Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17-02-2024

SATURDAY 17th February, 2024

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Guyana continues to make its mark on international stage No.107357

–– President Ali reiterates country’s plans to be positioned as leader in critical areas of global interest

–– says country has always worked relentlessly to be part of a world that is fair to all stakeholders 03 PAGE

Sod turned for US$7M tourism training institute at Port Mourant 03 PAGE

–– Prime Minister Phillips says well-trained local work workforce instrumental in delivering exceptional experiences, driving economic growth

In a push to boost Guyana’s tourism and hospitality industry, officials, on Friday, turned the sod for the country’s first world-class Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI) in Port Mourant, Berbice, Region Six (Delano Williams photo)

Five key sectors to require over 53,000 workers within next five years 12 PAGE

–– new study finds; labour mostly needed in healthcare, agriculture sectors –– critical shortage exists for truck drivers

‘Teachers have to hold ‘Norton can’t make GTU more accountable’ decisions for us’ 14 PAGE

–– Dr Jagdeo says; underscores hard-earned money collected as dues is not intended to ‘fat-fowl’ GTU’s Executives

PAGE

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–– Ramjattan affirms; says AFC will decide whether to form partnership with APNU for upcoming elections

150 Region Five residents move closer to home-ownership 04 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 17, 2024

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Guyana continues to make its mark on international stage

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

- President Ali reiterates country’s plans to be positioned as leader in critical areas of global interest - says it has always worked relentlessly to be part of a world that is fair to all stakeholders

CAREFUL planning, prudent management of the economy and a keen focus on strengthening its position regionally and globally in key areas of global interest, have resulted in Guyana’s meteoric rise on the global stage.

The country’s diplomacy has served as an attraction for many nations, even as stakeholders also continue to pay attention to its economic development stemming from the effective management of its oil-and-gas resources, crucial efforts to create a conducive environment for investments, and critical injections into education, health, infrastructure, and social welfare, among other things.

Regarding its image on the global stage, Guyana, as it is now, holds the Chairmanship of CARICOM, and Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

“We are playing a very important role regionally and globally now as a country; it is not crafted in the oil-andgas box alone,” President Dr. Irfaan Ali said during an interview with six-time Emmy Award-winning Television Producer Arick Wierson for Newsweek Magazine in the US.

Careful planning, prudent management of the economy, and a keen focus on strengthening its position regionally and globally in key areas of global interest have resulted in Guyana’s meteoric rise on the global stage Guyana is actively work- you understand how a small ing with other countries to populated country with huge address climate change, food landmass could play a more security, and related issues. integral role in the key areas As the current President of of concern for the global and the United Nations Security regional community,” Dr. Council, Guyana has taken a Ali said.

Regarding climate change leadership role in promoting global action on these critical and the environment, the Head of State said: “We live issues.

“Because of where our today in a world in which this country is positioned, and topic is playing an important the type of natural resources role, occupying policy space we are blessed with, it gives regionally and globally; we us particular advantages. want to be a leader on climate We are also very much a and environment.”

The government, he part of CARICOM… while being the gateway to South underscored, is building a country that exemplifies America.

“With the size of the great leadership under the market we have access to, Low-Carbon Development

Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

Through this strategy, among other things, the country seeks to pursue development with the least impact on the environment, while also deploying its forests, at a jurisdictional scale, to be part of the global solution on climate and environmental matters.

“Then we have food security… Because of the vast expanse of arable lands and fresh water, we are an important stakeholder in ensuring food stability, and stability from a price and supplier perspective. And food security for the region and globally, we want to ensure Guyana is playing a key role in this area,” President Ali said.

On the topic of energy security, he said: “We want to position Guyana as a regional and global hub in the supply of energy, but also the renewable potential and feeding it into a system that would allow us to be an integral part of the regional energy [mix].”

In order to achieve these goals, however, the President was firm on his position that the country needs to build a highly skilled and competent human-resource asset base that could match the ambitious agenda. Efforts are already underway to do so, with significant invest-

ments being made to ensure Guyanese have access to university education, as well as technical and vocational programmes.

Outside of those issues, Guyana’s rise on the global stage, and its presence on the Security Council come amidst the rise in the number of conflicts, increase in democratic backslide, and threat to peace in many regions of the world.

To quote Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, “The wars in Ukraine and Gaza, for instance, have upended peace, causing instability with far-reaching consequences for both the human beings who are the casualties, and the international system which is now experiencing severe strain.”

Cognisant of the global issues and importance of peace, Guyana’s engagement in the Council, Foreign Secretary Persaud said, will be guided by the consistent and principled approach historically adopted in relation to people’s right to self-determination, adherence to international law, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The theme of Guyana’s participation in the Security Council is, “Partnering for

Peace and Prosperity”.

It was reported that Guyana’s tenure on the Council will be rooted in a firm commitment to multilateralism, and guided by the priorities of (i) climate change, food insecurity and conflict; (ii) peacebuilding and conflict prevention; (iii) women, peace and security; (iv) protection of children in armed conflict; and (v) youth, peace and security.

“We have, throughout the history of our country, stood on the side of justice; we have worked relentlessly to be part of a world that is fair to all stakeholders and participants in the global community.

“It requires just leadership, a just system, and a system that speaks to the importance of the rule of the law and democracy,” President Ali said, noting that Guyana has had its own internal challenges when democracy was threatened in 2020, when the APNU+AFC tried to influence the outcome of the elections, using “undemocratic principles”.

In closing, he said, “So we understand how these principles are important; that is what shapes our regional and international outlook.”

Sod turned for US$7M tourism training institute - Prime Minister Phillips says well-trained local work workforce instrumental to delivering exceptional experiences, driving economic growth

By Naomi Parris

IN a push to boost Guyana’s tourism and hospitality industry, officials on Friday turned the sod for the country’s first ever world-class Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI) at Port Mourant, in Region Six. During his address to residents and stakeholders of the tourism industry, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said investments in the industry’s workforce will enhance the quality of services, attract more tourists, and generate increased revenue.

“We have to develop continuous cohorts of trained hospitality workers to assume the management of this sector, and to provide the multiplicity of services required in this sector. Training individuals to work in the

local hospitality and tourism sector, therefore, is a vital requirement in building up our hospitality and tourism sector to world-class standards,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

He further highlighted the country's comparative advantages in nature-based tourism, and the potential for job creation and economic growth.

Prime Minister Phillips said that tourism is the country’s fourth largest export sector, accounting for 2.3 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021 and 2022.

“Guyana’s tourism accounted for 8,300 direct jobs, and if you use a multiplier of three, then the sector would have accounted for some 24,000 indirect and direct jobs. As the government, we believe that by 2030, we can create a tourism sector that employs about 50,000 jobs,”

he said.

With this facility coming on stream, it is expected that the country will generate further tourist attractions.

According to the Prime Minister: “Guyana is committed to building a strong tourism market. Just to do some simulations, if we could attract by 2030 a total of one million tourists, each of whom spends US$1,000, this will inject about US$1 billion into our economy.”

He added: “The presence of a well-trained local work workforce will be instrumental in delivering exceptional experiences, driving economic growth, and ensuring long-term success of our tourism sector. Through such investments like this one, we are not just building careers, we are building a brighter future for our country.”

Senior Minister in the office of the President with

responsibility for Finance and Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh said Guyana is undergoing visible transformations, while highlighting the importance of a wellequipped workforce to support the advancement of industries like tourism.

Currently, several worldclass hotels are under construction, with the government looking to create a network of 2,000 rooms.

According to Dr. Singh, to drive growth in the hospitality and tourism sector, there is need for a quantum leap in service quality and innovation.

“The work that we're doing every day to achieve must not be one where we walk into a shiny, spectacularly beautiful and modern hotel building or restaurant and discover a quality of service that belongs to four or five decades ago. The beauty of

the physical edifice must surely be matched by the quality of service experienced,” Dr. Singh said.

Minister Tourism, Industry & Commerce Oneidge Walrond said that the country’s sector is experiencing rapid development, with the government aiming to make it a main component of Guyana’s economy.

With the massive growth, she said, capacity building is crucial for tourism stakeholders to provide quality service and enhance visitor satisfaction.

Minister Walrond emphasised the importance of upskilling and reskilling in the sector, while highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to tourism development.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag reiterated the government's commit-

ment to excellence, and the need to equip the nation's workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete globally.

Minister Parag further stressed the significance of sustainable growth, and the role of education in achieving it.

According to recent statics, arrivals increased in 2021 by 83 per cent, moving from 86,000 to 158,000; in the following year, arrivals rose to 82 per cent to 288,000, and in 2023 arrivals increased to 319,056.

For the year 2022, business visitors numbered 47,000, while those coming for holiday and leisure numbered 143,000.

These figures, tripled with business visitors numbered over 53,000, while those for holiday and leisure numbered 177,000 in 2023.

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150 Region Five residents move closer to home-ownership

SOME 150 families of Region Five will soon be able to construct their houses in Experiment Housing Scheme, as they signed their agreements of sale to process their land titles.

Experiment Housing Scheme has over 559 lots from which the beneficiaries were issued residential lots.

The outreach was hosted at the Guyana Water Corporation (GWI)’s compound at Fort Wellington on Friday.

The recipients can now use their titled documents to apply for a loan at the bank to aid with the construction of their homes. Also, the beneficiaries can capitalise on the steel-and-cement subsidy programme.

