Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 19-10-2023

THURSDAY 19th October, 2023

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VAT INCLUSIVE

No.107238

IDB approves US$90M loan to enhance education in Guyana

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$8.8 Billion in contracts signed to upgrade Region Six road network 03 PAGE

The first Canada-CARICOM Summit opened Wednesday morning in Ottawa, Canada. President Dr Irfaan Ali is among the regional leaders who are attending the event hosted by Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

Gov’t intervention Guyana ‘on guard’ amid Gov’t to take firm GRA stands firm transforms Baracara increased Venezuelan action against 10 on US$214.4M delinquent contractors into profitable 05 military presence at border –– audit underway to –– says regional heads, international farming community partners being engaged 05 identify non-compliance 11 final audit figure PAGE

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JSC advertises vacancies for judges, magistrates 07 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

$8.8B in contracts signed to upgrade Region Six road network

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur

OVER $8B in contracts for about 287 community roads in Region Six were signed on Wednesday at the Albion Community Centre Ground.

Ministers of Government Dr. Ashni Singh and Bishop Juan Edghill urged the contractors to prioritise quality and timely completion. The works will be carried out by 200 contractors.

Speaking to contractors, Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh emphasised the importance of declining to sign if they are unable to meet the specifications and timeline stated in the Bills of Quantities.

In reiterating the points made of Minister Edghill and Regional Chairman David Armogan, he stressed, “When these contracts are awarded, contractors have

period that is stipulated in the document you are about to sign. I’m saying this to you on the authority of the president, we are going to take corrective and remedial actions whether it means terminating the contract, imposing liquidating damages, blacklisting you, we will be taking corrective actions against contractors who are not delivering contracts on time,” the finance minister noted.

Dr. Singh provided assurance that the government’s plan to improve the lives of citizens throughout Guyana will involve substantial investments in infrastructure until every street in the country is repaired.

“I am saying to you now on behalf of the President, Prime Minister and Vice President whom I have the honour to serve and on behalf of the cabinet which I have

since President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s Government took office and he has personally seen the impact this has made in many communities where gone are the days where people have to walk in mud and having to remove their footwear whenever they go to school or work.

The finance minister reminded that as a result of the responsible and prudent management of Guyana’s economy, Government is able to fix more roads than ever before and to fix them more quickly.

“It takes careful management of the resources of the country to ensure that we are able to earmark resources at this level to be able to invest in infrastructure in the manner in which we are doing,” Dr. Singh emphasized.

“If you examine the composition of the Budgets during the APNU/AFC years,

recognised the importance of investing in public capital assets or public capital goods and so every PPP/C Government budget reflects a strong emphasis on the capital budget,” the Minister reiterated.

Dr. Singh then juxtaposed this with the APNU/AFC’s period in office where he recalled that ‘there was an immediate decline, an immediate slashing of the capital budget and an immediate spike in the recurrent budget’.

“The capital budget is used to build roads, schools, hospitals, bridges, airports, airstrips -investing in the things that matter for the long term of our country.

The recurrent budget is essentially what we would call government consumption-transportation, meals and refreshments-and if you examine the composition of the budget during the APNU/

Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh

Contractors sign their respective documents to develop community roads in Region Six a legal obligation to deliver the road in accordance with specifications and on time and if you are nervous about your capacity to do so, when your name is called, go up to the Permanent secretary and say to him I don’t think I can make this work, I’m saying that clearly to you. This is not an opportunity to get a contract and draw down on mobilisation advance and splurge.”

He explained that the government is determined to fulfill its commitments and ensure that their investments are worthwhile. They will enforce all appropriate penalties outlined in the contract if contractors fail to comply, as directed by the Head of State.

“I am putting you on notice and not just you alone in, all contractors who have a contract with the government to perform works I am putting you on notice that we will be conducting enhanced monitoring of the discharge of the contractual obligations.

Don’t sign a three or four months’ contract if you know to yourself you cannot deliver this contract in the three or four months the contract

A section of the gathering at the Albion Community Centre Ground where the contracts to enhance 287 community roads in Region Six were announced the privilege to be a part of, our commitment is to continue this work until every single street is fixed. That is our commitment to you so don’t get nervous if you see some streets being done and yours is not done, we are coming, if your street is not in this list it will be in the next batch, we are coming to your street and every single street will be fixed,” he explained.

Dr. Singh noted that so far some $27 Billion has been spent on streets and roads

versus the composition of the Budgets during the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) years in Government, there is one very distinct difference…until 2014 when we were in government and would have appropriated our last budget there was a particular trend and that trend was visibly broken during 20150-2020 and was only restored from 2021 and what was is that trend? Throughout the years that the PPPC has been in government, we have

AFC years, you will see that as soon as they came into government they slashed the capital budget and they dramatically increased the recurrent budget-the amount they were spending on meals and travel,” he concluded.

The finance minister then promised on behalf of President Irfaan Ali and the current administration that Government is committed to continuing to work until every street is fixed in every village in Region Six and

every area countrywide.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, in his remarks noted that while defending the supplementary funds in the National Assembly for the construction of more roads, he had emphasized that as a country ‘we have been able to do more than we anticipated’.

‘So at the beginning of the year when we had the National Budget, we had a sum that was allocated for the building of community roads, what we call miscellaneous roads, we went out to tender, we signed contracts, and we saw the execution of a number or projects. The Minister of Finance informed that there was fiscal space and because of that fiscal space, we received an allocation to be able to do more community roads,” he explained to residents.

The public works minister elaborated that the initial budget for community roads has been fully utilized and these 287 roads are part of a supplementary budget allocation due to their successful fulfillment of promises made to citizens.

“We went to parliament

for a supplementary provision, of that provision a significant sum of money was appropriated for miscellaneous roads, while defending those sums in the National Assembly, I told the nation why we are asking for more money is because as a country we have been able to do more than we anticipated,” he added.

Similar to Dr. Singh, Minister Edghill made it clear that the government will be holding contractors accountable, not anyone else.

He warned about contractors initiating work and abandoning it unfinished, leaving the residents to bear the burden of inconvenience.

Moreover, he acknowledged that government engineers would also bear responsibility for endorsing substandard works and face punitive measures. He emphasized the importance of transparency and cooperation.

Regional Chairman David Armogan, Vice Chairman Zamal Hussein, and Regional Executive Officer Narendra Singh were also in attendance at the signing ceremony.

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Gov’t intervention transforms Baracara into profitable farming community

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

By Naomi Parris

THE recent implementation of a new drainage network in Baracara, Region Six has resulted in farmers there generating $10 million from food production for the year to date.

In a community engagement last weekend with President Dr Irfaan Ali and regional officials, Chairman Marshall Thompson of the CDC disclosed that local crop production resulted in profitable sales for farmers and residents.

This became achievable through the intervention of the government in constructing a new drainage system and reclaiming land behind the community for agricultural purposes.

Thompson stated in a prior report to the Guyana Chronicle that the newly acquired lands were utilised to implement sustainable agricultural practices. “… we used to cut down and burn, now the government (is) clearing an area of 150 acres for us and impoldering it so that we can farm in a new way. So even in the rainy season or the dry season we can still farm,” Thompson said.

This intervention has been welcomed since the riverine community was hit by severe flooding last year.

Since then, farmers and fisherfolk are still struggling to recover from the disaster that had destroyed their livelihoods and upturned their

As such, he stressed the need for labour support from members of the community to which they affirmed and applauded the move by the president.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who also attended the community engagement, revealed that Baracara has seen an increase in its local food production.

“Baracara is an area I know growing up in Region Six was one of the most productive areas in Region Six and when we came in April,

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we said we will go about working with the farmers to make this area once again productive and we are on the verge of reaching there.”

He added: “We have seen an increase in production of crops that we have been producing and that is testimony to the government’s commitment to increasing our food supply.”

Farmers in the community were affected severely by flooding last year. The high waters caused losses for many farmers and households.

President Ali engaging residents lives.

Meanwhile, President Ali, while engaging residents, urged them to make lucrative investments in their household.

“I do not want you to waste the money that you’re earning,” the president said.

To further expand food production in the community, President Ali announced that the government will provide assistance to cultivate 400 acres of red beans in the community.

We are going to put the tractor and plough to work

but I am not going to accept anything below four hundred acres of land in red beans. So, we’re going to put the land to work, we’re going to put the machinery, we are going to put the labour.”

In light of this context, Dr. Ali stated that the government will allocate funds for the acquisition of tractors and ploughs in order to facilitate the production process and aid in land preparation.

“We have to ensure that we not only make the investment but that we make the investment work for us,” he

added.

Further, he indicated that the purpose of what was being done was to put land back into production and bring productivity back to communities.

To this end, he noted that there are three factors of production of which labour and land are two and noted that if the land is not in a state of readiness, labour cannot be deployed and if the land is in a state of readiness and labour is lapsing, then the community is not taking advantage of the land.

A new drainage network and empoldering of lands in Baracara

Guyana ‘on guard’ amid increased Venezuelan military presence at border –– says regional heads, international partners being engaged

AMID social media reports of the mobilisation of increased personnel and execution of military exercises by Venezuelan troops in close vicinity to Guyana’s borders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that the country remains ‘on guard’ and has shared the increased military activities by Venezuela taking place on its border with the Caribbean Community (CARl-

COM) and other international partners.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, the Ministry said: The Government wishes to advise that every piece of information is taken seriously and is being examined in detail. The Guyana Defence Force has also been reviewing these reports.”

According to the statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

requested an explanation of the Venezuelan Ambassador who claimed that the mobilisation of troops was geared towards curbing

illegal mining operations.

Although the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has yet to deliver a decree on the Guy-

ana-Venezuela border controversy, the Bolivarian Republic has continued its claim over the country’s territory.

