially on social media, were quick to criticise him.

But Brook put all that to rest with a terrific 100 not out off only 55 deliveries at the Eden Gardens on Friday (April 14) to set the platform for SRH's 23-run victory against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Speaking to the IPL broadcasters after picking up his Player-of-the-Match award, Brook said: "I think I was putting pressure on myself after the first few games. If you go on social media, people are calling you rubbish and you start to slightly doubt yourself a little bit.

"But I just went out there with a 'I don't care' mentality tonight and thankfully came up. There are a lot of Indi-

an fans out there (on social media) who are going to say 'well done tonight' but they were slagging me off a few days ago. Glad I could shut them up."

With SRH also striking three times inside the powerplay, they continued their domination against the Knight Riders who slipped to 96/5 in the 11th over, losing Andre Russell cheaply. Nitish Rana (75 off 41) and Rinku Singh (58 off 31) attempted a fightback but a target of 229 proved beyond their reach as they finished with 205.

Speaking after the game, KKR’s captain, Rana, said their bowling effort wasn't up to the mark, with all the bowlers, barring Sunil Narine, finishing with an economy of over 10. "I feel the way we bowled was not according to the plans. No matter what the wicket was like, this wasn't a 230 wicket. One odd day you'll get an innings like Rinku had the other day, but not everyday. We batted really well, we wanted to take the game deep and then you never know."

"Home advantage is one thing, but we know Eden Gardens tracks always play this way, we expected 200 to be a par score here and have been preparing that way, but we need to bowl better. Today, even the main bowlers were going for runs but I can't be too critical because these are the same bowlers who will win me a game some other time. Very happy with the fight we showed," added Rana. (Cricbuzz).

Harry Brook produced the first IPL century of the season © (BCCI)

Marketing Manager Anil Beharry, left, receives cheque from Rahaman Khan in the presence of Board Executive and young Gainda

Will Jasprit Bumrah be fit for the ODI World Cup later this year? Getty Images

Haaland nets twice in Man City win over Leicester

ERLING Haaland scored twice as Premier League champions Manchester City maintained their winning streak with a dominant victory over relegation-threatened Leicester City.

The hosts cut the gap to league leaders Arsenal to just three points, but Mikel Arteta's men can re-establish their advantage when they face West Ham on Sunday.

It was a thoroughly comfortable day for Pep Guardiola's men, who scored twice in the first 13 minutes through John Stones' thumping effort and Haaland's penalty.

The 22-year-old Norwegian goal machine added his second with a delightfully dinked finish 12 minutes later, but could not add to his tally after being substituted at half-time.

Goalkeeper Daniel Iversen made a superb flying stop to deny Riyad Mahrez's curling strike, the closest the hosts came to a fourth in the second half.

Meanwhile, Dean Smith suffered a nightmare start in his first game in charge of Leicester, although Kelechi Iheanacho grabbed a 75th minute consolation and also hit the post against his old club.

The Foxes remain deep in trouble at the wrong end of the table, sitting in 19th position and two points off safety.

Arsenal clash looms large

This game went true to form as Manchester City's juggernaut streamrolled on in their aim for a Treble of trophies.

Guardiola's side are ominously bearing in on Arsenal, and the Londoners cannot afford any slip-ups knowing City are hitting form at the right time by putting together a 10-game winning streak.

They look on course to reach the last four of the Champions League after taking apart Bayern Munich in the first leg of the quarter-finals on Tuesday, and face Sheffield United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup next Saturday.

But on 26 April comes the huge clash against Arsenal, which could potentially

Matthews, Connell struggle but reach final, Dottin stars but misses out

be a title-decider at Etihad Stadium, with the visitors aiming to end their long topflight trophy wait and stop their opponents from claiming three in a row.

Leading City's charge is irrepressible frontman Haaland, who continues to wreak havoc with his goalscoring, taking his tally to 47 in 40 games in all competitions. His spot-kick and cheeky finish from Kevin de Bruyne's pass extended his total to 32 in the top flight, drawing alongside Mohamed Salah's record in a 38-game season with eight games still to play.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker's goals put his side 3-0 up after they were set on their way by Stones' fabulous first-time finish from the edge of the box.

With the points all-but secure, both players were withdrawn at half-time and the team could not find more goals as Leicester dug in.(BBC Sport).

First-ball ‘duck’ for Pooran as Super Giants lose

LUCKNOW, India, (CMC)

– Former West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran perished for a first-ball ‘duck’ as Lucknow Super Giants missed out on the opportunity to take sole possession of the lead in the Indian Premier League, with a disappointing two-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings here Saturday.

Sent in at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Super Giants posted an insufficient 159 for eight from their 20 overs, with captain KL Rahul top-scoring with 74 from 56 deliveries and West Indies all-rounder Kyle Mayers getting 29.

The left-handed Pooran, who has been in good nick with a 141 runs from four previous innings, miscued a pull at South Africa speedster Kagiso Rabada (2-34) and was taken at deep mid-wicket

in the 15th over.