Several beneficiaries expressed their elation and relief at receiving their documents, which will pave the way to commence construction of their homes.

Mother of four, Arifa Khan, of Bath/Experiment, who applied in 2011, described the event as a life-changing opportunity for her family.

“It was breathtaking; I was so excited when I got a call to come to see my title for my land. This is the first house-and-land for me and my family, and I am very thankful,” Khan told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Another excited beneficiary, Sonia Nicholas Grundall, who hails from Perth, Mahaicony, noted, “It is one step closer to owning your own home; that makes me very happy, because my entire family will be comfortable, knowing that we will have our own home.”

Beneficiary, Clifton Sobers, from No, 9 Village, West Coast Berbice, commended the government for providing the land title to him.

Sobers said, “I am so very grateful, I cannot express how I feel at this time.

My next step is to start getting my property built on it and developing the area.”

Another beneficiary, Kennisha Alonzo, who is also relieved, emphasised that she will be able to commence construction of her house.

“I am tired of paying rent for so many years. My kids would feel very happy, knowing that we have our own home, and we don’t have to rent anymore,” Alonzo said.

She also plans on taking advantage of the steel-andcement subsidy programme.

Beneficiary, Nolan Williams, of Hopetown, West Berbice, said his next step involves applying for a loan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 17, 2024

at one of the financial institutions to start building his house.

Williams stated, “It will benefit us a lot, because it is something we have been waiting for.”

Meanwhile, Minister Croal told the gathering at the distribution outreach that as housing needs continue to expand countywide, investments for infrastructural expansion are ongoing in new and existing housing areas.

Within the next 24 hours, Minister Croal announced, a notice would be published to address allocations for all pending applicants who applied in 2019 and prior nationwide.

Region Five, alone, has 2,852 pending applications for residential house lots, while Region Four has about 38,000 pending applicants.

The government is currently working to acquire additional lands in various parts of Region Five.

“We are very close to being able to acquire a portion of land that will allow us to allocate another 315 lots that will fall somewhere mid-range in the distance for Region Five. We’re working on that. And that should be part of our allocations for Region Five this year,” Minister Croal emphasised.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal handing over the Agreement of Sale to Kennisha Alonzo To date, over 1,053 house lots have been allocated in Region Five.

Minister Croal said that there are 325 lots in Burma, about 750 in Shieldstown, and approximately 221 in the Balthyock housing areas.

The housing areas are heavily subsidized, as the government is assiduously working to ensure homeownership is accessible.

In Region Five, Minister Croal highlighted, “When you look at the Experiment, Burma, Shieldstown, and Balthyock [housing areas], we have $4 billion investment in infrastructure for the development of those areas

and counting.”

Another $3 billion is being invested towards the construction of community roads there. The distribution outreach will continue tomorrow, which will see over 100 persons receiving their ownership documents.

Persons can also visit the ministry’s regional housing office to process their documents.

The minister was joined by the Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves, Member of Parliament, Faizal Jafferally and others.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 17, 2024

20 students secure awards in third Guyana-China Friendship Youth Leadership Competition

SOME 20 students from all ten administrative regions of Guyana were on Friday awarded for completing the third annual ChinaGuyana Friendship Youth Leadership Development Competition.

The third iteration of the competition was said to use positive youth development strategies which focused on forging positive relationships among youths, their families, schools and communities.

At the award ceremony, which was held at the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, the Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan said that both China and Guyana attach great importance to education, and care about the growth of the young generation.

Throughout the competition, according to the ambassador, through poetry, paintings and other forms of expression, the winners

were able to display the contributions of the Chinese to Guyana’s development and nation-building.

The ambassador added that the winners of the competition all did an excellent job through many projects, which included waste recycling, water purification, hydroponics, and mobile libraries among others, even as some participants successfully launched awareness campaigns on bullying, sexual abuse and breast cancer.

She told the winners: “You have made a great contribution to the public welfare of the school, of the local communities and brought strong leadership and a sense of responsibility.”

The ambassador added that the awards ceremony is not an end but a new starting point for their personal development, commitment to society, and their country and dedication to the friend-

ship between China and Guyana.

As part of the competition, hundreds of students from Grades Eight to Ten, across all 11 educational districts, applied to be part of the competition. However, the competition further shortlisted only eight participants from each district, based on a strict criterion.

It further served to strengthen soft and technical skills, cultivating trustworthy safe spaces and also offering the youths opportunities to execute meaningful community projects that impact their communities in meaningful ways.

Youths who placed first and second place in their respective regions were awarded at the ceremony.

From Port Kaituma Secondary, Region One (BarimaWaini), there was Lorenzo Smartt and Akeila Prince in first and second place, respectively. In Region Two (Pome-

roon-Supenaam), GraceAnn Stellingburg of Aurora Secondary secured first place, and Alicia Griffith from 8th of May Secondary came second.

In Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Malik Farley of the West Demerara Secondary School paced first, and Adriana Teekaram of Leguan Secondary was second place. In Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Michael Joseph and Seon Hamer, both of President’s College, were awarded first and second

places, respectively.

Cleshana Wilson and Kelisha McKenzie, both of Belladrum Secondary, were awarded first and second places, respectively, while Kunal Bhupal and Deandre Fullerton, both of New Amsterdam Secondary, gained first and second places, respectively, in the competition.

In Region Seven, Abiot Isaacs and Julin Brown both of D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary placed first and second, respectively. Kellia Douglas

and Nicklus Canterbury of Mahdia Secondary School in Region Eight gained first and second, respectively.

Meanwhile, in Region Nine, Nilmar Allicock of Annai Secondary and Joseph Eusebo of Sand Creek Secondary gained first and second places, respectfully. For Region Ten, Ebo Mc Neil of Mackenzie High and Alkila Blucher of Christiansburg Wismar Secondary school were awarded first and second places, respectively.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 17, 2024

Resilience, vision, and progress GUYANA stands as a beacon of economic success, a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to reform and resilience.

Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), lauded Guyana for its unparalleled economic growth, attributing it to the prudent reforms and adjustments implemented over the years.

In a statement issued following his visit to the country, Okamura underscored Guyana’s promising future, particularly in light of its burgeoning oil revenues and visionary policies.

Okamura hailed the government’s strategic initiatives, noting their profound impact on the nation’s populace.

He emphasised the comprehensive plans encompassing healthcare, education, housing, and infrastructure, which have translated into tangible benefits for Guyanese citizens. Moreover, he lauded the government’s forward-thinking Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, applauding its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Despite remarkable progress, Okamura highlighted the imperative of continued investment in infrastructure and human resource development. He cautioned against the risks of economic

overheating while endorsing the government’s efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.

Emphasising the importance of a skilled labour force, Okamura stressed the need for balanced growth and ample employment opportunities across the nation.

Guyana’s leadership was also lauded for its regional contributions, particularly in reducing CARICOM’s food import bill and advancing towards food security. Okamura expressed gratitude for Guyana’s longstanding partnership with the IMF, pledging ongoing support through policy dialogue and technical assistance.

As Guyana charts its course forward, it stands poised to leverage its economic gains for the betterment of its people and the region at large. The recognition from the IMF serves as validation of Guyana’s resilience and foresight, instilling confidence in its ability to navigate future challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Guyana’s remarkable economic ascent continues to capture international attention. Recent data from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund’s reports highlight Guyana’s impressive economic indicators, including robust GDP growth rates and declining inflation, further affirming the nation’s

positive trajectory. These figures corroborate Okamura’s assertions, painting a picture of a country poised for sustained prosperity.

At the heart of Guyana’s economic success lies its forward-thinking LCDS 2030, a comprehensive blueprint for environmental sustainability and climate resilience. This ambitious plan not only aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change but also fosters greater biodiversity and marine conservation, positioning Guyana as a global leader in environmental stewardship.

Moreover, Guyana’s regional impact within CARICOM cannot be overstated.

The nation’s commitment to reducing the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2025 is a testament to its dedication to regional collaboration and food security.

By spearheading initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices, Guyana is paving the way for greater economic self-sufficiency and resilience across the Caribbean.

Central to Guyana’s economic narrative is its longstanding partnership with the IMF, characterised by mutual cooperation and shared objectives. Past IMF programmes have played a pivotal role in supporting Guyana’s economic reforms and development efforts, un-

derscoring the importance of continued collaboration in navigating future challenges.

As Guyana charts its course forward, significant investment opportunities abound, particularly in key sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and infrastructure development. However, the nation also faces formidable challenges, including the need for further investment in human capital and infrastructure to sustain its growth momentum.

Against this backdrop, Okamura’s visit and the high-level meetings with Guyana’s top leadership signal a renewed commitment to partnership and collaboration. By leveraging its economic gains and harnessing the expertise of international partners like the IMF, Guyana can navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving global economy while ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth for its citizens.

In essence, Guyana’s economic triumphs are a testament to the nation’s resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to progress.

As it embarks on the next phase of its development journey, Guyana stands poised to seize the opportunities that lie ahead, forging a path towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

Teachers’ annual salaries account for 1/3 of total annual public sector workers’ salaries Dear Editor, THE Ministry of Education (MoE) says emphatically that they have been involved in the process of negotiations with the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) when they suddenly aborted the process and called a strike.

The GTU did not wait to exhaust the collective bargaining procedure. Both the

country’s Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall refer to the GTU’s strike not only as illegal, but it also represents a “breach of faith.”

