Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20-03-2023

Pakuri Village to be a model for integrated farming

—President Ali says gov’t will work with community to increase red bean production

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said that Pakuri Village (St Cuthbert’s Mission) will be a model for integrated farms for small communities across the country and that the government will help to expand its ongoing agriculture projects.

The Head of State made this disclosure during an impromptu visit to the community as residents celebrated the village’s 134th anniversary, on Saturday. During the visit, the President also inspected ongoing agriculture and infrastructural works.

Dr. Ali said: “I will say in another year, this community will be a model community for integrated farms, and to show how small communities can be an important part in the food production system and can be an important part of the whole ecosystem of producing food not only for themselves.”

The community has embarked on an agricultural project on approximately 12 acres of land, where they are constructing an 80x40 shade house that will be used to grow high-value crops. They are also planting red beans on approximately 10 acres of land.

President Ali explained that when he visited last year, he made several commitments that, from his inspection, have been met. In addition to those commitments, the President said that there are other initiatives that are essential for the further advancement and development of the community.

This, he said, will include another commitment to partnering with the village to increase its current red beans production by 25 acres.

The President also noted that the community will be supported by the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) which will provide the market for their produce.

“We are building a country in which all of us will be proud. There will be no conversation in the world on energy security without the name Guyana mentioned. There will be no conversation in the world on food security without the name Guyana mentioned, and there will be no conversation in the world on climate security without Guyana

being mentioned. That is what we are doing. We are providing global leadership, we are providing regional leadership, we are placing Guyana on the global agenda,” the Head of State said.

The President emphasised that Pakuri is “an integral part of our development agenda” and that no community would be left behind.

Dr. Ali: “Whether you’re on the highway, whether you’re in the hinterland, the riverine community, you’re in an urban centre, we are going to go there, we are going to meet you. This is my third visit to this community and every single community we are trying to visit, every single community we’re trying to get into because we want to hear from the people themselves.”

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

The President also explained to the residents that in addition to the agricultural projects, the government will partner with the community, to train residents and use their skills and labour to construct concrete roads for the community. This project, the President said, will start within the next two months.

He added that the community’s ICT hub will be connected to the internet within the next four weeks and a team from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will return to the community

to inspect and improve residents’ access to water.

“We are also going to work with you on the development of your tourism sector. Not only the guest house that is under construction for the backpack type of tourism, but I believe that on the landing, we can have some eco lodges, where families can come and rent those lodges, proper state of the eco lodges that will support your development here,” Dr. Ali said.

The President said that the aim is to have the community “self-sufficient” by the end of next year in the production of food. To make this a reality, he explained that the government will work with the community on the Black Giant Chicken project to ensure that all of the eggs that are used in the community are produced locally.

He also noted that the government would ensure that the community benefits from sporting activities.

The Head of State said: “One of the other things that we’re going to work with you on is to set up an allweather surface for sports. We recognise that in the community itself, we have to bring people together and we know that we have climatic challenges. So, we’re going to work with you on setting up a hard surface, an all-weather hard surface to support sports, like volleyball, basketball, and so on.”

The Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat was also a part of the visit.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said that Pakuri Village (St Cuthbert’s Mission) will be a model for integrated farms for small communities across the country and that the government will help to expand its ongoing agriculture projects (Office of the President photos)

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, distributes cold treats to the children of Pakuri Residents

Millet production valuable to food security

By Naomi Parris

RECOGNISING that India is a powerhouse in millet production, Guyanese authorities are looking to leverage expertise from the Asian nation to advance this country’s food security efforts.

During a virtual address at the two-day Global Millet Conference in New Delhi, India, on Saturday, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, highlighted that India is the largest millet producer globally and is also assuming global leadership in advancing the objective

er food security across the world.

Millets are a group of cereal grains that belong to the Poaceae family, commonly known as the grass family. The grains are usually grounded into flour to make various foods. While it may look like a seed, the millet’s nutritional profile is similar to that of sorghum and other cereals.

Its high nutritional properties and resilience in adapting to hot and dry climatic conditions provide an affordable and nutritious option to addressing food insecurity, the Guyanese Head-of-

guidance and support will be provided by the Indian Government which will see Guyana becoming a mass producer in the Caribbean and Latin regions.