In April of this year, the World Court ruled that the case Guyana brought before it seeking to affirm the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award settling the boundaries between it and Venezuela was admissible.

This meant that the court could move forward with hearing the substan-

tive case on its merits, of whether the 1899 arbitral award settling the boundaries of the two countries is valid and binding.

Guyana is seeking a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between then British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid and that the Essequibo region belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

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Editor

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

Navendra Seoraj

LCDS 2030 paves way for sustainable future

THE road to a sustainable and prosperous Guyana is illuminated by the beacon of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

This visionary framework seeks to unite our nation, making it more inclusive, environmentally responsible, and economically prosperous. It builds upon the solid foundations laid by past successes, including the Monitoring Verification and Reporting System (MRVS), which played a pivotal role in establishing the initial low-carbon economy.

In this spirit, the Ministry of Natural Resources proudly showcases two transformative initiatives that focus on enhancing Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and supporting the realisation of critical LCDS objectives. These initiatives are not just projects; they are a testament to our commitment to a more sustainable and ecologically balanced Guyana.

The first of these initiatives centres on the National Forest Inventory (NFI), a comprehensive endeavor aimed at improving planning, resource utilisation, and policy intervention within our state forests. Col-

laborating with key stakeholders, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) initiated this multi-year project in 2019. The NFI’s design and methodology were crafted with precision in collaboration with stakeholders back in 2018.

The NFI’s systematic sampling design, utilising cluster points at the intersection of 10-kilometer by 10-kilometer grids within State Forests above the fourth parallel, is poised to provide invaluable data. As of September 2023, data collection has been successfully completed for Regions One, Two, Three, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, and10, marking the conclusion of the Data Collection Phase. This wealth of information opens the door for ongoing data processing and analysis.

The forthcoming findings and published reports from the NFI will be a milestone, representing the most updated and largescale baseline survey of our state forests over the past five decades. Stakeholders can anticipate a more informed perspective on the productive capacity of our forests in terms of quantity and quality of forest pro-

duce. Additionally, this data will serve as a foundational inventory for financial analysis and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) development. Government entities will harness this information for informed decisions regarding biodiversity conservation, zonation, and valuation efforts.

In a parallel effort, the GFC and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have united for the National Forest Restoration Initiative (NFRI). This initiative aligns seamlessly with the LCDS, which champions land reclamation and reforestation of mined areas under the banner of sustainable forestry and low-impact mining.

The NFRI aspires to restore our forests primarily using native tree species, concurrently creating alternative livelihoods for our forest-dependent communities. In Region 10, progress is underway in the Dakoura area, with roughly 23.3 hectares of land poised to complete the land preparation phase soon.

Following this crucial stage, planting and site maintenance will commence.

Supporting the NFRI, the GFC and GGMC have established two seedling sta-

tions, situated at the Yarrowkabra Training Centre (YTC) and in Wismar. Assessment and preparatory activities are also unfolding in other regions.

A distinctive feature of the NFRI is its commitment to empowering local communities. Community members, particularly from West Watooka, Canvas City, Silvertown, and Block 22, will receive training in seedling collection, care, planting, and monitoring throughout the project’s lifecycle.

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), GFC, and GGMC are unwavering in their commitment to collaborate with other government agencies and stakeholders, particularly at the community level. These collaborative efforts are vital in the efficient implementation of LCDS 2030 and the uplifting of livelihoods across Guyana.

In these initiatives, we see the promise of a greener, more sustainable, and economically robust Guyana.

The LCDS 2030 is not merely a vision; it is our collective action to safeguard our environment, our communities, and our future.

Ending the silence: The urgent need to address the Palestinian crisis

Dear Editor,

WE must pursue peace to lead society toward development and prosperity.

The thousands of wars between nations that have occurred at various levels and during all periods are documented in history. Living in a nation where our citizens are protected, our land belongs to us, and where we can go to bed at night in the blissful ignorance of not having to worry about our homes blown to pieces prevents us from actually understanding what war is. We will never really comprehend what it is like to be awakened by explosions and strikes or to see your loved ones crushed beneath the debris of your own home.

We will never be able to comprehend how it feels to have our land, our house, possessions, and loved ones taken away while everyone else does nothing. We fall asleep to the sounds of frogs and crickets chirping, a gentle breeze, and the happy prospect of waking up in good health. But Palestinians cannot lead such a life.

In Israel and the Gaza Strip we have seen unspeakable devastation and tragedy. There have been thousands of fatalities, injuries, and displacements. But make no mistake; the newsworthy events of the present have been occurring for the previous century.

In Gaza, the UN has said that water, food, fuel, medical supplies, and even body bags are running out due to the siege. Neighbourhoods have been destroyed and turned into complete rubble. Hospitals, places of worship, and refugee camps have been bombed. Palestinians, in search of safety, have nowhere to go. Many of

those who relocated from northern Gaza to the south after the relocation order by the Israeli army were bombed as they attempted to flee.

The world can no longer wait to take action as the events of the past week have brought us to the brink of a humanitarian disaster. People are being collectively punished, and it is our collective responsibility to do something about it. We must call for a complete ceasefire. We must sign petitions and make donations to charities. We need to put pressure on our politicians to recognize the ethnic cleansing and genocide that is killing and uprooting Palestinians.

It is astounding how sensitive and naive people have become, believing anything and anything without much consideration, inquiry, or comprehension. It is very hard to describe how disheartening it is to have to constantly demonstrate to humanity that people are worthy of having the right to exist in their own country.

Of all, this is little in comparison to those who have been imprisoned and under occupation since 1948.

It is even more painful to have to rely on people of influence to use their platform in favour of Palestinians: in favour of the oppressed. And make no mistake, hand wringing about both sides and whataboutism, equivocation, even silence, is not neutrality.

It is taking a stance without the spine to call it that. Condemn the brutalization of bodies.

By all means do. There is no justification for killing. But if you are going to condemn one side, then it is worth asking yourself if brutalization is acceptable to you. Tell the truth to yourself without discrepancy and own it. Do

not try to obfuscate the whole thing with talks of complex histories and religious scriptures.

Palestinians are tired of trying to prove their existence. Do you stand with Israel? You stand with oppressors. You stand for apartheid. You stand for genocide. You stand for racism. You stand for ethnic cleansing. You stand with colonizers. Acknowledge the fact that you are leaning to the side of the oppressor. If you cannot be equitable, be honest. That reckoning is internal. It is not one that Palestinians are responsible for facilitating. There is no need to pull statistics about sieges, illegal settlements, white phosphorus war crimes or data on the assassinations of Palestinian journalists. The truth is all there! They are written in the headlines: Israelis “killed”, Palestinians “dead”. The diasporic Palestinians are too exhausted from functioning in countries hell-bent on erasing and mystifying context. The Palestinians are too exhausted to even survive.

Your reluctance to wholeheartedly support Palestine, your deafening silence in the face of the excruciating suffering endured by the Palestinian people, and your adamant refusal to label Israel for what it undeniably is - a heartless, colonialist, settler-driven apartheid state - implicates you deeply in the problem. Your voice and stance wield extraordinary influence, so I implore you to dive deep into the unfiltered truth. Do the research. Do the work. Refuse to be ensnared by the falsehoods perpetuated by Western media, which almost ALWAYS aligns itself with Israel’s interests.

It is time that we extend the liberating truth of justice to yet another marginalised

voice in society; that we leverage the expertise and willingness of an elite institution with a capacity for empathy towards the Palestinian struggle for freedom. If we allow this neglect of Palestine to revel in blissful ignorance any longer, we undercut any movement, domestic or international, focused on opposing state-sponsored brutality. As Martin Luther King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” It is about time that we rally around this commitment to intersectionality - around the Palestinian struggle for freedom. As Nelson Mandela said, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of Palestinians.”

It is about time that we start holding each other accountable for the neglect of the Palestinian identity and for reducing the Palestinian cause to hushed discussions.

It is about time that we start talking about Palestine. Civilians are not bargaining chips.

The cycle of violence against innocent civilians needs to stop.

We leave with you a heart-wrenching poem by the Palestinian Poet Mahmoud Darwish. The war will end. The leaders will shake hands. The old woman will keep waiting for her martyred son.

That girl will wait for her beloved husband.

And those children will wait for their heroic father.

I don’t know who sold our homeland.

But I saw who paid the price.

Respectfully, Nazar Mohamed

The Gaza tragedy has endless dimensions to analyse

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

THERE are many dimensions to the current Israeli/Palestinian conflict that cry out for analysis.

I can think of five – the neat split between White and non-White countries; the use of the tragedy for political purposes in the US and UK by President Biden and Prime Minister Sunak; the unbelievable support of Black upper class for Israel in the US; the loss of American influence in the Third World after its current stance; the space created for countries to invade other lands.

Over the coming days, I will analyse each of these angles. But I will start with Biden and Sunak. Mr. Sunak is set to lose the next election in a gigantic way. The polls put Labour at 44 percent as against 28 for the Conservatives. Even if there is a margin of error of 15 percent (normally the error margin is not that high), the polls cannot be so horribly off to give the Conservatives victory. The polls show many top leaders, including PM Sunak, will lose their seats.

Across the US, the polls have Trump and Biden neck and neck. It has to be a devastating dent to the credibility of Mr. Biden to have someone like Trump leading him. In the normal, civilised world, Trump should be nowhere near Biden in any poll. Mr. Trump is just not a normal human.

What is even worrying for Biden is that Trump is way ahead of his Republican contenders. My take is if Mr. Biden runs, he may lose to Trump, but he will definitely lose to another Republican candidate. My bet is if the Republicans draft in Mitt Romney, with

an impressive vice-presidential candidate, he will beat Biden and Harris.

Biden isn’t going anywhere. He will not change his mind. He is locked in with Harris because he needs the Black votes, but Harris is a lost cause. So in the midst of this daunting electoral prospect, came the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And guess what, lawmakers from both parties are rushing to Israel. Biden is in Israel.