The Vice President notes that the last meeting with the GTU and MoE occurred on January 31, 2024, and it was agreed then that they will meet every third Wednesday in succeeding months to ad-

dress outstanding demands of the GTU. Well-known social commentator and accountant, Mr. Lallbachan Ram, has come to the assistance of the GTU and lent his support for the strike. He has gone further to chide President Dr Irfaan Ali for not intervening to resolve the strike.

This perceptive critic has allowed the context and perspective to fracture his usually coherent thinking. The President

must consider not only the teachers’ working conditions but also the entire public sector workforce of over 54,000.

Knowing that there were ongoing negotiations up to 1/31/24, the President says the strike is “unconscionable,” since he has been working tirelessly in association with the Ministry See page 6

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 17, 2024

The Diaspora must do some homework before writing & speaking Dear Editor,

THE Diaspora is a valuable part of the Guyanese economic, cultural, and political environment.

They are taken seriously, as they must.

All this is well and good, excepting that a significant section of the Guyanese Diaspora is either ill-informed, or not informed at all about what is going on here.

I am not referring to the usual suspects in the letter sections of KN and SN. That bunch is informed; their business is politics. My concern is with those good but clueless people who think their Canadian and American residence confer special

knowledge and authority on them by the simple fact that they live “outside”.

We get heavy doses of advice on what the government should do from people who left here 40 years ago, have never read a policy document, have never listened to a budget debate, or have only been back here for a few days.

Close to 100 per cent of what they say comes from abstract moralism, meaning speaking so-called truths while being clueless about the conditions on the ground. Others think that their intelligence, or a big position in Canada or America necessarily makes them experts on everything here.

The current teachers’ strike demonstrates the claims above with forcefulness and clarity. For instance, numerous Facebook experts keep calling for talks between the government and the GTU. None of them seem to know that the Ministry of Education and the GTU had been meeting for quite some time over a list of about 40 items the GTU presented.

The last meeting was as late as January 31. A meeting was scheduled for next week, but the GTU decided to walk out all the same! Mind you, about 30 of the 40 issues raised by the GTU were successfully addressed through those (Wednesday) meetings.

Editor, I expect the political supporters of the APNU+AFC will write and speak in support of the strike. That is politics, and this is both acceptable and normal. We live in a democracy.

But for goodness-sake, I urge the moralising diaspora to cool off with the clueless but vitriolic heroics and do some much-needed homework instead.

Read before you write! Listen before you speak!

Sincerely, Dr. Randy Persaud Adviser, Office of the President

Teachers’ annual salaries account for 1/3 . .

From page 6

of Education to address the issues affecting teachers.

It is noted by the MOE that they have already met 60% of the GTU’s demands and were in continuous negotiations to address most of the remaining ones when the GTU called the strike.

Mr. Lallbachan Ram took aim at the apparent dereliction of responsibility of other unions in not submitting their annual reports to the relevant authorities in the expectation that this would neutralise the aberrations of the GTU. The GTU did not submit their annual reports to the Deeds and Commercial Registry since 2004, and failed to provide annual audit reports since 1989. Mr. Ram states that NACCIE, which he aligns with the PPP/C government, did not produce annual financial reports to the Auditor General.

This assertion was debunked by a top NACCIE official: “Ram needs to check his facts. NAACIE returns are up to date as at 2022, and the 2023 report is due in March by which time we will again be up to date. What is outstanding is the Audited statements which are with the Auditor General from 2015 for which we have no control.”

Mr. Ram’s rationale follows a bizarre

logic: “It’s like absolving a person for committing a robbery because another person also committed a similar robbery and was not charged!”

Let us return to the teachers’ strike and examine some facts. First, the per capita cost for teaching students at government schools is more than twice that at private schools.

Second, the PPP/C government has given teachers a pay raise of over 30 per cent in three years and has promised further assessment within the next two years. The Vice President says that since assuming office in 2020 to the end of 2023 they have increased the total allocation for payment of teachers’ salaries by 61.4 per cent (from $24.4 billion in 2020 to $39.4 billion).

The teachers’ salaries represent an extraordinarily high proportion (1/3) of the total salaries bill for the entire government workforce covering all sectors.

Specific actions include the movement of graduate teachers to top of their scales and who were also given an additional allowance for their BA/BSc, MA/MSc, and PhD degrees.

Additionally, hinterland teachers were given an incentive of $20,000 per month while 4,000 teachers have been awarded

scholarships to upgrade their academic credentials. Designated teachers who would attain the age of 52 will receive the duty-free car allowance.

Third, the PPP/C government has granted teachers and other workers several cost of living (COL) relief measures (totaling about $300 billion based on JC Bhagwandin’s statistical analysis). The significance of this COL amount is expressed as the equivalent to 38.4 per cent of the 2023 national budget amount.

Fourth, the average monthly salary of Guyana’s teachers is not US$600 as stated by a union member but rather US$1,120 (We just divide the total salary bill ($39.4 billion) by the number of teachers (14,087).

While increases have been granted to teachers, there has been no discussion on how these increases and more to come would result in better academic outcomes.

There is still poor academic performance in Maths and Science (40 per cent failure rate).

To aggravate this situation, it has been reported that teachers have been absent from classrooms 30 per cent of the time.

If this proportion is correct, it is a damning indictment of the system including the GTU!

Linking salary increase with academic performance is one issue but another critical consideration is “sustainability.”

The government must determine if salary increases and benefits are sustainable over the long term (10 years and beyond). Oil resources will be depleted, and revenues will drop sharply. This (oil resource) is a subject for another time.

Finally, the Headmistress of Bishop’s Secondary School spoke eloquently about the willingness of the Minister of Education and her CEO to address the needs of teachers in a timely manner and how they are readily approachable. She does not feel that the strike was right. The opinions of the Headmistress coincide with those of her colleague Headmaster of a School on the Essequibo Islands.

These (opinions) resonate well with most teachers: 60 per cent of them defied the GTU order to strike and are on the job. Others on strike must urgently re-evaluate their position.

The President has asked for patience, and you must give him a chance because he is action oriented and delivers on promises.

Regards, Dr Tara Singh

Gov’t to overhaul stock market laws

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IN keeping with efforts to modernise Guyana’s economic and legal landscapes, Attorney-General Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C., has unveiled a comprehensive plan to overhaul the two-decades-old Securities Industry Act. This pivotal piece of legislation, as outlined by Nandlall during his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News’, marks a crucial juncture in the country’s journey of transformative growth.

The stock exchange laws in Guyana are governed by the Securities Industry Act, Cap. 73:04, which provides for the registration of securities brokers and dealers, certain self-regulatory organisations, and certain issuers of securities.

The Guyana Stock Exchange (GSE) is operated by the Guyana Association of Securities Companies and Intermediaries Inc. (GASCI),

and is regulated by the Guyana Securities Council.

Nandlall pointed out that this comes as a directive from President Dr. Irfaan Ali, instructing for a review of the Securities Industry Act 1998.

“President Ali has instructed a review of the Securities Council’s Act, and to modernise it, to expand it and to refashion it to meet an expanding competitive and modern commercial and financial environment developing in Guyana,” the Attorney-General said.

Nandlall pointed out that consultations have already begun with experts “whose expertise is widely respected in the region.”

This move is much welcomed by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), which has been petitioning for years, given Guyana’s growth.

“Over the years, the

GCCI has consistently been a leading advocate for the modernising of the local securities market and stock exchange, continuously lobbying for a dynamic and competitive financial environment in Guyana that will benefit businesses, investors, and the economy as a whole.

“By undertaking this review of the Securities Industry Act 1998, the government is demonstrating its dedication to fostering a more efficient securities market that will foster growth and better align with Guyana’s economic trajectory,” the Chamber said in a statement.

The GCCI said it looks forward to continuing to work with the government and relevant stakeholders to further enhance the regulatory framework, and ensure the evolution of a transparent and secure securities market that fosters development.

The GSE, located in

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 17, 2024

Georgetown, facilitates trading for 15 registered companies, utilising a blend of traditional and electronic systems for its operations.

The proposed legal updates aim to enhance market participant registration processes, enforce compliance standards, and

ensure the effective management of the securities sector, fostering a robust and professional market environment.

Gaza and Israel: There is no special race in the world 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 17, 2024

IN a previous article, (Sunday, October 20, 2023 – “Gaza tragedy: The Judeo-Christian oneness”), I looked at the relationship between European Christianity and the Jewish race and concluded that for devout European and by extension American, Australian and Canadian Christians, the Jewish ethnicity is a special species of the human race.

Christians in those countries believe, from the reading of the Bible, that God chose a Jew to do his work on Earth and thus the Jews are God’s special children.

In a world of eight billion people, that acknowledgement of Jewish specialness is not present in the minds of people.

A vast majority of the world’s population just think of Jews as a race just like the Chinese, Africans, etc.... The countries of the Third World have no special feeling for a country named Israel.

What has happened since the Israeli committal of genocide in Gaza is that both the Jewish people and the state of Israel have now gone down in the bad books of the vast numbers of humans on Planet Earth.

I believe at a deep, academic level that if war should break out between Israel and Iran, most of, perhaps all of, the countries in the Third World will support Iran and would wish for Iran to carry the fight to Israel.