“Guyana looks forward to strengthening its co-operation with India to kickstart large, medium and small-scale production of millets. India is the largest net producer in the world. Guyana hopes to embark soon on the sustainable production of millets,” he said.

Dr. Ali said Guyana is considered an ideal ecozone with optimum conditions for the growth and

–– Guyana to lean on India for advice, President Ali says

of addressing one of the world’s most foremost challenges which is food security.

Based on India’s proposal, the year 2023 was declared the International Year of Millets (IYM) by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

“The declaration of this international year is linked to the recognition that hunger and food insecurity are potent threats to the attainment of the sustainable development goals,” Dr. Ali said.

He added that the production of millet has the potential to be a game changer in ensuring great-

State emphasised.

“Guyana has identified the production of millets as having great potential towards enhancing national and regional food security. As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) implements vision 25 by 2025 to reduce the food import bill by approximately $US1 billion by 2025, millet is an ideal solution to increase self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imported cereal grains,” he said.

The Government of Guyana has already set aside some 200 acres of land for exclusive millet production. Technical

development of millets. The country’s warm climate allows for the conducive soil temperature that is essential for the sprouting and germination of the millet seeds based on the minimal soil and climatic requirements.

Trials will be conducted in Regions Four, Nine and 10 before large scale product begins.

“These identified areas represent the profit zone in which similar crops like corn and soya are adaptive and are being produced on a large scale,” the President said, adding, “Together we can achieve sustainable devel-

opment, eliminate hunger, adapt to climate change, and transform agri-food systems by exploring every viable opportunity.”

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and his team participated in a round-table discussion with India’s Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, and Ministers of Agriculture from other countries such as Sudan, Mauritius, Gambia, Zambia, and Suriname.

The main focus of that discussion was to

foster millet production in these countries in an effort to increase food security and improve the overall health and wellbeing of the global population through healthy and nutritious food, the Ministry of Agriculture said on its Facebook page.

The discussion was held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi.

Two ministers at a separate engagement discussed possible areas of co-operation which include millet production in Guyana and the mod-

ernisation of Guyana’s agriculture sector. Also in attendance at the conference were international scientists, nutritionists, health experts, start-up leaders and other stakeholders from around the world.

In January, President Ali led a team to India where several discussions were held and areas of collaboration were explored. Outside of millet production, discussions were held on the advancement of the country’s sugar, rice and other productive industries.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali (right), in January met with Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar during an official visit to India

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha participating in a round-table discussion with India’s Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and other ministers on Sunday (Ministry of Agriculture photo)

Ecuador, Peru authorities assess damage after earthquake kills at least 15

ECUADORIAN and Peruvian authorities worked on Sunday to assess the damage caused by the previous day’s strong earthquake that shook the region, leaving at least 15 dead and hundreds injured.

The 6.8 magnitude quake struck the Ecuadorian coastal province of Guayas at midday on Saturday, with residents reporting shaking in much of the country as well as in Peru’s northern border

towns.

At midnight on Saturday, the Ecuadorian government reported 12 fatalities in the province of El Oro and two fatalities in the Azuay province, as well as more than 440 injuries.

emergency.”

The Risk Management Secretariat said it sent a team to Puna Island early on Sunday, near the epicenter of the earthquake, to assess needs and deliver humanitarian aid.

Additionally, the government reported that 84 homes were destroyed and another 180 affected. Dozens of health centers and educational units also registered impacts.

State-run oil company Petroecuador reported that an offshore platform near the epicenter suffered dam-

Men remove debris from in front of damaged houses following an earthquake in Machala, Ecuador on March 18, 2023 (REUTERS/Vicente Gaibor Del Pino)

age that caused machinery to fail, temporarily reducing production. Peruvian authorities re -

“We will continue working all weekend,” President Guillermo Lasso tweeted in a video overnight. “All the ministries are active and have the financial resources to urgently attend to this ported one death, four collapsed homes and five more left uninhabitable, while essential services and transportation infrastructure were undamaged.

During his Sunday message, Pope Francis sent his condolences for the losses and “all those who suffer” due to the earthquake. Oth-

er governments including Chile’s and Cuba’s also sent messages of solidarity. Ecuador and Peru are part of the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, an extensive area that surrounds the Pacific Ocean where clashes between the continental plates are frequent. (Reuters)

Egg price in Jamaica to rise as farmers ‘crack’ under pressure

CONSUMERS are being warned that due to a steep rise in the cost of production, they should brace for an increase in the price of eggs.

President of the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association, Mark Campbell, claims that the spike in the cost of egg production has already resulted in sending up the price of the product in some international markets.

“Look at what happened in the United States where the consumers are now paying anywhere between US$6.50 and US$9 a dozen for eggs...and that is up from US$2.50, or there about. So that is what has happened worldwide. Whereas the farmers have been able to make the adjustments in the United States and so on, in Jamaica we have not been able to,” Campbell argued.

He said that the spiralling expense faced by egg farmers is among the causes for a contraction in the supply of eggs now being experienced on the local market.

“Why the eggs are so short is because people are not able to buy back the birds or buy the feed. So, the eggs have become tight and will become tighter and inevitably will result in an adjustment in the price, a

significant adjustment,” the head of the local egg farmers’ association warned.

“I would say, based on how some farmers are low down on their pricing, that nothing short of a 30 per cent increase is going to make those people viable in their business. Their business won’t be viable unless they can see at least a 30 per cent increase,” he added.

He was, however, quick to add that there is not currently an acute shortness in supply but it is trending towards a “tightness”.

“There is nobody, like

any big hotel, that is not receiving their eggs, but the quantities are not there to fill the orders 100 per cent. So, a man will, for example, order 10 cases. He will get half today and half tomorrow when he would have wanted everything at the same time. So, it is heading towards a tightness. We don’t describe it yet as a shortage, we describe it as a tightness in the market,” Campbell explained.

He listed the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the failure of some farmers to recover from the full impact

of COVID-19, a logistical challenge in the US, as being among the factors that have contributed to the tightness in supply.

At the same time, Campbell explained that the cost to feed the birds as well as to replenish the flock account for 75 per cent of the overall expense to egg farmers.

“...So, everything else — to pay the workers, to pay light bill, to maintain the farm, purchase medication, deliver the eggs — all of those things only come up to between 20 and 25 per cent of production cost. Just to feed the fowls and make them healthy enough and to buy back the fowls when them finish and the feeding of the fowls come up to between 75 and 80 per cent,” he expressed.

But he remains optimistic that the expected supply

of 10 per cent increase in the number of poulets coming into the market for this year will reverse the contraction in supply, “but that alone cannot solve the problem if the farmers do not get a significant adjustment.

“We have a tightness in the market but between now and August, 360,000 new layers will be added to the national flock. Now the national flock is just over a million, so 360,000 is about 30 per cent of it. So that is going to put a significant amount of eggs into the system. So, although it is tight now, it is going to be short-lived because who are able to afford it, can now replace non-performing birds,” Campbell said.

Campbell also noted that the introduction of white eggs to the local consumers during the height of

COVID-19 was one of the positive spin-offs from the pandemic for farmers.

“We were forced to sell the eggs to the people of Jamaica at a significantly reduced price and so they got into consuming more eggs. So right now, I think the per capita consumption of eggs has gone up. It has also contributed to the shortage,” the veteran egg farmer said.

“The Jamaican people were not buying white eggs. Now they are buying a significant amount of white eggs so the demand is up and the supply is down and that is where the farmer now is caught in a bind.

With the cost of production increasing so significantly they have not been able to make the adjustment in terms of pricing,” Campbell continued.

(Jamaica Observer)

This sign at a western Jamaica business place suggests a limited amount of eggs in supply

Unity Will Prevail

THE PNC keeps using the same claims of racial discrimination in an effort to shore up its declining base of support. However, the PNC’s goal of splitting Guyanese at a time when peace has never been as amply proven as it is right now under yet another PPP/C administration will not be achieved by such ongoing agitation by perpetual losers.

This is especially true at a time when President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s administration is providing more commodities to Guyanese citizens on a daily basis than at any other point in the country’s history.

Throughout its existence, the PNC has consistently been a bitter loser. When the majority of Guyanese voters reject it, it never accepts defeat, and always finds a way to complain that it was “cheated”.

In 1992, when the PNC claimed it had lost, this behaviour by the only party in Guyana with a lengthy history of suspicions of election stealing was shamelessly replicated once more.

The party claimed that it lost after 28 years of uninterrupted rule, not because the majority of voters thought enough elections had been stolen, but rather due to some fictitious global plot in Dr. Cheddi Jagan and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s favour.

After President Jagan’s death in 1997, the PPP/Civic fielded its next-best candidate, Mrs. Janet Jagan. But after

Mrs. Jagan won, fair and square, the defeated PNC refused to accept her ascent to the presidency, because she was “not born in Guyana…”

Nevertheless, Mrs. Jagan was the longest-serving reelected member of the National Assembly. After her lifelong political partner died, the PNC’s lawyers invented the most ridiculous legal challenges to try to reverse the expressed will of the majority. And when that failed, the party embarked on a scorched-earth policy of daily and violent street protests.

The PPP and PNC agreed to allow CARICOM leaders to mediate, leading to the Herdmanston Accord that proposed a ‘Term Limit’ scheme, whereby future elected presidents could serve only two consecutive terms.

The PPP/C then replaced the aged President, Mrs. Jagan with the youngest presidential candidate in Guyana’s history, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who brought home the elections bacon twice in succession.

Resulting from the ‘term limit’ provision, Mr. Donald Ramotar was selected by the PPP to lead the party into the 2011 general and regional elections. Mr. Ramotar won the presidency in 2011, and succeeded Mr. Jagdeo as President. The PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) held an unprecedented one-seat parliamentary majority from the opposition side of the House.

President Ramotar survived his five-year term. The PNC-dominated APNU+AFC would win the general and regional elections in 2015 without complaints from the PPP/C.

The PNC-led APNU+AFC’s internal combustions and the David Granger administration’s failure to offer Guyanese any positive hope for the future, despite oil being discovered under their watch, made victory for the coalition in 2020 unlikely.

But when the expected happened, the sore losers refused to accept the electorate’s rejection, claiming the PPP/C (in opposition) had conspired with the Elections Commission to ‘steal’ its victory.

During the five long months they attempted to cling to the offices they lost, PNC spokespersons claimed they had copies of official Statements of Poll (SOPs), indicating where and how they had been cheated. But, to this day (all of two years later), the SOPs have remained concealed from the public’s eye – likely elements of the PNC leadership’s wild imagination.

Unable to provide one scintilla of evidence to support its latest laughable claims of being cheated out of office, the PNC again resorted to the usual griping, while latching on to any and every availed or created opportunity to repeat and replay its never-ending 2020 electoral last post.

BIT to train 135 childcare practitioners by end of June

THE Board of Industrial Training (BIT) continues to pave the way to ensure the livelihoods of Guyanese are improved, countrywide, by offering free technical and vocational training programmes.

BIT can now boast of successfully equipping 215 childcare practitioners with knowledge and skills to effectively care for the nation’s children at the most vital period of their growth, through its competency-based training in early childhood development.

This was highlighted by BIT Human Resource Officer, Melinda Kelly last Wednesday at the Region Four graduation hosted at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

“The programme is looking forward to adding 135 to this number by the end of June 2023,” Kelly said.

The objective of the programme at reference is to build the professional capacity of childcare professionals.

And, according to Kelly, owing to the many challenges

that persons were likely to encounter, “the programme was developed to assist the many childcare practitioners who expressed their desires for knowledge in the field of early childhood development, but were hindered by accessing that knowledge due to financial constraints, since most of the programmes in the field bear a high cost to participate.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton reiterated that all of BIT’s programmes are necessary

for preparing persons for the labour force.

“You cannot discuss women going to the workforce and into the world of work, and you don’t have safe spaces with qualified people to take care of their children, so that they will feel comfortable while they are working. You have to have things like daycare and night-care, and you have to get people who are qualified and trained to take care of

toddlers and [other] children,” the minister underscored.

The programme’s main goals are to arm childcare professionals with the methods, knowledge, and abilities they need to comprehend how critical it is to foster children’s social, emotional, and motor development, while also educating them and their families.

A variety of techniques were utilised to involve the participants during the train-

ing sessions, and as such, it is expected that the knowledge and skills they would have acquired from this professional training programme, which is offered at the postsecondary level in early childhood development, will prepare them to pursue further studies in this field.

Two visually impaired students also participated in the first round of training, and were both able to successfully complete the programme; this was made possible due to the adjust -

ments that were made to accommodate them. Reading materials were emailed, training sessions were recorded and uploaded to the Moodle platforms, and other necessary means were employed to ensure their full participation.