Elections are just a year away in the US and the support for Israel by US lawmakers and governors and government ministers have resulted in extreme language that is extremely shocking. President Biden on his arrival in Israel, without evidence blames Hamas for the bombing of a hospital in Gaza that took the lives of over 500 humans. This is playing to the election gallery in the US. This is the same president that condemns Russian violence in Ukraine.

Some governors and lawmakers want foreign nationals who support the Palestinian cause to be deported. This frenzy is bound up with the upcoming elections next November.

Biden sees the chance to gain valuable domestic support for his re-election bid. He dispatched the largest warship in the word, the Gerald Forde, to Israel, another smaller one and a contingent of troops will be in Israel.

Any graduate who studied international relations would know that in their first year of studies, they are instructed to note that besieged heads of governments find a way to survive by creating a foreign war. War is inevitably used by weak leaders to prop up

their faltering power-base. This law of international relations covers all nations without exception and covers all countries, whether small or large, democratic or authoritarian.

If the Gaza ground invasion by Israel leads to a wider war with Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah involvement, the US will get deeply involved and a country’s citizenry will not criticize its president who is at war.

The US administration and the Democratic Party will get more forceful in their support for Israel in Gaza when the invasion occurs because Biden will have to compete with insane vocabulary from the Republican Party.

Across the Atlantic, Mr. Sunak was quick to dispatch two warships and a spy plane to Israel. In the coming weeks, he will become more strident if the ground offensive by the

Israeli army gets underway. But I think, Sunak may not be aware of the crucial sociological differences between US population and the UK population.

The Jewish lobby is unbelievably powerful in the US and can make and break politicians. The US economy is unduly influenced by the wealth of Jewish businesses. Added to that is that the US economy is in better shape than its British counterpart, so it can more sustain expenditure in a war. Fourthly, the pro-Israeli sentiment among White Americans is an influential factor in politics in the US and this is not so in the UK. With these differences, it is doubtful that a shameless embrace of a war in Gaza

by Sunak will bring him sufficient electoral capital to win next the election year.

By Clestine Juan

locally, from the Caribbean Region, as well as the wider Commonwealth in order to facilitate the recruitment of persons of the highest possible calibre,” Nandlall said.

However, he pointed out that the vacancies for appointments to the Court of Appeal are not the subject of these advertisements.

In light of the amendments recently made to the Court of Appeal Act, increasing the complement of judges in that Court from five to nine, Nandlal said that there are vacancies in that Court as well.

He hopes that these vacancies will be advertised shortly as well.

In July, Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards; Former Chancellor Justice Carl Singh; Retired Appeal Court judge BS Roy; Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George; and Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman, Manniram Prashad, were sworn in as JSC commissioners by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. Justice Cummings-Edwards will serve as the chairman, while Justice George and Prashad will serve as ex officio members of the JSC. The JSC, which has a three-year life, is responsible for making recommendations for judicial appointments and removing or

exercising disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in judicial offices.

The JSC also advises the President on the appointment of judges, except for the Chancellor and the Chief Justice.

There has been a 20-year impasse on judicial appointments, with the last substantive Chancellor being Justice Desiree Bernard.

The current Chancellor and Chief Justice have both been acting in their respective positions for a number of years.

Guyana’s judicial system is not without its challenges, since the country is currently short of the full complement of judges and magistrates, and this has placed some amount of burden on the existing pool of judicial officers.

JSC advertises vacancies for judges, magistrates

THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing transparency and strengthening the country’s judiciary by advertising key vacancies for magistrates and judges.

This move comes as part of a broader effort to address the backlog of pending cases within the judicial system and to provide relief to the overburdened judiciary.

Historically, the JSC used to ascertain and extend invitations to individuals it deemed qualified for judicial positions.

However, on Wednesday, the recently constituted JSC adopted a more open approach by advertising the positions of Magistrates and Judges in various regions.

The JSC is also actively seeking individuals to fill administrative roles within the country’s courts.

The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has welcomed this development, highlighting its alignment with principles of transparency, international best practices, and the Latimer House Guidelines.

“It is hoped that these advertisements are also published extra-territorially so that they attract suitably qualified persons

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

Agricultural advancements: Workshop held to boost gender equality in farming

By Cindy Parkinson

REPRESENTATIVES from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Canada, UN Women, UK Aid, the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) gathered for a sensitisation and engagement workshop on Wednesday.

The focus of the workshop was to discuss the creation of gender mainstreaming courses and training tools for climate-smart agriculture.

The event took place at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

In her presentation on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Delma Nedd, stated that the agriculture sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Guyana’s economy.

The government of Guyana, through the MoA, aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), according to the Permanent Secretary.

She said: “This institution is a building that is and

will be at the forefront of education, research, and development in our pursuit of our own resilient and equitable sector. Today’s event encompasses several different activities, with each civilising our commitment to sustainable agriculture practices and a brighter, more inclusive future for our region.”

Nedd also related that while the project is being launched at GSA, their aim as a government is to create an enabling environment that allows students, faculty, and researchers to effectively take gender-based and climate-smart agriculture to the next level.

In addition, she mentioned that, with the product, they will strive towards promoting increased gender equality, sustainable disaster risk reduction management, climate change adaptation, and environmental management across nine Caribbean countries.

Ms. Nedd added, “with this gender base climate smart boost that is online and self-paced, we are tailoring it to the specific needs and context of Guyana.”

Moreover, the PS emphasised the government of Guyana’s commitment to capacity building, ensuring that technical staff, extension officers, farmers, and youths are adequately equipped.

“Gender is not mainly an

act of thought, but it is an integral component of sustainable and effective agricultural practices. Women play an essential role in agriculture, and promoting their active participation is essential for sustainable development,” she related.

Ms. Nedd added that the government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is currently pursuing projects that will foster greater female involvement.

The PS listed several projects that are specifically designed for women.

“This project aims to have over 50 percent of its beneficiaries be women to help simulate the economic activities of female farmers.

Next, we have the cut rose farmers, which target women and single parents,” she added.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Gavin Ramnarine, the CEO of GSA, expressed the immense joy of the staff and students for the laptop computers graciously donated by IICA. According to him, one of the most important things for the students is the use of technology in agriculture.

“Record keeping, analysing, and getting information on the weather and the humidity require data. Agriculture these days is all about data, and one of the things that we will have to do is use

The handing over of laptops to the CEO of GSA, Mr. Gavin Ramnarine (second right), from the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Ms. Jane Miller (third from left), the IICA representative in Guyana/CARICOM Liaison, Mr. Wilmot Garnett (center), the Resident Coordinator, United Nations Guyana, Ms. Yesim Oruc (second left), the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Delma Nedd (fifth right), and other officials from IICA and GSA (Yohan Japheth photo) the computers for training at our campus here in Mon Repos as well as the campus on the Essequibo Coast. A lot of the software programmes on the system will predict yields so that we will know what type of fertiliser to use and the quantity of it, it will be the same with the herbicides as well,” Ramnarine explained.

The CEO also emphasised that the computers will provide students with the opportunity to gain firsthand information, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their studies.

Furthermore, he commented that GSA was gradually and steadily delving into the digital realm, aided by the government and its collaboration

with IICA. Also speaking at the workshop were the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Ms. Jane Miller; the IICA representative in Guyana/CARICOM Liaison, Mr. Wilmot Garnett; the Head of Cooperation for Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, Global Affairs Canada, Mr. Adam Loyer; and the Resident Coordinator, United Nations Guyana, Ms. Yesim Oruc.

They all expressed similar views in favour of developing gender-mainstreaming courses and training tools on climate-smart agriculture.

According to the British High Commissioner, “this project brings together two

things that are really important to the United Kingdom, namely, gender and climate change.

We all know that Guyana is amazing and is on top of the economy, and a lot of energy is being put into that. It is an incredible country...but we should not be complacent.

With climate change, we have to adapt; we have to find new ways of doing agriculture... especially now that we are experiencing drought at the moment. I am delighted that this project is partnering with the university to experiment and try out new ways of farming.”

Ms. Miller also commended President Ali, his government, and all those who are partnering to make the project a success.

Agriculture Ministry refutes inaccurate allegations by Opposition MP –– Claims of “hastiness” and “losses” dismissed as mischief

THE Ministry of Agriculture, in response to a press statement titled “Zulfikar Mustapha’s action will cost taxpayers millions”, issued

by Opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul, on October 18, 2023, has vehemently refuted the claims as misleading and inaccurate.

In the press release, the Ministry points out that the allegations in Mahipaul’s statement are not based on factual information but rather seem to sensationalise the

situation.

The Ministry explains that, on September 25, 2023, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), acting upon the advice of experienced consultants, decided to terminate the contract for the Black Bush Polder pump station. This decision was made due to several technical breaches by the contractor, Yunas Civil and Building Contracting Services.

The Ministry clarified that these breaches included a failure to address the contract’s

terms, a failure to execute works as per the contract, and the inability to achieve the scheduled progress of works in accordance with the approved work programme, all of which amounted to a fundamental contract breach.

The Ministry also noted discrepancies in design specifications, such as issues with the reinforcement of pile caps. Additionally, concrete strength did not meet the required standards. As a result, the Ministry had no choice but to terminate the project.

Contrary to Mr. Mahipaul’s claims that valuable materials will deteriorate, translating into financial loss, the Ministry asserted that the steel rods are being relocated to a safe place, and the allegations are wholly inaccurate.

Moreover, the Ministry took the opportunity to address other procurement issues, suggesting that Mr. Mahipaul should have done a similar examination of “fire pumps” procured by the previous administration,

which reportedly cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and have not been efficiently operated.