Of course the David and Goliath syndrome between Israel and Iran would still not evoke sympathy among the Global South for Israel. Israel is 8,000 square miles with nine million people. Iran is almost 700,000 square miles with almost 90 million people whose armed forces must be about ten times the strength of Israel’s.

The reason for total support among governments in the West (including Australia) for Israel and their rejection of a ceasefire (including the leader of the British Labour Party) has to do with their perception of the Jewish race.

Israel is a Middle Eastern country in Asia yet it plays all types of sporting events as a European country and participates in the European song contest.

It is this special embrace of the Jewish race that explains the insensitivity of the West towards four months of genocide. None of the Western countries supported the South African application to the World Court to condemn Israel for committal of genocide.

What genocide in Gaza has done is to block completely the awareness of the Russian war in Ukraine from the minds of the countries in the Global South.

I find it strange that Sir Ron Sanders from Guyana, working out of Antigua, can pen the following statement: “Conflating the plight of Ukraine, a victim of Russian aggression, with the Israeli-Hamas conflict is a misstep.

Refusing to address the Ukrainian crisis unless Gaza receives comparable focus is counterproductive.”

I disagree vehemently with that quote above. I think Mr. Sanders ought to know better and I believe he must have lost admiration from those in the Third World that saw him as a competent analyst of world affairs. The two conflicts have nothing in common.

There is a war in Ukraine with Ukraine getting military aid from the most militarily advanced countries in the world. In Gaza, there is no war. Israeli jets have destroyed the landscape named Gaza. All schools, universi-

ties and hospitals have been destroyed.

There is no luck on the part of Hamas that the Ukrainian armed forces enjoy. There are no tanks and jet fighters in Gaza retaliating whereas in Ukraine, there is a war between two neighbours.

How can Sir Ron Sanders make that statement quoted above when there is the committal of genocide in Gaza? The world should hesitate to negotiate any ending of the Russian/Ukrainian conflict unless there is a simultaneous blueprint for a Palestinian state.

But I have a huge question for Sir Sanders – why does he think that the Global South sees the Ukrainian war as a priority for the Global South?

India has answered that question. The charismatic, bright foreign minister when asked to comment on lack of Indian support for Ukraine gave a stunningly revelatory answer that should be noted by all Third World

students who are studying international relations in any university in any country.

He said Europe must understand that Europe cannot see Europe’s problems as the world’s problems but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems.

This has been the foundation of world affairs since 1945.

Apartheid was not a world problem for the West that explains why it lasted for decades.

But Ukraine is a world problem for the West and the Global South must pay attention.

Genocide in Gaza is not a world problem and this explains frenetic Western support for genocide in Gaza. Wake up, Sir Ron! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

‘Teachers have to hold GTU more accountable’ - Dr Jagdeo says; underscores hard-earned money collected as dues is not intended to ‘fat-fowl’ GTU’s Executives

By Trina Williams WITH the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) representing the nation’s educators and one of the largest groups of public servants in the country, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that teachers ought to hold the union more accountable.

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

Owing to the recent revelations about the union’s unaccountability, Dr Jagdeo, during a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, shed some light on the subject. “…Teachers have to hold the union more accountable. As I said before, if we take the purely legalistic approach, then the results would be one that we don't want to contemplate at this point in time, because it ultimately ends with the de-recognition of the union and we don't want to go that route,” the PPP General Secretary said.

Additionally, Dr Jagdeo said that the hardearned money collected as dues is not intended to “fat-fowl” the Executives of the Union but instead benefit the teachers.

He said: “So, the teachers have to hold the union more accountable.

It's interesting that the entire scenario played out under APNU in 2018, similar to this,” while underscoring that those who were mum in that period are now suddenly vocal.

In 2018, under the previous APNU+AFC government, a letter was sent to the Auditor General’s Office by a concerned teacher under the subject “Request for au-

dit into the management of funds paid to the Guyana Teachers’ Union.”

The PPP General Secretary did not mince his words while addressing the range of irregularities within GTU’s management, especially when it comes to finances.

It was reported that approximately $2 billion collected from teachers by the GTU is unaccounted for, according to the Auditor General’s Office.

Last Friday, the Auditor General’s office issued a statement: “The last Financial Statement submitted by the Guyana Teachers’ Union to the Audit Office of Guyana for audit was in respect to 1989 and no subsequent Financial Statement has since been submitted.”

Notably, the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority also issued a statement, which revealed that the GTU last filed its financial returns 20 years ago.

Amidst the union’s bold claims that they have audited statements, on Wednesday, the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, debunked this.

“I’m concerned right now with the statement made that they have au-

dited accounts… I am not aware of that because we are the auditors for the unions,” Sharma told the Guyana Chronicle, in an invited comment.

With the heightened concern from various sections of society, Sharma firmly remarked that he will be writing the GTU to produce these accounts they claim have been audited.

“Now they're saying, making the claim that they have audited statements, they have audited statement, but we don't know who the auditors are, and we don't know why they don't submit these statements…And then we've seen the Auditor General come out and say, ‘how come you have audited statements?

I am in charge of auditing trade unions,’” Dr Jagdeo questioned while highlighting what he termed as a “huge credibility gap” within the union.

The GTU is currently engaged in a countrywide strike action which the government said is illegal because talks with the Ministry of Education about increases in salaries and other benefits did not break down.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

IMF high-level official supports efforts to improve welfare while avoiding economic overheating AS Guyana stands on the cusp of transformative growth, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Deputy Managing Director, Kenji Okamura, has praised the nation's economic strides, while highlighting the need for balanced development and macroeconomic stability.

Okamura was on a high-level two-day visit to Guyana, where he examined several ongoing projects to get a first-hand view of the nationwide transformative growth taking place under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government.

“Notwithstanding the recent economic boom, Guyana still faces significant human and infrastructural development needs. I strongly support the authorities’ efforts to improve economic welfare through public investment, while avoiding the non-trivial risk of economic overheating,” Okamura said at the conclusion of his visit.

Guyana's leadership, including President Irfaan Ali; Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, engaged in discussions with the IMF team, showcasing ongoing projects and development strategies.

The meetings highlighted the government's commitment to leveraging the country's oil revenues for public infrastructure and social services enhancement.

In February, while approving the historic $1.146 trillion budget to deliver accelerated improvement to the lives of Guyanese and development, the National Assembly also approved the Fiscal Enactments Bill.

Dr. Singh elaborated on the Fiscal Enactments Bill, designed to balance immediate withdrawals and longterm savings from the National Resource Fund (NRF), and highlighted its role in amending the NRF Act of 2021 to support public infrastructure and social services development.

He outlined objectives to optimise the financing mix, ensuring a balance between immediate withdrawals and long-term savings from the NRF.

The passage of the 2024 budget and the Fiscal Enactments Bill paves the way for a continuation of zero per cent excise tax on petroleum, costing the government an estimated $40 billion annually to mitigate global fuel price volatility and extended pre-pandemic freight charge adjustments until December 31, 2024, at a cost of over $6 billion to combat increased shipping costs.

The 2024 budget provisions include substantial allocations for small business development, skill enhancement, food price stabilisation, and health initiatives, alongside significant tax reliefs and benefits aimed at boosting household incomes and supporting vulnerable groups.

These measures align with the government's strategy to foster economic growth while addressing inflation and promoting sustainable development.

The World Bank's “Global Economic Prospects” report forecasts remarkable growth for Guyana, with the economy expected to significantly outperform its Caribbean counterparts.

The forecast predicts an astounding 38.2 per cent growth in 2024 and 15.2 per cent in 2025 for Guyana, the highest in the Caribbean.

This growth is underpinned by burgeoning oil production, anticipated to reach around 550,000 barrels per day with the Payara field’s operation.

Moreover, sectors like agriculture and construction are expected to bolster nonoil GDP growth, with the IMF previously estimating a 38.4 per cent GDP growth in 2023 and non-oil real GDP growth exceeding nine per cent.

Looking ahead, Guyana is poised for a robust growth trajectory, driven by private investments in oil, gas, and service industries, and substantial public capital spending, primarily funded by oil revenue transfers.

The IMF projects that the economy will double by 2028, with sustained non-oil GDP growth at 5.5 per cent as the government continues addressing developmental needs.

Minister Singh, in his presentation of the Fiscal Enact-

ments Bill, said: “The PPP/C Government will maintain its transparent and accountable management of the oil and gas sector and of the economy as a whole, including by maintaining strict fiscal discipline, strategic vision, and economic stewardship that will ensure that the funds will be used for financing investments that will reap high dividends for current and future generations.”

The government’s expansionary fiscal policy, balanced by monetary policy, is deemed appropriate by the IMF, considering the nation’s developmental necessities.

This approach, coupled with measures introduced in 2022 and 2023, has contributed to a decline in the inflation

rate, as noted in ECLAC’s Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2023

report.

Overall, Guyana’s economic landscape is set for continued expansion, with

growth averaging 20 per cent expected annually from 2024 to 2028.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 17, 2024

Five key sectors to require over 53,000 workers within next five years

–– new study finds; labour mostly needed in healthcare, agriculture sectors –– critical shortage exists for truck drivers

By Feona Morrison

A study titled, “Guyana Skilled Labour Assessment Study,” projects that during the next five years, the country’s oil and gas, construction, transportation and logistics, health, and agricultural sectors will all need an additional 53,000 workers, across the public and private sector.

