Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 19-03-2023

‘You have nothing to fear; you are our trusted partner’

– President Ali tells US Congressional delegation

By Tamica Garnett

PRESIDENT Dr. Ir -

faan Ali on Friday described the United States of America (USA) as a “trusted partner” that stood by Guyana when it mattered most and he emphasised that Guyana will continue to be an important strategic partner to the USA.

Speaking during a reception hosted at the United States (US) Ambassador’s residence on Friday night in honour of the visiting US Congressional House Committee on Ways and Means delegation, the President underscored the importance of

the growing partnership between Guyana and the US, and how it is being used to the mutual benefit of the two nations.

“You are our trusted partner. We are proud of our partnership and we’re going to work together to make Guyana and the US stronger together.

“You have nothing to fear; Guyana is, and will continue to be an important strategic partner of the United States. And the opportunities here is open for both the United States and your private sector. And we want to see greater participation from the US private sector,” Dr. Ali noted.

The Head of State further

added, “You are one of those countries that stood up when it mattered based on your principles for democracy. That is important because you are not a fair-weather friend; your relationship is based on principles and values and that is what we value. We are working together with you and we can assure you of a government that is open. We are working to advance transparency and accountability.”

Prior to the dinner on Friday, the President hosted the delegation at a State luncheon at State House.

“We had the distinct pleasure of examining different issues and challenges. We

Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch applauded the government for taking bold leaps to transform Guyana and making strides towards transparency and accountability, which she noted continues to bolster investor confidence in the country.

“We applaud the Government of Guyana for the strides it has taken to make this country so attractive to investors. They’ve been excellent partners in energy, in agro-business and in security. There are major infrastructure projects underway across the country and the progress is constant. The government clearly wants to leverage the opportunities they are receiving and the United States stands ready to assist,” Lynch said.

This signals the importance of the sanctity of contracts, which is foundational to any economy and, in particular, Guyana as it continues to transform at a record pace. While there’s still challenges to overcome, we believe that meaningful discussions and continued inclusivity can foster solid relationships and craft solutions to meet shared challenges,” Lynch noted.

Thankful for the commendations of the work being done by the government to transform the country, the President noted that it is not only the government but many stakeholders who contribute significantly to the development and advancement of the country.

spoke about our experiences in housing…we spoke about how we can advance the transformation - human resource transformation, and ensure that the human resource transformation is linked to the infrastructure transformation, healthcare and education,” Dr. Ali explained.

The Congressional Committee delegation arrived in Guyana on Thursday night and left on Saturday following discussions about business and trade opportunities here.

In addition to meeting with the government, they also met with members of the political opposition and officials from ExxonMobil Guyana.

The delegation was led by Committee Chair, Congressman Jason Smith; the other members included Terri Sewell, Carol Miller, Michelle Fischbach, Beth Van Duyne

and Mike Carey, along with representative of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Kelly Armstrong.

Guyana was the delegation’s last stop in a three-country tour, which also included stops in Mexico and Ecuador.

Smith noted that that the partnership that America has with Guyana can only get stronger.

“The friendship and the partnership that the American people have with this country will only get stronger. We want to see you all become so successful. We want to see you all become so successful and have the most amazing infrastructure and quality of life. I just want to thank you all for having us to your country. Remember that you have friends in Washington,” Smith remarked.

Meanwhile, in her remarks, US Ambassador to

She added, “So, we encourage the government to keep doing what they’re doing - striving towards transparency [and] accountability to improve the quality of life for all Guyanese. Leveraging our close economic links to bring greater prosperity and greater opportunities for the Guyanese people is an important cornerstone of our engagement here, and we will continue to work with the government and the people of Guyana.”

The American diplomat commended Guyana’s political leaders for continuing to honour its contractual commitments, which signals to investors the level of security with which they can invest in Guyana, and expect dependable relations.

“Since first oil, Guyana’s political leaders have honoured contractual commitments and continue to do so.

“I’m very proud of the men and women in our society who are working so hard every day to ensure that Guyana is on the forefront and ensure Guyana is winning every day,” the Head of State said.

He pledged that the government will continue on its current path of a clear strategy for the country, as discussions continue on how Guyana can be assisted in advancing the transformation of its human resources to keep up with the country’s infrastructural and social transformations in healthcare and education.

“Our mission is to catalyse the revenues from oil and gas to position Guyana to function in a world 2030 and beyond that will be very, very different. Guyanese and the world will understand the importance of the policy making and the policy framework we are utilising now,” the President said.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali (right); First Lady, Mrs Arya Ali (centre) and US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch. (Office of the President photo)

Chair of the Congressional House Committee on Ways and Means, Congressman Jason Smith (Office of the President photo)

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the visiting congressional delegation and US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch (Office of the President photo)

Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital opens first-of-its-kind lab in Guyana

— President Ali says improvements in healthcare will attract ‘international traffic’

By Cassandra Khan

THE first state-of-the-art Histopathology Laboratory in Guyana was launched on Saturday at the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital, which also obtained the first 128-slice CT scan in Guyana.

Histopathology is the diagnosis and study of diseases of the tissues, and involves examining tissues and/or cells under a microscope. Histopathologists are responsible for making tissue diagnoses, and helping clinicians manage a patient’s care.

Delivering the feature address at the ground-break-

ing event at the hospital’s East Street, Georgetown location was President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who lauded the Balwant Singh family for

their continued innovation and transformation of the country’s health sector. The Head of State said

Continued on page 5

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and officials of the hospital cut the ribbon to Guyana’s first Histopathology Lab and 128 slice CT scanner (Delano Williams photo)

Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital opens...

world,” she said.

Dr. Singh stated that the equipment has the potential to change the lives of countless individuals in the community.

“The capabilities of this new scanner go beyond anything we have had access to before. It will enable us to perform advanced cardiac imaging, including for those experiencing chest pain, allowing for accurate and non-invasive methods of diagnosis of heart diseases, for example. This is particularly important given the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in our country,” Dr. Singh said.

“The 128 slice CT scanner also prioritises the safety and wellbeing of our youngest patients. With minimum dose levels of pediatric imaging, we can ensure that our children receive the diagnostic services they need with the least amount of radiation exposure possible,” she said.

Dr. Singh further noted that the equipment will help to attract and retain talented healthcare professionals, allowing Guyana to build a stronger medical community.

tains its structure, and is properly prepared for further analysis. The processor is capable of processing up to 300 samples at a time, making it highly efficient, and increasing the general efficiency of the lab.

From page 4

this kind of investment will further position Guyana to attract international traffic in the healthcare sector.

“We are no longer saying healthcare for Guyanese, because we want to position the healthcare system to be attractive to international traffic,” President Ali said, before going on to explain that providing a global health service can only be possible if Guyana builds the ecosystem and architecture.

“How do we redirect that traffic in a way that can earn foreign currency through the delivery of a healthcare system?

It can only happen if we build the ecosystem; if we build architecture that isn’t present: A modern healthcare platform through which we can deliver the service,” he noted.

President Ali also commended the hospital’s investments in further modernising and reinventing itself to be in a position to function in a competitive healthcare environment.

He noted that healthcare is nothing without good diagnostic capabilities.

“The modernisation of

the healthcare system, and the delivery of better healthcare depends on better diagnostic capability; better lab facilities, and ensuring that we develop an infrastructure that gives the doctor enough information to make a proper and full decision as to what the problem is,” President Ali contended.

The President believes Guyana has some of the best doctors in the region, and so, he noted that the government is continuously working to ensure that doctors have access to the type of health infrastructure; not only from diagnostic capability side, but also from a legislative capability.

“Are our laws in keeping with the goal of achieving a modern healthcare system? And that is why we have such an active agenda on the healthcare side in modernising the laws; ensuring that the modern healthcare system is built on a legislative system that supports the advancement,” the President said.

A GIANT STEP

Meanwhile, Dr. Madhu Singh, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospi-

tal, noted that these advancements represent a significant leap forward in the country’s ability to provide advanced diagnostic services, especially in the fields of cancer and cardiac care.

According to Dr. Singh, in a country like Guyana, access to advanced medical technology is often a challenge.

“With the introduction of this 128 Slide CT scanner, we are taking a giant step towards bridging the gap between our healthcare system and that of the developed

In addition, the scanner will significantly enhance the hospital’s ability to perform vascular imaging, stroke assessment, as well as trauma assessment, which would lead to more effective and timely interventions, ultimately reducing the longterm impact of life-threatening conditions for patients.

For oncology patients, Dr. Singh explained that the new technology will enable them to identify and monitor various forms of cancer with greater precision, and will aid them in providing personalised care, ensuring that the most effective treatment plans are made available for each individual.

The Histopathology Lab, according to Dr. Singh, represents a significant advancement in Guyana’s healthcare system, as the management of the hospital takes crucial steps towards better diagnosis.

“The components of this histopathology lab work together seamlessly, enabling us to perform comprehensive tissue analysis, and provide accurate diagnosis for various diseases, particularly cancers,” she said.

One component of the lab, Dr. Singh explained, is the vacuum infiltration tissue processor, which is responsible for processing tissue samples.

Dr. Singh explained that the vacuum infiltration ensures that the tissue main-

Meanwhile, Marsha Metivier, a Clinical Product Specialist at Siemens, a leading medical technology company known for innovation and technology, discussed some of the clinical applications that can be expected from the scanner. She said that with this scanner, trauma patients would be scanned in a matter of seconds, and be evaluated quickly.

Additionally, the Internal Medicine Specialist at Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital, Kailasa Kumar explained that one of the top five causes of deaths in the world is cardiovascular disease, hence prevention is important.

“The first thing is prevention, so, in order to prevent the heart diseases, what are all the measures that we can do?” he asked.

Kumar noted that the hospital has tests to assess for risk factors of heart diseases, such as diabetes, some different cholesterol levels, and other parameters.

Guyana’s first 128-slice CT scanner (Delano Williams photo)

Shared Values

GUYANA and the United States have further cemented relations with the recent visit of a high-level Congressional House Committee on Ways and Means delegation. The delegation met with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and other senior government officials.

During the course of the engagements, President Ali re-affirmed the importance of democracy, enhancing trade, as well as the overall strengthening of relations between the two countries.

It is an established fact that the United States was instrumental in the restoration of democratic rule on October 5, 1992 and again during the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections after the APNU+AFC coalition sought unsuccessfully to derail the electoral process and perpetuate its rule by undemocratic means.

It was the firm and uncompromising

stance taken by the United States, the European Union and other friendly nations that helped, as it were, to save the day for democracy in the country.

That relationship has now been taken to a higher level with the visit of the United States delegation to the country. According to the Office of the President, President Ali informed the congressional delegation of developments in Guyana and reiterated his administration’s commitment to a strong partnership with the United States in a number of areas including energy, food security, climate change and national security.

The United States is a major economic player on the international stage and the forging of deeper economic ties with that country is certainly in the best interests of Guyana and the region.

The importance of promoting democracy, the rule of law and respect for international law was also highlighted by the Guyanese President.

The delegation, on its part, com -

mended President Ali for the leadership he has displayed in several areas in the region and pledged continued US support and co-operation in a variety of areas including support for the modernization of the country’s energy and physical infrastructure.

As Guyana takes its place as a key and strategic developmental partner in the region and beyond, the scope for doing business with the country is expanding.

Only recently, the Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Helena Konig, during a visit to the country, took note of the impressive growth of the country which, she said, has now set the stage to lift the country’s people out of poverty.

She spoke highly of her meetings with ‘friends that share similar values, including democracy, the rule of law, human rights and human dignity, freedom and inclusiveness’.

The fact is that Guyana, and both the

United States and the European Union, have much in common in terms of the embrace of shared norms and values especially in terms of adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law.

There is also an underlying philosophy of a market-oriented approach to development.

The role of the private sector as the catalyst for economic development has also been emphasized and, according to Ms. Konig, there will soon be an EU Chamber of Commerce in Guyana. Both the United States and Canada have already established chambers of commerce in Guyana and, with the establishment of an EU chamber in the country, investment, trade and commerce is likely to have an even greater boost.

Guyana is certainly making its presence felt on the international stage, both as a place to do business and as a tourist destination, for which President Ali and the PPP/C administration must be given full credit.

Ogle Airport remains compliant with GCAA, ICAO security standards

Dear Editor,

MR Simeon John Taylor, once again, in a letter published on March 10, 2023 in the Kaieteur News, has set out to denigrate the management and operations of the Eugene F Correia International Airport (EFCIA).

On this occasion, he has seriously crossed the line.

Mr Taylor was a former Security Inspector employed by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). He can explain why he is no longer employed there. He has dangerously gone public on the subject of matters of security in

which he was involved as an employee of the authority.

Security matters are sensitive and confidential and which, by their very nature, can threaten not merely the airport, but the national security of the country, if not dealt with professionally.

We leave it to the Aviation Authority to decide whether or not Mr Taylor should be sanctioned. We will not, therefore, respond in detail to the irresponsible allegations which he has made, other than to say that the Eugene F Correia International Airport, as we have previously stated, remains in compliance with and meets the standards

required by the GCAA, as well as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The airport had already acknowledged the fact that the x-ray baggage scanner had been frequently out of operation as a result of power fluctuations at the airport and the difficulty encountered in obtaining spare parts from China for the equipment.

With the kind assistance of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, the airport now has the parts and is repairing the scanner, while temporarily utilising a spare scanner on loan from the CJIA.

Not satisfied with attacking the air-

port, Mr Taylor attacks me personally with statements which are completely inaccurate, wholly unfounded and defamatory.

I have, in fact, worked as a professional consultant in the aviation industry for, I suspect, much longer than Taylor, I am at the Airport frequently, thoroughly familiar with its operations and attend both the management and board meetings of the airport.

Editor Navendra Seoraj

should review WPA’s statements

says civil society group, Article 13

CALLING for a review by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), civil society group ‘Article 13’ has added its voice to the growing list of those speaking out against racially incredulous and inciting statements recently made by members of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) at a public meeting in Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

Noting that remarks made at the public meeting encouraged “action” against one race of persons in Guyana by another race, Article 13 charged that people seeking political power, more than anyone else, must act responsibly and within the law.

“They must recognise

and uphold the constitutional and international human rights bestowed on all citizens of Guyana. We await the review by the Ethnic Relations Commission on this matter,” Article 13 said in a statement issued on Saturday.

“While all Guyanese have the constitutional right to speak out against excesses by those who hold power, Article 13 believes that freedom of speech comes with a responsibility. When members of a political party in our multi-national homeland use hate speech to attack another race and openly call for ethnic cleansing, that is not a matter that should be taken lightly. History has shown us the devastation this can lead

to,” the civil society group noted.

Pointing to remarks made by WPA Executive Member, Tacuma Ogunseye, who called on the armed forces to turn their weapons against the government, Article 13 noted that the statements, in effect, publicly call for a coup d’etat against a democratically elected government.

Article 13 noted that another WPA speaker ventured into an “unacademic diatribe” about the living conditions of Indians prior to their arrival in Guyana as indentured labourers.

The WPA member, Rhonda Layne, concluded that Indians deserved nothing.

Though the WPA has

since issued a statement fully supporting the remarks made by Ogunseye and Layne, their statements have received tremendous backlash from members of the public.

Several members of the political opposition, in their individual capacities, have since issued statements con-

demning Ogunseye’s statements.

Article 13 said it commended those Opposition members for refusing to remain silent, and standing up against what has been described as hateful and racist remarks.

Formed in 2021, ‘Ar -

ticle 13’ was created to push for better governance, accountability and the inclusion of the citizenry in making decisions for national development, with the intention to achieve the noble goals and aspirations set out in the constitution of Guyana.

GECOM’s readiness for LGEs has created ‘ire’ in some Opposition remnants

Dear Editor, THE Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) progression toward Nominations Day on April 17, 2023, indicates readiness for Local Government Elections (LGEs).

This headway has drawn out further Opposition ‘ire’, and received intensified artificial challenges from orchestrators among their die-hard ranks.

Nevertheless, LGEs present the opportunity for inclusive representation of governance at the community level, which must be taken advantage of regardless of these naysayers.

Our citizens must recognise the highly condemnable and perhaps, treasonable attempts at inducing unmanageable social volatility through deliberately sensitised racial conflict. We have an overwhelming responsibility to reject these contrived, and exaggeratedly created attempts at distracting from our national collective development movement.

The obvious desperation of the likes of Working People’s Alliance’s (WPA) Tacuma Ogunseye, David Hinds, and, Opposition

Leader Aubrey Norton et al, at the Buxton public meeting held on March 09, 2023, cannot be made clearer. The irresponsible unqualifying and futile attempt of Norton to defend a call for the army’s support of protests and a ‘weaponised uprising’ based on free speech, must be seen for its every connection with the use of flagrant, clandestine methods to cheat our nation of beneficial democratic ideals.

Notably, the self-proclaimed rights of this grouping as the representative and voice of a particular ethnic group are artificial and do not command any real support. Based on votes at previous elections, it is doubtful that the WPA will be able to prove a functional membership exceeding 50 persons, indicating their acclaimed supporters have changed their voting alliance or are abstaining.

It is widely known and recognised that the cabal’s orchestrators utilise a tacitly flawed assumption, that all persons of a particular ethnic persuasion will support their misguided principles.

They adopt the unforgiving, foolhardy posture that regardless of the abuse

of failures of self-administration that kept the people suppressed, every citizen of a particular orientation should be gullible to calls for violence and protests. This is an absolute affront to education, objectivity, and rationality which has no bearing on our cohesive advancement as a nation.

It has been revealed time and time again that their pursuit of a lack of respect for our laws and proclivity for the ‘any-means-necessary approach’ continues to expose their true nature. Notwithstanding the above, the group continues the use of media platforms to sensationalise one ethnic group against others, which they see as a trump card for imbalance.

We must not view these superfluously, for they highlight the real underpinning shackles that anchor those who follow them, to a continuous self-suppressive, irresponsible opposition thinking and practice.

Editor, all have followed GECOM’s work with a sense of keen scrutiny for obvious reasons. Foremost is the response and performance required for acceptable results

from the transparent execution of procedures in these first elections following the March 2020 debacle. Related is the evidential need for numerous corrective remedies, including the replacement of staff who are facing the courts for electoral fraud.

At this point, albeit with much-exercised caution, things seem to be progressing following the published work plan toward the LGEs scheduled for June 12, 2023. Importantly, the registration offices around the country did a good job in preparation for the Claims and Objections process. Further, the electoral registers were also completed, and now GECOM finally was able to produce the appropriate list of voters for the holding of LGEs.

The institution through its secretariat has provided appropriate guidelines in an LGEs booklet, together with widely circulated published public and Gazette Notices, as well as the exercise of discretion and flexibility that provides maximum timelines for compliance where possible by contesting political respondents to the process. For these initiatives, the

institution should be applauded.

The appointment of the returning officers will be done shortly and the nation will move swiftly into LGEs mode. Guyanese are anxiously waiting to vote at these LGEs and expectations are sky-high that in the results, we will have a broader democracy at the local level that is supportive of their individual and collective development in the communities where they reside.

Currently, many prominent groups and village leaders are working assiduously to put together the best list of candidates to contest the LGEs for established Local Authority Areas. Consequently, it is anticipated that the leadership at the local level will be representative of the actual community requirements and advanced by more mature, inclusive, and vibrant councillors.

It is also expected that many of the fading political groups will not contest the LGEs, given their washed-out popularity due to identification with the deceit and involved support of skulduggery at the March 2020 Elections. Hence, it will be the PNC trying to

compete in a few traditional areas, while the ‘dead meat’ WPA and the AFC are certainly blowing hot air to stay seemingly as relevant paper organizations.

It is much clearer that the tremendous PPP/C-led development push at all levels across the country is attracting and forging a greater unity platform amongst our citizens. Attendance to support the disruptive unjustified undercurrents from the cabal Opposition front men and women must therefore be heavily rejected forthwith, and resolve to the adoption of an approach of rationality and objectivity.

These LGEs will foster strong leadership at the local levels whose focus must target boosting the standards of living of the Guyanese people in times of reality. Development is visible, transparency is most encouraging and this column, therefore, calls for a fully inclusive approach at the LGEs.

GECOM must be commended for its preparation and readiness to hold LGEs.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Executive members of the WPA, Rhonda Layne and Tacuma Ogunseye

Williams, Lewis to pay Village Voice over $3M in copyright infringement case

FORMER Director of Village Voice, Nigel Williams, and local trade unionist, Lincoln Lewis have been ordered by the High Court to pay $3 million in damages, and costs for copyright infringement, violating the copyrights of Village Voice Guyana Inc. and its sole shareholder, Morris Wilson.

Williams and Lewis were accused of using the company’s logo without authorisation, consent or licence.

It was in April 2021, Village Voice Guyana Inc., a newly formed online media house and weekly newspaper, initiated legal proceedings seeking the money, among other orders, against Williams, the first-named defendant, and Lincoln Lewis, the second- named defendant.

Williams was an employee of the company and also a director as of March 31, 2021, when he tendered his resignation, while Lewis was

a columnist. On January 23, 2023, the High Court ruled against Williams and Lewis. The company, represented by attorney-at-lawTeni Housty, argued that the actions of the defendants resulted in damage to the company. Several orders were sought from the Court to counter and/or mitigate that damage.

According to the High Court Order, the Defendants

were ordered to pay the company damages of $2,450 plus additional damages of $3 million.

The Court further ordered that the defendants pay the claimant costs of $250,000 within 30 days.

The order sought general damages in excess of $1 million, punitive damages in excess of $1 million and a further damages in excess of

$ 1 million against Williams for breach of fiduciary duty.

The defendants are restrained from passing off or attempting to pass off or causing, enabling or assisting others to pass off goods with the claimant’s ‘Village Voice’ logo; any words including the words ‘Village Voice GY,’ such as ‘Village

Voice News’ or a getup similar to that of the Claimant’s trading style containing the words “Village Voice GY’ or any colourable imitation resembling the goods of the claimant.

The defendants were ordered to deliver all of the company’s goods, newspapers, websites, domain

names, sign boards, advertisements, circulars, notepaper, business cards, letter heads, stationery, labels, wrappers, photocopies, or other printed matter or digital media, including social media, that may be in their custody or control or their servants and or agents.

THE Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has finalised the latest update of a toolkit that aims to revolutionize small and middle-sized rural entrepreneurship.

RuralInvest, the methodology developed by the FAO Investment Centre, offers its users a path from theory to practice, to assist entrepreneurs in creating sustainable and bankable business plans.

that can attract investors.

Based on the FAO team’s decades of experience in the field of rural investments, the methodology and its software have been constantly fine-tuned yielding impressive results. Over the past five years, RuralInvest has supported the growth of more than 1,000 agribusinesses in more than 15 countries, catalyzing an estimated $34 million in investment to date and sup-

lected and inputs it into the software, which automatically systematizes the information and brings to life clear and visually effective business plans.

The approach is bottom-up, with ongoing communication between the RuralInvest user and the farmer, who interact and exchange ideas in group sessions using the RuralInvest business plan, with the objective of adding value

In the absence of clear and effective business models, farmers and rural entrepreneurs find it challenging to convince financial institutions and banks to invest, also given that agriculture is often considered a risky investment and its profitability difficult to gauge. Over 80 percent of the world’s food is produced by family farming, yet less than 10 percent of smallholders have access to finance.

The idea at the heart of RuralInvest is to make small and medium-sized entrepreneurs thrive by empowering them, through specially trained intermediaries – that is, platform users - to translate their business ideas and vision into concrete plans

porting a new generation of rural enterprises worldwide.

The latest version of the software, offers a user-friendly, multilingual interface, combined with hands-on support, opening to a wider range of users.

How it works

The free toolkit is supported by a brand new software called RIV20, accessed via the RuralInvest website recently updated through close collaboration with the FAO Digitization and Information Technology Division, which enables users to develop professional and quality business plans.

The field technician understands what the farmer’s vision is, learns how and which data need to be col-

and substance to the entrepreneur’s vision.

Who can use RuralInvest?

The toolkit is mainly designed for field technicians, extension agents and business plan development consultants.

It also partners with national institutions – universities or entrepreneurship centers - that can train professionals for the use of RuralInvest through a series of free e-learning courses and face-to-face trainings, as well as with national financial institutions, such as banks, that can use RuralInvest as a tool for developing and evaluating business plans. (FAO)

Former Director of Village Voice, Nigel Williams

Trade unionist and columnist, Lincoln Lewis

‘RuralInvest’ toolkit fosters access to finance for small & medium-sized agricultural enterprises

Through RuralInvest, the field technician understands what the farmer’s vision is, learns how and which data need to be collected and inputs it into the software, which automatically systematizes the information and brings to life clear and visually effective business plans

First Lady receives ‘Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up’ award

GUYANA’S First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali was last week presented with an award by the Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up (DUSUSU) Foundation for the role she is playing in making a difference in the areas of gender equality, women’s empowerment, and improving the lives of people of the country.

The award was presented to the First Lady at State House by co-founder of the DUSUSU Foundation, Zuriel Oduwole, a 20-year-old filmmaker and education advocate. The Foundation is best known for it works on the advocacy for the education of girls in Africa.

During an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Oduwole explained that apart from her advocacy work of meeting with presidents and prime ministers throughout the world, she has come to realise that there are other leaders who play a vital role in making a difference in the lives of people, and who also work closely with youths, more so girls.

To date, the Foundation has presented awards to First Ladies in Tanzania (2014), Kenya (2015), Namibia (2016), Sene -

gal (2017), Mozambique (2018), Cabo Verde (2019), Sierra Leone (2020), Namibia (2021) and now Guyana (2022).

Following her meeting with Guyana’s First Lady, Oduwole said that she, her sister and family were very humbled by the welcome they received here.

“We came to Guyana to present the First Lady with the 2022 DUSUSU Award. Mrs. Ali has done an amazing job so far, and she has been very gracious with all that she stands for, and the work that she has been doing with the young people of this beautiful country. She was very kind in meeting with us; it will

be an honour to come back to Guyana and work along with her and the girls of the country,” she said.

Oduwole also related that she was very excited to present the award to the first First Lady outside of the African continent.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Ali told the Sunday Chronicle that she is honoured to have received such a prestigious award.

“I am indeed honoured to have been the recipient of the DUSUSU award on behalf of every woman and girl in Guyana. This award is a recognition of the important work we have been doing to ensure our women and girls

lead healthier, happier and successful lives,” the First Lady said, adding:

“It also serves as a reminder of the critical role that every partner plays in ensuring we eliminate pe-

riod poverty, and ultimately achieve gender equality.

“I wish to thank the DUSUSU Foundation for their recognition of our work, and encourage other partners to join with us on

this journey.”

Mrs. Ali has been leading the charge with her Menstrual Hygiene Initiative that is aimed at ending period poverty in Guyana, and to subsequently attain the fifth of the United Nation’s 17 ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to “achieve gender equality, and empower all women and girls.”

The project’s main objectives are to empower girls with the necessary information regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene, equip school-aged girls with sanitary pads for proper menstrual hygiene practices, and to address shaming and dispel the myths associated with menstruation. (Cindy Parkinson)

American filmmaker and education activist, Zuriel Oduwole presenting the DUSUSU award to First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali

Arielle Oduwole (Zuriel’s sister) presenting the citation for the 2022 DUSUSU Award to First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali

Guyana attracts interest for ongoing oil block auction

THE Ministry of Natural Resources announced last week that all 14 blocks (three deepwater and 11 shallow-water) on offer in Guyana’s first competitive licensing round garnered expressions of interest from companies.

This is a remarkable development for Guy -

ana which has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing oil region since Exxon struck oil in 2015.

Oil and gas bidding rounds involve a process in which the government invites oil and gas companies to bid for the rights to explore, develop and produce any oil and gas found. Open

bidding rounds are most often used once some discoveries have been made and global interest is high—this is the position Guyana now finds itself in.

This is the country’s first-ever competitive offshore oil and gas licensing round and serve as a guide for any future offshore investments

or projects that end up reaching the production stage. The presence of so many expressions of interest are a solid indication that Guyana’s offshore real estate is highly sought after.

These new blocks will be subject to the terms of the newly updated model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), which reflects the significant change in Guyana’s status since the Stabroek PSA was signed. At the time, generous fiscal terms helped draw in companies to invest in an unproven frontier region. Now, as Guyana can boast significant production, the terms of future deals will reflect lower risk levels and offer a higher percentage of revenues to the government.

Guyana’s initial production sharing agreement (PSA) gave the country 50 per cent of all profits with a cost recovery ceiling of 75 per cent, plus a royalty of two per cent, which is roughly average when compared to agreements with other frontier oil and gas countries, according to a 2022 analysis by Rystad Energy.

The more generous terms in contracts for frontier regions like Guyana are a way to draw in companies and entice them to take risks on unproven areas. In

the case of Guyana, this method worked, and Guyana’s initial PSA attracted investment at a time when the basin was largely unproven and has now set off this incredible round of discoveries.

Now, Guyana has proven itself and is in a better position to push for additional revenues from future projects that reflect the country’s more mature status as an oil producer and the lower risk that companies will face. The fiscal terms of the new model PSA include a 10 per cent royalty rate and 65 per cent cost recovery ceiling. The profit share will remain 50/50 between the government and the contractor, with a new corporate tax of 10 per cent.

While these terms reflect a promising trajectory, Guyana is still a relatively new producer with confirmed commercial discoveries and production only on one block. That means the calculation of how much risk investors will accept is still an important one—especially at a time of global economic uncertainty.

Energy analyst Arthur Deakin noted last month that “[some] companies are scared of operating in emerging markets, especially markets that recently have

had discoveries and I think that is probably the biggest deterrent to players – the risk.”

But as long as that balance between attracting investors, speeding up development, and increasing revenues is correctly managed, increased interest in Guyana will beget investments that ultimately increase the capacity for sustainable economic development if the other blocks replicate the success of the Stabroek Block.

By focusing on feasible local content policies, internationally guided regulations and smart environmental policies, the government is proactively aiming to stay ahead of the curve and ensure it remains a highly desirable location for investment.

Additionally, as the country strives to strike the right balance for its future, Guyanese are also reaping the benefits of the oil and gas sector to build capacity and position themselves and local businesses in a position to engage their emerging and rapidly developing economy.

Guyana has firmly established itself in the conversation for decades to come as a potential global energy leader.

Norton’s semantics, refusal to condemn Ogunseye’s behaviour

AUBREY Norton thinks the general public is slow, stupid or unintelligently following his People’s National Congress-led A Partnership for National Unity Coalition party’s use of skillful and strategic political rhetoric which can have far-reaching consequences for Guyanese, even resulting in a civil uprising or public disorder.

Norton thinks that the average person is gullible. So, listening to him defending the indefensible, and making the false and fictitious conclusion that what Tacuma Ogunseye said at Buxton aptly describes the situation they face in Guyana, is wrong. It most certainly does not!

He does not think that the public will be able to see further past the language and rhetoric used in PNC, APNU and WPA speeches at public rallies, and in their daily racist diatribe against the government of the day.

Firstly, the Opposition Leader has neither condemned nor differed from the comments and statements made by the WPA and Ogunseye. If anything, he endorsed them and justified them in a more civil and politically appropriate language.

He used skillful rhetoric, making justifications for Ogunseye’s poor political behaviour and language which was seeking to incite the crowd and vilify serving members of the military who are not their supporters or of their ethnic group in society.

Let’s be clear, Norton as the Opposition Leader outright refused to offer the public any sort of satisfaction that public disorder, mayhem and violence against any group would not be the end result of the “struggle” or campaign this year, and as long as he is the figurehead.

Secondly, Norton was crass in speaking about the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and the Cabinet in general throughout the media conference on Thursday last.

Norton appeared unhinged, much like David Hinds and Ogunseye when speaking about politics, the military and the government.

This hints at the fact that Norton cannot be seen as ready for the High Office of the land or as being so-

ber-minded and stable as far as being able to speak about any member of the opposition or any other issue that is wrong in terms of the policy and strategic approach of the combined opposition.

Norton is willing to sacrifice the integrity and political responsibility of the Opposition for the inciteful behaviour of a few bold, daring and unhinged racists in the opposition.

The tone and way are being set for there to be tension and conflict with the authorities in Guyana.

So, should they act too rashly and prematurely in dealing with the issue of political incitement, racism and what was said in Buxton, Norton will have his proverbial pound of flesh in the end because he supports this street-style, quasi-undemocratic and victim-playing in politics both at home, regionally and internationally.

Thirdly, the Indo-Guyanese component in the PNCled APNU coalition is now seeing Norton’s true nature. They are collateral damage and will all be sacrificed at the altar of political expediency.

Ganesh Mahipaul and Geeta Chandan Edmond are uneasy because Norton is taking a gamble with their core feelings and emotions, all the while hitting back at the internal uprising that he is facing as leader of the PNC and opposition.

Who will now speak for the Indo-Guyanese component in Norton’s fold? He stayed true to his political upbringing as a man who is supportive of one group of the support base and can only appeal to ‘his people’.

He is relying on the AFC to win back the crossover vote when it skillfully crawls back into the coalition arms again before elections.

Fourthly, now the mask has been removed, the PNC and APNU must answer these questions.

Is it a black supremacist party in which the opinions of other ethnic groups are appreciated but do not matter

at election time?

Is the support of violence and inciting riotous behaviour in the country a means of political warfare?

Does Norton support violence and moving to the streets in pursuit of what he calls the struggle against alleged discrimination and racism?

Does he support law and order, civil, political and legal action against the temptation to be ‘dogs of war’, thuggish, immature and irresponsible people in politics?

These are questions that need to be put to rest once and for all in the lead-up to local government and general polls.

Finally, Norton’s behaviour will only get worse in the coming months.

Everything points to a desperate political leader who is clutching at straws and clinging to the race and discrimination cards so that the Guyanese public will be sorry for him and vote accordingly.

Norton’s action now is an indication of the PNC-led APNU posture when leaders like Ogunseye try to push the racial and violent envelope of their supporters at election time.

This is not mature and sensible politics. This is going back down the road that saw Guyana at the point of derailing its democracy because of irresponsible political leaders who tried but failed to rig elections.

These street-style tactics and bullyism were used by former Presidents Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte. They failed even though their supporters unleashed hell on Guyana. In opposition, Hoyte and Robert Corbin failed throughout the 2000s but new responsible tactics and rhetoric resulted in David Granger assuming the Presidency.

Norton will shape his legacy with how he acts henceforth. He is down two strikes but there is still time to go!

The usual suspects fuelled Tacuma Ogunseye

THERE are demands from citizens to have Tacuma Ogunseye charged with incitement to create ethnic violence. But what the society needs to have knowledge of is what the Creole Middle Class (CMC), which includes The Usual Suspects (TUS), nurtured and how it allowed for the fertility of Ogunseye’s mind.

The troubled mind of Ogunseye blossomed in 2002 when the hysteria at Buxton embedded itself in the village. I was

at the height of my journalistic career when my investigation revealed Ogunseye’s role in the mayhem. He sued me for libel. My lawyer was Anil Nandlall; his was Mortimer Coddette.

Cordette was a personal friend and so he told me he would not go through with the case. But more importantly, I showed Coddette what I had and he knew testimonies in court would have rocked this nation, so for his own self-interest, he chose not to go through with the case.

Onto this day, Ogunseye has not paid the cost the judge awarded me. I guess Mr. Nandlall was not interested in collecting from Ogunseye.

Ogunseye has done it again. The question is what went through his mind. Ogunseye’s advocacy of the violent overthrow of the government by African Guyanese activists with support from the armed state apparatus has its origin in the post-2020 psychology of the CMC and TUS.

To this day, there

has been no intellectual analysis of the rabid reemergence of the CMC and its acidic activism against the PPP government since March 2020. Space would not permit a historical background, but the CMC’s attempts to control Guyana after the Burnham government betrayed them have all been failures.

After the triumph of the CMC in the 2015 election, the CMC had concluded that the Indian race and its affiliated political organisations that have been in control of the state since 1992 had now become a thing of the past. But the PPP won the 2020 election and the CMC suffered a nervous breakdown. The loss of power by the mulatto/creole class as expressed especially in the personalities of the leadership of the PNC, AFC, and WPA, in March 2020, is a psychological devastation that the CMC will have a difficult time reconciling itself to.

The Ogunseye expression in Buxton in which he called for the removal of the PPP government by an African uprising with support of the army and police is not an irrational moment by Ogunseye. It has its antecedents in the post2020 psychology of the CMC.

It is important to document episodes, mo -

ments and opportunities after 2020 by the CMC to denigrate, insult and weaken what they see as the return of permanent PPP rule, a nightmare that haunted the Portuguese commercial class and CMC since the forties that climaxed in the acceptance of American destabilisation of the Premier Jagan government and the Wismar massacre.

Here is just a sample. The Deputy Vice Chancellor of UG, Dr. Mellisa Ifill wrote that she goes through this world first and foremost as a Black woman. Guyanese sociologist, Dr. Percy Hintzen proclaimed in the Stabroek News that he lives out his existence as Creole human.

The son of Mulatto poet, Martin Carter never wrote anything in the press but suddenly a letter appeared in the newspapers supporting the behavior of Sherod Duncan in Parliament. The son of Dr. Rory Westmas, the Mulatto politician from the 1950s, never wrote even one line in the letter sections of the newspapers, but recently penned a letter condemning the removal of recalcitrant squatters from Mocha with strong hints that the PPP government is undemocratic.

Isabella DeCaires, in a letter in the newspaper, contemptuously

laughed at the clothes the President wore when an Arab delegation visited Guyana. One can add to these samples, the eerie silence of most CMC civil society groups that were unmoved by the five months of election rigging.

At the time of writing, Mike McCormack, permanent president of the Guyana Human Rights Association, takes the position that he has to study Ogunseye’s extremism before he can comment. TUS that write long letters in the newspapers with the habit of attaching dozens of signatures are silent too.

TUS and the CMC and the civil society bodies they control like the GHRA, Transparency Institute- Guyana branch, Policy Forum, Red Thread and other CMC women organisations, including SASOD, which is usually vocal, remained reticent during the five months of election rigging and will remain silent on the Ogunseye outburst.

What Ogunseye said is what the CMC and TUS habour in their hearts, but why come out openly and say it when they can use African politicians to say it for them? There will be more Ogunseyes to come because the CMC and TUS will continue to nurture them.

Mid-life crisis - Menopause versus andropause

THE end of a woman’s fertility life is referred to as menopause during which conception has zero chances. This usually occurs on average at age 51 due to the aging process where there is a natural absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months.

There are some medical treatments that may induce menopause such as a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH), chemotherapy and radiation to the ovaries.

Primary ovarian insufficiency, which is a rare genetic condition, is another cause for very early menopause (as early as 15 to 44) which is distinguished by irregular periods with only a 5 to10 percent chance of pregnancy. Some girl babies inherit this at birth whilst some girls may become victims of primary ovarian insufficiency due to an auto immune disease.

Apart from the absence of the period, the following signs and symptoms of menopause are hot flashes (sudden onset of bodily heat), night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary urgency and urinary incontinence, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, depression, breast tenderness, dry skin, dry eyes, dry mouth, irregular periods and worsening of premenstrual syndrome.

Other symptoms are a racing heart, headaches, muscle and joint pains, hair loss or thinning, weight gain, temporary memory lapses, difficulty concentrating and changes in sex drive.

The intensity of symptoms varies by individual and can be experienced for a period of five to 10 years. However, it is comforting to know that symptoms wane over time.

Menopause has three stages; transitioning into, during and after, which are referred to as perimenopause, menopause and post menopause respectively. Pregnancy is possible during perimenopause which can begin around age 40 but after which

estrogen levels begin to decline. Unlike perimenopause where eggs are still being released, no eggs are released during menopause. Menopause can happen as late as 59 years.

The Centre for Disease Control published a key finding from a 2017 National health interview in the United States that may indicate the major contributing factor to heart problems in this category of women. It was found that 56 per cent of perimenopausal women and 40 percent of postmenopausal women sleep less than seven hours during a 24-hour period.

However, the postmenopausal category was found to have a harder time falling asleep and complaining of not feeling rested for at least four days per week.

It has been established that post-menopausal women are not only at a higher risk of heart disease but also osteoporosis since estrogen affects both cholesterol and calcium levels.

It is important to highlight that vaginal bleeding after menopause is a red flag and suggest a visit to your gynaecologist soonest.

Menopause treatment depends on the individual. Treatment may be hormonal or non-hormonal. Over the years it was well established that there are some risks associated with the hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) option such as endometrial cancer (if uterus is still intact), stroke, deep vein thrombosis and gall stones.

The doctor usually weighs the benefits against the risks. So, for the few young women who suffer from primary ovarian insufficiency, HRT will be initiated early to protect the heart, brain and bones and will only be discontinued around menopausal age.

Non-hormonal treatment includes diet, exercise (including Kegel exercises if necessary), lubricants, a support buddy or group, adequate rest, de-stressing and

prescription medications. Fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans, peas and lentils) and grains are recommended. Weight loss can address hot flashes so eat less calories and move more since metabolism retardation is highest at this time.

Similarly, aging men like women are not spared from changes in their bodies. About 10 to 25 percent of men may experience a drop in testosterone levels at this stage in their life from mid-life or age 50 and older, which is referred to “male menopause” or andropause. This decline is not sudden, as in menopause, but is very slow over time.

The testosterone hormone, not only present in men, is responsible for muscle mass, physical and mental energy, an emotional response to a situation (fight or flight) and sex drive.

Some physical changes, which may be seen in men are an increase of body fat, gynaecomastia (development of breasts) and loss of body hair. Some men may not be aware of this andropause phase since they have no indications.

However, other signs and symptoms of andropause are lowered self-confidence, decreased motivation, depression, mood swings, poor concentration, decrease bone density, erectile dysfunction and infertility.

In January 2022, the University of Alberta indicated that new guidelines have been published to help pharmacists support the numerous underdiagnosed men who are experiencing late-onset hypogonadism, referred to as andropause.

A professor in the faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences believed that most of the symptoms experienced by older men such as trouble sleeping, depressed mood and erectile difficulties are misunderstood for stress.

It is known that from as early as the late 20s, testosterone levels begin to

drop. So, when the cases are presented, the physician may not consider ruling out andropause and so those persons fall through the cracks. However, it is believed that such patients are more interactive with pharmacists who are positioned to offer help by referring to them to a physician, having screened the patient via interview.

In February 2023, Pharmacy Today, a publication by the American Pharmacy Association, focused on new approaches to treating menopause. Significant effort to detangle the aged-old contro-

versy of HRT was propagated where it was considered that the WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) had framed this narrative since 1991.

According to NAMS (North American Menopause Society), most of the fearful side effects which discouraged persons from seeking HRT treatment was due to the late onset of initiating treatment, after age 60. It was believed that at this stage heart disease, stroke and breast cancer were already developed due to aging and lifestyle. Newer classes of drugs are being processed

since innovative approaches are unfolding about menopausal conditions such as hot flashes.

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

Happiness Day and combatting racism

OF all the International Days celebrated each year, the one that should put a smile on your face is among the least known – International Day of Happiness – celebrated last Wednesday.

The question may well be asked, ‘Do people need to be reminded that they should be happy?’ According to a quote I read recently, we do, because happiness is a choice.

Writer and motivational speaker, Ralph Marston says, “Happiness is a choice, not a result. Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy. No person will make you happy unless you decide to be happy. Your happiness will not come to you. It can only come from you.”

Many more quotes abound, all advising us about happiness. Buddha tells us, “There is no path

to happiness, happiness is the path”, and Greek philosopher Aristotle says simply, “Happiness depends on ourselves.”

And the United Nations declares that this day, celebrated since 2013, is “a way to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.”

The UN General Assembly, asserting that happiness is a fundamental goal, called for “a more inclusive equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promoted the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”

The World Happiness Report, released in March last year declared, “a bright light in dark times,” pointing to the fact that while the COVID-19 pandemic brought pain and suffering, it also heralded an increase in social support and benevolence.

This year represents the 10th anniversary of the World Happiness Report and has a threepronged approach as the world enters its third year of the pandemic. The report looks back at the start of COVID-19, takes a closer look at how countries are doing now and looks ahead to how societies are likely to evolve in the future.

Bhutan, a small, landlocked southern Asian country, which initiated the UN resolution leading to Happiness Day, is said to be “an inspiring example for the world about how to combine health and happiness.”

This country has recognised the value of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s, when it adopted the goal of Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product.

And on a particularly serious note, the world tomorrow celebrates International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

On this the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), this year’s theme focuses on

the urgency of combating racism and racial discrimination.

Given the escalating racial tensions worldwide brought on by the refugee crises, the extra-judicial killings of black people by the police in the US along with the increase in racially motivated attacks on people of colour and racial intolerance on our own ‘doorstep’, this day is of grave importance.

The UN General Assembly proclaimed the day in 1966 following the massacre in Sharpeville, South Africa six years earlier, on March 21, when police gunned down 69 people involved in a peaceful protest against the country’s apartheid “pass laws.”

This year the #FightRacism campaign, launched by the UN Human Rights Office, aims “to foster a global culture of tolerance, equality and anti-discrimination” and will highlight global figures fighting discrimination in sports.

March 21 also provides an opportunity for attention to be given to the International Decade for the People of African Descent, who, according to the UN, “constitute some of the world’s poorest and most marginalized groups.”

The Decade was launched in 2015 by the UN General Assembly and in its mid-point review, while stating the strides which have been made by several countries, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle

Bachelet, noted there was still much to be done.

“I regret that no State has yet adopted comprehensive measures that sufficiently acknowledge, address or mitigate the crimes of the past and their living legacy in discrimination, exploitation and suffering,” the High Commissioner said.

She went on to point out that, “People of African descent continue to suffer greater poverty. They endure unacceptable violence, including at the hands of the police. They rely on often inadequate basic infrastructure services; disproportionately lack adequate access to quality education, health and social protection services and are less likely than others to find decent work.”

More recently, her office reported that the situation still persists and the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) made the chilling observation that though the world is becoming more and more interconnected this does not mean that people are really living together.

The Organisation advises, “In our turbulent international globalized landscape a central message must be heralded: peace is more than just the absence of war, it is living together with our differences – of sex, race, language religion or culture – while furthering universal respect for justice and human rights on which coexistence depends.”

Chinese medical team conducts outreach at NA Prison

INMATES and staff at the New Amsterdam Prison in Region Six (East-Berbice-Corentyne), on Saturday, benefitted from a range of medical services through an outreach conducted by the Chinese Medical Team.

According to a press release from the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the team conducted check-ups and discussed health issues affecting inmates and staff members.

Physical screenings that included checking the heart,

lungs, and extremities, general eye examination, blood pressure and sugar testing, ultrasound examinations, and mental assessments, were also done.

“Although these young people have committed criminal offences, they also need health and psychological care. Good physical and mental health can accelerate the group’s return to normal life, successful reintegration into society and prevention of re-offending,” Dr. Chu Xuehui was quoted saying in

the release.

The Director of Prisons (ag), Nicklon Elliot, who orchestrated the visit, reportedly declared the outreach initiative a success and remarked that both the staff and inmates appreciated the services, which are intended to further enhance the prison’s health care offerings.

The team received thanks from the Prison Director for their noble effort, which paved the way for more missions like this in the future.

The Chinese Medical Team and other officials from the Guyana Prison Service

Guyana continues to help vulnerable migrants — Foreign Minister tells int’l conference

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd, on Friday, participated virtually in the International Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants and their Host Countries and Communities. The event was held in a hybrid format in Brussels.

According to a press release from the Foreign Ministry, during his intervention, Minister Todd highlighted the co-ordinated response of the Government of Guyana to address the situation of migrants from Venezuela through the Multi-agency Co-ordination Committee.

He indicated that as a matter of priority, the government continues to offer registration and regularization services, socio-economic and cultural integration into the Guyanese society, the provision of healthcare, education for migrant children, referrals to protective and social services, and necessary support for the vulnerable.

Minister Todd also

underscored the commitment of the Government of Guyana to render humanitarian assistance to all migrants from Venezuela.

The principal objectives of the conference were to maintain the visibility of the crisis and to continue to generate resources to support host countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that are undertaking the task of integrating Venezuelan refugees and migrants into their society.

The conference was organised by the Government of Canada and the European Union main, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Inter-Agency Co-ordination Platform for Refugees; migrants from Venezuela (R4V).

The conference featured the participation of a broad range of actors, including host governments, international organisations, UN agencies, donors, the private sector, and civil society.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd participating in the conference

Construction starts on new Aurthurville Primary School — should be finished by new school year

WITH the substantial budgetary allocation of $94.4 billion for the education sector, the construction of educational facilities continues across Guyana and the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, is on a quest to ensure that each child is given access to quality education in a conducive learning environment.

The residents of Wakenaam Island, in region Three, Essequibo Islands/West Demerara, and more particularly the pupils of Arthurville Primary School and their parents can look forward to a new and modernised structure on the Island by the new school year.

This is according to the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, who told the Sunday Chronicle that the school has been in a state of disrepair for a number of years.

According to her, after visiting and meeting with the parents of the school and some of the residents of the island, she noted the “deep concerns” they expressed about sending their children

to the school knowing the deplorable condition that the structure was in.

“We had a meeting with the parents and came to an agreement that we will temporarily transfer the children to different schools on the island so that the old school can be demolished and the new, modern structure can be built.

“We made a promise that the school would be rebuilt and I am very pleased to say that the work has begun and it is expected that it will be

completed before the new school year so that the pupils and teachers can move into their new Aurthurville Primary School.”

The Sunday Chronicle spoke with Dian (only name given), a resident of Good Success whose nephew attends the school.

She said, “I am happy for the new school; is about time we get a new school and we are thankful to the Government of Guyana. This will be good for all the children

who are going to school now and the future children of the island.”

When the decision was made to transfer the pupils, two minibuses were assigned to transport the children to and from school so that they could get there on time and in a more comfortable manner.

Meanwhile, Minister Manickchand said that she is very pleased with all that is happening in the education sector, while noting that since 2013, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic said that they would have rebuilt the Abram Zuil Secondary School, but

unfortunately, they came out of government.

“It was a really old and dilapidated building that was housing some of Guyana’s brightest children. Since we came back into government, we began the rebuilding effort there and we are about to get the school from the contractor. It is a very nicely built school with a modern structure that we are looking forward to seeing produce quality students through quality education,” the Education Minister said.

Construction work has begun on the Aurthurville Primary School

The old Aurthurville

First batch of Jain graduates grateful for opportunity

SIXTY-THREE students

from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarship cohort of 2021 have completed their Post Graduate Diploma programme at Jain University in India, representing the first batch of academic graduates from there.

They began their studies in November 2021 and went through the rigors of attending live courses at the university, sitting exams, and presenting and successfully defending (Viva Voce) their theses, according to GOAL.

The Sunday Chronicle spoke with some students who related that they were “lucky” and “happy” to be selected for the scholarship and to be the first batch of academic graduates from the university.

Their areas of studies were either Human Resource (HR) management or

general management.

Vickash Basdeo, a 35-year-old procurement officer at the Ministry of Labour (MoL), completed his postgraduate diploma in HR management.

He explained that HR management was always a passion of his despite his current job.

“I’ve always had my eyes on the human resource sector. It’s something that

drives the passion within me from way back. So, I got the opportunity and when I saw the programme, I applied for it and I was selected and was very happy when I was selected,” he said.

He added: “I had not too long completed my bachelor’s degree in public management from the University of Guyana. So, I

wanted to further my studies…so right away, I just jumped on it.”

Basdeo, who was accustomed to receiving in-person education, was challenged with adapting to the new online environment.

Due to the time difference, classes were held on Zoom and began around 20:00 hrs and ended around 22:00hrs, according to him.

Basdeo said he made a great decision by deciding to study through GOAL and to his surprise, he faced little to no challenges despite the language barrier.

He said the professors not only made it simple for them, but were also patient and vice versa.

“They always made sure before the end of every session, if there were any questions, that they were answered…so I cannot think of any challenges with regards [sic] to tutoring during that period,” he said.

According to Basdeo, if he is given a similar opportunity he would not hesitate to study at Jain University again, but he is taking a break and plans to pursue his Master’s in the future.

He said that he was never a recipient of any other scholarship, and advised young people that would like to either further their tertiary education to go for it.

“It is a wonderful experience…I tried to make friends, you know, form a team so that we could work together at all times. It is a wonderful experience to go with GOAL and I would advise young people that [sic] are looking to further their studies to push on.”

Continued on page 21

Molissa Cudjoe

Vickash Basdeo Tajnauth Sookdeo

1,000 hearing aids to be distributed in 2023

TO improve the lifestyles of persons with hearing impairments, the Ministry of Health (MoH) will be procuring and distributing some 1,000 hearing aids in 2023.

This was disclosed recently by Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony during the programme ‘The Guyana Dialogue.’

“This year we are planning to do a thousand hearing aids. Just last month, we gave 250 hearing aids to patients

who need them and I think we’ll see this programme grow as more and more people learn about the programme,” he said.

Minister Anthony revealed that in 2022, 500 persons from all regions benefitted from hearing aids. A sum of $15 million was allocated in Budget 2022 to procure the much-needed aids.

“Before, if you’re diagnosed with a hearing problem you had to pay $65,000 to get a hearing aid. We have

made this free. So, once you’re diagnosed with a hearing problem, we’ll give you a hearing aid,

First batch of Jain graduates grateful...

From page 20

He added: “If not go for any other scholarship, but push more because you can never have too much education, especially in the world that we’re living in.”

Tajnauth Sookdeo, a 42-year-old of Skeldon, Region Six (East Berbice -Corentyne), also completed his post-graduate diploma in HR management.

He currently holds the position of Health and Safety Officer at the Skeldon Estate and recognised that he was fortunate to be in the first batch of graduates.

To be selected and allowed to study through GOAL, he said, was a very exciting experience and it was convenient as well.

“The opportunity was a very exciting one because it gives you the time at night, to study at your own convenience. Everything is done online, all the exams, all the classes and so on. And I think that’s a good venture from the government of Guyana to give,” he said.

He has plans to pursue his Master’s. He noted that while many persons may have reservations about attending university online, it is exactly like a normal university with a rigorous programme.

“We had to do so many assignments. We had to do our thesis. We had to defend it orally, the viva voce… everything else like a nor-

mal university. I should say that the programme is well done,” he related.

Molissa Cudjoe, a 30-year-old who also completed her postgraduate diploma in General Management, is currently employed at an oil and gas company, Sustainable Environmental Solutions, as a site chemist.

Cudjoe said that she chose that area of study to gain management experience to further her career in the oil and gas industry.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and previously studied at the University of Guyana (UG). She noted that while searching other avenues to study to add to her resume, she came across GOAL and decided at the time that this was her best option.

Cudjoe said that attending classes was tough, but she persevered.

“It was a bit tough coming from work and then having to join the class but it was all worth it,” she said.

Cudjoe said that she feels blessed and was fortunate enough to be selected for the scholarship and advised others to go for the opportunity.

“The government is giving you the opportunity. They’re offering you the scholarship. So, you would never know if you don’t try their [sic] luck,” she said.

Gem Bowman, a 49-year-old teacher of a small village in Region

free of cost,” the health minister explained. The programme aims to ensure that everyone

with hearing loss is able to receive the gift of hearing, and while the elderly population is targeted for benefits, the programme is also prioritising young children.

Several programmes have been rolled out by the ministry to assist citizens, among them the ‘Snap On’ spectacle initiative that will see persons in the hinterland receiving spectacles –free of cost.

Citizens are also benefitting from free cataract procedures. In

addition, hemodialysis patients are benefitting from an annual $600,000 grant that will subsidise the cost of dialysis locally. Some 330 patients received the grant in 2022 and to date, over 100 persons have benefitted in 2023.

“So, there are lots of good things that are happening and it’s happening across the country,” the minister assured.

A sum of $84.9 billion was injected into the healthcare sector for 2023. (DPI)

Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) completed her postgraduate diploma in General Management as well.

She said that she tried to do an education programme through GOAL, but at the time there were none available.

“I don’t have much knowledge in that area (General Management), so I chose to do that course and I was granted the privilege of studying with Jain,” she said.

Bowman lives in a riverain community that uses solar power with no internet connectivity. To attend classes and complete her assignments, she would put on data on her phone which she explained was very expensive for her.

“For exams, I couldn’t do it on my phone, because you had to use a computer. So sometimes I traveled to Linden or Georgetown to have stable internet access,” she explained.

Bowman is presently pursuing her Master in Education.

She related that as long as someone puts their best foot forward, they can do it too.

“I’m in this area, and I can make it. So, then people, especially those on the East Bank and East Coast and in the more developed areas, you have a better opportunity,” she said.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony

Youths flock Teleperformance job fair

DOZENS of Guyanese, particularly young people, flocked Teleperformance’s job fair, on Saturday, to explore the plethora of opportunities and benefits awaiting them.

To facilitate Guyanese in finding gainful employment, a job fair was held at Teleperformance’s new office at Thomas and Middle Streets in Georgetown.

The company is aiming to hire over 800 people by the end of this year; some 1,500

people are already employed at its office at Camp and Robb Streets.

Despite the fact that the job fair did not start until 11:00 hours, people could be seen lining up at the door.

Several recruiters set up booths at the event, prepared to perform screenings, with a wide range of opportunities for eager job seekers to fill.

“I am looking for a career and I think Teleperformance is the best place,” noted 25-year-old Collinne Chester who travelled all the way from Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. The young lady said she struggled to find a job for over a year and now she hopes to kickstart her work-life.

Aaron Samuels, in the company of his father, is a recent high school graduate who was on the hunt for a job. Samuels explained that after researching Teleperformance on social media before attending the job fair, he decided that it would be a great place for him to start.

Hailing from Dairy, West Coast Demerara, Shamar Wills stated that he was passing the building when he heard about the job fair and his curiosity drove him to “check it out.” While the 22-year-old explained that he was self-employed, he noted that he is looking for an activity to engage in his free time.

Recruitment Manager, Rayborne Bowman, during

an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, elaborated on the variety of options available to job seekers.

In addition to an alluring remuneration, the organisation, according to Bowman, provides a wide range of benefits for people from all walks of life, including timeoff for moms to breastfeed their children and even insurance. Furthermore, he pointed out that due to the company’s explosive growth, employees are on the right track for a successful career because they can obtain promotions based on their exceptional performance in as little as three to four months.

A recruiter screening a young man who showed up at the job fair

Shamar Wills

Aaron Samuels

Regal Legends chances of advancing hang in the balance

REGAL Legends chances of capturing their maiden title in the Orlando Softball Cricket League ( OSCL ) three - day tournament hung in the balance at the end of the first day, Friday, in Florida.

After suffering a surprise lost in their opening encounter to the home team at Pine Valley, they bounced back to defeat archrivals New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) in the other game to keep their chances alive

The other Guyana team, Trophy Stall Lions, in race for championship honours in the same category, ended the day with a 100 per cent record, cruising to victory over the highly-fancied Toronto Blizzards before trouncing Sunshine by five wickets in their second game and were almost ensured of a semi-final place

With OSCL thrashing South Florida in their second game and NYSCL winning their first game against the same opponents , the stage was set for an enthralling second day (Saturday) with three teams in that particular group with a chance of ending the preliminary rounds with two wins each OSCL were scheduled to battle with NYSCL and a win, would have seen them maintaining their unbeaten streak and be assured of a semi-final spot On the other hand, if the New Yorkers triumphed, they would secure

… Trophy Stall Lions end day one with perfect record

their second win while Regal Legends could also end with two wins , once they won from South Florida Should three teams end with two wins each, a net rate scenario would have decided the two semi-finalists

On the other hand, Trophy Stall Lions, the brainchild of Trophy Stall proprietor Ramesh Sunich, are the only team with two wins in their group, with Sunshine and Marine Masters first game ending in a tie, while the game between Toronto Blizzards and Marine Masters ended prematurely when the city officials told the teams that their permit time had ended Up to press time, there was no word from the organisers on the fate of that fixture

Summarised scores of the matches available in the Over - 50 category : Regal Legends 142 all out in 20

overs – Mahendra Arjune 32,

Surujdeo Ramdin 23, Wayne Jones 21 ; Dean Boodhan

four for 21, Kamal Rambarran three for 16

OSCL 145 for six in 19,2 overs won by four wickets with four balls to spare –Lionel Fagu retired hurt 40, Sham Veerasammy 32; Eric Thomas two for 27.

NYSCL 113 all out in 19.2 overs – Tony Fernamdes 30 , Khemraj Sumair three for 17, Parsram Per-

Installation of synthetic track begins In Linden

To be completed in about 30 days

MINISTER of Culture Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles S Ramson (MP), visited Linden yesterday to examine ongoing works at Bayrock, Linden in Region 10, now that the installation of the synthetic track commenced.

During the visit, the representative of the German company Regupol BSW was on-site to explain the process and show Minister Ramson and his team what works have been completed so far

Minister Ramson explained to the media that this project has been a failure of enormous proportions by the APNU-AFC Government and they were constantly deceiving Guyanese by claiming that the project would be finished by 2018, then when that deadline was missed - by 2019, then when that deadline was missed - by early 2020 when in fact it was revealed in Parliament earlier this year that the synthetic material was never even paid for

Minister Ramson said that instead of remaining quiet to allow the H E President Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C Government to complete the project, the APNU-AFC representatives have been spreading falsehoods around the country alleging that the project was stopped.

Now the public can see who was telling the truth and who wasn’t - who to trust and who not to trust

saud two for nine , David Harper two for 24 ; Regal Legends 114 for three in 12.2 overs – Ramesh Narine 43, Arjune 34

Trophy Stall Lions defeated Toronto Blizzards by 50 runs Trophy Stall Lions 190 for four in 20 overs – Kash Lutchman 94 not out ( seven fours and five sixes ), Khemraj Budhai 36 Toronto Blizzards 140 for seven in 20 overs – Jesh Parasnauth 49, Shiv Seeram 30 , Jaimini Singh 29

Sunshine 114 for four in 20 overs – Ken Persaud 32, Btudhai two for 10; Trophy Stall Lions 115 for five in 14.1 overs, won by five wickets – Saheed 37, Kash Lutchman 31 not out, Budhai 28 NYSCL defeated South Florida by 127 runs NYSCL 261 for four in 20 overs –Q uyaam Farooq 113 (eight fours and eight sixes ), M , Doodnauth 34 not out; South Florida 134 for eight in 20 overs – Ravi Ramdeo 56 The three-day tournament, which ends on Sun-

day, is being played across three formats – Open, Masters Over-40 and Legends Over-50. However, obtain-

ing scores from the various venues in the preliminary rounds have been very tedious. (Frederick Halley)

-

Debutant Khemraj Sumair (right) receives his cap from Regal Legends skipper Mahendra Hardyal before the start of the opening fixture versus OSCL on Friday, a tradition in the Regal camp.

Perez takes Saudi Arabia Pole

(F1) - Sergio Perez claimed pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix during an action-packed qualifying session at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit after team mate and championship leader Max Verstappen dropped out in Q2 due to technical problems.

Verstappen was the firm favourite for pole position after leading the way in FP1, FP2, FP3 and the opening Q1 phase of qualifying, but a driveshaft issue that struck in Q2 means he will start Sunday’s race from 15th on the grid.

Perez picked up the pieces in Verstappen’s absence, posting a 1m 28.265 in the decisive Q3 phase to claim a second successive pole in the Kingdom, 0.155s ahead of Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc, who will lose 10 places due to an engine penalty.

Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin therefore jump up to the front row as their strong start to the season continues, followed by the lead Mercedes of George Russell, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and team

mate Lance Stroll.

A much stronger qualifying performance from Alpine saw them place seventh and 10th with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly respectively, with Lewis

Tucville and Lodge play in stalemate

TUCVILLE and Lodge Secondary Schools did not disappoint supporters with a thrilling nil-all draw last Friday in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Blue Water U15 Girls’ Development League at the GFC ground

Tucville and Lodge Secondary Schools are two of the strongest teams in the league On several occasions, strikers on both sides came close to scoring as teammates, fans and coaches cheered At the end of the final whistle, there was genuine respect on the pitch between students and coaches

The GFF-Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls Development League, which was launched in Georgetown in May 2022, is a five-year partnership between the GFF and Blue Water Shipping

The league, which aims to increase the number of young girls playing football, identify new talent, raise the profile of female football, and provide coaches with more hours to work with young female footballers, is also being played in Linden, the Rupununi and New Amsterdam.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Brian Lara (13 ODIs)

(2) Graeme Smith (22 ODIs)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which WI player has scored most ODI runs against SA to date?

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

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Hamilton taking eighth in his Mercedes, and rookie Oscar Piastri impressing en route to P9 in his McLaren.

Haas and Alfa Romeo were unable to make it over the second qualifying

hurdle, with Nico Hulkenberg ending up 11th from Zhou Guanyu, Kevin Magnussen and Valtteri Bottas, as Verstappen completed the list of drivers to drop out in Q2 amid his costly issues.

AlphaTauri lost both of their cars in Q1, with Yuki Tsunoda and Nyck de Vries taking P16 and P18 respectively – the latter ruing a mistake at the final corner of his final lap after missing FP3 due to a power unit change.

Alex Albon was the lead Williams in 17th, splitting up the two AlphaTauris, while Lando Norris was the biggest name to drop out in Q1 after hitting the Turn 27 wall and picking up steering damage that could not be fixed.

It was a messy second F1 qualifying session for Logan Sargeant, who lost his first lap for exceeding track limits, spun out during his second effort and finally encountered a technical problem on his final attempt – leaving him at the back of the grid without a time.

MILO Schools football tournament

…

West Ruimveldt leads goal frenzy

WEST Ruimveldt leads a goal rout of Queens College when play continued yesterday in the 2023 Edition of the MILO schools U18 Football tournament

Over at the Ministry of Education Ground , It was West Ruimveldt who scored seven unanswered goals against Queens College when the final whistle sounded

In other results, Carmel beat Dora 3-2, East Ruimveldt beat Bartica 4-2 and Dolphin and Santa Rosa drew 2-2

Matches are carded for today with Vrymans Erven Secondary opening the day against West Demerara Secondary and McKenzie High playing Patentia at 12:45hrs.

Chase Academy is also in action, this time against Bygeval Secondary with Santa Rosa Secondary playing St Stanislaus College.

See full results below:

Game #17 Carmel 3 vs Dora 2

Carmel

Dwayne Baptiste 18th, 64th minutes

Shem James, 34th

Dora

Nkosi Morris, 39th, 51st

Game #18 East Ruimveldt 4 vs Bartica 2 East Ruimveldt

Daniel Sutton 20th, 39th, 51st

Joshua Leitch 33rd

Bartica

Rondel Loncke 30th

Ezekiel Baldeo 57th

Game #19 West Ruimveldt 7 vs Queens College 0 West Ruimveldt

Danovan Welcome 12th, 20th, 27th

Elijah Suttaur 35th

Nickolas James 47th

Malachi Wray 59th

AMERICAN

Race 1 Baby Sox

Race 2 Drink The Wind

Race 3 Granny’s Connection

Race4 Caribbean Breeze

Race 5 Handsome Cat

The competition is sponsored by Nestle’ (MILO) through MASSY Distribution and is sanctioned by the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Football Federation

It is being co-ordinated by the Petra Organisation with support from MVPSports , GenEquip Guyana Ltd . and GINMIN Guyana.

Isaiah Peters 65th

Game #20 Santa Rose 2 vs Dolphin 2

Santa Rosa

Darius Williams 27th

Nelon Lucas 40th

Dolphin

Cadwell Peters 45th

Gary Burnette 55th

Sergio Perez will start on pole today

West Indies Championships

GHE gain 2nd win with 143-run victory over Red Force Permaul again among the wickets despite Bravo’s

95

By Sean Devers in Trinidad

LEADERS Guyana

Harpy Eagles took close to two sessions on the final day of their West Indies Championships First-Class cricket encounter at the Brian Lara Academy to formalise a crushing 143 runs victory over Trinidad & Tobago’s Red force yesterday despite a brief threat from Daren Bravo.

Bravo hit 11 fours from 170 balls and 249 minutes before he fell for 95 while Amir Jangoo hit five fours and a six in his unbeaten 50 from 128 balls and shared in a last wicket stand of 57 with Justin Manick (22) as the Red Force were bowled out for 268 close to end of the second session.

Veerasammy Permaul took 3-58 while Keemo Paul and Ronsford Beaton had two wickets each for the Guyana team which departs for Guyana this morning.

Scores: Guy 324 & 247-6 dec, T&T 160

Watched by the largest turnout of the match, including students ages 5-15 of the BC Lara cricket academy, held every Saturday for 12 weeks, the Red Force began the final day on 106-3 needing 412 to win.

The 34-year-old Daren Bravo, with centuries from 56 Tests, is in subline form

and was unbeaten on 63 and Jud Goolie on 18.

Bravo flicked Nial Smith for four before a glorious cover drive reached the ropes like bullet from gun while Goolie, who looked accomplished on Friday afternoon, offered good support to his captain.

But with the score on 119, Goolie (18) attempted a shape single, was sent back by Bravo and was run out by a direct hit from the alert Matthew Nandu to end a promising 49-run stand.

With a very strong wind taking thick smoke from several bush fires across the ground, Bravo, arguably the best batter in the tournament, played some audacious shots and along with Tion Webster, was building a nice little partnership in sweltering heat.

The track was still a good one and the outfield lightning fast and Bravo, with centuries in his last two innings, was in fine touch.

However, Permaul, who, in the first innings, had become the bowler with the most regional first-class wickets, was introduced and Webster, well set on 16, inexplicably opted to play no shot to an arm ball and was bowled at 144-5.

Bravo, with a highest Test score of 218 and 14 centuries in first-class cricket, was in danger of running out of partners as he stroked a

Scoreboard

T&T Red force 2nd inns O/N 106-3

Daren Bravo c Sinclair b Permaul 95

Jud Goolie run out 18

Tion Webster b Permaul 16

Amir Jangoo not out 50

Imran Khan c wkp Bramble b Permaul 0

Brian Charles lbw b Beaton 1

Uthman Muhammad c Paul b Beaton 25

Justin Manick Stp Imlach b Sinclair 22

Extras 20

Total 268 in 97.5 overs

F0W: 2, 31, 70,119, 144, 165, 165,174, 211, 268

Bowling Beaton 17-5-53-2, Smith 15-4-444-1, Paul 18-1-73-2, Sinclair 15.5-3-31-1, Permaul 32-11-58-3

classy boundary to take him into the nineties.

But it was Bravo, five runs away from three consecutive tons to stake a stronger claim for selection against India in July, who was dismissed.

Out-foxed by the wily Permaul, Bravo launched into a big drive, was not to the pitch of the ball and hit a catch to Kevin Sinclair at cover to leave the Red Force on 165-6.

Permaul had Imran Khan caught behind for a duck without addition to the score and when Beaton beat Brian Charles (1) for pace and had him LBW at 174-8, the big question was could the Red Force survive to lunch?

They did and at lunch were on 175-8.

After lunch, Muhammad and Jangoo commenced a frustrating ninth-wick -

et stand. Muhammad slogswept Permaul for six as the Guyanese began to lose intensity.

With the partnership worth 37, Muhammad (25) gloved a bouncer from Beaton into his shoulder and was taken by Paul at 211-9.

A ball from Beaton deviated in the air and struck ‘keeper’ Bramble just above his eye; cutting it.

With Bramble going for medical attention, Imlach took the gloves as Jangoo and Justin Manick scored freely as Guyana struggled to produce the knock-out blow with the last pair counter attacking the pacers with bold boundaries.

Jangoo soon reached 50 from 128 balls with five fours and six before Manick (22) was stumped by Imlach off Sinclair.

GCB congratulates Guyana Harpy Eagles

THE President and Executive members of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) wish to congratulate the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) team on their victory over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (TTRF) team in the third round of the West Indies Championship at Brian Lara Stadium. The resounding victory by 143 runs has meant that the GHE team remains at the top of the table going into the final two rounds which will be played in Guyana.

Savory on his maiden first-class cen-

tury of 101 not out in the second innings which gave the GHE bowlers a comfortable

target to defend on the final day. Special congratulatory message is also extended to

DCB

Association U19 50-over tournament… Riel Enterprise, Trophy Stall, Ramchand Auto Spares join sponsors list Cricket Equipment Inc also onboard

THE Demerara Cricket Board has secured sponsorship for its Inter Association Under-19 fifty-over cricket tournament, expected to commence shortly.

The sponsors for this tournament are Ariel Enterprise of Lot 143 Regent Street, Georgetown, Trophy Stall of Bourda Market(with branches across the country); Ramchand Auto Spares of Lot 51 Sheriff and Duncan Streets, Georgetown, and Cricket Equipment Guyana., Bel Air Gas Station, Bel Air, Georgetown.

A ceremony was recently held at the LBI Cricket Facility, where Ariel Persaud of Ariel Enterprise handed over a cheque to the marketing manager of DCB, Anil Beharry.

Persaud stated that his company and the others are delighted to assist with developing young cricketers in Demerara. He added that it’s a pleasure for them to be part of this tournament and promised their continued support to the Demerara Cricket Board.

Beharry was very grateful for the sponsorship and promised a high-quality tournament that is expected to be very competitive. He called on other sponsors to come on board and support this noble game of cricket to bring back glory to cricket in Demerara at the inter-county level.

Top under-19 players in Demerara will participate in this tournament which the selectors will use to select the county’s team to participate in the upcoming inter-county championship. The five associations, namely, Georgetown, East Bank, Upper Demerara, East Coast and West Coast Demerara, will play each other in a round-robin format.

Veerasammy Permaul who became the leading wicket-taker in Regional first-class cricket during the match.

GHE has now won two of their first three matches heading into the final two rounds of this year’s four-day tournament, which would be played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The win

puts them in very good position to regain the trophy they held for five (5) consecutive years.

GHE play Jamaica Scorpions in round four (4) from Wednesday, March 22-25, then the Leeward Hurricanes in the final round from Wednesday, March 29 to April 1.

The GCB would also like to congratulate Kemol

GCB president Bissoondyal Singh sorrounded by sponsors ahead of the 50-over U-19 tourney

The Guyana Harpy Eagles team

Guyana Men’s and Women’s teams qualify for the CAC Games

THE Guyana senior men’s team have progressed for the main draw of the CAC Qualifier tournament after placing second in their group.

Guyana defeated Honduras 3-2 after winning the doubles; Shemar Britton picking up the first single and Jonothan Van Lange coming back to win the deciding game.

The women’s team, led by Chelsea Edghill, defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-1; the pair of Edghill and Cummings winning the doubles as well as their single matches. Later on they went down to powerhouse, Dominican Republic,. They now play Costa Rica for a place in the Semifinals of the tournament.

Both teams have qualified for the CAC Games to be held in San Salvador in June of this year. This was the first of a few objectives of GTTA coming into this month of table tennis action.

Commenting on this, the GTTA president, Godfrey Munroe, stated “This was

the ultimate goal, qualifying for these games; the focus now is on placement for the remainder of this tournament. The performance is a good precursor in preparation of the Senior Caribbean tournament and other engagements for the teams.”

The men’s team comprises Shemar Britton, Jonathan Van Lange, Joel Alleyne, Elishaba Johnson, and Paul David. The Women’s team comprises Chelsea Edghill, Oly, Natalie Cummings, Priscilla Greaves, Thuraia Thomas, and Jasmine Billingy.

The qualifier will conclude on Sunday 19th March with the semi-finals and finals beginning at 16:00 hrs. The tournament is being streamed live on the official Facebook page and YouTube channel of the GTTA from 10:00hrs.

Kings Basketball Cluborganised U17 tournament … Kings B face Royals B, Kwakwani and Kidrock battle for honours

THE Kings B, Victory Valley Royals B, Kwakwani and KidRock B are all through to the semi-finals of the Kings Basketball Club- organised Under-17, 4 X 4 competition which began last weekend.

The tournament will conclude this afternoon from 14.30hrs at the Retrieve Hard Court in Mackenzie, Linden.

In the preliminary round of the tournament which was played at the Silvercity Hard Court in Wismar, Kings B, who finished with three wins and one loss to Kwakwani, ended on 58 points.

They will face Royals B who finished on 26 points from three wins and one loss, while Kwakwani and Kidrock B, who also ended with three wins and a loss, placing second and third on 45 and 35 points respectively, will battle in the other semi-final.

The teams which were eliminated following last Saturday and Sunday’s preliminary round of play were Block 22 Flames, Victory Valley Royals A, Kings A, Raiders and Kidrock A.

At stake in this competition are trophies and replicas donated by former coach Gary Stephens and the Brusches Basketball Foundation. (Joe Chapman)

Hope century leads West Indies to win

CMC – Shai Hope launched his captaincy tenure with a 14th One-Day International hundred but West Indies were forced to withstand a remarkable century from South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma before easing to a 48-run win in the second ODI.

The 29-year-old Hope punched a glittering, unbeaten 128, an innings which laid the foundation for his side’s impressive 335 for eight of their 50 overs – their highest ODI total in four years and highest ever against South Africa.

In reply, the hosts coasted to 184 for two at the half-way mark, behind Bavuma’s 144 from 118 deliveries with 11 fours and seven sixes, but then suffered a collapse at

the back end losing their last eight wickets for 103 runs, to be all out for 287 in the 42nd over.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph bounced back from a poor opening spell to finish with three for 53 –including the key wicket of Bavuma – while leftarm spinner Akeal Hosein snatched three for 59 from his 10 overs to haul West Indies back into the contest.

The victory was only the Caribbean side’s third ODI win on South African soil in their last 18 attempts over the last two decades, giving them a 1-0 lead in the threematch series, and leaving Tuesday’s final game as the series decider after Thursday’s opener was rained off without a ball bowled.

“I think that Temba played a brilliant innings but catches win matches,” said Hope, adjudged Man-of-the-Match.

“We pretty much put ourselves under pressure there at the back end but that’s how it goes sometimes. It’s just nice to see we could pull out a victory in the end.”

West Indies were handed an excellent start by left-hander Kyle Mayers (36) and Brandon King (30), the pair putting on 67 off 51 deliveries.

Mayers struck five fours and two sixes off 26 balls while King counted four fours in a 29-ball knock, before both perished as part of an 11ball side which saw three wickets tumble for just four runs, to leave West Indies stumbling on 71

for three at the start of the 11th over.

Hope, in at number four, played delightfully from the outset, the righthander facing 115 deliveries and belting five fours and seven sixes.

He reached his fifty off 59 balls at the start of the 31st over before accelerating to reach triple figures off just another 45 deliveries, with a single to deep square in the 47th over.

Along the way, he put on a critical 86 for the fourth wicket with Nicholas Pooran (39), who he replaced as captain, before adding a further 80 for the fifth wicket with Rovman Powell who blasted 46 from 49 balls with two fours and three sixes.

When Powell played

on to debutant seamer

Gerald Coetzee (3-57) in the 38th over, the innings was in need of impetus at 237 for five and Hope stepped up, inspiring a 42-run, sixth wicket partnership with all-rounder Jason Holder (15) and a 42-run, unbroken ninth wicket stand with Joseph (13 not out).

Facing a required run rate of 6.72, the Proteas were given a flying start by Bavuma and Quinton de Kock, the left-hander punching five fours and three sixes in a 26-ball cameo, as part of a stand worth 76 off 52 deliveries.

When de Kock missed a defensive push and was lbw to medium pacer Kyle Mayers in the ninth over, Bavuma held the chase together, posting 47

for the second wicket with debutant Ryan Rickelton (14) and a further 61 for the third with another debutant Tony de Zorzi (27).

Hosein then ripped through the middle and in tandem with Joseph and pacer Odean Smith, ensured South Africa lost six wickets for 54 runs, the innings declining to 238 for eight at the end of the 34th over.

Bavuma produced a masterclass when his side required one, dominating a 49-run, ninth wicket stand with Lungi Ngidi (12 not out) before Joseph finally got him to glove a leg-side catch off a slower ball bouncer in the 42nd over, to snuff out the late Proteas threat.

Part of the action yesterday in the CAC Qualifier tournament

Tiger Rentals under-13 football

Action underway in Rupununi, EBFA tourney continues

THE Rupununi Football Association (RFA) commenced its intra-association Tiger Rentals under-13 football league last weekend at Wadapna Sports Ground in Lethem, Central Rupununi. A total of five clubs are participating in that competition and they did a March Past before play was officially kicked off by Toshoa Mike Williams of Annai District Council.

The five clubs are Guyana Rush Saints, Moco Moco, Tabatinga, Lethem, Gladiators of Culvert City, and Kanuku Warriors of Nappi.

Meanwhile, in the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) tournament, four matches were played yesterday at the National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, from 10:30hrs. First, Timehri Panthers A made very

GMR&SC

light work of the club’s B side with an emphatic 16-0 victory.

In the second match of the day, Friendship made little mistake in their 3-1 win over Herstelling Raiders while Swan FC and Smatta Point FC both gained walkover victories against Agricola Red Triangle and Diamond United, respectively.

The EBFA intra-association competition will resume on April 1st with four more matches. Those clashes will see Herstelling Raiders matching skills with Timehri Panther B, while Smatta Point Kaneville will battle Agricola Red Triangle. The third game will see Timehri Panther A lock horns with Friendship All Stars while the feature match will pit the highflying Swan FC against Diamond United.

National Race of Champions Round one…

ON an overcast day at the South Dakota Circuit Timehri, Rameez Mohamed was untouchable in the BM Soat/Renegade Fuels sponsored Starlet Cup, qualifying on pole.

The former GMR&SC President returned a time of 1:25.841 to blitz the competition in the 20-minute qualifying session yesterday, setting down the early bench mark.

Former lap record-holder, Anand Ramchand, was second on the grid, posting a best time of 1:29.218 and Steven Nobrega 1:29.536.

The other qualifying times were Shairaz Roshandin (1:30.211), Nyron Maraj, (1:31.179) and Syad Hassan (1:32.300).

Elsewhere, Shan Seejattan took Prem’s Electrical/ Renegade Racefuel-sponsored group two class that had to be red flagged due to rain.

Seejattan’s 1:26.181 second time beat out Rameez Mohamed’s 1:29.597 second time with Chet Singh starting third on the grid (1:29.721).

Mark Williams will start fourth after posting 1:31.257 ahead of Peter Morgan (1:36.413) and Andre Dhanraj.

In the Sport Tuner Class,

Azad Hassan made the best start to 2023 with a blistering 1:32.953 second time ahead of Adrian Fernandes (1:34.035) and Ryan Rahaman (1:35.308).

Mohamed Ahmad (1:36.025) will start fourth with Carl Singh (1:49.498) fifth.

For the rookies, Tarick Baijnauth will start ahead of Shawn Sattar as the only two who qualified on the day with Vickey Persaud (1:37.861) taking the street tuner pole ahead of Naresh Alves (1:41.030) and Richard Singh (1:42.612)

Groups Three and Four had a rained out session and will qualify today at 10:00hrs

For the superstock bikes, which pulled their grid positions via the ‘hand in bag’ method with Kevin Persaud starting ahead of Stephen Vieira, Heemand Boodhram and Matthew Vieira.

The Street Bikes did the same and will see Shem Chattersingh ahead of Elwin Chase, Fitzpatrick Augustus, Raphael Fraser, Jermain Chattersingh, Heeranand Boodhram, Jerome Gomes and Dowayne Caesar.

The teams during the RFA under-13 march past in Lethem