The Ministry called Mr. Mahipaul’s recommendation to pour concrete over the steel rods “absurd” since it is not based on any technical advice, and the entire struc-

ture would need replacement, given the failed concrete compressive test.

Furthermore, the Ministry suggested that if Mr. Mahipaul had engaged with the Authority, he would have received this technical information, highlighting his lack of expertise in these matters.

The Ministry characterised Mr. Mahipaul’s statements as misleading and demanded that he retract the incorrect claims. It also emphasised its commitment to addressing project-related statements to ensure accuracy and to avoid sensationalising issues.

9

Transforming Village Economies with Carbon Credits Revenues

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

UNDER the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) initiative, the President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and his government continue to deliver on their commitment to transform village economies, resources in part through the allocation of 15 percent of the funds received from carbon credits revenues, to Amerindian villages.

This programme started in 2009 through the vision of the then President, current Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Karaudarnau, the expansion of the village guest house as well as the finished hot meal kitchen and dining hall at the Karaudarnau Primary School were also completed. Those projects were partially funded by the village’s LCDS fund.

Additionally, some of the LCDS funds were used to enhance Nature Park as well as construct a concrete sign of the village’s name using skills of residents from the same community, thus ensuring that all benefits of this project remain in the village.

Toka Village: The village used part of its LCDS fund to purchase a mini excavator that will serve the needs of the village—digging of trenches, stomp and branch removal, etc.

Karaudarnau Villagers’ Nature Park and Concrete Monument Sign project is complete, funded by part of the village’s 2023 LCDS funds

Parabara Village vehicle that was bought with LCDS funds who shaped the vision of the LCDS. Currently, this is allowing the people of the respective communities to decide collectively what is most important for them to invest in so that it can be beneficial for all. All villages have submitted Village Sustainability Plans, and over G$3 billion have been invested in over 500 projects at village level. These projects focus on a broad range of areas including on food security, economic activities and social upliftment initiatives.

To offset impacts of the current El Nino season that is being experienced, Hosororo is using carbon credits revenues for a home water supply project. The Toshao and the residents of the village have decided to use some of the community LCDS funds and purchase 150 black tanks, along with the required pipes and pipe fittings for the additional homes.

While in the village of

With the use of the LCDS funds, several indigenous communities throughout Guyana are constructing and investing in their people’s needs.

In Region eight, some of these communities are, Pennak, the Information and communication technologies (lCT) hub is completed; Arasawa - their gas depot funded by the LCDS fund is completed and serving the residents, while their multi-purpose building is under construction; Waipa’s gas depot is approximately 90 per cent complete. In Region 9, Parabara community bought a ‘village vehicle’ that will be of used by their people; also in Region 8, Katch Cow - the Katch Cow sewing project is under construction; the KurukabaruKurukabaru’s multi-purpose building is almost 90 per cent competed; and in Region 9, Toka Village is utilising part of its LCDS fund to purchase a mini-excavator that will serve the needs of the village

THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a $90 million loan to contribute to human capital development in Guyana.

The loan approved by the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors is designed to expand access to safe and improved learning environments and enhance educational services for vulnerable students in Guyana. This is the first individual operation of a conditional credit line for investment projects (CCLIP)

valued at $150 million.

According to the IDB, this first project supports the foundation for transforming Guyana’s education sector by improving the quality of the service and addressing regional differences in the delivery of education in the country.

In particular, the loan approved seeks to modernise the physical infrastructure of Guyana’s schools, a key driver for improving attendance rates, motivating teachers,

The extension of the Karaudarnau Primary School’s Hot Meal Kitchen and Dining Hall is complete, funded by part of the village’s LCDS funds

- digging of trenches, stomp, and branch removal, to enable agriculture and food security activities, to better serve village needs.

Cognisant that carbon credits revenues present a long term, predictable, financial flow for Amerindian Villages, upon receiving $24 million under the expanded LCDS 2030, Karrau Village, located in Region Seven, is currently planning three development projects that would improve the village economy and provide possibilities for the locals.

This project is implemented in phases.

In a recent outreach to the community, Karrau’s Toshao, Shane Cornelius, emphasised that these initiatives include the purchase of a boat and engine for the village, a generator, and the construction of a sawmill owned by the village.

According to him, “all of these that are under implementation right now are leading into the Christmas season.” He related that the funding from

the LCDS has been crucial in supporting the implementation of socially and environmentally conscious projects that help Amerindian villages transform local economies, noting that the funding of indigenous communities looks to advance the socioeconomic development in each area.

At Karrau, Toshao Cornelius explained that many projects are being undertaken in the community.

“We are doing a lot of stuff. We are trying to have a lot of projects ongoing. We are trying to develop our village just as the country is developing. We are excited about these times. We know that we have the support of the government.

We also want to show the government that we are capable of managing and executing projects as well. We have more to learn, and there are improvements to be made but what matters is that we have ownership of this process and lead in these projects – we design them, we implement

Karrau (Region 7): Village Boat and Engine with Investment of G$4M LCDS funds them, and we benefit from the impacts” he said.

Regionally, the Toshao underlined that the health centre was being extended while the primary school was being fenced. “It must be noted that the fencing of the school and the rehabilitation of the health workers’ quarters were done by the village council. We, at the village council, got the projects, and we executed them from the regional administration.”

Within the next three to four years, Toshao Cornelius is optimistic that job security will be rapidly advanced for the villagers.

The village council has also prioritised the creation of employment opportunities for people in the community.

“We must have our own job opportunities created within the villages... and to have food security. This is to have

more people farming, more produce in the village, and more people eating healthily while supporting locals.”

The community is also eyeing the possibility of having leisure and sports activities there.

“So, a major project that would be completed before this year’s end is to have floodlights around the community grounds. So, we have that as a big project. Toshao Cornelius highlighted.

Many villagers noted that development at national level is seen at village level, and whilst many projects are still in implementation, for the next 10 years and over the implementation of LCDS 2030, this development will be rapidly expanded.

(This is part of a weekly series on the LCDS.) The author can be contacted at cparkinson0206@gmail.com.

In addition, the programme will strengthen the Ministry of Education’s capacity to deliver improved educational services to vulnerable students and those with special education needs and disabilities (SEND). This includes developing a language policy that will guide interventions for indigenous students in the future and an inclusive education policy.

The project will benefit 8,809 primary education pupils and their respective

communities through its interventions. The newly constructed schools will provide 2,610 new primary education spaces. At least 7,341 students and 352 teachers from grades two-six will receive digital devices to support their teaching and learning.

The $90 million IDB loan has a grace period of 5.5 years, and amortization period of 25 years, and an interest rate based on Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).

IDB approves US$90M loan to enhance education in Guyana and elevating learning outcomes.

This operation includes the construction of six new primary schools and upgrade of 19 schools in Hinterlands regions (One, Seven, Eight and Nine) by improving physical and digital facilities to meet 21st-century stan-

dards. This includes providing essential services, such as electricity, water, connectivity and digital devices.

Recognising the critical role of quality teaching in developing 21st-century skills, and the main determinant for student learning and skill development, the program places emphasis on the continuous professional development of teachers to improve their teaching of 21st-century-skills and child-centered pedagogies.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

GRA stands firm on US$214.4M final audit figure

By Clestine Juan

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) stands firm in its position concerning the US$214.4 million flagged by IHS Markit in its audit of Exxon’s expenses, 1999-2017, de-

spite recent statements by Alistair Routledge, CEO of Exxon Mobil Guyana Ltd (EMGL), indicating adjustments to the initial audit figure.

This matter revolves around the discrepancies between the figures presented

in the audit report and the GRA’s official stance on the issue.

Notably, Exxon Mobil is currently undergoing two cost-recovery audits, with the first audit encompassing expenses incurred from 1999 to 2017, totalling US$1.678

billion, and the second audit focusing on the 20182020 period, involving costs amounting to US$7.2 billion.

In response, the GRA’s Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, issued a statement reiterating the authority’s position that the Cost Bank Adjustment of US$214.4 million, as specified in the “Audit Report Recommendation Final” by IHS Markit, represents the final and accepted figure Statia also clarified that the GRA’s previous correspondence to IHS Markit seeking clarification should not be construed as a change in the Authority’s position regarding the audit figure or the reopening of the process.

Further, the Authority unequivocally states that its correspondence to IHS Markit seeking clarity to the said “Audit Report Recommendation Final” and copied to EMGL should in “no way or form” be construed as a change in the Authority’s position that the Cost Bank Adjustment of US$214.4M be adjusted, nor to re-open the process as intimated by the CEO of EMGL During a press conference on Tuesday, Routledge disputed reports that an agreement on the adjustment was reached between the company and the Government.

He said that regarding the initial audit, the government’s auditing firm, IHS Markit, issued a draft report containing queries about an amount of approximately 214 million USD. Routledge pointed out these queries were not findings of irregularities, but sought additional documentation and clarification.

EMGL president said that the oil giant worked diligently to provide further documentation.

He said, “We believe that we provided the documentation to substantially reduce the queries that were out there from the initial draft audit.”

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is the authoritative body overseeing the audit, as pointed out by the PPP/C government.

Routledge said that GRA requested ExxonMobil to re-engage IHS Markit to review the documentation provided after the initial au-

GRA’s Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia dit was halted. However, he anticipates that the remaining queries will be resolved, with only a minor de minimis amount possibly unverifiable due to the age of the records.

“We’re very clear on what the international standards are for us in the oil and gas business. We follow those standards, we booked appropriately. We have a lot of checks and balances in place to ensure appropriately.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, recently said that since the inception of the audit, the government’s position has been to consistently emphasise that it is the GRA which plays the pivotal role in determining the final outcome of the audit in question, in line with the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

He underscored that the Ministry of Natural Resources’ role in the process was to oversee the audit, as stipulated in the PSA, and facilitate information exchange among all relevant parties, including the GRA. However, based on advice from Gossai, that initial claim of US$214,911,994 was reduced to US$3,414,853.68.