In reply, Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza top-scored 57 from 41 deliveries while Matthew Short (34) and Shahrukh Khan (23 not out) chipped in with weighty knocks to help Kings over the line with three balls to spare.

They required seven

runs from the final over and Shahrukh Khan held his nerve to deliver, handing Kings their third win of the campaign and moving them into a four-way tie at the top on six points but fourth on net run rate.

Rahul provided his side with the ideal start, thumping eight fours and a six in a 56ball knock, in a 53-run, open-

ing stand with the left-handed Mayers, who struck a four and three sixes off 23 balls before holing out to deep square off left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar in the eighth over.

Rahul put on a further 48 for the third wicket with Krunal Pandya (18) and 31 for the fifth with Marcus Stoinis (15) before finally departing in the penultimate over.

When seamer Yudhvir Singh (2-19) knocked over both openers to leave Kings’ run chase on 17 for two in the third over, the hosts appeared in control.

However, Sikandar lashed four fours and three sixes, first in a 0-run fourth wicket stand with Harpreet Singh (22) and then in a 37run fifth wicket stand with Sam Curran (6) to rescue the chase, before Shahrukh Khan’s 10-ball cameo provided the finishing touches.

KOWLOON, Hong Kong, (CMC) – Neither Hayley Matthews nor Shamilia Connell had any impact but Warriors survived the duo’s muted performances to beat Spirit by four wickets and power into the final of the Fairbreak Invitational.

In contrast, explosive retired West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin belted an exhilarating 42 from 29 balls but the knock went in vain as Barmy Army slumped to a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Falcons, to miss out on Sunday’s final.

Playing in low-scoring first semi-final at Kowloon Cricket Club, fast bowler Connell (1-12) and off-spinner Matthews (1-17) picked up a wicket each as Spirit were bundled out for 73 in the 18th over.

They were 44 for two in the ninth at one stage behind Natthakan Chantham’s top score of 26 off 34 deliveries but collapsed to lose their last eight wickets for 29 runs.

New Zealand seamer Jess Kerr was the leading wicket-taker with three for 11 while Kathryn Bryce (2-6) and Amanda-Jade Wellington (2-16) supported with two wickets apiece.

In reply, West Indies captain Matthews was first out for eight in the third over, in a top order slump that left Warriors tottering on 35 for four at the start of the ninth over.

However, Bryce struck 26 from 18 balls in a 38-

run, fourth wicket stand with Mignon du Preez (eight not out) to rescue the run chase.

In the second semi-final at the same venue, Barmy Army were struggling at 24 for three in the fifth over before Dottin arrived to lash four fours and three sixes and inspire a 46-run, fourth wicket stand with Kavisha Egodage (17) which resuscitated the innings.

Dottin, who abruptly quit international cricket last year, was part of a slide which saw four wickets tumble for 33 runs – West Indies strokemaker Shemaine Campbelle perishing for 12 – leaving Barmy Army on 103 for seven in the 15th over.

But 21-year-old Pakistan star Fatima Sana struck an unbeaten 45 off 30 balls with half-dozen fours and a six, to get her side up to 158 for eight off their allotted 20 overs.

Opener Chamari Athapaththu then marshalled the run chase with 78 off 50 balls, including eight fours and five sixes, as Falcons romped over the line at the start of the penultimate over.

She put on 64 for the second wicket with captain Suzie Bates (17) and 54 for the third with Theertha Satish (15) before falling in the 15th over, leaving South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp to preside over the finish with a 10-ball unbeaten 23, in an unbroken fifth wicket partnership of 41 with Mariko Hill (19 not out).

Retired West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin

Erling Haaland has scored 47 goals in 40 games this season

Former West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran

AMS INC, Suzuki Motor Cycle 2nd Division T20

Police aim to arrest TSC in final after semi-final wins yesterday

By Sean Devers

IN overcast conditions and a strong breeze, the Georgetown Cricket Association’s Atlantic Marines Supplies INC and Suzuki Motor Cycles Second division T20 semi-finals were contested at the Police and Malteenoes grounds yesterday with Police and Transport Sports Club qualifying for the finals.

At Eve Leary, Police defeated GCC by 77 runs while at Malteenoes, TSC beat the home team by 13 runs and according to the GCA the date for the final will be announced shortly.

At MSC, TSC reached 138-8 when their 20 overs expired with National U-19 skipper Alvin Mahabir stroking a well-constructed 41 with three fours and sixes while Akeem Redman contributed 20 with a couple of boundaries.

Marcus Watkins had 2-15 and Mark Cumberbatch supported 2-28 for MSC who were bowled out for 119 in 19.1 overs.

Only Judal McAllister with 39, with a four and two sixes, offered token resistance as Ewart Samuels and veteran Shawn Massiah captured three wickets each to bowl them into the finals.

At Eve Leary in the other game, Police were

off to a rollicking 45-run start as Andre Lyght jr., the son of former Guyana and West Indies ‘B’ player Andrew Lyght, and Troy Benn batted positively.

Lyght slammed 31 with four fours while Benn scored 24 but only Lennox Andrews reached the boundary four times cleared it once in 38 but nobody

NBS 40 overs 2nd Division cricket Bel Air Rubis whips Everest by six runs at Bourda

else reached double figures as Police lost eight wickets for 68 runs.