Economist Dr Natasha Gaskin-Peters, the director of the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD), estimates that with the rapid pace of development, some 60,000 personnel might be required as “more and more projects” come on stream.

According to the study, Guyana’s growing economy and the need for both skilled and unskilled labour in these industries to sustain growth are the causes of this labour

demand.

Wi t h f u n d i n g f r o m the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI)—a collaboration between the Stabroek Block co-venturers ExxonMobil (Guyana), Hess, and CNOOC—the survey was carried out by the CLBD with assistance from the University of Guyana (UG).

The CLBD presented the findings of the study, which came from surveys and interviews with local stakeholders, at the university’s Turkeyen campus, on Friday.

Crucially, Gaskin-Peters noted that the construction industry will need nearly 9,000 personnel over the next five years, having increased in size in the last two years.

She referred to this industry as Guyana’s fastest growing. Labour shifts from agriculture to other industries because, in Gaskin-Peters’ words, peo-

ple no longer view agriculture as an “attractive sector.”

“There are quite a lot of construction activities taking place so these folks are moving into construction. They are moving into transport and logistics as well as other sectors,” she said.

The education system’s inability to keep up with the construction industry’s rapid expansion, the severe scarcity of experienced tradespeople, and the growing demand for qualified engineering experts are some of the major issues facing the industry, the report highlighted.

According to Ron Glasgow, the analytics coordinator at CLBD, the agriculture industry will require about 12,500 employees over the course of the next five years.

“We found that there is a significant need for capital investment within this sector. We

believe if the sector mechanises, the need for labour in this field will be smaller,” he said.

Glasgow related that the changing face of agriculture necessitates the need for more specialised knowledge. According to him, there is a need for workers in the fields of biotechnology, engineering, data analysis, soil science, and economics. The agriculture sector currently relies heavily on semi-skilled and unskilled labour, he added.

Speaking on the healthcare sector, CLBD’s Deputy Director, Gina Arjoon said: “We are estimating an additional 20,000 workers over the next five years with 11,000 of that being nurses. Right now, we actually have a deficit of about 10,000 nurses.

“That’s a lot to think about,” she said, given Guyana is facing a number of challenges in this area.

Arjoon attributed the significant shortage of nurses to, among other things, the “professional ladder.”

“When you look at what happens...so, a nurse comes out today and they get into the system...they’re actually going to get the same benefits and wages as a nurse that would have been in the system for 20 years,” the speaker said in order to illustrate her argument.

She mentioned the need for IT professionals and personal care workers in this industry, adding that nurses are the most in-demand and hardest to fill position in this industry. It was for this reason that she called for an inquiry into nurse attrition.

Speaking about the results of logistics and transportation sector, Glasgow noted that although it has always exist-

ed in Guyana, the rise in the region’s commercial activity has brought it much more attention.

He disclosed: “Its evolution has been staggering.

We have estimated around 4,500 workers demanded by the end of five years. There is a critical shortage of truck drivers… drivers as a while and this is exasperated because the other sectors demand truck drivers…”

Also, he pointed out that there is a shortage of customs brokers. He went on to reveal more findings, stating that a clear need for marine and aviation workers has never been seen in Guyana’s history.

Glasgow also stressed the need for trained truck drivers and certified marine workers.

According to Gaskin-Peters, the oil and gas industry will require over 6,000 personnel over the course of the next five years.

“The shortage is really in the engineer technicians but also we see drivers and mobile plant operators popping up,” she said.

In light of this, she proposed that universities offer short courses in these fields to be able to “churn out” graduates at a fast pace. The economist said that the most difficult roles to fill in this sector are technicians, engineers and maritime practitioners.

The study lists a number of challenges facing the oil and gas industry, including a lack of experienced engineers, a shortage of skilled professionals and technicians, an anticipated increase in the demand for new hires, and a lack of institutions offering specialised nautical skills despite initiatives from the Ministries of

Labour and Education.

The director of CLBD said that Guyana has a relatively small labour pool and that “we might need to import labour.”

In this situation, she said that it will be necessary to handle things in a transparent way that can account for the workers and improve the capacity of Guyanese workers.

“It means that we must have an immigration policy,” she emphasised.

Among the things she recommended to meet the labour demands were cutting the time it takes to get a degree and combining work and training at the same time.

The government has already initiated the process of addressing such issues by investing heavily in technical and vocational training; a US$13 million oil and gas training facility was recently opened at Port Mourant, Region Six. The facility is designed to provide practical training for multiple programmes, enabling trainees to execute practice operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities in an environment that mirrors real-life plant conditions.

Mediums such as water and air will be used at the facility.

This design is considered safe for training. Several major pieces of equipment to simulate the process conditions on an FPSO in a safe and controlled environment is also featured.

The facility can accommodate up to 24 trainees for each batch, with four trainers across four disciplines – mechanical, instrumentation, electrical, and production.

The facility is designed to recognise industrial standards used in the oil, gas, and energy industry worldwide.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

Riverview, Yarrowdam residents welcome gov’t proactive approach to community support

RIVERVIEW and Yarrowdam residents in Ruimveldt, Georgetown, were the focal points of a recent community engagement initiative by

of Human Services and Social Security delved into various topics including access to free skills training, pension, public assistance, assistive aids,

vide holistic support.

During her address, Minister Persaud reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to serving the people and

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud during her interaction with Ruimveldt residents on Friday Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud who spearheaded the effort aimed at directly addressing the concerns of residents and providing crucial information on available services.

The initiative, which saw a remarkable turnout from Riverview residents, showcased the government's commitment to actively engage with communities.

Minister Persaud, along with a dedicated team from the Ministry

domestic violence, gender affairs, difficult circumstances, and trafficking in persons.

Accompanying Minister Persaud were members from key divisions within the Ministry, underscoring the comprehensive approach taken to address community needs. The presence of divisions such as the Gender Affairs Bureau, Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, and Childcare and Protection Agency highlighted the government's intent to pro-

outlined initiatives slated for inclusion in the 2024 Budget. The emphasis was placed on empowering individuals through education, skills training, and support services to foster inclusive growth and development.

Following the successful engagement in Riverview, Minister Persaud and her team proceeded to Yarrowdam, where they conducted a door-to-door visitation campaign. This approach allowed for a personalised assessment of the unique needs and aspirations of Yarrowdam

residents, ensuring a targeted approach to addressing community challenges.

The visitations facilitated meaningful interactions, providing valuable insights into the specific issues facing the community. By engaging directly with residents in their homes, the Ministry aims to ensure that every voice is heard in the develop-

ment process, fostering a sense of inclusivity.

Minister Persaud expressed gratitude to the residents of Riverview and Yarrowdam for their active participation and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to addressing their needs. Residents, including Amanda Walters, expressed satisfaction with the initiative, noting its

timeliness and importance in addressing community concerns.

Pensioners also commended the Ministry for introducing new methods for pension collection and providing free assistive aids to persons living with disabilities, highlighting the tangible impact of the government's efforts.

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‘Norton can’t make decisions for us’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

- Ramjattan affirms; says AFC will decide whether to form partnership with APNU for upcoming elections

DESPITE accepting Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton’s recent unilateral decision to reshuffle the “shadow” positions of the opposition parliamentarians in the National Assembly, Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan attempted to “flex” the party’s muscle by saying Norton cannot make decisions for the AFC. Specifically, during a press conference on Friday, he said Norton has no say in whether the party will be forming a partnership for the upcoming 2025 General and Regional Elections.

“It is the AFC’s decision as to whether we contest with APNU as a partner, it is not Aubrey Norton’s decision,” Ramjattan related.

Speaking on the previous move to form a coalition with APNU, the AFC Leader

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan said this happened because of “consent.”

The “Cummingsburg Accord” signed by the APNU and AFC on February 14, 2015, saw the parties uniting in a coalition that would see them win the 2015 elections, but that seven-year partnership officially ended on December 31, 2022, as was announced by AFC Leader Ramjattan.

“I rather suspect that the partnership will be discussing these matters at the appropriate time… we [AFC] will be making our decision

[and] APNU will make its decision but it’s by consent of the AFC as to whether we go into [a] partnership,” Ramjattan said.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle last year, Ramjattan had said that the party had made the decision since 2022 to leave the coalition.

Norton, in 2023, had maintained that there were no regrets about any of the decisions that led to the AFC abandoning the coalition with APNU.

Starr Computers partners with NGOs to enhance education in Berbice

Commander of Region Six, Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus, (centre) flanked by Penny Francis from Starr Computers Corporate Sales & Marketing (third from right at front) along with other officials at the Guyana Police Force Academy Berbice Campus IN a bid to fortify educational resources in the Berbice community, Starr Computers has made a significant stride by donating Smart Labs to two pivotal institutions:- the Guyana Police Force Academy Berbice Campus and the New Amsterdam Technical Institute.

This philanthropic endeavour, in collaboration with Food for the Poor Guyana Inc.

and St. Francis Community Developers, signals a profound commitment to enriching education and vocational skills in the region.

The partnership aims to fortify the educational infrastructure and foster skill development, marking a significant stride in Starr Computers' dedication to social responsibility. “We are thrilled to extend our resources and

technology to facilitate learning and development in Berbice,” expressed a representative from Starr Computers.

“Education is the cornerstone of community growth, and we are honoured to play a part in this process.”