In response to this dramatic shift, Minister Bharrat formally sought clarification from the GRA, in a letter dated November 28, 2022, seeking a “No Objection” to confirm this revised figure.

Fast forward to July 2023, Minister Bharrat said that the Ministry’s Senior Petroleum Coordinator, Bobby Gossai Jr., while in a meeting with himself and Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, reported that the initial sum was further adjusted, first to US$11,497,140 and eventually down to US$3,414,853.68.

Minister Bharrat, consid-

ering his previous correspondence with the GRA and the agency’s critical role in the audit process, said that he assumed that this reduction had been achieved in consultation and collaboration with the GRA. “I subsequently learnt that the GRA did not agree with the position, and the initial claim of US$214,911,994 remains the same,” he said.

In light of the foregoing developments, Minister Bharrat reiterated that the government’s stance remains unwavering, affirming that the GRA is the sole entity authorised to make the final determination on the matter.

“After examining all the facts, it is clear Gossai acted without the requisite authorisation to engage EEPGL [Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited] and provided inadequate advice, and as such, I have asked the Permanent Secretary to take the necessary disciplinary measures,” the Minster said in his letter.

Additionally, he said that the government will establish new protocols and systems to prevent similar lapses in the future, emphasising full disclosure and transparency in dealings with stakeholders in the sector.

In auditing Exxon’s expenses from 1999 to 2017, IHS Markit flagged a US$214M sum of questionable spending. This figure received a no-objection from GRA, and an indication to close the US$1.6B audit of Exxon’s expenses.

However, following this no-objection, it was revealed that a staff member of the Ministry of Natural Resource’s Petroleum Unit engaged ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary, formerly known as EEPGL, in reducing the US$214 million to US$3 million.

Gov’t to take firm action against delinquent contractors

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

– audit underway to identify non-compliance

By Clestine Juan

THE government will be imposing strict actions against errant contractors who have been causing substantial disruptions in public works projects, impeding the government’s efforts to develop national infrastructure.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall made this announcement during his programme ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday, highlighting the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government’s dedication to ensuring contractors adhere to their contractual obligations and deliver the expected results.

He explained that at a recent Cabinet meeting; the government made a resolute decision to take robust measures against contractors failing to fulfil their obligations.

“These are contractors who are issued with contracts from the government and, for whatever reason, have been breaching those contracts causing tremendous delays in the execution and completion of public works across the country, stalling the government’s infrastructural development drive,” Nandlall said.

In order to tackle this problem, he stated that the Ministry of Finance has been given instructions to expeditiously carry out an audit to identify contractors who are not in compliance. Once identified, this information will be transferred to the

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall Attorney General, who has been explicitly instructed to inform these contractors, enforce liquidated damages as permitted by contract terms, and commence legal proceedings for contract violation.

“We cannot continue to have contractors not discharging the contractual obligations in accordance with the contractual specifications. Government will not tolerate substandard work and breach of contracts from contractors who are paid billions of dollars to discharge their

contractual obligations.”

He continued: “Contractors who are performing well and who are discharging their contractual obligations have no reason to worry. The delinquent ones, however, that delinquency will attract certain legal consequences and the government intends to move strongly and swiftly in that direction.”

Recently, Government terminated the Mineral Agreement and Mining Licence issued to Troy Resources Guyana Inc. (TRGI) and its affiliates, Troy Resources Limited and Pharsalus Gold Inc after it failed to address several critical issues, including unpaid royalties, rental fees, non-compliance with the work programme and environmental management concerns.

The Karouni Mineral Agreement, initially signed on October 16, 2014, was intended to facilitate the development and operation of a mining project at the Karouni Property. TRGI commenced operations in November 2015 but encountered operational challenges that led to an extended period of “care and maintenance,” beginning in early 2021.

Despite commitments to resume operations, TRGI failed to do so, even proposing the liquidation of its assets to the

government. This proposal was rejected, primarily due to the delay in addressing outstanding financial obligations.

One of the significant issues leading to the contract’s termination is TRGI’s unpaid royalties totalling over $2.6 billion, which the government is actively seeking to recover through legal means.

In addition, despite disapproval from the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) and suspension of TRGI’s exports owing to unpaid royalties, the Ministry of Finance, during the former APNU+AFC administration in 2019, allowed TRGI to resume exports, which further exacerbated the outstanding debt.

Since taking office in 2020, the administration has nullified several multi-million-dollar contracts owing to multiple breaches by contractors. The government is pursuing civil litigation against reckless drivers who cause damage to public property, seeking substantial financial compensation.

Troy Humphrey, who inflicted damages upon the newly constructed Eccles/ Haags Bosch roundabout, is the inaugural civilian to confront legal action initiated by the state.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

Xi announces major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road co-operation

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday announced eight major steps China will take to support high-quality Belt and Road co-operation.

First, China will build a multidimensional Belt and Road connectivity network, Xi said in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Co-operation (BRF).

The country will speed up high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express, participate in the trans-Caspian international transportation corridor, and host the China-Europe Railway Express Co-operation Forum, the president said.

He noted that China, together with other parties, will build a new logistics corridor across the Eurasian continent linked by direct railway and road transportation.

"We will vigorously integrate ports, shipping and trading services under the 'Silk Road Maritime,' and accelerate the building of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Air Silk Road," he said.

Second, China will support an open world economy, with its total trade in goods and services expected to exceed 32 trillion U.S. dollars and 5 trillion U.S. dollars respectively in the 20242028 period, Xi said.

He said the country will establish pilot zones for Silk Road

e-commerce co-operation, and enter into free trade agreements and investment protection treaties with more countries.

The country will remove all restrictions on foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector, he said.

Efforts will be made to further advance high-standard opening up in cross-border service trade and investment, expand market access for digital and other products, and deepen reform in areas including the state-owned enterprises, digital economy, intellectual property and government procurement, the president noted.

The country will hold the Global Digital Trade Expo annually, he said.

Third, China will carry out practical co-operation for the BRI. The country will promote both signature projects and "small yet smart" livelihood programs, the president said.

He vowed more financing support for BRI projects on the basis of market and business operation, noting that the China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China will each set up a 350 billion yuan (48.75 billion U.S. dollars) financing window, and that an additional 80 billion yuan will be injected into the Silk Road Fund.

China will carry out 1,000 small-scale livelihood assistance projects, and enhance vocational education co-operation through Luban Workshops and other

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Co-operation and delivers a keynote speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

initiatives, Xi said, adding that more efforts will be taken to ensure the safety of BRI projects and personnel.

The CEO Conference held during the forum saw the conclusion of agreements worth 97.2 billion U.S. dollars, he said.

Fourth, China will continue to promote green development.

The country will further deepen co-operation in areas such as green infrastructure, green energy and green transportation, and step up support for the BRI International Green Development Coalition.

"China will continue to hold the BRI Green Innovation Conference, and establish dialogue and exchange mechanisms for the solar industry and a network of experts on green and low-carbon development," Xi said.

He added that China will implement the Green Investment Principles for the Belt and Road, and provide 100,000 training opportunities for partner countries by 2030.

Fifth, China will continue to advance scientific and technological innovation. China will continue to implement the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Co-operation Action Plan, and hold the first Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange, noted Xi. The country will also increase the number of joint laboratories built with other Belt and Road parties to 100 in the next five years, and support young scientists from other countries to work on short-term programs in China, he said.

China will put forward the Global Initiative for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance at this year's forum. "We stand ready to increase exchanges and dialogue with other countries and jointly promote the sound, orderly and secure AI development in the world," Xi said.

Sixth, China will support people-to-people exchanges.

China will host the Liangzhu Forum to enhance dialogue on civilisations with BRI partner countries, the president said.

In addition to the Silk Road International League of Theaters, the Silk Road International Arts Festival, the International Alliance of Museums of the Silk Road, the Silk Road International Alliance of Art Museums, and the Silk Road International Library Alliance that have been set up, China has also launched the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities, according to Xi. China will continue with the Chinese government scholarship Silk Road Program, he noted.

Seventh, China will promote integrity-based Belt and Road co-operation.

Together with its co-operation partners, China will release the Achievements and Prospects of Belt and Road Integrity Building and the High-Level Principles on Belt and Road Integrity Building and establish the Integrity and Compliance Evaluation System for Companies Involved in Belt and Road Co-operation, Xi announced.

"We will also work with international organisations to carry out research and training on promoting integrity in Belt and Road co-operation," he said.

Eighth, China will strengthen the institutional building for international Belt and Road co-operation.

China will work with its BRI partner countries to strengthen the building of multilateral co-operation platforms covering energy, taxation, finance, green development, disaster reduction, anti-corruption, think tank, media, culture and other fields, Xi said.

China will continue to host the BRF and establish a secretariat for the forum, he said.

(Xinhua)

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

Xi: China to take eight steps to support high-quality B&R cooperation

PRESIDENT Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Co-operation in Beijing on Wednesday. Here are the highlights.

The BRI aims to enhance policy, infrastructure, trade, financial and people-to-people connectivity, inject new impetus into the global economy, create new opportunities for global development, and build a new platform for international economic co-operation.

Over the past 10 years, the Belt and Road international co-operation has gotten off the ground, grown rapidly and produced fruitful outcomes.

The co-operation has extended from the Eurasian continent to Africa and Latin America, and more than 150 countries and over 30 international organisations have signed co-operation documents.

Over the past 10 years, the Belt and Road co-operation has progressed from "sketching the outline" to "filling in the details," and blueprints have been turned into real projects.

A large number of signature projects and "small yet smart" people-centered programs have been launched.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR HIGHQUALITY BELT AND ROAD CO-OPERATION Important guiding principles for high-quality Belt and Road co-operation have been laid down, which include the principle of "planning together, building together, and benefitting together," the philosophy of open, green and clean co-operation, and the goal of pursuing high-standard, people-centered and sustainable co-operation.

The global network of connectivity built under the Belt and Road Initiative has injected fresh vitality into the millennia-old Silk Road in the new era.

When COVID-19 struck, the Belt and Road became a life-saving road. The Belt and Road Initiative represents humanity's joint pursuit of development for all.

It has opened up a new path for exchanges among countries, and established a new framework for international co-operation.

China can only do well when the world is doing well.

President Xi Jinping and distinguished guests arrive to attend the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Co-operation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct 18, 2023 When China does well, the world will get even better.

CHINA IS OPENING ITS DOOR WIDER TO WORLD THROUGH BRL Through Belt and Road co-operation, China is opening its door even wider to the world, with its inland regions

turning from "fullbacks" into "forwards," and coastal regions scaling new heights in their opening-up.

China has become a main trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions and a primary source of investment for more countries.

Both Chinese investment

overseas and foreign investment in China have boosted friendship, co-operation, confidence and hope.

When countries embrace co-operation and act in concert, a deep chasm can be turned into a thoroughfare, land-locked countries can become land-linked, and a

Businessman killed in robbery

A TRAGIC incident unfolded in Williamsburg, East Berbice, Corentyne, when a businessman was robbed and fatally beaten in the early hours of Wednesday.

Akbar Sain, a 59-yearold, well-respected proprietor of Sain Supermarket, lost his life in a horrifying turn of events.

The perpetrator, identified as Satesh Ramnarish, was swiftly captured, thanks to the determined and tactical response of the police in B Division.

Ramnarish was found concealed behind a washing machine on the upper floor of the victim's premises.

The distressing inci-

dent occurred around 02:30 hours when the police responded to reports of an attempted break-in. Upon arrival, they discovered signs of forced entry with the grill to the southern side of the businessman's home pried open, and the glass door ajar. Tragically, they found Akbar Sain lying lifeless on the supermarket floor, his face bearing the telltale signs of a violent struggle, and the cashier area ransacked.

Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus, Commander of B Division, shared with the media that a scuffle had ensued between the suspect and the businessman. During this

Dead: Akbar Sain confrontation, the assailant was during this search that had brutally attacked Sain they made a startling diswith a blunt object, result- covery—Satesh Ramnarish ing in his untimely demise. hiding behind a washing As the police arrived at machine. the scene and carried out Confronted by the law their initial investigations, enforcement officers, the they conducted a thorough suspect put up resistance, search of the premises. It leading to a confrontation

place of underdevelopment can be transformed into a land of prosperity.

Countries taking the lead in economic development should give a hand to their partners who are yet to catch up. We should all treat each other as friends and partners, respect and support each other, and help each other succeed.

The Silk Road spirit of peace and co-operation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit is the most important source of strength for Belt and Road co-operation.

Belt and Road co-operation is based on the belief that flame runs high when everyone adds wood to the fire and that mutual support can get us far.

Ideological confrontation, geopolitical rivalry and bloc politics are not a choice for us. What we stand against are unilateral sanctions, economic coercion and decoupling and supply chain disruption.

China will work with all parties involved to usher Belt and Road co-operation into a new stage of high-quality development, and make relentless efforts to achieve modernisation for all countries.

- swift police response results in suspect’s arrest

that ended with the police firing a shot, hitting him in the right arm. A subsequent search of the suspect's person yielded several rolls of cash, concealed in his crotch area and pockets.

Ramnarish was promptly transported for medical treatment but remained in custody to assist with further investigations. In a shocking turn of events, the suspect confessed to the crime. Additionally, the police's search of the premises unearthed the businessman's licensed firearm, along with eight .32 rounds.

Akbar Sain, a long-time resident of Williamsburg, was known for his dedica-

tion to his business, which had served the community for over two decades.

Neighbours and friends described him as a humble, kind, generous, and always helpful individual. Following the tragic news of his passing, employees of the supermarket arrived in a state of shock and sadness.

The community members expressed their gratitude to the police for their rapid response to the crime scene, acknowledging the vital role played by law enforcement in swiftly capturing the suspect and providing some closure to the grieving community.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

PAC hears: Procurement processes restructured at MARAD –– After internal audit uncovers breaches in tendering process from 2019

By Shamar Meusa

THE procurement process at the Maritime Administration Department has been restructured in response to discrepancies discovered in 2019.

This is according to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works Vladim Persaud who, along with a team, was before the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for the examination of the Auditor General’s report for the year 2019 for the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

The Auditor General’s report in relation to MARAD, which falls under the purview of the ministry, stated that in 2019, a contract was awarded for the acquisition of spares with the entire sum of $351.3 million paid to the

supplier.

Further to this, it was noted that the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) approved a variation later for the sum of $400.2 million, which was more than the original contract sum.

Consequently, Member of Parliament Dharamkumar Seeraj questioned the necessity of opting for that particular variation instead of reissuing the project for tender.

“Can we be told why is it we need to go for a variation that and this variation represents 114% of the initial contract sum and whether we would not have had better value for money if we had gone to retendering?” he asked while noting that they could have possibly received a better deal through that process.

To this end, Persaud who was not permanent secretary of the ministry at that time, said that the procurement process that was followed was not in compliance with the internal protocols.

He revealed, “These are matters that were investigated through internal audit and since then we have taken several decisions not only to restructure the way procurement is done and ensuring that they are synchronised with how the national procurement system operates or what is prescribed by law.”

In addition to these actions that were taken since the discovery of that audit, several persons were relieved of their duties while the board was also changed.

Persaud further noted that they discovered

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works and team before the Public Accounts Committee on Monday that these were lapses that should not have been made at the level of the director general of that agency at the time. While he added that they cannot correct what has happened during that time, they have since put in place several measures in terms of strength-

ening the procurement protocols and contract management among other things.

He said, “I don’t want to speculate whether it would have been more efficient then, we have discovered that several areas were breached in the

context of what should have applied then and as such we have now as an agency, MARAD and also as the parent ministry, ministry of public works have changed the entire system with regards to strengthening three critical areas.”

‘Agri Investment Forum’ on track

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

–– Agriculture Minister says

By Trina Williams WITH the goal of addressing the growing food import bill in the Caribbean region, the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo, touted to be bigger than last year, has garnered significant anticipation, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

He made these remarks on Wednesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where he also conducted a walk-through of the venue, to show the ongoing preparations.

With some 150 exhibitors and over 80 agro-processors, Mustapha stated that this clearly demonstrates a growing interest in the agricultural sector.

Speaking more on what one can expect this Friday, he said: “On display would be [the] individual and collective potential [to] develop the regional agricultural sector, plans for food security and emerging prospect in CARICOM agriculture; including technological and

logistical solutions.”

The grand exposition will take place under the theme, “Achieving Vision 25 by 2025” and will include stakeholders from different countries, as well as local agro-processors who will display a wide range of agricultural produce.

Also, several Caribbean officials and international partners have indicated their participation in this year’s event.

The event is being held as (CARICOM) takes decisive steps to reduce its US$6B food-importation bill by 25 per cent in the next five years (25 by 25).

At the 33rd Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM held in Belize back in 2022, it was announced that Guyana would host the region’s first agriculture Regional Agri-Investment Forum and Expo. The second was held in Trinidad & Tobago later that same year.

This year, in Guyana, the conference will be held at the

Arthur Chung Conference Centre, from October 20-22.

Already CARICOM has achieved 57 per cent of its food production targets.

It was previously reported by the region’s Ministerial Taskforce that products such as cocoa, dairy, meat, root crops, fruits, and poultry have already reached 96.13 per cent, 84.36 per cent, 72.28 per cent, 70.91 per cent, 70.77 per cent, and 70.19 per cent respectively, for the targeted production volume set for the year 2025.

Moreover, countries such as Guyana, Belize, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Dominica, and Jamaica have made significant strides in the production of commodities such as ginger, turmeric, corn, soya bean, root crops, fruits, cocoa, poultry, meat, fish, table eggs, and dairy.

Already, priority areas have been identified for 2023.

These include agriculture insurance and financing, trade and E-agriculture, resource mobilisation, and trade support.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during the walkthrough (Trina Williams photos)

Contractors working

NDIA refutes misleading SN editorial 16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

–– highlights infrastructural project challenges, defends transparency and accountability

IN rebuttal to a Stabroek News (SN) editorial published on October 16, 2023 titled, “Chaos in infrastructure projects,” the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has come forward to clarify and debunk what it considers to be erroneous and misleading statements.

NDIA has emphasised that it is committed to transparency, accountability, and careful planning in its infrastructural projects.

The central point of contention raised in the editorial was the assertion that the NDIA failed to acknowledge major issues with pump stations. The NDIA clarified that its intent was not to deny issues but to emphasise that these issues were external to the Authority,

causing significant project delays. Challenges such as squatting and encumbrances in the construction zone were cited as obstacles that impacted project timelines.

The editorial’s claim that projects were conducted “in a haphazard manner” was strongly disputed by the NDIA, which stated that project locations were determined after extensive consultations with residents, farmers, Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), and other stakeholders, based on sound engineering advice and public interest.

Regarding the Black Bush Polder pump station project, the NDIA clarified that project evaluations were carried out by the National Procurement and Tender

Administration Board (NPTAB) before awarding contracts. The NDIA was only notified of the successful bidder after the award, and the entire process adhered to the Procurement Act of 2003.

The NDIA further explained that in the case of the termination of the Black Bush Polder pump station project, a Project Completion Certificate would have been issued for satisfactory work completed, and payment to the contractor was only for the work done up to that point. The advance mobilisation and performance bonds were still active at the

time of termination, allowing for possible recouping of funds.

The editorial also criticised the preparation prior to the award of other pump station projects, including the Charity pump station in Region Two, the A Line pump station in West Demerara, Region Three, and the Canal No.1 pump station in Region Three. The NDIA defended its approach, highlighting the involvement of experienced consultants and engineers to formulate designs and identify optimal project locations.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s NDIA asserted that the editorial was unrealistic and provocative, given the facts they have presented.

They contended that the paper failed to investigate the matter fairly and objectively, and if they had, they would have reached a different conclusion in line with the actual circumstances.

The NDIA emphasised

the challenges of illegal occupations along the coastline, which have hindered development. The Ministry noted that it conduct consultations before commencing works and is committed to planning and careful execution.

Addressing the dredging of the Pomeroon River mouth, the NDIA stated that discussions were held with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) before work commenced, refuting the allegation of “underestimation of what was required.”

In conclusion, the Ministry of Agriculture’s NDIA welcomed constructive criticism while asserting its commitment to correcting misleading and offensive statements.

It reiterated its dedication to transparency and accountability in its infrastructure projects, emphasising its careful planning and consultation processes.

ERC launches regional outreach initiative

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

IN an effort to foster better understanding and engagement with stakeholders, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) of Guyana has embarked on a Regional Outreach initiative, conducting meetings and open discussions across the country.

The initiative began on Thursday, October 12, in Linden, Region 10, with engagements with Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and Municipalities.

During these meetings, commission-

14, accompanied by an open community meeting at the Cotton Field Secondary School. Once again, the Commission received a warm reception, and discussions focused on potential areas of collaboration.

The ERC has planned to conduct outreaches in all regions of the country as part of this initiative.

Since its reconstitution, the Commission has undertaken a range of initiatives, including signing the Code of Conduct

ERC Chairman Mr. Shaikh Moeenul Hack handing over some ERC items to Regional Chairman of Region 10, Mr. Deron Adams ers and Secretariat staff of the ERC held constructive dialogues with the Regional Chairman, Councillors, and the Mayor, along with their respective teams.

According to the ERC, its team was warmly welcomed, and the stakeholders discussed various areas of concern.

An open Town Hall meeting was also held at the Watooka Lodge, where residents actively participated, expressing their satisfaction with the Commission’s visit and sharing their feedback and suggestions.

Similar meetings took place with the RDC of Region Two and the Anna Regina Municipality on Saturday, October

for Local Government Elections 2023, fielding the largest team of observers for the LGE 2023, and participating in the United Nations (UN) during the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent.

The ERC has also engaged with all Constitutional Constituency stakeholder organisations and conducted back-toschool campaigns to educate students on the role and functions of the ERC. Additionally, they have established an ERC public library space on their compound and revitalized the Investigative Unit and Media Monitoring Unit, among other efforts.

The ERC Chairman, Commissioners and CEO engage the Regional Officials of Essequibo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

Telea back for All Blacks’ ahead of Argentina semi (BBC) - Winger Mark Telea is back in the New Zealand side for the All-Blacks’ Rugby World Cup semi-final against Argen-

Gonzalo Bertranou replacing Tomas Cubelli at scrum-half.

New Zealand's matchday squad contains 12 of the players that were involved in

Nicolas Sanchez, who scored a late interception try in the Pumas' quarter-final win over Wales.

The winner of the first semi-final will

New Zealand narrowly beat Ireland in their quarter-final to remain on course for a fourth Rugby World Cup victory

tina.

The 26-year-old was dropped for the quarter-final victory over Ireland after a breach of team protocol.

His return is one of two changes to Ian Foster's starting XV for Friday's semi-final, with Sam Whitelock coming in for Brodie Retallick in the second row.

Argentina made one change for the game in Paris, with

the 2019 semi-final defeat by England in Japan.

Telea, who crossed twice in the opening-game loss to hosts France, takes the place of Leicester Fainga'anuku, scorer of one of New Zealand's three tries against Ireland.

"That's the team we think best for this week," said Foster.

"He [Telea] has done his time. He made a mistake and accepted what happened but you don't linger in that space.

"We have got a faith in him and think he is in good place to play this game."

Seven players remain in the Argentina squad from the side that reached the semi-finals in 2015, including captain Julian Montoya and replacement fly-half

play either England or South Africa in the final at the Stade de France on Saturday, 28 October.

Line-ups Argentina: Mallia; Boffelli, Cinti, Chocobares, M Carreras; S Carreras, Bertranou; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Gomez Kodela, Petti, Lavanini, Gonzalez, Kremer, Isa. Replacements: Creevy, Sclavi, Bello, Alemanno, Bruni, Bazan Velez, Sanchez, Moroni.

New Zealand: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Telea; Mo'unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Whitelock, S Barrett, Frizell, Cane (capt), Savea.

Replacements: Ta u k e i ' a h o , W i l liams, Newell, Retallick, Papalii, Christie, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

Shallow cites Wehby Report meeting ‘important step’ CMC – Cricket West Indies has described a special board meeting last month focussing on the Wehby Report, as “an important step” towards the implementation of the long-awaited governance reforms.

The meeting, chaired

by CWI president Dr. Kishore Shallow, came as the new administration continued its push to act on the reforms put forward

by Jamaican senator Don Wehby and his five-member committee three years ago.

S h a l l ow, who w as re-elected unopposed last

March to succeed Ricky Skerritt, said CWI would in coming weeks dialogue with territorial boards to further accelerate the process surrounding reforms.

“The need for governance reform within Cricket West Indies has been a long-standing call, and we are acutely aware of its importance,” Shallow said in a statement Tuesday.

“The Wehby Report offers us a roadmap to a more efficient, transparent, and accountable organisation. We are committed to delivering on this commit-

ment, ensuring that CWI operates at its full potential and sets a standard for good governance in the cricketing world.

“The process of governance reform will be a collaborative and transparent one, with input from all parties invested in West Indies cricket’s future.

“The board meeting was an important step in gaining momentum in advancing our governance reform process.”

He added: “We are committed to working hand in hand with our shareholders to shape the

Cricket West Indies president, Dr Kishore Shallow

future of CWI. “It is against this backdrop that we will be engaging the territorial boards in the coming weeks as their involvement in the process

is critical.”

After taking office earlier this year, Shallow said he remained “resolute” in his desire to implement governance reforms, not-

ing then it was “a key element in reinvigorating CWI”.

The Wehby Report is one of several governance reports produced over the last three decades, including the1992 Governance Report, the 2007 Patterson Report, the Wilkins Report in 2012 and the 2015 Barriteau Report.

In underscoring the importance of reforms on Tuesday, CWI said it would be able to “enhance its efficiency, financial stability, and overall impact on the cricketing world”.

NZ keep perfect record as Afghanistan fal apart in chase of 289 (ESPNCRICINFO) After causing a major stir in the 2023 World Cup by beating defending champions England on Sunday, Afghanistan briefly harboured hopes of upsetting the 2019 runners-up too.

But the New Zealand brand of professionalism and experience came to the fore once more as they managed to keep their unbeaten record intact to make it four out of four in the competition.

Sent in to bat, New Zealand slipped from a comfortable 109 for 1 in the 21st over to a not-so-comfortable 110 for 4 in the space of nine balls. However, captain Tom Latham and the doit-all man Glenn Phillips revived the innings with a 144-run stand for the fifth wicket. They were also helped by Afghanistan's sloppiness in the field with as many as six

at the time went on to score 54.

With Young struggling initially, it was Devon Conway who set the ball rolling with a few eye-catching fours.

Young soon found his mojo as he lofted Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman over long-on. But the bowler soon exacted revenge, albeit on Conway, trapping the batter in front of the stumps. The decision referred upstairs after the

Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips put on 144 off 153 balls (ICC/Getty Images)

chances - five catches and a run out - going a begging as New Zealand racked up 288 for 6.

Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson then continued their excellent run of form with three wickets each as Afghanistan collapsed in a heap in the chase.

Only Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai put

up a semblance of fight before Afghanistan lost their last five wickets for just 14 runs in 24 balls to be bowled out for 139 and go down by 149 runs in Chennai. The win not only gave New Zealand's NRR a huge boost but also solidified their position at the top of the points table.

On a humid Wednes-

day afternoon, Afghanistan's decision to bowl first raised eyebrows, but it was their efforts on the field that hurt them more. Fazalhaq Farooqi found Will Young's outside edge on just his fourth ball of the day but Rahmat at wide slip failed to hang on to what was a regulation catch to his left. Young, on 1

on-field umpire gave it not out, went Afghanistan's way.

Rachin Ravindra, who took 13 balls to get off the mark, got a life on 0 when Hashmatullah Shahidi dropped a straightforward catch at midwicket. He made sure to make Afghanistan pay as he added a brisk 79-run stand for the second wicket with Young.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday October 19, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Imran Khan (2) Wasim Akram Today’s Quiz: (1) Who led his team to the 1996 World Cup title?

(2) Who claimed the Man-of-the-Match Award in the final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue ………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

Athanaze fails to save Volcanoes as Harpy Eagles win opener

CMC – Rising Test star Alick Athanaze stroked a scintillating half-century but it was not enough, as Guyana Harpy Eagles wore down Windward Islands Volcanoes to win their opening game of the Regional Super50 Cup by 10 runs on Tuesday evening.

With Volcanoes in pursuit of 230 for victory at the Brian Lara Stadium, the left-hander pummeled a swift 75 from 55 balls to put Volcanoes in command of the run chase at one stage being109 for two in the 15th over.

However, Harpy Eagles’ spinners dried up the runs in stingy spells as Volcanoes then lost four wickets for 35 runs, to collapse to 144 for six in the 28th over.

Captain Andre Fletcher undertook a desperate late effort with an unbeaten 52

from 86 balls but wickets tumbled around him, and Volcanoes were eventually dismissed for 219 off 46 overs.

Fast bowler Romario Shepherd snatched three for 35 while off-spinner Kevin Sinclair (2-42) and seamer Nial Smith (2-43) supported with two wickets apiece.

“It’s plain to see [we lost it] in the batting.

We let ourselves down,” Fletcher said afterwards.

“Being in a position of a hundred-plus for one and getting bowled out for 219 is unacceptable.”

Harpy Eagles had earlier rallied to 229 for nine from their 50 overs with Tevin Imlach and Sinclair both getting 41, and Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Gudakesh Motie both scoring 29.

Seamer Ryan John was the best bowler with four

for 60, Volcanoes taking wickets at key stages to restrict Harpy Eagles.

“Definitely it’s good to start with a win as a team and as a captain,” said captain Veerasammy Permaul.

“I think in the batting we didn’t put up the kind of score that [represented] the calibre of batsmen that we’ve got but after half-time, we believed in ourselves that we could defend the 230.”

Chandrapaul Hemraj fell cheaply for one in the second over with four runs on the board but Imlach and Chanderpaul put on 67 for the second wicket to consolidate.

Chanderpaul and Kevlon Anderson (1) then fell in quick succession to leave the innings on 75 for three in the 22nd over before a series of small partnerships pushed Harpy Eagles past 200.

Alick Athanaze drives elegantly during his half-century against Guyana Harpy Eagles on Tuesday (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

Imlach put on 26 for the fourth with Shimron Hetmyer (21) who in turn added a further 27 for the fifth with Sherfane Rutherford (23), before

Sinclair posted 26 for the seventh with Shepherd (14) and 50 for the eighth with Motie.

Sinclair struck four fours and a six off 48 balls

while Motie also logged an identical boundary count in his 19-ball cameo.

In reply, the 24-yearold Athanaze controlled the power-play for Volcanoes, posting 35 for the first wicket with Johnson Charles (14) and 69 for the third wicket with Sunil Ambris (19), after Kavem Hodge was bowled first ball in the fourth over by Shepherd at 40 for two.

Athanaze dominated the Harpy Eagles attack and had struck 11 fours and a couple of sixes when he holed out in the deep off Sinclair, triggering a collapse.

Fletcher, who counted three fours, combined with Shamar Springer (21) in a critical 52-run, seventh wicket partnership but once the latter nicked Shepherd behind, the tail collapsed.

Reds disappointed with Guyana’s...

FROM BACK PAGE to put pressure on the fieldsmen. That was some of my early thoughts,” he said.

“And the bowling was ragged…[Nial] Smith give [Alick] Athanaze every opportunity to play as many shots as possible.

Athaneze didn’t have to look for ways of scoring, he just gave away runs galore at the top,” said Reds who commentated on 152 Tests.

With 16 to win with three wickets in Smith returned to take two wickets in an over to swing the pendulum in Guyana’s favour.

After Chanderpaul Hemraj (1) was out lbw to a verdict that could have gone anyway, Imlach

was timing the ball nicely before he got himself out.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul took 60 balls to make 29 while Imlach faced 73 balls in his 41 as Guyana reached 36-1 after 10 overs of power-play and soaked up over 100 dots balls in 50 overs.

“He (Tevin Imlach) looked to run a ball inches away from his off-stump to third man. He has played a number of FirstClass matches to know that he can’t play that shot.

The number of times that Imlach has played off the backfoot to short deliveries and hit the ball straight to backward point,” noted Reds.

Reds said the top order, which included Chander-

paul, who struggled to get the ball away before playing an out of character hook to be caught at longleg, never attacked the Windwards bowling.

“The Windwards bowling was very disciplined but (Ryan) John’s figures were very flattering, I think Lewis bowled much better than John was but was not as successful.

Let’s look at the other dismissals, soft dismissal for Imlach, Soft dismissal for (Shimron) Hetmyer. Hetmyer has played enough cricket to have bossed the Windwards bowling.

He threw his hand away unnecessarily… there was no pressure, he had started to build momentum with a partnership with (Sher-

fane) Rutherford who was also out to a soft dismissal when he hung his bat out with no movement of his feet and was caught behind,” He added.

“The batting overall was very, very ordinary.

The running between the wickets very ordinary and we didn’t look to put pressure on the fielders.

And when we came to the bowling Smith does not cut it. Looking at the overall performance, the batting was below par, we fell below the run rate and the bonus points system did not operate in our favour. While we won the Windwards bowling was a lot more disciplined than the Guyana bowling,” continued Reds, who is

scheduled to hold a commentors workshop at GCC next month.

Reds is also in favour of the bonus points system introduced for the first time in this tournament to help change the approach of West Indies cricket as it competes with the ‘big’ teams in international cricket at the beckoning of white ball Coach Darren Sammy.

Teams can earn points for achieving various performance targets at stages during the match.

These include runs during the power-play overs, wickets during power-play, decrease in dot ball percentage, batters scoring centuries and bowlers taking 5-wicket

hauls.

“Well, this suggests that the CWI’s cricket committee is functioning since, for a long time, that Committee never really functioned.

They have come up with these new innovations …but if they will improve our performance is too early to say.

But a game can be won or lost but these points, so it’s important that the players understand what they need to do to get the bonus points,” said Reds, who, along with his wife, were invited as guests of President Dr Irfaan Ali for the CPL play-offs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

Big names slated for Enet Caribbean Clash of Champions

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) is thrilled to announce that November 5, 2023, is set to witness what promises to be the ‘Greatest Race of All Time’ as top Caribbean Group Four drivers converge for the highly anticipated ENET Caribbean Clash of Champions.

This event will see some of the most renowned names in Caribbean motorsport battling it out for supremacy on the track.

Confirmed participants for this spectacular showdown include Barbados champion Mark Maloney, the Jamaican sensation Doug Gore, and Trinidadian speedster, Franklyn Boodram.

They will face off against Guyana's finest racing talents, including Mark Vieira, Andrew King, Kevin Jeffrey, Vishok Persaud and many more.

The ENET Caribbean Clash of Champions is shaping up to be the most significant Group

Four race since the fall of the Caribbean Championship.

This event has earned the moniker of the ‘Greatest Race of All Time’ due to the historic significance of this gathering. It has been quite some time since the legends of Caribbean motorsport and their iconic machines share the same track.

The drivers participating in this epic event will be vying for supremacy on the challenging newly rebuilt South Dakota Circuit.

What makes this year's event even more thrilling is the introduction of new cars into the mix.

Jamaican racing legend Doug Gore will pilot "The Best," a car synonymous with his name. At the same time, Trinidadian ace Franklyn Boodram will run his Renault.

These additions promise to provide an electrifying experience for fans and enthusiasts alike.

"We are beyond excited to host this incred-

ible event and witness some of the best drivers and riders from across the Caribbean go head to head in what promises to be a historic race," said Mahendra Boodhoo, President of GMR&SC. "The ENET Caribbean Clash of Champions not only showcases the skill and determination of these talented drivers, but also marks a momentous occasion in Caribbean motorsport history."

Race fans can expect a day filled with high-

speed action, nail-biting competition, and unforgettable moments. This event is a must-attend for anyone passionate about motorsport and looking for a thrilling day at the racetrack.

Meanwhile, the GMR&SC is scheduled to host a press conference on Wednesday, which will release full details on all groups featuring both riders and drivers.

GFF/KFC Elite League

First wins go to Ann’s Grove and Den Amstel

Ann’s Grove and Den Amstel Football Clubs clinched the first victories of the season in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/ KFC Elite League Cup at the Police Progressive Sports Club (PPYC) ground, last Sunday.

Ann's Grove defeated Victoria Kings convincingly with a 2-0 victory in the clash between two prominent East Coast Demerara clubs.

The two goals of the game were scored in the 34th and 70th minutes by Courtney Odean and Clive Andries, respectively.

The resilient defence of Ann's Grove prevented Victoria Kings from finding the back of the net, successfully nullifying several close attempts.

In the exciting second match, Den Amstel Football Club emerged victorious with a 3-1 win against the Guyana Police Force Football Club.

Keanu Laurence played a pivotal role, scoring the first two goals of the match in the 32nd and 55th minutes. Before Police’s Jamal Harvey managed to pull one back in the 60th minute.

Laurence completed a hattrick in the 88th minute to put the match to bed for Den Amstel.

The KFC Elite League Cup features ten participating teams, which have been divided into two groups. Group A includes Guyana Defence Force, Santos, Buxton United, Fruta Conquerors, and Milerock. Group B comprises Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force, Den Amstel, Victoria Kings and Ann's Grove.

The champions will be rewarded $1.5 million dollars in prize money, while the second-place team will receive $1 million. The clubs securing third and fourth place will receive $500,000 and $250,000, respectively.

Action between Ann’s Grove and Victoria Kings on Sunday (GFF photo)

Big names slated for Enet Caribbean Clash of Champions

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 19, 2023

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Reds disappointed with Guyana’s batting in Super50 - in favour of bonus points system introduced

By Sean Devers On Tuesday evening, Guyana beat the Windward Islands in their opening game of the CG Regional Super50 by 10 runs in Trinidad after making 229-9 in 50 overs before

dismissing the Windwards for 219 in 46 overs to take an early lead in the tournament.

Despite their win, experienced former International Cricket Commentor, Guyanese Reds Perreira, speaking on the ‘Sports Watch

with Sean Devers’ Radio programme, described Guyana’s batting as ‘very disappointing.

The 84-year-old Reds, speaking from St Lucia, lamented that the batting was very negative and the number of soft dismissals by

the Guyanese were a cause for concern.

Guyana has not won a Regional 50 title since they beat Barbados at Bourda in 2005.

“Not rotating the strike, running without any urgency and turning ones into twos TURN TO PAGE 22

Experienced former International Cricket Commentor, Guyanese Reds Perreira

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| THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2023