With the 16 penalty runs added to Police’s total for slow over rate by GCC, carried the score from 138 to 154-9.

Devon Lord had 3-12 and Krisna Singh 2-25 for GCC who were bundled out for 61 in 13 overs as Keston Harcourt had 4-21 and Dwayne Dick took 2-13.

There six Lbw appeals were upheld in controveral circumstances and only Lord who hit a four and six in 18 and Timothy McAllister 10, reached double figures in a batting line-up which included senior Inter-County batters Mavindra Dindyal, who was run out for one and Zacky Jodah, who was bowled with a ball that kept low.

LTI, Wisburg and NSS win in New Era/ExxonMobil U-18 football

LINDEN Technical Institute, Wisburg Secondary and New Silvercity Secondary all recorded opening wins as the New Era-organised ExxonMobil Linden under-18 Inter Secondary School football championship got underway at the Wisburg Secondary School ground on Friday afternoon.

In the first game, Linden Technical Institute eased to a polished 2-0 victory against Mackenzie High while the second game ended with a 3-2 win for Wisburg Secondary over Kwakwani Secondary and in the final game of the day, New Silvercity Secondary needled their way past Linden Foundation Secondary via a strike in the second period of play.

The goal came from a build-up on the left side and a fine finish by Latrell John four minutes into the second half. No individual scores were available from the other matches played earlier. The tournament continues today at the same venue, Wisburg Secondary School ground, in Linden.

BEL Air Rubis, on the back of a confident 62 from Glenroy Fraser defeated Everest by six runs at GCC ground, Bourda yesterday in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) New Building Society (NBS) 40-overs Second division cricket match yesterday.

In a match reduced to 37 overs due to overnight showers, Bel Air, asked to bat by Everest in cloudy conditions and a good track for batting, reached 182-9 when their overs expired.

Fraser accelerated from a cautious start to hit seven fours and a six in 64 before he was the last wicket to fall.

But only extras which contributed a whopping 51 runs to Bel Air’s total made a meaningful contribution as left-arm pacer Chris Harry bagged 4--43 for Everest who made 174 all out in the penultimate delivery of their innings.

Ariel Tilku top scored with an attractive 40 while opener Rishi Hiralall scored 27and Varun Mangal chipped in with 15 but it was too little too late as the Camp Road team fell six short.

Travis Persaud, Arvinda Gainda and Deron Thomas picked up two wickets each for the victors

(Sean Devers)

Latrell John who scored the decisive goal for New Silver City

Keston Harcourt took 4-24 for the Police team

Alvin Mohabir scores 42 for TSC

Batter Glenroy Fraser survives an LBW shout from Chris Harry who grabbed 4-43 for Everest at Bourda, yesterday (Sean Devers photo)

Corach Rambler wins Grand National after protest delay

By Frank Keogh BBC Sport at Aintree

CORACH Rambler won the Grand National at Aintree after the start was delayed by protesters getting on to the track.

The 8-1 favourite was ridden by Derek Fox for Scottish trainer, Lucinda Russell, six years after they teamed up to win with One For Arthur.

Vanillier was second, Gaillard Du Mesnil third and last year's winner, Noble Yeats, fourth.

Police made 23 arrests after animal rights activists went on to the track. The start was delayed by 14 minutes. Television pictures appeared to show some protesters making it on to the course and trying to attach themselves to a fence, before being removed by police.

The race started at 17:29 BST, having been scheduled to begin at 17:15.

Corach Rambler was kept out of trouble throughout the race, jumped into the lead over the last fence and held off a closing Vanillier to become only the third Scottish-trained winner in the 175th running of the

GBA

congratulates

famous race.

"Those guys that went out to protest on the course, they think it's about horse welfare but that horse loves the sport," said Russell.

"He loves everything that he does. He's kept in the best condition and I'm just so delighted that he can run in a race like that and perform like that."

Fox returned from injury to ride in the race, just as he had when winning in 2017 on One For Arthur, who died from colic three weeks ago.

"He's an electric jumper and he's so intelligent," he said of Corach Rambler. "He was in front for a long time but he won so easily. He's a marvellous horse."

Owned by The Ramblers syndicate, Corach Rambler was bought for £17,000 in November 2020 and has gone on to become a twotime winner of the Ultima Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Seventeen of the 39 runners completed the course, but Hill Sixteen died after falling at the first fence. It was the third equine fatality of the meeting.

Continued on page 27

Guyana’s

first IBA ranked female fighters

See page 27

Sport Ministry concludes successful ‘Learn to Swim’ programme

By Calvin Chapman

THE 2023 Easter ‘Learn to Swim’ programme that was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC) concluded yesterday at the National Aquatic Centre, Lilliendaal, where the participants uplifted their certificates.

Continued on page 27

Derek Fox had to pass a doctor's check before taking the ride on Corach Rambler

From left, Abiola Jackman, GBA head Steve Ninvalle and Alesha Jackman

The participants take a photo with Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr. and left, Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle