Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 19-05-2024

Gov’t sponsors training for 3,000 persons in welding - continues to invest in enhancement of Guyana’s human capital

Ogle fisherfolk to benefit from dredging works, road upgrades Guyana remains a global destination for investment – Foreign Secretary PNC will remain an unproductive opposition regardless of who leads it - Jagdeo

Young Amerindian leader reflects on development of hinterland communities under

Over 650 Guyanese have enrolled in the City and Guilds-accredited Welding and Fabrication Training Programme offered by the School of the Nations, with support from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). President Dr. Irfaan Ali officially launched the programme on Saturday (Office of the President photos)

Gov't sponsors training for 3,000 persons in welding

By Shaniya Harding

THE educational aspect of President Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ vision has seen another major boost with the introduction of a new welding programme that aims to grow the country’s oil and gas sector.

Nations School of Technology will facilitate the initiative in partnership with various stakeholders in the oil and gas industry. The event saw more than 650 persons registering for an opportunity to meet and work alongside internationally accredited entities like The Guyana Oil and Gas Service and City and Guilds.

In a brief speech at the School of the Nations open day on Saturday, President Ali underscored the impact this training and others like it will have on the country's oil and gas industry. He further stated that the government’s GOAL scholarship will sponsor the entire programme.

“Through the GOAL scholarship programme, we are sponsoring the students coming on board for this qualification. When we said as a government that we want every Guyanese to have an opportunity, this is what we meant.”

The President sees the initiative as a massive opportunity for both senior members of the field as well as newcomers. He shared, “Many of you are welders. You know how to weld, but you never had the opportunity to get the certification. And without the certification, you cannot get the subcontracts, the contracts, and the jobs even within companies. We are now giving welders who are already in the field the opportunity to get certified and to upgrade their welding skills."

He further added, “We

have persons who are new entrants to this field. For you, you will have the full exposure, not only the theoretical skills but also the practical skills. Because part of this programme is putting together a simulator that will give you not an ordinary experience, but experience at welding at the highest level.

After the completion of the course, you will get your certification. I want you to be committed to this process.”

The programme was hailed as a success, seeing representation from nine of Guyana’s ten regions, with Region One being the only exception. The President acknowledged this fact but further emphasised the infinite possibilities for Guyanese.

He highlighted the ongoing efforts to regionalise programmes of a similar nature.

“We are also going to regionalise the programme. After this first batch, we are also going to take the programme to the different regions so that we can have the students in the region benefit from this programme too. We are committed to training at least 3,000 Guyanese across our country in this welding programme. We are committed to ensuring that you get trained, you get a certification, and you are industry-ready. More than 1,000 Guyanese in the first batch, young Guyanese, will have this opportunity today.”

The President then redirected his attention to the importance of the oil and gas stakeholders. He stated, “We have many of the companies in the oil and gas sector who will be observing your training, who will be interacting with you because they will be absorbing you into their workforce. We are going to invite the Miners Association because they are looking for persons also - to observe you

— continues to invest in enhancement of Guyana's human capital

and to interact with you. By the time you have completed the programme, many of you will open your own welding shops. But by the time you have completed the programme, every single person must be gainfully occupied, must be employed, or must be in service in this field. That is the objective of this programme.”

In his closing remarks, the President emphasised the government’s commitment to the nation’s people, stating that. “As a government, we are committed to you. We want to see you succeed. We want to see you grow. We

want to see you excel. We want to see you be the best you can be. We are going to make all the investments to ensure that you are the best you can be. I want all of us together to be that positive change, that positive impact. Take this opportunity seriously. I am proud that all of you have taken this bold decision. You have made this decision on your own. You have gotten registered. That is the first step. Now the next step is to stay with the process.”

Chief Operating Officer of School of the Nations, Liam O'Toole, shared how the initiative was sparked a

welding? It was his suggestion and support that led us to secure the City and Guilds welding course, for which you are here today.”

Giving students an idea of what to expect in their upcoming training, O’Toole shared, “You will be trained by highly experienced Guyanese welders already working in the oil and gas industry here in Guyana. We are thrilled to be playing an active role in helping to develop a skilled labour force in Guyana.

“We know that construction, agriculture, mining, and of course the oil and gas sectors are all developing at an exponential pace. This is an exciting time in Guyana’s future. The City and Guilds courses we offer will teach beginner, intermediate, and advanced welding skills.”

few months ago after a suggestion made by the Head of State.

“Many months ago, we met with His Excellency, and we were proud to inform him of the City and Guilds masonry, carpentry, and plumbing courses we have. When we met, he said, what about

O’Toole also emphasised the importance and impact of the initiative, sharing that, “These courses are internationally recognised. City and Guilds is an international forum that offers great opportunities for career and professional development, as well as progression into higher education. They are widely accepted by employers around the world as a benchmark for workplace excellence and provide learners with the skills they need to succeed in the new fashion of the economic environment.”

President Ali during his address at School of the Nations on Saturday (Shaniece Bamfield Photos)

President Ali interacting with the young men and women registered to start the programme

More than 650 persons registered for the programme

Chief Operating Officer of School of the Nations, Liam O’Toole

$200B injected to develop infrastructure for housing sector from 2020-2024

— Dr Jagdeo highlights

EMPOWERING citizens with the opportunity of owning a house is the target that was set out and achieved by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C); from 2020 to now, approximately $200 billion has been spent to develop the infrastructure for the housing sector.

This is according to the governing party’s General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who, on Thursday, last responded to the criticisms peddled by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Annette Ferguson.

According to Jagdeo, evidence shows how much the housing sector has blossomed under this current government compared to the former APNU+AFC administration.

“So, in our manifesto, we said we want to, in five years do 50,000 house lots. We have completed 33,000 of those, and they're now awarding contracts to complete probably another 7,000 or so, hopefully before the end of

the year. So, we are on track.

We have allocated from 2020 to 2024, about $200 billion for housing development…to put in the infrastructure,” he said.

While explaining that some of these housing developments are consumed in vegetation, Jagdeo boasted that the government has invested in building proper roads, culverts and ensuring that the key amenities are present such as water and electricity.

He then shared the complete breakdown of how much is being injected to prepare one house lot. “So, if you take $200 billion and you divide by about 40,000 households, it works out on average, about $5 million to prepare one house lot,” he noted.

The government, in its effort to ensure that homeownership is possible for all Guyanese, is selling that house lot at the low-income end for $92,000, to $200,000.

While many are mesmer-

ised by the “oil money” and have been calling for free house lots, Jagdeo explained that this is not viable as other sectors need to be developed too.

“We built about 3,000 community roads, highways, hospitals, schools, etc,” he stated.

A total of 30,406 house lots were distributed within three years since PPP/C Government assumed office, Minister of Housing and Wa-

For 2023, there were 8,578 residential lots allocated. These revelations were disclosed at the ministry’s end-of-year news conference. Out of the 30,406 house lots allocated, 28,368 of them were residential.

According to the Housing Minister, youths and women made up a significant portion of the allottees. In fact, it was recorded that 53.3 per cent

were youths. That is, 15,119 of the allottees were 35 years old or younger.

Additionally, over the last three years, there was a consistent 40 per cent allocation to women only; however, for 2023, this percentage soared to around 43 per cent. Moreover, approximately 90 per cent of allottees were between low to moderate income.

As the government continues to pursue its prom -

ise of providing affordable housing for all, the minister remarked that there are ongoing works to establish housing areas in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10. Notably, in 2023, some 7,128 were distributed in Region Four. For 2023, another 1,079 lots were allocated in Region Three, 125 in Region Five, and 192 in Region Six.

ter Collin Croal said earlier this year.

Ogle fisherfolk to benefit from dredging works, road upgrades

FISHERMEN operating on the Ogle outfall on the East Coast Demerara will soon see an ease in their operations, as road upgrades, dredging works, and other interventions are slated for this area.

were forced to move their operations to Ogle because of the blockage in that area.

In response, President Ali committed to

and encouraged them to collaborate on a trailer design for easier boat retrieval.

dredging works at the Montrose channel to free up additional space.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Saturday engaged with the fisherfolk, where he committed to these interventions.

The President was informed that approximately 35 boats are operating at the outfall, and some fisherfolk lamented that the area is congested. Fishermen operating at Montrose

“In about three to four weeks, because we need time to mobilise, we will finish dredging Montrose,” he said.

Notably, the President was told that strong currents generated by the pumps operating in the area made docking a struggle for many fishermen. Regarding this, the President pledged the construction of a ramp,

“We will do the ramp. If we build the ramp, you can just reel the boat up.

And you all have to be innovative; come together as a group and make one of those trailers to pull the boat up,” the head of state explained.

Other persons also pointed to the dire state of the road, noting that it has posed challenges to their operations.

“This road here, we have to fix it. So, we will have a team come and look at this. At least we should bring it up

will try to start it in the new week,” the President told the fisherfolk.

The President also visited the Mon Repos Market, where he engaged with vendors, and listened to their concerns.

President Ali was

accompanied by the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag, and the Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud. (DPI)

to some crushed stone surface. We will do it through the Ministry of Public Works, and we

President Dr. Irfaan Ali interacting with fishermen at Ogle (Office of the President photos)

Fishermen gathered during the meeting with President Ali

Strong and Resolute

Guyanese remain strong and resolute in the face of continuing acts of provocation by the Maduro regime.

Media reports indicated several activities on the Ankoko Island by the Venezuelan military, including the construction of a bridge from the Venezuelan mainland across the Cuyuni River to the Ankoko Island. Military tanks were also seen on the island.

It is important to note that the Ankoko Island legally belongs to Guyana and Venezuela in keeping with the 1899 Arbitral Award which gave both countries ownership to the Island. However, for several decades, Venezuela had

occupied the entire island, essentially seizing part of Guyana's territory. It is against such a backdrop that the construction of a bridge and the buildup of military activities on the island have to be seen. According to Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the PPP/C administration is not turning a blind eye to the actions taken by Venezuela which, he said, are threatening. According to Dr. Jagdeo, “We are very vigilant. We are watching the developments. We are working with our allies on this.”

The bridge from Venezuela's mainland to Ankoko Island is taking place in clear violation of the

Argyle Agreement reached between President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro which states that “both sides will refrain, whether by words or by deeds, from escalating any conflict or disagreement arising from any controversy between them. The two States will cooperate to avoid any incidents on the ground conducive to tension between them.”

The above is also in conformity with a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which called on both parties to desist from actions that will exacerbate the territorial controversy.

The above notwithstanding, Venezuela's Parliament declared Guyana's Essequibo purportedly as a ‘State of Venezuela.' It is quite apparent that the Maduro regime is bent on flouting the norms of international law. The most recent actions on the Ankoko Island represented yet another act of provocation by Venezuela and cannot be taken lightly. As pointed out by Vice President Jagdeo, Guyana has alerted the international community on this recent development.

“We have made it clear, and the requisite bodies have been written to, consistent with the Argyle Agreement and the provi-

sional measures announced by the ICJ. We have notified all the relevant partners, both multilateral and bilateral about the continued attempts by Venezuela to build up a presence on our border in a threatening manner,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

Significantly, there has been growing support for Guyana in the region and at the broader international level. Only recently, former Colombian President, Ivan Duque, noted that the international community will not tolerate any aggressive moves by Venezuela and emphasised that any attempt by Venezuela to seize Guyanese territory would be met with strong resistance.

In a recent interview with Newsweek, Duque discussed the various challenges Venezuela poses in the region and stressed that a collective response from the United States, Canada and other countries in the hemisphere under the Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance should not be ruled out in the event of any military aggression on the part of Venezuela.

Meanwhile, Guyanese remain strong and resolute in defence of their country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, with the full knowledge and confidence that both the rule of international law and the global community are on its side.

President Ali called on Guyanese to strive for the best

Dear Editor,

Since assuming the presidency of Guyana almost four years ago, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali has implemented a series of policies and programmes that have transformed Guyana, reshaped its landscape, renewed hope among the citizens and inspired them to be the best they can be. His pioneering, creative and ingenious leadership style which has gained gargantuan popularity with the populace, especially the working class, has placed Guyana on a trajectory economically with a GDP of approximately 45 percent which is considered to be among the highest in the world.

His achievements speak for themselves much to the disappointment of those who attempted to disparage him and discredit his presidency. In terms of the presidency, Dr. Ali is trustworthy and is committed to the task of good governance.

He has come full circle on the economy, the border controversy, his one Guyana vision and the governing of the country in the interest of all Guyanese. Such unique leadership is rare in modern times and it comes to us once in an era but not necessary with every generation.

On the home front, President Dr. Ali joined by the Honorable Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips have protected the country’s territory, expanded the

economy, enhanced regional and hemispheric unity and promoted the “One Guyana Initiative” aimed at unifying the people, improve their well-being, and moved Guyana from its underdeveloped status to a developing Global North County.

On numerous occasions, they have embarked on several outreaches throughout the country to listen and solve the problems faced by the people and to inform them of the government’s policies and the progress being made in the country during the last four years.

This is not surprising given President Dr. Ali’s penchant for being a humble and caring servant of the people and to make sure that everyone is involved in

the country’s development, regardless of race, ethnicity, creed or party affiliation. He has visited almost every district, village and towns on the coastal belt, the interion region and the riverain communities to apprise the people that his government is doing everything possible to safeguard their interests, improve their lives and to defend the country’s territory if need be.

If nothing else, President Dr. Irfaan Ali is the living modern day persona of America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address often quoted as a definition of democracy based on the concept of government of the people, by the people, for the people.

President Ali is honest, caring and consistent in that

he has not reneged on the promises he made to the nation during the election campaign. In fact, in most of his speeches, he has expressed a genuine concern and a steadfast desire for good governance, transparency and accountability, the promotion of democracy, unity and the oneness of the Guyanese people.

According to the Guyanese leader, there is only one future for Guyana and that is a united, strong and influential Guyana in which every Guyanese at home and in the diaspora will be required to play a part in building the country and make it prosperous for future generations.

He said that the time has come for every Guya-

nese to strive for unity and cast aside the divisiveness based on class, ethnicity, religion or political persuasion that was inherited more than five decades ago and to realize that we are now living in a globalized world in the 21st century. In conclusion, President Ali in acknowledging the support and confidence Guyanese has placed in him and the government, has assured them of his unflinching effort to serve as their president, build a resilient and prosperous country and by all means defend its territorial integrity.

Sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose

Govt’s loan forgiveness as a prelude to free education is a giant step for Guyana

Dear Editor,

The government’s announcement of forgiveness of education loans that will benefit an estimated 13,000 UG students and costing $11 billion is a huge investment in the youths of Guyana. And the relaxation of the requirements to show employment and NIS contributions to make it easier for students to receive forgiveness is also a wise decision. We celebrate this loan forgiveness initiative.

The government will do well to do something similar for those victims of NIS waiting for their

NIS benefits. This includes my 88-year-old Cousin waiting for his payments for 28 years! The government’s appeal of the Shariff Zainul NIS case to not pay the man because it will become a class-action ruling that will benefit working-class people in similar situations is sad and regrettable. In the same way the government has allocated funds for the UG students, they must allocate funds to solve the lingering problems of the victims of NIS. The sad thing about the government’s laudable action of forgiveness of loans is that some people would not see this ac -

tion as a very good thing, as they think only direct salary increases matter. But $11 billion going to benefit 13,000 students is a huge transfer of income and is a very substantial assistance to the recipients. Many teachers will benefit from this. Some may say increases for old age pensioners, NIS pensioners, and public assistance should have gotten priority. Maybe the needs of these groups will be addressed soon.

Even the rich, mighty USA does not give free university education. For Guyana to embark on this action is quite commendable. President Biden tried

The GPA lacks credibility

Dear Editor,

The claim by the Guyana Press Association (GPA) that it welcomes criticism (5/18/20 24) must be summarily dismissed. The truth is that any critique, no matter how informed, substantiated, or mild, will be dismissed by the GPA with such characterisations as “baseless and defamatory attacks.”

Imagine that the GPA does not even want to accept feedback from one of its own, in this case, Neil Marks. Rather than consider Mr. Marks’ observations, the GPA embarks on a relentless scorched-earth strategy of personal attacks

intended to ruin the professional status of one of Guyana’s best journalists. And rather than engage in critical self-reflection, the GPA lowers the bar to a level that no self-respecting journalist or professional body should ever countenance.

One particularly sinister charge by the GPA needs to be exposed and condemned. This concerns the GPA’s wild and irresponsible accusation that Mr. Marks “…[has] attack[ed] … women in the media and communications fields.” If he has, then launch a complaint with the relevant controlling authority.

It is my considered view that the GPA is the institutional form

of a well-organised anti-PPP trolling machine. It hides behind the universal sympathies justifiably accorded to journalists worldwide. It derives whatever little legitimacy it may have only because those INGOs that rank and rate us are clueless about the daily abuse the PPP government receives from the likes of Kaieteur News and others.

Neil Marks is a fine journalist, and I urge him to continue with his excellent reporting. As for the Guyana Press Association, you need to conduct your affairs with greater professionalism.

Sincerely,

Dr Randy Persaud

hard to do loan forgiveness in the USA but the Republicans opposed that. They managed to get some limited relief in loan forgiveness.

For our people to prosper, we have to create an “opportunity culture” where we provide many avenues for people to improve themselves. There are rapid, ongoing socio-economic changes which are transforming our economy and creating needs for an educated populace that will take advantage of emerging new high-paying jobs. Universal access to education and training are the gateways to a better life.

In the old colonial days, higher education was scarce, rationed, and reserved for the academically gifted who did well at the Common Entrance Exam, now called the NGSA (National Grade Six Assessment). Guyana is moving away from that old colonial model that restricted access to educational opportunities. We are now creating an opportunity culture to promote greater equity and parity across all regions. The loan forgiveness, on top of the GOAL scholarships benefitting thousands, are to be immeasurably applauded.

This is a giant step for

Guyana. The Government said it is keeping its campaign promises. It’s up to our people in all regions to take advantage of all training and educational opportunities available in our high schools, Technical Institutes, TVET (Technical, Vocational, Education Training centres), Teachers Training College (CPCE), UG, GOAL, and numerous trainings provided by the Oil and Gas companies, etc.

Sincerely, Dr. J. Jailall Civil Society Advocate

This ongoing abuse of ordinary Guyanese has to stop

HERE today is yet another column from me on the abuse of ordinary Guyanese by private financial houses in Guyana that has been going on for over 15 years. This column is one of more than a dozen I have written over those 15 years protesting what I honestly believe is crass atrocities meted out to people who have ordinary lives and have no status or resources to fight these institutions.

I repeat once here what I have repeated ad nauseum – money laundering is the movement of illegally gained money where those who accumulated it use it through financial houses so it can become legal assets. The financial houses are used as a conduit for the illegal gains. The international banking institutions now have to adhere to requirements that are employed to detect money laundering.

Here in Guyana,

there are a number of criteria that have to be met. What has turned out to be a nightmare that cries out for redress the past 15 years in this land is that financial institutions do not understand the anti-money laundering Act and apply it in wild west fashion as if we are living in a breakdown country portrayed in the movie by Charles Bronson named Chato’s Land.

Thousands of ordinary people have been harassed by the financial houses including banks, NBS and insurance companies where the anti-money laundering Act has been applied to their transactions that have absolutely nothing to do with money-laundering. It is stupid to apply the Act to persons whose transactions are not connected to money-washing. The asininity of it resembles a situation where a businessman that applies for a licence to sell computers has to obtain a pesticide

licence. He is not involved in the pesticide business. Why then are you asking him to have

such as licence? The identical situation obtains with ordinary bank customers.

Here are two examples. I have had “millions” of complaints from people that when their accounts go dormant, to reactivate it, they have to comply with requirements of the Act. This is not only vicious stupidity but a brutal lack of commonsense. If your account is dormant then there is no movement of money. There can be no suspicion of money-washing.

An important figure in the insurance business in Guyana told me her account went dormant and she is leaving the money to the bank because at her age she cannot cope with the hassle. She told me something I didn’t know which again highlights the oppression by financial

statement as proof of address and two forms of identification. I am asking the President, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Minister of Finance, the Attorney General, Bank of Guyana Governor and the Association of Bankers, how is the anti-money Act applicable here. Why should someone at GCIS see my daughter’s bank statement which is a highly confidential, personal document?

institutions. To close a dormant account to avoid the hassle, she still has to adhere to the Act.

The second example relates to my wife. She went to NBS to close her account which had money that could not even buy a $72,000 steak sold by a restaurant on Church Street. The teller asked for proof of address. I was livid. I said that we do need to have that when we will not be putting money anymore into the institution. I flew upstairs to the CEO and he conceded for that particular transaction you didn’t need proof of address. This is the tip of the iceberg of the abuse. Here now is my daughter’s situation.

She got a renewal insurance notice from GCIS for her car which is 35 years old and the premium is $3,500. She has to produce a bank

Paying insurance premium is identical to the service utility companies offer. My Blaze bill is $11,400 monthly. My electricity bill is $12,000 monthly. GTT and GWI so far have not asked me to produce a bank statement and two forms of identification for the $144,000 I pay GWI yearly and the $137,800, I pay GTT annually. Why then, for a mere $3,500 yearly, my daughter has to show GCIS clerks her bank statement?

Why is it to pay insurance of your car as a first time car owner which for ordinary people like me would not be more than $6,000, you have to meet the criteria of the Act? How is paying for car insurance for the first time related to the movement of money? This is what happens in Guyana. The bird of youth flew away from me a long time ago. If I was still young, I would have been in jail for the rest of my life for revolutionary activities.

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Guyana’s capacity to handle an oil spill

ENVIRONMENTAL studies conducted for the oil production activities offshore state that a large oil spill is unlikely. Nevertheless, steps to alleviate a possible crisis are continuously being put in place by both ExxonMobil Guyana and the government.

In this regard, a threeyear agreement was inked in February 2023 between the Government of Guyana, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Maxar Technologies, a space technology firm that is heavily involved in crisis reduction globally.

What this means for Guyana is cutting-edge technology monitors the drilling vessels ensuring that regulatory compliance and safety are ob-

served. The EPA receives daily satellite imagery through the SecureWatch platform, Vessel Alerts through the Crow’s Nest Maritime Solution, SAR oil spill detection services and change monitoring over specified areas of interest.

Executive Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram has said this agreement enhances the agency’s ability to better serve the people of Guyana.

“With the help of cutting-edge solutions like those offered by MAXAR technologies, made possible through the government’s commitment, we are now able to overcome the limitations of limited manpower and resources,” the EPA head said during the commemoration

ceremony.

Importantly, the technology serves as more than just a monitoring tool for oil and gas operations. Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, said that the addition of Maxar’s technology will greatly aid the unprecedented pace of development seen with the country’s oil sector. The minister also noted that Guyana is being established as a hub within the Latin America and Caribbean region with superior provisions in place to respond to oil spills.

Additionally, following the recent floods in southern Brazil, Maxar Technologies used its satellites to provide surveillance for relief support.

ExxonMobil Guyana has said that stringent measures are in place to prevent a spill and that it is prepared to activate mitigation measures in the unlikely event one does occur.

Importantly, Guyana has three layers of defence to protect itself from any liability should an oil spill occur. There is the US$600 million per incident environmental liability insurance from Exxon, which is further buttressed by the assets from the Stabroek Block co-venturers valued at US$18 billion as of the end of 2022, according to their financial results for that year. The third layer of protection is US$2 billion affiliate guarantee agreed to with the EPA.

ExxonMobil Guyana

President, Alistair Routledge, noted at a recent press conference that the company’s priority is to prevent an incident from happening, but he reassured the media that they would take care of their obligations should one occur.

“If something should happen, then it’s all about mitigating that so there’s a minimum impact possible. And then we would take care of whatever is needed to be taken care of. We made that commitment clear.”

The company has a robust set of tools on hand to respond to a spill, including quick access to a capping stack, which is soon to be stationed in country. Capping stacks were created in response to the BP disaster

in 2010.It is placed over a blown out well as a cap to stop or redirect the flow of hydrocarbons.

Exxon also has an Oil Spill Response Plan in place that focuses on the offshore operations and protocols for working with the government and local agencies to respond to an oil spill of different severities. Those protocols include access to regional and international resources should the need arise.

These collaborative efforts demonstrate a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the environment and mitigating risks, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development and responsible resource extraction.

Making tough decisions at the right time

THE government must brace itself for a very hostile, rocky and challenging period ahead. It must oil its public relations machinery well and make the right and tough decisions that will determine Guyana’s socioeconomic development in the future.

Recently, we saw the court ruling in the case of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) versus the government. The court ruling favoured the arguments put forward by the GTU. Despite this ruling, the government, through Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has already said it will appeal the decision because the government does not believe it must pay striking teachers for no work done, and being part of an illegal strike. The government is still waiting for the High Court Judge to issue his written ruling for close to a month now and then it can properly appeal the ruling.

While the government is unfairly waiting with its hands tied, the GTU seems to be emboldened by its recent judicial success. It called for teachers to strike again, saying that negotiations were moving at a snail’s pace and they were

not getting anywhere. The government has called GTU back to the negotiating table but the GTU refuses to call off the strike. It wants to have a discussion with the government while teachers are away from work. Not only is this ludicrous, but the GTU wants the government to pay teachers an increase that covers as far back as 2019.

The government has signalled its unwillingness to do what the GTU wants and has written to the Ministry of Labour asking for the conciliation level to swiftly commence. Even at this stage, the union has unreasonable conditions and refuses to call off the strike.

Tomorrow afternoon, both sides will talk about this issue but the government must decide how much longer it will take the bullish, unwarranted and unreasonable behaviour of GTU. After all, teachers deserve more pay and their case is somewhat justifiable but the GTU is hijacking this case and using the teachers for politics and the optics.

The GTU is seeking to force the government’s hands on one end, and its leadership is seeking to score political points out

of the continued impasse or fallout. The government must make tough decisions on this matter because it could face a crisis that is already brewing. That crisis will reach its boiling point in the industrial relations arena in Guyana.

Enter the sleeping giant, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) into the fray. Recall, it had two months ago given the government an ultimatum that it could strike if negotiations break down. Well, the GPSU is planning to call on its members soon to strike against the government because it is allegedly not following the proper way of handling collective bargaining. The government must be careful and treat the union with

care because it can ill afford to have public servants and teachers on the road. Though it might be political, the government must make an informed decision about what, when and how it can meet the unions’ demands without hurting the economy and treasury which they seemingly think has limitless funds.

It must be smart because there is a wider political plot to make Guyana ungovernable and divide the country. It starts with the strikes in the labour sector and then spills over to crime and justice always.

So, the government must be tough with the opposition personalities and unions to avoid chaos and a catastrophic climate in Guyana. It must make

sober-minded decisions that it can stand on or it will fall prey to the opposition’s whisper campaigns and lies.

That aside, the government must be wary of the private and independent media in Guyana. Trends seem to suggest that though it is doing a remarkable job and accomplishing the manifesto promises, it seems to sensationalise and highlight the negative. The so-called independent media takes the few and are blowing them out of context and proportion with very biased opinions, letters, news and fake news.

Kaieteur News, for example, has no credibility and every month or two is caught apologising for publishing lies and errors. Vice President Dr Bharrat

Jagdeo cannot deal with the independent media alone and the government must tighten the areas where it is slacking. If it is said that 2025 elections are going to be fought on social media, then government PR and information must be taken to this medium fast. It must invest more resources into the state media and the Department of Public Information making their work must easier. The party must do so too and retain the best PR to counter the narrative and propel certain narratives.

Then, there is Venezuela’s unjustifiable and unfounded claim to Guyana’s territory. The government must remain vigilant and ever watchful of Maduro’s shenanigans and actions. The government must not trust him and his administration because he has proven that he will say one thing and sign today to it, and turn around and disregard it altogether tomorrow. Serious decisions must be made here as well.

The government will go through a tough period this year but will come out of it, stronger and better than before if it makes the right decisions and gives the right medicine at the right time.

The wider benefits of the government's debt relief initiative

DR. Ashni Singh made history this week with a stunning announcement; an $11 billion loan writeoff for former students with at least three years of post-graduation employment.

Although an estimated 13,000 students stand to immediately benefit from the relief, everyone will eventually reap the economic windfall of his announcement in the years to come.

And this is only the first phase of the government's promise to make post-secondary education free by 2025. For the approximately 10,000 students currently enrolled at the University of Guyana, that day can’t come soon enough.

Members of APNU+AFC should have taken a moment to applaud the announcement of the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance. Sadly, there was not even a modicum of approval from the opposition party.

A 2015 forensic audit of the University of Guyana’s Student Loan Agency showed that successive PPP/C governments had made over

$9 billion available to the agency in loans over a period of 21 years (1994-2015).

The 77-page report found that 69.4% of 25,335 student loans were delinquent. The PPP/C never chastised or denigrated its graduates.

Consider this, a mere 5.6 per cent of Guyanese have a post-secondary education, while the global average is closer to 7 per cent. Guyana has some catching up to do, a fact not lost on the PPP/C.

On the other hand, after coming to office in 2015, APNU+AFC pursued policies aimed at tightening the screws on graduates, proposing travel bonds to bar graduates named in the audit from visiting a foreign country.

In 2015, a pro-APNU+AFC mouthpiece published the pages from the forensic audit that listed the names of students who had defaulted on their loans for no other reason than to shame them and their families. While the list shows names of graduates from families who could afford to repay their loans, the vast majority are from families that live in an economically tight jacket.

Studies in the United

States have shown that students from vulnerable segments of society are more likely to default on their student loans, or take upwards of 20 years or more to repay the money they borrowed. It’s not because they are lazy, but because they often end up with lower-paying jobs, and don’t have the support of parents to lift them out of debt.

Experts who have studied the effect of student loan debt on the economy say it is similar to that of a recession. When students are strapped with large amounts of debt, it stymies the growth of businesses and suppresses consumer spending, a corner-

perience food insecurity.

Lift the debt and suddenly a country will start seeing its young and brightest stepping up as entrepreneurs instead of heading to the nearest exit. A report by the Economic Policy Institute in Washington D.C. suggests that student debt cancellation could improve financial stability for borrowers and lead to job creation and even more economic growth.

stone of economic growth. Graduates are 11% less likely to start a new business if they are strapped with a student debt of $30,000 or more, recent studies have shown. In advanced economies, student debt is the second largest type of household credit after a home mortgage. In 2023, the Education Data Initiative, a U.S. think tank, found that students with outstanding loan payments were 36% less likely to purchase a house. Tolani Britton, a professor who studies the economics of higher education at the University of California, Berkeley says that a college graduate is less likely to ex-

A recent study by the Roosevelt Institute in the United States found that cancelling student debt would increase GDP between $86 billion and $108 billion per year for a decade. Those figures would obviously be substantially less for Guyana, but the trend would nevertheless be similar.

A counter-argument that some people make is that a post-secondary education is a matter of personal choice and as such, a student’s debt is their burden to carry. Governments are not in the business of giving handouts. But for Guyana, that argument makes no sense. Post-secondary education is one of the key drivers of upward social and economic mobility, a fact

not even the languorous APNU+AFC folks could deny.

The PPP/C government, on the other hand, recognizes the relationship between the knowledge capital of a nation and the long-term growth of an economy. It is for this reason that PPP/C has distributed more than 14,000 online scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). In the first year of GOAL’s launch, 8000 citizens applied for a range of free online programmes and over 5,000 have graduated from the program, nearly 500 with a Master’s degree.

The PPP/C government also recognises that increased education translates into an increased likelihood of civic participation, a more vigilant electorate and just maybe a more robust democratic culture.

Guyana needs more university graduates, a whole lot more than what it currently has, and by wiping out the debts of its existing graduates and eventually making post-secondary education free, our economy and our country will harvest the gains from this decision in the decades to come.

CDC, UNICEF give hope to Venezuelan migrants

ON Friday, a group of Warrau migrants received a quantity of food and household items from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The group, which consists of mainly women and children, is being housed at Zeeburg and Greenwich

Park, West Coast Demerara (WCD). The migrants are primarily from neighbouring Venezuela.

In a press release, the CDC said that, with the assistance of local and international organisations, they have been assisting migrants who have relocated to Guyana in search of a better life.

Over 30,000 Venezuelan migrants are estimated

to be living in Guyana.

Earlier this year, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd said that the government’s long-term objective is to integrate the migrants into Guyanese society but while plans are being put in place, the migrants will receive support in essential areas such as food, clothing, education, health and housing.

Some of the migrants showing the hampers they received

‘Guyana remains a global destination for investment’

—

Foreign Secretary says it is ‘worrying’ for persons to discredit the nation’s security, stability and certainty

WHILE some persons are attempting to adversely affect Guyana’s “booming” investment climate, the nation firmly stands as a global destination for investors.

This is according to Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud, who poured cold water on the claims of geopolitical instability.

He was at the time responding to Dolla Financial Services Limited which alleged that the reason they are winding down operations in Guyana is due to geopolitical uncertainty.

This revelation from Dolla Guyana, which was formed in August 2021, came out in the company’s 2023 audited financials released in April on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE).

In its 2023 earnings report released, it said: “The decision is due to the current geopolitical uncertainty and the reallocation of resources to Jamaica where returns exceed those in Guyana.”

In an invited comment to the Sunday Chronicle recently, Persaud said: “Guyana remains a global destination

Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud

for investment. It’s worrying that anyone should seek to discredit the country as a secure, stable and certain destination for investment.”

He added: “Just drive around the country, speak to the private sector leaders and the Guyana Office for Investment to reinforce the huge investments taking place by both local and foreign investors.”

Moreover, at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo in February, Chief Executive Officer at the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr Peter Ramsaroop, said that with Guyana’s rise as a dominant force in the region and its

impressive achievements in food and energy security, there are investment prospects in all sectors throughout the country, beyond just the oil and gas sector.

In his speech, he mentioned that Guyana is always part of discussions on climate, food, and energy security worldwide. He explained that with all that is being done, one should be able to know where to invest as significant advancements are being made in all sectors, including the agriculture and mining sectors among others.

He said to investors: “Whatever sector you are interested in, our government has described very transpar-

Belle West teenager stabbed to death

POLICE are investigating the murder of 19-year-old Orlando Samaroo of Lot 439 Belle West, West Bank Demerara (WBD). The police said that Samaroo was killed sometime between Thursday and Friday by a 31-year-old miner from the same community.

sey and stabbed him several times in his abdomen before escaping on foot. Samaroo was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where doctors admitted him as a patient.

ently what we are spending money on, where we are investing and what we are doing.” Against this backdrop, he added that the local private sector has stepped up its game over the past few years and entered into agreements that have passed through his office.

As such, he added that

the local private sector was ready for partners even as he encouraged foreign investors to partner with local companies while adding that local content is real.

He noted that things are progressing rapidly here, and investors who wait for the next phase of development before investing may miss out. He went on to say, “We are a powerhouse in the region; we will continue to be that powerhouse; we will work with you to ensure that you have ease of doing business in our country and we will continue to welcome all of you to be part of Guyana’s development.”

The suspect immediately held on to Samaroo's jer -

Enquiries disclosed that Samaroo and the suspect had a past confrontation, during which the former had allegedly beaten and robbed the suspect several weeks ago. From that point onward, they have had several misunderstandings. On Thursday, at about 14:00 hrs, Samaroo was reportedly sitting under a bus shed in Belle West, in the company of several men, when the suspect, who was armed with a knife, approached him.

He was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he succumbed to his injuries on Friday.

His body is presently at the GPHC's mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. Several persons were questioned in the area, and useful information was gathered. Police are looking for the suspect as investigations continue.

Dead: Orlando Samaroo

flays NGOs for trying to be monopoly voice of society

‘APA never had a mandate from the people’ — Dr Jagdeo

WITH the credibility of certain Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) being questioned owing to their selective nature on matters of national interests, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has made it clear that the party will not sit by and allow these organisations to act as the monopoly voice of society.

While many attempt to paint the PPP/C as intolerant to criticism, the party’s General Secretary set the record straight and said that the party supports NGOs and their opinions as this is natural in any democratic society.

However, he made it clear that the PPP will not turn a blind eye to those NGOs that want the gov-

ernment to seek approval from them as if they were placed there by the electorate.

At his weekly party press conference on Thursday last, Jagdeo, also the country’s Vice President, poured cold water on the

claims made in a Stabroek News editorial which criticised President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s response to the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA).

He first questioned where was the APA when the former coalition gov-

has been paid as the first payment from a total of US$750 million. The government, in collaboration with the National Toshaos Council (NTC), decided to directly inject 15 per cent of it into Amerindian communities while allowing them to still benefit from the remaining 85 per cent.

who wants that ended? APA. We must consult with them, this group that sits in Georgetown...” he stated.

ernment was placing measures on the indigenous communities to stymie development; the APNU+AFC terminated the contracts of almost 2,000 Community Service Officers (CSOs).

Further, the PPP General Secretary then spoke extensively on the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 and the government’s commitment to advancing Amerindian development.

Guyana received its first payment for carbon credits under a deal signed with Hess Corporation in 2022; US$75 million

“We came up with a formula approved by the NTC, which is the elected body of a gathering of all the elected bodies, the officials, the toshaos, senior councillors, etc. across the whole country,” he explained.

Dr Jagdeo then stated that they agreed on the number of villages, which was 242 and how much money the communities would get, depending on population size.

With billions being allocated to these villages, he said all they had to do was meet, decide how to spend the money and send the minutes of the meeting, which must have 60 per cent attendance, to the government.

“So that meant the people in the villages wanted the money spent in a particular manner. Guess

However, after the APA failed to halt the development, the PPP General Secretary stated, “What they [APA] were trying to block is money going to 242 villages to assist there. So, they believe that they're the monopoly voice. We must not consult with the Toshaos that are all elected leaders. We must consult with the APA. We must get their permission…”

He added, “That is what we are talking about, monopoly behaviour. So, should we not fight that? That is what I said [at] our Congress, we will fight it. They never had a mandate from the Amerindian people. They never had a mandate from the electorate but they want to block any initiative for the development of Amerindians,” the PPP General Secretary then firmly stated.

PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

New excavator added to the MMA/ADA’s fleet of machinery

A NEW state-of-the-art amphibious excavator was added to the Mahaica-Mahaicony Abary - Agricultural Development Authority’s (MMAADA) fleet of machinery.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha commissioned the excavator on Saturday; it was procured for approximately $110 million. This addition is anticipated to greatly enhance agricultural productivity, marking a pivotal moment for the farmers and residents of the region.

Minister Mustapha, in his address, underscored the government's commitment to the agricultural sector. Over the last four years, the ministry has made significant strides in improving agricultural infrastructure and support systems.

"This has become a regular feature over the last four years and I want to think that this is the sixth piece of equipment that we are bringing here to MMA. Six pieces of excavators, a tractor, and I believe a truck we have brought in since we got into government," the minister highlighted.

He also pointed out the substantial improvements made in the state of the agricultural schemes. "I want to say that all the canals now are in a state of readiness, very clean. This is because of the work that this agency has been doing."

A landmark decision by the government was the reversal of the drastic increase in land rental and drainage and irrigation (DNI) charges implemented by the previous administration. The minister shared, "We reversed successfully the land rental and DNI charges from $15,000 to $3,500. With that one measure, farmers in this area, farmers in Region Five were able to save almost $1.3 billion."

This reversal has provided significant financial relief to the farmers, allowing them to reinvest in their agricultural activities.

The Ministry of Agriculture has also focused on improving crop yields through various initiatives.

The minister announced: "In the rice industry this year, we have seen an improved yield of 6.5 tons per hectare. The minister further emphasized the fact that the government would continue to make more land available for cultivation, stating, "We are looking to develop another phase of this scheme to expand the land cultivation so that farmers can have access to more land."

In addition to maintaining traditional agricultural practices, the Ministry of Agriculture is spearheading several innovative projects aimed at diversifying and expanding the sector.

Among these initiatives is the construction of the Hope Lake Canal, which will provide direct access for draining water from agricultural lands to the Atlantic Ocean. This project is expected to mitigate flooding and improve irrigation efficiency.

Moreover, the region is set to become a hub of new agricultural activities.

The Agriculture Minister outlined various projects, including the production of Vannamei prawns and the development of a state-ofthe-art abattoir.

"We have built a stateof-the-art abattoir. We have right next over the road, the Vanami Project, where we will start to produce Vannamei prawns," he explained.

The region will also see the establishment of a hydroponic farm, one of the largest in the Caribbean,

with a capacity to support 100,000 plants at any given time. This farm will focus on high-value crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers.

Mustapha highlighted the significance of this project, stating, "We are replicating that in three regions of this country, Regions Two, Five, and10, where we have over 400 young people who will become shareholders and be involved in the production of high-value crops."

The Ministry of Agriculture is also making strides in the livestock and aquaculture sectors. Initiatives such as the Black Belly Sheep Programme and the introduction of advanced breeding techniques like artificial insemination and embryo transplant are aimed at improving the quality and quantity of livestock in the region.

"We have signed a contract with a private company from Barbados, from Brazil, and they are now doing almost 300 animals will do artificial embryo transplant."

Aquaculture is another area receiving significant attention, with projects like the brackish water shrimp industry generating substantial income for farmers. "Last year, the farmers in Region Six, they earned almost $1.8 billion in the brackish shrimp water industry," the minister noted. The Ministry of Agriculture's efforts span a wide range of activities aimed at the holistic development of the sector.

The new $110 million excavator will greatly impact and develop agriculture in the region

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha during his address on Saturday (Ministry of Agriculture photos)

PNC will remain an unproductive opposition regardless of who leads it

REGARDLESS of who is leading the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R) disguised as the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the party, just like a tiger, cannot change its stripes as it has already dug up its battered 2015 campaign promises ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

This is according to the General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party, (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who addressed the media on Thursday last during his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Robb Street, Georgetown.

Dr Jagdeo, also the country’s Vice President, stated that the Opposition does not have a viable strategy to lead the South American nation as Guyanese have become

exhausted with its usual tactic of mobilising race.

“Long before they had the question of this congress and choosing their leader, they were not a productive opposition because they chose not to represent the people of this country. Everything for them was about race and as I pointed out that’s not a viable strategy in modern Guyana,” he said.

He went on to say, “Regardless of who emerges victorious at the [PNC/R] congress...they will fall back to the same kind of rhetoric because they have no vision, they have no track record and they’re unwilling to do what it takes to reposition this party in the future.”

Recently, the PNC/R churned out a series of promises that are quite similar to the ones they made in 2015

— Dr Jagdeo says

and this sort of mimicking by the party has not slipped past the eyes of Guyanese.

Just like in 2015, the PNC/R has made bold promises of increases in salaries, pensions, job creation and free university education.

However, with their previous stint in office, their track record is still fresh in the minds of citizens and Dr Jagdeo highlighted that even the miners who threw their support behind the former coalition administration were

left on the backburners as that former government increased the royalty rates, Value Added Tax (VAT) on machinery, among other measures.

He pointed out the Coalition’s failure to deliver on its promise to liberalise the telecommunication and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

“...The whole five years they didn’t do it. We did that when we got back in office - three months after we got back in office. We had left even the legislation for them. In fact, the legislation was already tabled in parliament. They never did it in the five years, and they promised it in 100 days,” Dr Jagdeo firmly stated.

As he went through the Opposition’s promises both in 2015 and now, he said, “So this is the same old worn

APNU. They’re putting out these things. Nobody believes anything that they say.”

While using evidence to support his point that the PPP is working to better the lives of the people, the PPP General Secretary stated: “For four years, if you look at everything we’ve promised in our manifesto – housing, fifty thousand. We’re already on track to deliver that; scholarships, 20,000 in our manifesto, we already have twenty-eight thousand people studying and another 22, 000 through BIT, WIIN, and GROW… paid for, fully, by the Government of Guyana. We promised free university education in five years, we’re on course to delivering that.”

Guyana to host first-ever conference on criminal justice reform

IN an effort to modernise and prepare the legal system to meet evolving demands of modern challenges, the Government of Guyana, through the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Ministry of Legal Affairs, is set to host the first ever ‘Legal Conference on Criminal Justice Reform- Advancing the Needham's Point Declaration’.

The two-day conference will be held at the Marriott Hotel on July 10 and 11, 2024. It was conceptualised from a collaborative effort between the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Academy for Law. It is part of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS)

project in Guyana. Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) project targets two key aspects of criminal justice reform aimed, inter alia, to help Guyana overcome prison overcrowding, by reducing pre-trial detentions and increasing the use of alternative sentencing, among other measures.

To this end, this mega event is set to redefine the future of criminal law practice and procedures and will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions led by distinguished experts in the field of criminal justice in the Caribbean and aims to build on the significant progress made during the Caribbean Court of Justice Academy for Law’s 7th Biennial Conference, held October 2023 in Barbados, where the

Needham’s Point Declaration was adopted as a commitment to improving criminal justice.

The Needham’s Point Declaration covers key areas related to criminal justice reform, including policy and legislative interventions, prosecution, police representation

for the accused victims’ rights and judicial interventions. The declaration emphasizes the need for swift justice for the guilty and protection of the innocent.

The Attorney-General has recently emphasised the importance of continuing legal education in Guyana. In this stead, and in keeping with the objective to educate, this conference offers an opportunity for the continued discussion on best practices, experiences, and recommended actions for addressing critical issues within the criminal justice system.

The Conference will cover several topics, including but not limited to, eliminating case backlog, Criminal Procedure Rules, plea bargaining, Children’s Court experience, role

and impact of Public Defender’s Office, Judge alone trials, dealing with DNA evidence in Court, Restorative Justice, the art of fact finding, sentencing guidelines and paper committals. In this regard, the focus will be on enhancing continuous legal education in an effort to keep abreast with the transformative changes in the legal framework through shared knowledge and collaborative efforts which will serve well to equip all stakeholders in the Criminal Justice System to effectively implement and interpret new laws.

Attorney General stated that this is aligned to the Government’s transformative agenda.

A distinguished group of presenters and panelists have been identified for this event and, also,

among the impressive list of invitees are Attorneys General from the Caribbean, Heads of Judiciaries, Judges, Directors of Public Prosecution, legal experts, law professors, policymakers, criminal defence attorneys, advocates, members of law enforcement, law students and members of civil society, all from across the region coming together for a comprehensive discussion aimed at advancing the Needham’s Point Declaration. All persons interested in attending the ‘First Legal Conference on Criminal Justice Reform- Advancing the Needham's Point Declaration’, may do so by registering before the 20th June, 2024, at guyanalegalconferece@ gmail.com.

PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Attorney-General

Anil Nandlall, SC

‘Unless you live the transformation, you really can't appreciate it’

— Young Amerindian leader, Sarah Browne, reflects on development of hinterland communities under PPP/C gov’t

By Trina Williams

THE transformation taking place in Guyana is being steered by the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C); it is placing youths at the head of the developmental agenda and Sarah Browne, a young Amerindian leader stands as a testament to this.

The 32-year-old woman, who hails from Santa Rosa, Moruca Region One (Barima-Waini), managed to secure a spot in the PPP’s central committee and has vowed to continue working for the betterment of the Guyanese people.

In a recent interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Browne reflected on her journey as a youth activist and a former teacher who used her talents to educate and elevate youths in various ways, such as enabling young women to become actively involved in sports.

At the young age of 23, she was appointed as the Vice Chair for Region One and while this role came with major policy-making responsibilities, Browne did not let her age deter her but instead vowed to make a difference in

her region. Further, she commended the PPP for uplifting youths in the party and noted, “I don't think that any other party would, you know, promote young people like that, because compared to the other party, the APNU+ AFC, look at the composition, you don't see many young people having opportunities.”

Speaking about her previous appointment as Vice Chair, the young Amerindian leader stated that it came with its challenges and with the PPP in opposition at that time and APNU+AFC in office, she saw little being done to bolster the

lives of Guyanese and often her plans fell on deaf ears.

“I was only 23 years old when I would have been given this position and trusted with representing [the] people of an entire region. And not only that, but at that time, the party I came from [PPP] was in opposition. So, you know, you were in a leadership position [but] it's like, you're with the government that doesn't support you because of your politics and many of the changes that you wanted to see could not have been possible...” Browne said.

However, despite her plans for improvement being

shelved, she still interacted and remained on the ground.

“For me, that position would have been fulfilling, because I would have travelled the length and breadth of the region... I got to interact with the people, see what their needs are [and] where are the gaps,” she noted.

TRANSFORMATION

As someone who grew up under the PPP and was not aware of life under another administration, Browne noted that it is clear as day now which party genuinely cares for the people based on the previous coalition government’s stint in office from 2015-2020.

“... Growing up in an Amerindian village...our way of life was totally different. Because I remember we would wake up [and] paddle to school...and at that time, like many of us, we never knew what is a backpack, [so] we put our books in a flour bag.

“Now, if you look at Moruca, I mean, it's like maybe 1,000 times better because now we have the hot meal programme,” she said, adding that there was a time when children got hot meals from the Catholic church.

“Now the government gives a free meal every day to every single child in the primary school and that's something we never had,” Browne said while listing other initiatives that the PPP/C government has been rolling out.

“The transformation, unless you live it, you really can't appreciate, you know, how far we have come.

Browne also highlighted how the former APNU+AFC government did not leave good memories in the minds of the Guyanese people.

“At that time, the government was so disconnected from the people…We didn't really have our issues heard...There was a total disconnect. We never had visits from government, maybe one minister came. But we never saw our leaders and because they [didn’t] come, they [didn’t] understand the struggle, understood what we needed, understood how to craft the budget to meet our needs and so during that period, it was really, really difficult because while we would have seen what was going on, we didn't have the support to get these things in the budget.”

However, under the PPP government much more is

being done for Amerindian communities, according to her, such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which has enabled those communities to receive funds that will bolster development.

The world’s first TREES credits were notably awarded to Guyana by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) in December 2022. It was the first time a nation had received carbon credits created especially for the voluntary and compliant carbon markets for effectively preventing the loss and degradation of forests, a procedure known as jurisdictional REDD+, which was a significant milestone.

Guyana received 33.47 million TREES credits from ART for the five years between 2016 and 2020 after the Board of Directors of ART approved the project and concluded an independent evaluation and verification process. This made it possible for Hess Corporation and the Guyana government to reach a historic deal in which the oil giants decided to buy one-third of all Guyana’s credits—both issued and projected—up until 2030.

From congestion to convenience: Pixels

Guyana adds two live traffic cams on ECD

WITH Guyana’s growing population, traffic congestion has become a dire issue across the country. The roads are often ‘clogged’ with vehicles, leading to slow-moving traffic and long wait times during peak hours, but now commuters can breathe a sigh of relief as Pixels Guyana Inc. launched two additional live traffic cameras on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

Commuters can now plan their day around heavy traffic by logging onto the company’s website, Facebook page or download the PixelsGy App on Google Play Store or App Store to view live footage at no cost at any hour. The two cameras are now installed at the University of Guyana (UG) junction and the Mon Repos market intersection.

The company currently has 11 traffic cameras mounted in areas where traffic congestion is more problematic such as Diamond, EBD, the walkways at Houston, the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Mandela Avenue, DSL intersection, the railway embankment in the vicinity of Sheriff Street and across the Demerara river, there is coverage at the western junction at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara (WBD), and at Vreed-enHoop, (West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Pixels Guyana Inc.’s owner, Leonard Gildarie said that the initiative to launch live cameras across the country is part of his company’s corporate social responsibility project and it has proven to be

a useful and critical tool to ease congestion on the busiest roadways of the country since commuters can now view the live cameras and decide whether to delay or divert their journey.

Gildarie explained that not only are the cameras beneficial

to citizens but the Guyana Police Force has been taking full advantage of this initiative since the cameras have the capacity to store footage for a period of 24 to 48 hours.

“We have been helping the

police by giving them footage of accidents and also citizens have been reaching out to us for footage.”

He added, “Initially, we installed the cameras to view our billboards but then we found persons were reaching out to us for footage of accidents; that’s when we decided to add more cameras and allow persons to have access to aid in their daily commute.”

The cameras are powered by E-Networks’ internet service for free and the installation is coordinated with input from the government, the Ministry of Public Works and the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL).

For last month alone, Gildarie said that seven million viewers logged onto the website. Plans are currently underway to add more live traffic cameras along the recently constructed EBD highways.

Pixels Guyana Inc.’s owner, Leonard Gildarie

PPP Central Committee member, Sarah Browne

Breakthroughs in technology propelling deep water success in Stabroek Block – Routledge

EXXONMOBIL, alongside its partners Hess and CNOOC, has often credited technological advancements as one of the key factors that allowed for rapid success in Guyana’s Stabroek block. In just five years, the Exxon-led consortium commenced oil production in December 2019 at the Liza Phase One project.

This performance was deemed unprecedented as it surpassed the industry standard by two years. A lesser-known fact, however, is that the technology to develop Guyana’s sweet, light hydrocarbons did not exist 15 to 20 years ago, as highlighted by the President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge.

On the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) on May 8, 2024, Routledge explained to the Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo the crucial role of technological breakthroughs.

Routledge said technological advancements played a key role in revolutionising how deep water projects are optimised in Guyana to meet global energy demand.

“…But let’s face it, 15 to 20 years ago, the technology did not exist to develop the resource in the water depths

offshore Guyana. So, everything has its time and place,” said the ExxonMobil official.

To date, the oil major has utilised cutting-edge technology to drill wells as deep as 15,000 to 18,000 feet.

For example, ExxonMobil’s 13th discovery in Guyana at the Yellowtail – 1 well was drilled to a depth of 18,445 feet (5,622 metres) in 6,046 feet (1,843 metres) of water.

Routledge further noted that technology has allowed it to hit a successful queue of discoveries in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, now well over 35. With six sanctioned projects, ExxonMobil estimates that Guyana will be producing over 1.3 million barrels of oil by 2027.

Next year Guyana will

commission the Yellowtail project, the fourth development in the Stabroek block. Working alongside three existing vessels–the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and Prosperity FPSOs, production will reach approximately 870,000 barrels of oil per day. This would make Guyana the world’s largest oil producer per capita.

“…All these technologies have come together to enable us to find, deliver and develop the resources in Guyana that we see today. It is quite a remarkable success,” Routledge said.

The ExxonMobil Guyana President also emphasised the importance of events like OTC in providing a one-stop showcase of the latest developments for the industry which can then be applied to Guyana’s operations.

“What a conference like OTC does is that it provides a platform for the sharing of technology and expertise, whether that is the companies bringing and inventing new technologies…or it is the exchange of ideas and new developments by geoscientists, engineers and the technology people in our industry who are able to hear from one another, what we are thinking and how do we apply that in Guyana in order for us to develop and find additional re-

Duo remanded for murder of security guard

TWO men were remanded to prison on Thursday last in connection with the murder of security guard, Paul Waterman, who was shot while on duty at a supermarket.

The accused persons are Kaden Bailey, a 24-year-old labourer of Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD) and Saeed Alli, 25, a taxi driver from Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). They are jointly charged with the offence of murder in the course or furtherance of a robbery, contrary to section 100 (1)(c)(i) of the Criminal Law Offences Act.

The accused appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul. They were not required to enter a plea after the indictable charge was read to them. Both of them were remanded to prison and are required to return to court on June 10, 2024. Waterman of Tuschen was fatally shot after putting up a fight with three bandits, who stormed the People Supermarket at Vreed-en-Hoop, WCD on May 12, 2024. At the time of the incident, the three men, two

sources, bring down the cost of development, and extend the recovery of resources for maximum value for the country,” Routledge said.

Overall, the ExxonMobil official said cutting-edge technology is already unlocking Guyana’s hydrocarbon potential and that it will remain integral for the long term. (Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo)

Dead: Paul Waterman

of whom were armed with handguns, entered the supermarket and held Waterman, along with the proprietors, 49-year-old Ping Xian Lin and his wife, 43-year-old Li Yan Ohen, at gunpoint.

A scuffle later ensued between Waterman, who was working with Sheriff Security, and the robbers, during which one of them shot at him. The now-dead man was carrying a firearm.

The suspects then stole an undisclosed amount of cash, several Digicel and GTT phone cards, a cellphone, and a DVR.

The Prosperity FPSO operating in the Stabroek Block

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge

Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo 2025 returns February 18-21

THE Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo will be held from February 18 to 21, 2025 under the theme, ‘Connecting the Dots: Integrating the Future.’ This flagship event is anticipated to attract over 5,000 delegates, feature 180+ booths, and host 70+ distinguished speakers at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

The theme emphasis is the interconnected nature of various elements within the energy sector and the wider supply chain ecosystem. It highlights the necessity of collaboration among stakeholders – including government bodies, industry players, academia, and civil society – to address common challenges and seize shared opportunities.

Given Guyana's strategic location within the Caribbean region, the theme for this four-day event also highlights the importance of regional integration and fostering closer ties with neighbouring countries in areas such as trade, energy, and infrastructure development.

‘Connecting the Dots: Integrating the Future’ therefore serves as a unifying theme that brings together diverse stakeholders with a shared commitment to shaping a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for Guyana's energy sector and supply chain ecosystem.

The conference, poised for its fourth installment, will continue its leadership on discussions pertaining to a just energy transition and balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Other focus areas include financing sustainable development initiatives, developing a workforce for the future, building resilient supply chains, and promoting the advancement of women in the industry. Given the expanded focus of the conference, panel discussions will also identify investment opportunities in agriculture, tourism and infrastructure projects locally and regionally.

Since its 2021 debut, the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo has established itself as a meaningful platform for connecting industry professionals, government officials, investors, and experts in the energy sector. Participants have benefitted from invaluable engagements with policymakers and regulatory authorities, leading to a deeper understanding of the legal framework, as well as, key development plans.

For exhibitors and participating business professionals, this platform has allowed for products, services, and solutions to be showcased to a targeted audience with opportunities to connect with potential partners for joint ventures, strategic alliances, and project collaborations.

The Secretariat, entrusted with the oversight and execution of the conference, has meticulously crafted its 2025 prospectus for sponsors and exhibitors who wish to not only gain visibility within the industry, but also play a crucial role in shaping the discourse around energy sustainability and supply chain excellence.

For further details regarding the conference and securing your booth at the 2025 event, please reach out to Fareeza Haniff, Media and Operations Director at fareezah@guyanaenergy.gy or Kiana Wilburg, Chief Executive Officer at kianaw@guyanaenergy.gy.

Lab-grown blackberries currently in trial stage

WITH massive import dependence on blackberries—considered one of the world’s exotic fruits - the Government of Guyana, through the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), is in a race to produce this crop by next year, in keeping with CARICOM’s 25 percent by 2025 initiative.

To cultivate this berry, NAREI is breaking away from the reliance of seeds

and cuttings to produce plantlets and, is in fact, using the modern farming method of tissue culture. At present, there are 70 blackberry plants being monitored under shaded conditions by researchers at the institution.

Tissue culture, also known as micropropagation, is a technique in which fragments of plants are cultured and grown in a laboratory. This technology has proven to be beneficial for the production of disease-free planting materials and increase plant yield. It only requires a sterile workplace, greenhouse, nursery and trained staff, making it cost-effective.

NAREI’s Research Scientists, Samantha Weever and Amrita Churaman, along with Research Assistant, Crystal Charles are spearheading the lab aspect of this project.

Giving more details on this venture, Weever said that her team started working on the micropropagation of blackberry in 2023 as part of the Government’s commitment to the “Twenty-five by 2025 Initiative” aimed at reducing extra-regional agrifood imports by 25 percent by 2025.

“For us to reduce importation of commodities

like strawberry, blueberry and blackberry, it would mean that we need to first have these crops growing in Guyana and have varieties that are adaptive to our environment and to provide disease-free planting materials to farmers,” Weever explained.

Last year, the institute managed to source blueberry plantlets through an international exchange programme and research staff were able to develop a protocol for the regeneration of blackberry plants in just under a year.

“For blackberry initiation, we would have taken the shoot tips from the blackberry plants or the noodle segment (from the stem to the leaf) bring it to the lab and sterilize it using bleach or alcohol. Once cleaned, we add it to the growth medium which would have all the requirements the plant needs as if it was being grown in the soil,” Weever explained.

Once roots are formed, the plants are then removed from their tube and transferred into soil under shaded conditions. At this stage, the plants will be carefully monitored for potential diseases or pest.

Because the berry is in its research stage, only a sample size of 200 to 500 is being done at a time. Once

it has proven successful in the end stage, it will then be multiplied by the thousands and distributed to farmers.

The regeneration of blackberry seedlings through tissue culture is nothing new to Weever as she and her team have already successfully produced pineapples, bananas, plantains, sweet potatoes, cassavas and breadfruit via invitro. Farmers are already reaping the benefits of those plants.

“Tissue culture has been done successfully since the 1980s. In 2014, I started working on crops like pineapples, bananas, cassavas, plantains, sweet potatoes mainly because of demand from farmers,” she told this newspaper while adding that in 2018, NAREI ventured into crops like breadfruit, ginger, turmeric, black pepper since there was a demand for disease-free planting materials. With tissue culture, there is more success than failure because in the lab there is a more controlled environment.

The field research stage would indicate how the crop is growing and what pests or diseases it's susceptible to. Depending on the research data, the lab staff would determine whether they would need to tweak the medium used in propagating the crop.

Developing a protocol can take as little as six months to three years as in the case of breadfruit.

Vision 25 by 2025 was realised in 2021, laying the foundation for a longterm social and economic partnership among CARICOM member states to address the region’s rising food-import bill.

Tissue cultured blackberry plants

Blackberry plants under observation in the shade house

Jeff Jones was an inspiration to aspiring cricketers in Essequibo

Dear Editor,

A gem has quietly exited to the far beyond recently and with him lasting memories which typified what a champion cricketer he was.

Hailed from the village of Good Hope on the Essequibo Coast; his elevation to dominance on the cricket field was unique. The heart and prominence of cricket in Essequibo was driven in the north of the region; Jeff Jones resided in the south. This meant that most of the select-

ed players emerged from one section and there was little hope for the others. In other words, an outsider had to be someone with exceptional ability and charisma to unsettle the status quo.

In this context, Jeff Jones stood out as the darling of Essequibo’s cricket for many years battling and winning against his counterparts from the north. It didn’t stop there as Jeff went ahead of his peers and achieved an elusive accomplishment. At the time, it was precious as gold and his

name etched into an elite group. Jeff made history by becoming the first Essequibian to score a four-day inter-county century; a feat that stood for over a decade.

This accomplishment stood as an inspiration to us as young cricketers and during era that was very hostile and without proper representation. I grew up with his name carved within my heart; yearning to follow his footsteps and to consistently savour such wonderful feelings in raising my bat. While

it remained elusive, I was determined to be guided by his exploits. In this regard, so were other players in the likes of Dinesh Joseph, Troy Cornelius, Ramcharran Singh and Ramesh Narine who became senior centurions at different stages.

Jeff was very aggressive in his approach; ironically it was the opposite of him off the field as he was such a jovial, affable and humble individual. I had the privilege to socialise with him and those moments will remain as priceless as his cen-

tury. I was instrumental as a former executive member of the Essequibo Cricket Board in 2023 when he was honoured by the board for his outstanding contribution to the sport. I remembered how emotional, yet graceful he was that evening as the memories of his exploits flowed with passion and relentless joy.

Yours faithfully, Elroy Stephney Former Essequibo Senior Intercounty Captain

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

May 19, 2024)

-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

Jos Butler-124 (RR vs SRH)

Andre Russell -5/15 (KKR vs MI) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who hit most sixes in IPL 2021? (2) Who took most catches (non-wicketkeeper)? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ARG is being resurrected

— Government of Antigua to the rescue

By Sean Devers

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has invested over half a million dollars in getting the outfield and pitch at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) ready as a practice venue for the ICC T20 World Cup which will be held in the West Indies and the USA.

This process is similar to what is happening in Guyana although unlike the GCC and Everest in Guyana which are private venues, the ARG is state-owned.

After building the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium for the 2007 World Cup, no further Test cricket was expected at the ARG in downtown St John’s.

In the build-up to the 2007 World Cup, a decision was made to abandon the ARG and create a purpose-built ground some way from the capital.

This decision was unpopular and, to many, epitomised the priority given to finances over common sense. Whereas the ARG was popular and atmospheric, the new venue was the opposite. The old ground continued to host other events but quickly fell into disrepair.`

That game ended in an exciting Draw as Darrel Powell (22) and Fidel Edwards (5) survived as West Indies reached 370-9 with Guyanese Ramnaresh Sarwan being named the Man-of-the-Match after making 96 & 106 in that game.

“There is a staff from

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and there is also staff from the Antigua Ministry of Sports which did the Sir Vivian Richards ground doing work at the ARG.

They are working feverishly and have had some work done by the Cedar Valley Golf Course putting the outfield in good condition.

Work is also being done on the pitch and there will be a practice match over the weekend to try out that facility in terms of that area.” said Leeward Islands Cricket Commentator Vernon Springer, who was a guest on the last Sean Devers Sports Watch program.

The ARG has been out of commission for cricket for some years after the former government had given the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association a lease to use the venue.

“That did not go down too well with a majority of the public because of the history of that venue as a cricket ground, most people felt the ground should have still been in use for cricket.

The Government is now seeking partners to revive the ground and use it as a practice facility for the World Cup and beyond.

The bathroom facilities where the teams will be congregating for the practice match will have some work done in that area.

After the World Cup Football will no longer be played there since this Government

has revoked the lease” Springer continued.

It is understood that the ARG will be used as the home ground for the Combined Schools team and it’s likely that Regional Cricket could return to the ARG.

The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium will host Oman v Scotland (June 9), Australia v Namibia (June 11), England v Oman (June 13), England v Namibia (June 15).

There will also be four Super 8 matches on June 1923 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

The Antigua Government is set to fund a Football, Cricket and Athletics Stadium at the 5-Islands University.

When that facility is completed in a few years, the 108 square Mile Island of Antigua

will have four venues capable of hosting First-Class matches; the SVRS, Coolidge (ex-Stanford ground) and ARG, 5-Islands.

A total of 63 First-Class matches were played at the ARG from 1978 to 2009 with 22 Tests played in the 31 years history of cricket at the ARG.

West Indies won six and lost three while 13 of the Test matches there ended in draws.

The hive of activity was the two-tier Double Decker stand where partying lasted well into the night.

Some of the characters were Gravy and Mayfield while DJ Chickie the music master got man of the match West Indies played India and three days rained out and he kept the crowd lively throughout the days.

For many years Antigua had a unique ground staff, largely made up of inmates from the adjoining prison. For years the warden of the prison was Malcolm Richards, the father of Sir Viv.

Eleven ODI’s were held at the ARG since the first one when West Indies defeated Australia by 44 runs in 1978.

T he last three ODIs in 2007 were when the ARG hosted the Associates Tri-series involving Bermuda, Bangladesh and Canada.

It was also at the ARG in 1980 that Roy Fredericks’ ton against the Leewards in the Regional 50-over final gave Guyana its first of nine 50-over titles.

England suffered a "Blackwash" in the 1986 series at the ARG. It was also

where Brian Lara twice set the record for highest individual Test innings, scoring 375 in 1994 and the current record of 400 not out in 2004, both against England.

In May 2003 the West Indies completed the highest-ever successful run chase in Test Cricket at the ARG, making 418/7 against Australia in their fourth innings to win by three wickets. Sir Viv's fastest-ever Test ton was scored at the ARG in the 108 square mile Island that boasts a population of just 100,000 people.

The ARG became cricket's 52nd Test venue in 1981 when it hosted England, a Test marked by a hundred from Sir Vivian Richards and Colin Croft’s 6-74

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-Up matches confirmed

THE official warm-up match fixtures for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 have been announced. Matches are scheduled to be played from Monday 27 May to Saturday 1 June across the USA and at two venues in Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies.

The venues to host the 16 warm up matches are the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas; Broward County Stadium, Broward County, Florida and Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy

in Trinidad and Tobago. Warm-up fixtures will be 20 overs per side and will not carry international T20 status as teams will be allowed to field all members of their 15-player squad. In a change from the previous rights cycle, teams will now have the option of playing up to two warm-up matches depending on arrival time at the event.

The West Indies against Australia fixture at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday 30 May will be open to fans, tickets will be available at tickets.

t20worldcup.com or box offices located at the National Cricket Centre and Queen’s Park Oval from 16 May. Warm-up match schedule:

Monday 27 May

Canada v Nepal, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas 10h30

Oman v Papua New Guinea, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 15h00

Namibia v Uganda, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 19h00

Tuesday 28 May

Sri Lanka v Netherlands, Broward County Stadium, Broward County, Florida 10h30

Bangladesh v USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas 10h30

Australia v Namibia, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago 19h00

Wednesday 29 May

South Africa intra-squad, Broward County Stadium, Broward County, Florida 10h30

Afghanistan v Oman, Queen’s Park Oval, Trini-

dad and Tobago 13h00

Thursday 30 May

Nepal v USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas 10h30

Scotland v Uganda, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 10h30

Netherlands v Canada, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas 15h00

Namibia v Papua New Guinea, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 15h00

West

Friday 31 May

Ireland v Sri Lanka, Broward County Stadium, Broward County, Florida 10h30

Scotland v Afghanistan, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago 10h30

Saturday 1 June

Bangladesh v India, Venue

TBC USA

Indies v Australia, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago 19h00

Photo saved: World Cup Trophy

The ARG ground hosed one of its 22 Tests played from 1981-2009

CSK knocked out as RCB win six in a row to make playoffs

..Yash Dayal held his nerve and gave away just seven runs in the final over to help RCB seal a thriller

VIRAT Kohli looked nearly in tears. Faf du Plessis could not contain his joy. MS Dhoni was nowhere to be seen after the game. All of it summed up the crazy night in Bengaluru, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their sixth game on the trot in IPL 2024 to knock Chennai Super Kings out and make the playoffs.

RCB have been in this situation many times - needing a win in their last league match to make it to the knockouts. They were at the same venue last year, where they managed to post a tall score featuring a Kohli century, only for a Shubman Gill ton to overshadow it all and knock them out. On Saturday, they found themselves in a similar situation again.

RCB were asked to bat first. They posted 218 and needed to win by at least 18 runs to knock CSK out. They were helped by blazing starts from Kohli and du Plessis with cameos from Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green.

(Scores: Royal Challengers Bengaluru 218 for 5 (Du Plessis 54, Kohli 47, Patidar 41, Green 38, Thakur 2-)61) beat Chennai Super Kings 191 for 7 (Ravindra 61, Jadeja 42*, Dayal 4-42) by 27 runs)

CSK came within touching distance. They needed 10 off

the last two balls to qualify with Ravindra Jadeja, the batter who hit a six and four to win CSK their fifth title last year, on strike. But Yash Dayal bowled two off-pace length balls to deny Jadeja and CSK. This was after being taken for a massive six on the first ball of the last over by MS Dhoni, and then using the back-of-thehand slower one to have him caught at deep square leg.

CSK hopes dipped at that moment and RCB never let them back.

Kohli, du Plessis and the rain break Kohli has reinvented himself this season like none other. He is leading not just the pack of run-scorers this season (708) but also that of six-hitters with 37 to his name. Tushar Deshpande delivered a couple of length ball that he duly deposited into the stands. Du Plessis also struck one off Shardul Thakur when rain hit pause on RCB's charge at 31 for 0 in three overs.

The 40-minute intervention seemed to have changed the track, with both Maheesh Theekshana and Mitchell Santner bowling seven dots in the two overs since resumption. RCB finished the powerplay at 42 for none, their joint-lowest score this season alongside the 42 for 3 they made against

CSK in the season opener.

Kohli tried to break the shackles with sixes off Santner and Ravindra Jadeja but holed out to wide long-on. Du Plessis, though, hit two sixes and a four of a Jadeja over to get to a 35-ball fifty after being on 29 off 28 at one point.

Patidar, Green and a tall finish That Patidar takes down spin is an open secret, and he proved it with a massive hit over long-off off Theekshana, who was the most economical CSK bowler. But he loves playing fast bowlers more. And that facet came to the fore with the ease he hit Simarjeet Singh for a four and six off successive balls. He continued his unhindered strokeplay against Deshpande and Thakur

to super-charge RCB's progress, along with Green, who showed his power game to full effect.

Green slapped Simarjeet through point before hammering Theekshana straight down the ground. He then hit Thakur for back-to-back sixes as RCB crossed 200 for the sixth time this season, becoming the third team to do so in an IPL season.

The result? CSK leaked 63 at the death (overs 17 to 20), the most they conceded in the phase in the entire season. The presence of dew meant they were not able to grip the ball and use the assistance the pitch had, especially when off-pace length balls were dug in.

Ravindra and Jadeja, the bright spots in the chase

After Glenn Maxwell, brought back in place of Will Jacks, struck first ball to have Ruturaj Gaikwad caught at short fine leg. Dayal then had Daryl Mitchell miscue to wide mid-off. CSK's charge in the powerplay was led by Rachin Ravindra, with some assistance from Ajinkya Rahane.

Rahane targeted Dayal and hit a six and two perfectly-timed fours off him. He added 66 off 41 for the third wicket with Ravindra, whose gameplan seemed quite simple - to slice the length balls square through off.

Like he did and succeeded against Maxwell in the first over. He would use even the slightest of width - like Mohammed Siraj provided in the fourth over - to thrash it through point, while the shortof-good-length ones would either be ramped over short third or heaved through midwicket. He brought up his half-century off 31 balls and looked good to be the difference, before a mix-up with Shivam Dube saw him be run out.

Thereon, dew was a constant presence in the middle, which made RCB reluctant to bowl spin. That helped Ravindra Jadeja, who walked in after Ravindra's dismissal, to get into the groove quickly.

Matthews inspiring a new generation: Shallow

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, , (CMC)

– Cricket West Indies president, Dr Kishore Shallow, has credited Hayley Matthews for inspiring a new generation of women’s cricketers in the Caribbean.

Speaking in the wake of the West Indies captain’s capture of the International Cricket Council Women’s Player-of-the-Month for April, Shallow said her successes were also a “clear indicator” of the development of the

format throughout the region.

“Hayley continues to be an inspiration and a beacon of excellence for West Indies cricket,” said the CWI chief.

“Her dedication, skills, and leadership are evident in her performances, and we are incredibly proud of her accomplishments.”

He continued: “Hayley’s achievements not only bring pride to West Indies cricket but also inspire young girls across the Caribbean to pursue their

dreams in the sport.

“Her journey is a powerful narrative of what can be achieved when desire meets hard work and determination.”

Matthews was an easy pick for the award after dominating the recent tour of Pakistan. The 26-year-old struck two hundreds in the threematch One-Day International series to end with 325 runs at an average of 162, while also

taking six wickets.

The right-hander then gathered 205 runs at an average of 41 and grabbed another six wickets in the five Twenty20 Internationals.

Matthews previously won the ICC Player-of-the-Month award in October 2023 and November 2021.

Shallow said CWI would continue to throw the necessary resources into the women’s game to ensure its con-

tinued development.

“CWI’s continuous efforts to support and develop women’s cricket are yielding remarkable results,” he said.

“Hayley’s success is a clear indicator of the growth and potential of women’s cricket in the West Indies. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide our female cricketers with the best opportunities to excel.”

An off drive against Green got him going before hit a six each of Dayal, Siraj and Lockie Ferguson. Despite middling almost everything, it was not enough to see the side through.

Contrasting middle overs In hindsight, the middle overs proved to be the difference between the two teams. It was the phase in which Patidar and Green showed RCB the way. It was the phase were RCB scored boundaries at will. It was the phase that set them up for a tall final flourish with the bat.

RCB scored 113 runs in overs 7 to 16, and lost just two wickets. But CSK could not quite capitalise in the phase, and could score only 80. What's more, they lost four wickets in the phase, one each in the 12th, 13th and the 14th to be devoid of any momentum. One of those was all du Plessis' brilliance. Mitchell Santner had creamed a lofted off drive off Siraj that seemed to clear mid-off. But du Plessis swiftly moved to his right and timed his leap perfectly to pluck out a one-handed stunner. CSK, as a result, went from 115 for 3 to 129 for 6 in the space of 13 balls. (Cricinfo)

Ambrose says Windies capable of winning third title

NEW YORK CITY, (CMC) –

Iconic fast bowler, Sir Curtly Ambrose said West Indies have enough firepower to win an unprecedented third ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup when they co-host the tournament next month with the United States. The former West Indies fast bowler said recent results against powerhouses South Africa, India, and England under the captaincy of Rovman Powell have raised his optimism about the team’s chance of success.

“We have a very, very good team,” he said during the launch of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium earlier this week in the United States.

“As we speak, they (West Indies) are in Antigua at a camp preparing themselves for the start of the T20 World Cup which is a couple of weeks away. I believe once the guys start playing consistent cricket and smart cricket, I believe we can take the trophy.”

West Indies are one of the two sides that have won the title twice (England are the other),

and they will need to overturn poor form at recent ICC tournaments to fulfil the prediction made by Ambrose.

They did not make it out of the first round of the past two T20I World Cups – in 2021 in Oman and the United Arab Emirates and two years ago in Australia – and failed to qualify for last year’s ICC Men’s Oneday International Cricket World Cup in India.

“It’s not going to be easy, but we are one of only two nations to have won it twice, so we are

going to try and make it three,” Ambrose added.

“And no other nation has ever won it on home soil, so all that is motivation for the guys to do well, and I am hoping they can do it.”

West Indies are part of Group C in the World Cup and face Papua New Guinea, Uganda, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.

Ambrose said he expects that there could be a few upsets during the tournament – he hopes none involve West Indies – because every side has plenty of

talented players at their disposal.

“I admire a lot of cricketers (at the T20I World Cup), and I am looking forward to them doing well,” he said. “As a proud Antiguan and being from the West Indies, I want the West Indies to win.

“It’s not going to be easy because in T20 cricket every team has an equal chance of beating any other team and that is just the nature of T20 cricket. It’s going to be exciting, but I am going to be rooting for West Indies.”

CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow

Yash Dayal bowled a superb final over • (BCCI0)

Young football enthusiasts brave inclement weather to enjoy KFC’s U-8 fun-day

THE weather may not have been as favourable, but it seemed nothing would stop the young football enthusiasts of the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) from showing up at the KFC Under-8 fun-day at the Police Ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

The boys and girls seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed the exciting activities of the day, even the new ones who just showed up and got with the ball right away, as though they had always been playing with the academy.

Of the 120 children catered for, only about 70 showed up, and founder Vurlon Mills was sure it was nothing but the weather responsible for this turn out. “We catered for about 120 kids and was even going to be happy to host 1,000, but the weather affected that. However, we are still happy at the turnout,” Mills told this publication, adding, “Hopefully when we do this again, the weather wouldn’t be a factor.”

The event yesterday focused on introducing the kids to football and giving them an opportunity to take part in exciting activities like

mini football matches, skills challenges, penalty shootout and dunk tank.

It was a good opportunity, Mills said, for the kids to play in an organised environment

and be able to showcase their skills, make new friends, and have a blast playing the beautiful game of football.

Wheatland Fordyce, Coach and Referee at the academy,

has been in the arena for some 18 years now and to him, seeing the kids come out yesterday was still heartening to see. “To see the youngsters coming out to do what they enjoy doing

even though it would have been a little damp because of the weather, but they are making the best of it.”

Meanwhile, Mills told Chronicle that they are in the process of planning a big U-12 event for July before heading straight into the KFC summer camp in August, KFC being one of their biggest partners. After this, they will be taking a U-12 team to Trinidad to take part in a tournament.

The VMFA, which usually operates at the St. Stanislaus Ground, Carifesta Avenue, was established in 2019, with the motto, ‘Practice winning every day.’ It is said to have successfully facilitated football and personal development sessions for hundreds of children between the ages of four and 17 years old with flagship initiatives such as the annual KFC Football Summer Camp, the annual ENet Football Festival and SBM Offshore Guyana Women’s Development Football Programme. (Telesha Ramnarine)

Assistant Coach Dexter Duncan is in his first year but he couldn’t find words to describe how he felt at seeing the kids enjoying themselves. “It made me remember my childhood days enjoying the sports, and the biggest support is the parents,” he expressed.

FIFA has proposed a five-pillar plan to tackle racist abuse in football

THE sport’s world governing body FIFA said it had undergone an “extensive consultation process” with current and former players who “are passionate about making change.”

One of the plan’s proposals would see the introduction of a standard crossed-hands gesture for players to communicate racist incidents during matches.

The ‘Global Stand Against Racism’ proposal will be presented to FIFA’s 211 members at its annual congress in Bangkok on Thursday.

The first pillar of the proposal intends to make racism a specific offence which is included in all member associations’ disciplinary codes

and has its own “specific and severe sanctions, including match forfeits”.

FIFA said it will “pause,

suspend and abandon games in cases of racism.”

The crossed-hands gesture will be used by referees to

signal an in-game procedure in which matches are paused twice and warnings are given, with the game to then be aban-

doned in the event of further racism.

In pillar three – ‘criminal charges’ – FIFA called for racism to be recognised as a criminal offence in every country and said it would push for severe sanctions in the countries where it is already an offence.

FIFA also said it would promote education initiatives with schools and governments to “provide a future free of racism”, while an anti-racism panel made up of former players will be set up to review the progress of the proposal.

Earlier this year, Brazil and Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr said he felt “less and less” like playing football because he had suffered repeated

racist abuse.

Last year, a FIFA report found almost 20,000 abusive social media posts were aimed at players, coaches and officials during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

And in 2021, England manager Gareth Southgate called the racist abuse aimed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after the Euro 2020 final “unforgivable”.

FIFA’s proposals have been criticised by anti-discrimination charity Kick it Out.

Chief executive Tony Burnett said the plans “lack detail” and asking players to “come up with solutions to tackle the issue is unfair.”

(BBC)

Wheatland Fordyce, Coach and Referee (left) and Assistant Coach Dexter Duncan with some of the kids at the fun-day on Saturday (Telesha Ramnarine photo)

The ‘Global Stand Against Racism’ proposal will be presented to FIFA’s 211 members on Thursday (Photo: Getty Images)