Beyond the lab donations, Starr Computers is offering complimentary seminars focusing on the latest technolog-

TURN TO PAGE 16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

Region Six administration violated Procurement Act under APNU+AFC THE Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) earlier this week discovered that the Region Six Regional Administration in 2019 did not follow the Procurement Act when dealing with contracts for civil works in the region.

This came to light when the committee examined the 2019 report of the Auditor General (AG) for the Region Six regional administration during its meeting on Monday.

ders for whichever category they were qualified.”

Asked why this was not done, the former Regional Executive Officer, Kim Stephen, stated that it was not done and could not provide an explanation. However, she indicated that corrective action was to be taken.

However, the Chairman of the committee, Jermaine Figueira, indicated that this was most egregious, as the report showed that 183 contrac-

The current Regional Executive Officer, Narindra Persaud (right) and former Regional Executive Officer, Kim Stephen (left) before the recent PAC meeting According to the AG report, audit checks revealed that some 430 contracts to the tune of $888.7 million for both current and capital expenditures were procured through restricted tendering.

The report went on to add that perusal of the regional tender board minutes revealed that for 346 of those contracts valued at $638.4 million, the regional tender board, “had invited a maximum of three contractors and in some instances less than three, to submit tenders.”

This led the Minister of Public Works and member of the committee, Juan Edghill, to question the regional officials on this matter.

Quoting the AG’s report, he said, “The Procurement Act 2003-26 (1) (a) states that when the procurement method of restricted tendering is used the procuring entity shall invite all suppliers and contractors to submit ten-

tors were evaluated and pre-qualified.

“This should not even have occurred, and this is glaring,” Figueira said.

He further expressed his opinion that contractors ought not to be excluded from a process that ought to be equitable, emphasising that such exclusion is not acceptable.

Against this backdrop, members of the committee asked that the minutes of the previous tender board for 2019 be provided to the committee for them to look further into this matter.

Meanwhile, in the AG report, the Audit Office recommended the region comply fully with the Procurement Act 2003 and, in particular, Section 26(1) to ensure the submission of tenders in the procurement proceedings from all suppliers and contractors who are qualified to participate in those proceedings.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

GPHC elevates urologic care with cutting-edge ‘ultrasonic lithotripter’

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has announced the successful integration of the Swiss Lithoclast Master ul-

trasonic lithotripter into its urology facilities, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of urologic care in Guyana.

This state-of-the-art equipment, procured at a cost of $13 million dollars, signifies GPHC's unwavering commitment to providing

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has announced the successful integration of the Swiss Lithoclast Master ultrasonic lithotripter into its urology facilities, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of urologic care in Guyana cutting-edge medical technologies for the benefit of Guyanese patients, the hospital said in a press release, on Friday.

The ultrasonic lithotripter utilises advanced ultrasonic energy to precisely and effectively pulverize kidney stones, placing patient comfort and safety at the forefront.

This ground-breaking technology represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of kidney stones, offering Guyanese patients highly efficient and minimally invasive solutions, eliminating the need for open surgery.

Patients undergoing treat-

ment for large and complex kidney stones now experience quicker procedures, reduced recovery times, and an overall improved healthcare journey.

Since its introduction, the innovative ultrasonic lithotripter has already benefitted more than twenty individuals, showcasing its immediate positive impact.

Dr. Rajendra Sukhraj, Consultant at GPHC, expresses enthusiasm about the transformative potential of this technology, stating: "The integration of the ultrasonic lithotripter is a game-changer for urological care in Guyana. This cutting-edge device

not only enhances treatment precision but also prioritises patient well-being, offering a minimally invasive alternative for complex kidney stone cases."

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation reaffirms its commitment to providing the highest standard of care by embracing the latest advancements in medical technology.

The acquisition of the ultrasonic lithotripter aligns with GPHC's dedication to ensuring that Guyanese citizens receive world-class healthcare services within their home country.

Starr Computers partners with...

FROM PAGE 14

ical products and trends. These sessions are open to all groups interested in advancing their technological proficiency, reinforcing Starr's commitment to educational enhancement.

The donation ceremony drew the presence of esteemed personalities, including Unicef's Jewell Crossa, Yesim Oruc from the UN RCO, Andrea Benjamin, CEO of Food for the Poor Guyana Inc., Shivpersaud Bacchus, Commander of Region Six, Penny Francis from Starr Computers Corporate Sales & Marketing, and Alex Foster, Executive Director of St. Francis Community Developers, alongside other distinguished guests.

Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus stated, “thanks to this collaboration, we have become the first academy in the Guyana Police Force to offer computer repair training. This collaborative effort demonstrates a commitment to equipping law enforcement with cutting-edge technology.

The enhanced IT facilities will undoubtedly bolster the force's capabilities to better serving the community.”

Meanwhile, CEO Andrea Benjamin shared, “as we invest in educational institutions, we invest in the future leaders, innovators, and problem solvers of our society. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to this belief. By upgrading

the IT labs, we are not just providing students with better infrastructure; we are equipping them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in a digital world.”

This initiative underscores the collaborative effort between Starr Computers, its partners, and the community, aiming to foster sustainable impacts on education and skills training in Guyana.

Through such contributions, Starr Computers continues to champion societal progress and empower future generations. For those interested in participating in the seminars or seeking further information, direct inquiries are encouraged to Starr Computers.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday February 17, 2024) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) AUST: 2/WI: 1 (2) David Warner (AUST) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the highest score made by a WI in the recent T20 Int’l series against AUST? (2) What was the highest score made by an AUST player?

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

McKinnon believes team well prepared for El Salvador clash Under-20 Men’s Nat i o n a l Te a m H e a d Coach Kayode McKinnon believes his selected twenty-one-member squad is well-prepared to face their first challenge in the Concacaf Championship Qualifiers against El Salvador on February 25 in Antigua and Barbuda.

McKinnon revealed his team earlier this week following a rigorous month of training at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The Junior Golden Jaguars roster comprises a blend of former Under-15 national players, local talents who took part in the 2023 NAMILCO Under-17 National Academy Playoffs, and players based in both Trinidad and the United States.

“We're happy with our decision,” McKinnon said, adding that he chose “players that are ready to take on this challenge that is ahead of us.”

The head coach's first team selection since assuming the position in 2023 includes: Goalkeepers: Duquain Samuels, Emmanuel Lewis and Julien Casimir.

Defenders: Gerry-Mayer Burnette, Jaden Thom, Jayden Culley, Kyle Reid, Tyler Lyle, Tyrel Stephen and Tyrese Lyle.

Midfielders: Hemant Brandon Khedoo, Bryan Wharton, Ezekial Rowland, Kvist Paul, Kymani Sealey, Nathaniel Pydana, Rondesio Tudor, Shemaiah Samuels and Solomon Austin.

Forwards: Matrim

Martin and Perry Jr Gaul Coach McKinnon explained that his evaluation considered the "physical traits crucial for competing at this level," taking into account players' game knowledge, as well as their competitiveness, honesty and humility.

Over forty young participants attend the training camp, which featured two assessment games between Elite League teams – the reigning champions Guyana Defence Force, and the former champions Slingerz.

“We believe that it's an honest process. It was one (in) which we saw the players giving their best and wanting to represent the country, wanting to do well for the country, and that only created a healthy environment and a competitive one that will only do well for Guyana now and in the future,” McKinnon shared.

The tournament features twenty-seven Under-20 national teams vying for supremacy between February 23 to March 2.

Guyana finds itself in Group B, alongside El Salvador, Antigua and Barbuda, Suriname, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Following the round-robin stage, the Junior Golden Jaguars must clinch the top spot in Group B to advance to the 2024 Concacaf Men's U-20 Championship, where they will join the six pre-seeded top-ranked nations.

The opening clash against Antigua and Barbuda is set to kick off at 9:30 hours in the ABFA Technical Centre in Antigua.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

Joseph signs three-year brand ambassador deal with GTT

PACE Ace Shemar Joseph has joined forces with GTT for a three-year brand ambassador partnership.

During a signing ceremony on Friday at the Georgetown Marriott, the company confirmed that their brand aligns with that of the young West Indian fast bowler.

According to GTT’s Chief Commercial Officer, Kerchelle Jn Charles, “We don’t see it as an endorsement, we don’t want him to be our ambassador, it has to be mutual. We also want him to be in his image and likeness. Shamar is young,

Shemar is fresh, he is growing, a lot of what Shemar says he wants to do is to inspire the youth, and our role is to help him do that.”

The partnership will also see the telecoms giant extending their services to Joseph’s hometown Baracara, as well as the provision of internet service to his family as well as the village centre.

GTT Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Richard Stanton expressed pleasure at being able to sign a young and vibrant star like Joseph, adding, “We are happy to

have Shamar on the team, and we will be working closely with him and his community.

Shamar’s speed and accuracy with the cricket ball absolutely aligns with our values as being the fastest and the most reliable player in the game.”

In response, Joseph, said, “Thank you to GTT! GTT was always my thing so I'm happy to be a part of the family.

Thank you for your support.”

The Guyanese rose to overnight fame with a brutal dismantling of Australia on the West Indies tour of Australia last month.

Harpy Eagles face uphill task for victory

DEFENDING Regional Fourday champions the Guyana Harpy Eagles face an uphill task if they are to secure their first win in the 2024 campaign.

Playing against the Windward Islands Hurricanes at Warner Park, the Eagles are at 67-1 chasing 460 for victory.

Meanwhile small wins Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, and Jamaica Scorpions marginally trumped the rare accomplishment of Islands Hurricanes opener Mikyle Louis hitting hundreds in both innings of the same match.

The Kittitian followed up his maiden first-class hundred of 113 in the first innings with a resolute 130 before hosts Hurricanes were bowled out for 295 in their second innings on the third day of their second-round match in St Kitts and set defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles the highly improbable, if not impossible target of 460 to win.

2016 Under-19 World Cup winning pair of pacers Shamar Springer and Ryan John shared seven wickets to set up Volcanoes for a nine-wicket win against Barbados Pride in their top-ofthe-table match in Jamaica.

Discarded West Indies pacer Anderson Phillip and off-spinner Bryan Charles shared eight wickets, and Red Force made up for time lost in their washed-out first-round match, completing a six-wicket win against the Cricket West Indies Academy in the other match taking place in St Kitts.

A destructive spell from teenaged leg-spinner Zishan Motara was overshadowed by a batting collapse from his Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners that sparked a morale-boosting, 10-wicket win for hosts Scorpions.

AT WARNER PARK: Playing on home soil, Louis resumed from his overnight score of 37 and was the glue that held the Hurricanes batting together after they continued from their bedtime total of 52 for one.

He defied a destructive spell from Harpy Eagles captain Kevlon Anderson and struck 11 fours and five sixes from 168 balls.

Louis became only the second Hurricanes batsman and 11th

overall to score hundreds in each innings of a match in the modern era of the West Indies Championship (1966 onwards).

He shared 63 for the second wicket with West Indies whiteball batsman Keacy Carty that gave the home team an early foundation before Anderson undermined their batting with his uncomplicated bowling and finished with five for 57 from 15 overs.

Carty supported with 34, and Colin Archibald, batting at nine, made 31, but the rest of the batting folded meekly.

Harpy Eagles then suffered an early setback when opener Matthew Nandu fell to burly off-spinner and Hurricanes captain Rahkeem Cornwall for 12.

West Indies Test opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of former Guyana and West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and Raymond Perez batted through the remainder of the day and put on 55 – unbroken – for the second wicket.

Chanderpaul was not out on 40 and Perez was not out on 20, and Harpy Eagles were 67 for one when stumps were drawn.

AT KENSINGTON PARK: Barbadian all-rounder Springer showed his home team what they were missing, taking four for 44 from 12 overs, and John finished three for 28 from 11.1 overs, and Volcanoes bowled out Pride for 126 in their second innings about 50 minutes before lunch.

Former West Indies Under-19 batsman Kevin Wickham was the only Pride batsman that offered prolonged resistance, hitting the top score of 74.

Pride again failed to ease worries about the stability of their batting, after they continued from their overnight total of 72 for four.

Springer removed West Indies Test selectee Akeem Jordan for 15 and Wickham for eight before Pride had reached 100, and John returned to mop up the tail.

It took Volcanoes about 20 minutes to clear the 16 required for their second victory for the season that propels them provisionally to the top spot in the table on 39 points.

AT THE CONAREE CRICKET CENTRE: Phillip was the

pick of the Red Force bowlers taking four for 33 from 11.1 overs, and Charles ended with four for 57 from 17 overs, and the CWI Academy were bowled out for 224 in their second innings.

Hometown kid Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, son of former Leeward Islands and West Indies all-rounder Carl Tuckett, led the way for the Academy with 46 not out and shared 55 for the eighth wicket with Joshua Bishop to add some respectability to their side’s total.

Starting the day on 84 for three, the emerging players’ side lost Mbeki Joseph in the first half-hour without addition to his overnight score of 34.

They slumped to 155 for seven before Bishop, batting at nine, came to the crease and offered a period of resistance with Bowen-Tuckett to get them past 200 before Phillip snared the last three wickets in a devastating second spell.

Bishop triggered a few panicky moments in the opposition camp, taking three for 28 from eight overs, before Red Force nervously crawled past 59 required to win.

AT SABINA PARK: Motara took three of the last four Scorpions first innings wickets and ended with seven for 108 from 31.2 overs, and the hosts were bowled out for 331 about 25 minutes before lunch with a first innings lead of 24.

Peat Salmon started a day that proved his all-round capability with 45 that propped up the bottom half of the Scorpions batting after they started the day on 259 for six, replying to the Marooners first innings total of 307.

Salmon, bowling his offspin, then bagged four for 12 from seven overs, and pacer Gordon Bryan supported with three for 19 from nine overs, and Scorpions bowled out Marooners for 87 in their second innings about 15 minutes past the scheduled tea break.

Chadwick Walton, not out on 46, and fellow opener Carlos Brown, not out on 19, then wasted little time getting the Scorpions past their target of 64 about half-hour past the scheduled tea break.

In his first test match at the Adelaide Oval, Joseph scored 36 (41 balls) with the bat, including three fours and a six, in an innings where he took on the formidable Australian pace attack.

He then took an impressive 5 wicket haul, including having Steve Smith caught at slip off his first ever delivery in Test cricket, before claiming the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green,

Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

Building on his success in the first Test, Shamar came back in the second Test at the Gabba, Brisbane, still hungry for more. He took one wicket in the first innings and had to retire hurt at the end of Day 3 after being hit flush in the toe by a yorker from Mitchell Starc while batting.

In serious doubt of being able to take any further

part in the match, Day 4 is when Shamar Joseph forever etched his name into the history books. After coming onto the field late, due to not having his uniform at the ground, he emerged from the tunnel and immediately started bowling.

In an incredible spell of 11.5 overs, he took 7 wickets and led the West Indies to their first Test match win in Australia for 27 years, tying the Series in the process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

Fitness Express & E-Master Corporation racks up with GAPLF for Novice competition tomorrow

THE longest partnership with Powerlifting as a corporate partner has been maintained when the Owner/Manager of Fitness Express, Jamie McDonald yesterday presented a cheque to Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF), President, Franklin Wilson.

The entity’s John and Sheriff Street, Campbellville Store was the venue for the simple handover as McDonald noted that his company was more than pleased to be continuing a rich tradition of support for the sport.

“Fitness Express is happy to be continuing our support for powerlifting which continues to do well here in Guyana and internationally. I’ve seen the continued growth of this strength sport and the

development of our athletes, both male, and female, and dare say, we are proud to be a part of this exciting development.”

E-Master Corporation’s Managing Director, Mr. Oudit Seenarain also shared his company’s delight at being on board and able to back the sport and the young athletes who are making their entry into competition.”

“Powerlifting no doubt is on the up, we can see and feel its development and we at E-Master Corporation are more than privileged to be part of the sport at this juncture in our history. The GAPLF can be assured of our unflinching partnership, going forward.”

Tomorrow’s annual competition which will take place

at the Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium, beginning at 09:00 hours will showcase several male and female athletes aiming to make a mark in the sport.

The rivalry is anticipated to be keen as the strong men and women aim to outdo each other with medals and trophies at stake for the outstanding performers. Fitness Express has also agreed to reward the respective female and male overall winners with a supplement hamper each.

The sport reached its highest international achievement just last Saturday when Guyana’s marquee strongman, Carlos Petterson-Grifith briefly broke and held the 93kg squat record at Sheffield24 which brought together the 12 best male and

female lifters from around the world.

And, while 2023 was a very successful year for powerlifting with Guyana competing and medaling at all three World Championships, apart from the South American Championships, 2024 is expected to be another successful year, according to GAPLF President, Franklin Wilson.

“I’d like to extend the Federation’s gratitude to both Fitness Express and E-Master Corporation for their continued investment in our sport. It’s support like what we get from these two entities that fuels the growth and sustenance of the sport and ensures that we keep our local competitions, which is mandatory.’

Fitness Express’ Manager, Jamie McDonald (left) hands over sponsorship to GAPLF President, Franklin Wilson

U-15 and U-16 Footballers to engage in FIFA-funded High-Performance programme THROUGH FIFA, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is investing in the development of their male Under-15 and Under-16 players.

Technical Director Bryan Joseph on Friday announced that the Federation had been approved to be a part of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, a High-Performance programme aimed at fostering the growth and development of top talents in a country.

“It is to give talents in Guyana every chance at success”, the Technical Director noted at the press conference alongside Racing Madrid Football Club President Steve Nijjar and former Real Madrid Football Club mid-fielder now UEFA Pro Licence coach, Rubén de la

From left: Racing Madrid FC President Steve Nijjar, Guyana Football Federation Technical Director Bryan Joseph and UEFA UEFA Pro Licence coach Rubén de la Red at the press conference on Friday Red. In October 2023, GFF and Racing Madrid FC signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

Joseph explained that the GFF is beginning to reap the rewards as the Spanish club facilitated hiring the UEFA Pro Licence coach who meets

the FIFA requirements for the job.

The Spanish coach will focus on the technical work of players selected in the programme that will have a general pool of 40 but a focus group of 24 players.

Currently, the programme has commenced with players mainly from Georgetown, East Coast and West Demerara, who train at least three times per week, while on weekends, they bring players from Linden, Bartica and Berbice.

“We don’t have expertise in high-performance coach, and FIFA has afforded us that opportunity….from 2025, there will be the U-17 World Cup, and it means every year Guyana will have a chance to qualify for the U-17 World Cup, and this programme is

the next step to our Academy Training Centre”, the Technical Director expressed.

While the Academy is focused on top players within Associations, this programme is solely for the top players in the country.

The GFF will also change their youth football structure to have players contest over 40 matches per year in keeping with their European counterparts.

Joseph said a FIFA study revealed that, on average, Caribbean youth footballers play just 10-12 matches per year.

However, the main issue is finding a way to incorporate players from all associations into the programme, and the Technical Director noted that a partnership with the Ministry of Education

would be critical in achieving such an endeavour.

The Technical Director explained that ideally they need four to five sessions, including a match, per week with players, as “the biggest challenge is not the distance but the schooling.”

He said they would have to explore options for creating a hybrid learning system where players can train and get schooling while encamped at the GFF Technical Centre at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

FIFA is expected to provide an initial annual subvention of US$50,000 for the project, which will increase as the programme evolves, and they will fund the stay of Rubén in Guyana.

GMRSC Launches 2024

New Spectator accommodation, racing class touted

By Stephan Sookram

A RENEWED year of racing opened on Thursday evening with the promise of new spectator facilities at the South Dakota Circuit and an entirely new class of racing.

These were some of the much talked about things as the Guyana Motor Rac-

ing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) presented its calendar of activities for the 2024 year.

During the gala launch at the Pegasus Corporate suites, GMR&SC President Mahendra Budhoo told potential sponsors, drivers and special invitees that 2024 dawns a new era for motorsport locally.

“We want to say this year that we are in talks with the government to assist us. One of the things we want to do this year is put in seating for our fans and patrons and we are in talks to do that,” he said.

According to reports, the club is seeking to have bleacher style benches installed in several parts of

the south Dakota facility to ensure that fans can come and further enjoy racing.

GT3 Class Meanwhile, more light has been shed on the new GT3 class of race cars the club is planning to implement.

According to the GMR&SC boss, “The new GT3 class is coming. It

is the future. We want to bring cars from the Caribbean and even Latin America to compete here in Guyana.”

“We are not going to do away with any of our traditional classes of course,” Budhoo stressed, adding that, “We are still going to have our groups four, three and so on.”

He added that there are already cars on the way for this new class, stopping short of naming those who have purchased machines eligible.

The GMRSC Season continues with the Drag race round one dubbed ‘1320 ‘heat at the South Dakota Circuit on Sunday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

2024 Bounty Farm Mash Handicap C/Ships Day 5

Several big-name players advance

DAY five of the 2024 Bounty Farm Mashramani Squash Handicap Championships culminated with exciting action on Thursday Evening at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street.

Several big-name players advanced to today’s finals.

Thursday night’s results: On Court 1: Zoey McDonald lost to Tehani Munroe 12-15, 14-15 Namisharaj Singh lost to Ella Fernandes 13-15, 12-15 Matthew Daby (3/4) beat Rafael Braithwaite 15-9, 15-11 Nandishraj Singh lost to Malia Maikoo 13-15, 8-15 (open)

Brenno Da Silva lost to Justin Bulkan 10-15, 12-15 open Miguel Wong beat Lydia Fraser 15-13, 15-11 (Elite) Taylor Fernandes-Henry beat Gabrielle Fraser 15-13, 15-11 Court 2: Jacob McDonald lost to Egan Bulkan 6-15, 3-15 Jibril Alli (3/4) beat Nijad Bacchus 13-15, 15-13, 15-7 Kristian Viapree beat Nidal Bacchus 15-9, 15-10 Tiana Gomes lost to Justin Goberdhan 10-15, 13-15 (open) Steven Xavier (3/4) beat Kirsten Gomes 16-14, 16-14 (Elite)

Mary Fung-a-Fat beat Demetrius De Abreu 16-14, 16-14 (Elite) Deje Dias beat Mohryan Baksh 15-9, 15-9 (Elite) Court 3: Lloyd Fung-a-Fat beat Anna Perreira 15-12, 15-11 (open) Regan Pollard lost to Jason Ray Khalil 15-5, 6-15, 8-15 (Elite) Blake Edwards beat Lee Fung-a-Fat 12-15, 15-9, 1510 (open) Brian Edwards (5/8) lost to Ryan Rahaman (3/4) 6-15, 10-15 (open) Alex Arjoon (1) beat Avinash Oditt 15-10, 14-15, 15-12 (Elite) Peter DeGroot beat Lou-

Mary Fung-a-Fat (left) beat Demetrius De Abreu 16-14, 16-14 in the Elite division

is Da Silva (3/4) 8-15, 15-9, 15-5 (Elite) Shiloh Asregado (1) beat

Alex Arjoon (left) (1) beat Avinash Oditt 15-10, 4-15, 15-12 in the Elite division on Thursday night

Alysa Xavier 15-14, 13-15, 12-15 (open) The action was sched-

uled to continue last night (Sean Devers)

Olympic prospect Noel breaks 100m butterfly national record TOP Olympic swimming prospect Raekwon Noel set a new national record in the men’s 100-meter butterfly with a finish of 56.24 seconds at the ongoing World Aquatics Championship in Doha, Qatar.

The previous national record of 56.35 seconds was set at last year’s Mashramani meet by Noel.

The CARFITA gold medalist delivered a near perfect swim to take a top three finish in his final race at this year’s World Aquatics Cham-

Olympic swimming prospect Raekwon Noel

pionship.

Noel, coming out of lane two, finished strong to grab second place behind St Lucia Jayhan Odlum-Smith who stopped the clock first in 55.66 seconds Third went to Nigeria’s Clinton Opute with a time of 56.95.

The finish by Noel was stark improvement on his World Aquatics recognised personal best time of PB of one minute and 25 seconds.

That new PB was however not good enough to

earn him a place in the semifinals with the last qualified athletes finishing in 52.46 seconds.

He clinched first place in his 100M freestyle on Wednesday in 52.56 seconds but didn’t advance to the semifinals with the time.

Meanwhile, Olympian Aleka Persaud who finished 8th in the 100m freestyle on Wednesday is back in the pool today (Saturday).

The Guyanese who

competed in the 50m freestyle at the Tokyo Olympic, is expected to put on a better showing in the 50m freestyle where she holds the national record with a time of 27.42 seconds.

The country’s number one female swimmer Persaud was not at the best in her first race at the championship, finishing in one minute and 02.20 seconds.

Both athletes qualified via wild card spots for the World Aquatics Championship.

GCB Women’s Senior Inter-County T20 cricket

Harper stars as Demerara beat Essequibo

By Sean Devers DESPITE a spirited late order rally, Essequibo sank to their second defeat of the GCB Women’s Senior Inter-County T20 cricket tournament by 90 runs at the hands of Demerara.

The second-round encounter took place at the Malteenoes ground.

Put in to bat on another gorgeous day for cricket, Demerara reached 162-4 before dismissing Essequibo for 72 in 12.2 after they were 25-8 at one stage.

Roshana Harper took the catch of the tourna-

ment when she held a stupendous effort; running in from long-leg and diving full length to dismiss Lauren Williams (0) off West Indies pacer Cherry Ann Fraser.

With this, Essequibo were off to a horror start in their chase without a run on the board; Fraser would later end with 4-6 and take the Player of the Match award.

After Williams’ demise, none of the first six batters reached double figures on a good pitch as Essequibo slumped to 25-8.

Nikesha Narine launched a brutal counter-attack as she hit three

fours and the only six in the innings off leg-spinner Nyia Latchman, in her 22-ball 31 before she was last out to left-arm spinner Kaysia Schultz.

Narine took advance of the strange introduction of Rushell Roberts who had 0-28 in two overs after delivering six ‘two bounce’ no balls.

Earlier, Demerara got a solid start from West Indies batter Mandy Mangru, who played in a refreshingly positive fashion and 18-year-old QC Student Naiomi Barkoye.

The pair put together 47 for the first wicket with

Mangru stroking a four and a six in 23 ball 33 before she was bowled by Lauren Williams.

Tilleya Madramootoo joined her Malteenoes team Barkoye and carried the score to 107 on their home ground before Williams removed Madramootoo for an attractive 24 which included a six.

When set for a big score, Barkoye fell to the impressive Yonette Welcome at 123-3 after hitting a run-a-ball 36 with four well-played boundaries.

F r a s e r, w h o b a t s left-handed, followed her unbeaten 68 in the 50 overs

Naiomi Barkoye top scored for Demerara yesterday format with some clinical hitting before she was bowled by Williams in the final over; ending an entertaining 35 from 22 balls decorated with four fours and three sixes.

Shultz (13) and Cianna Barkoye (1) were unbeaten

MVP Roshana Harper took a stupendous catch and grabbed four wickets to bowl Demerara to victory over Essequibo when the 20 overs expired as Williams finished with 3-32.

Defending Champions Berbice and unbeaten Demerara will face-off today for the T20 Title at Malteenoes from 1:30pm.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 17, 2024

Joseph signs three-year brand ambassador deal with GTT SEE PAGE

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Shemar Joseph (fourth from right) signs his three-year contract as a GTT brand ambassador with Chief Commercial Officer, Kerchelle Jn Charles (fifth from right), in the presence of Joseph’s team and GTT staff (Delano Williams photo)

GCB Women’s Senior Inter-County T20 cricket

Nikesha Narine hits Nyia Latchman for six during rearguard 31 at Malteenoes yesterday for Essequibo

Harper stars as Demerara beat Essequibo

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| SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024