The second year of the programme commenced on October 18, 2021, with 116 students registered.

Participation saw persons from all across the country, with the exception of Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Some 102 students graduated last Wednesday from the childcare programme, which had a pass rate of 88 per cent. The programme was delivered in two semesters.

The President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led administration continues to implement various initiatives to ensure that all Guyanese are provided with the requisite technical and vocational skills, which will contribute significantly to their growth, community development, and the country. (DPI)

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton

BIT Human Resource Officer Melinda Kelly

55 countries face a health worker crunch linked to COVID-19

NO less than 55 countries are struggling with serious health worker shortages as they continue to seek better paid opportunities in wealthier nations that have stepped up efforts to recruit them amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) said last Tuesday.

According to the UN agency, African nations have been worst-hit by the phenomenon, with 37 countries on the continent facing health worker shortages that threaten their chances of achieving universal health care by 2030 – a key Sustainable Development Goals pledge.

The actions of wealthy countries that belong to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) come under scrutiny in the WHO alert, among other regions.

RECRUITMENT DRIVE

“Within Africa it’s a very vibrant economy that is creating new opportunities”, said Dr. Jim Campbell, the Director responsible for health worker policy at WHO.

Dr. Campbell added: “The Gulf States have traditionally been reliant on international personnel and then some of the OECD highincome countries have really accelerated their recruitment and employment to respond to the pandemic and respond to the loss of lives, the infections, the absences of workers during the pandemic”.

To help countries protect their vulnerable healthcare systems, WHO has issued an updated health workforce support and safeguards list, which highlights nations with low numbers of qualified health care staff.

“These countries require priority support for health workforce development and health system strengthening, along with additional safeguards that limit active

international recruitment,” the WHO insisted. TEDROS CALL

Supporting the call for universal healthcare for all countries, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, WHO DirectorGeneral, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on all countries “to respect the provisions in the WHO health workforce support and safeguards list”.

Health workers “are the backbone of every health system, and yet 55 countries with some of the world’s most fragile health systems do not have enough and many are losing their health workers to international migration,” Tedros added.

COMMERCIAL INTEREST

Although many countries

do respect existing WHO guidelines on recruitment of health care workers, the principle is not accepted wholesale, WHO warned.

“What we are seeing is that the majority of countries are respecting those provisions (by) not actively recruiting from these (vulnerable) countries,” WHO’s Dr Campbell said, noting: “But there is also a private recruitment market that does exist and we’re looking to them to also reach some of the global standards that are anticipated in terms of their practice and behaviour.”

Mechanisms also exist for governments or other individuals to notify WHO if they are “worried” about the behaviour of recruiters, the WHO official added.

The WHO health workforce support and safeguard list does not prohibit international recruitment, but recommends that governments involved in such programmes are informed about the impact on the health system in countries where they source qualified health professionals. (UN News)

A health worker in Suriname prepares to administer a rapid COVID-19 test (UNICEF/Timoty Henny/Slingshot)

Fisheries, aquaculture sectors in Guyana, four other countries show ‘significant’ potential ––

FAO programme highlights

A KEY fisheries and aquaculture development programme implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has highlighted significant potential to boost these sectors in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Tanzania, Guyana and the Marshall Islands, making them more self-sufficient, creating jobs and preserving biological stock levels.

The countries are the first five of 12 African, Caribbean and Pacific states analysed by the global fish value chain development programme, FISH4ACP. Implemented by FAO, this initiative of

the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) focuses on making fisheries and aquaculture value chains more productive and sustainable, with an emphasis on supporting women given their crucial role in fish value chains - the whole process of adding value to the product.

“This initiative marks an important step towards a blue transformation of fisheries and aquaculture in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, benefitting not just fishers and their communities but ensuring that growth goes hand in hand with environmental sustainability and

social inclusiveness,” says FAO’s Gilles Van De Walle, Chief Technical Adviser, FISH4ACP.

“We are thrilled to see FISH4ACP moving into action to unlock the potential of fisheries and aquaculture in ACP countries. There is an urgency to boost our fisheries and aquaculture sectors because they greatly contribute to economic growth, decent jobs, and food and nutrition security,” says Cristelle Pratt, Assistant Secretary-General, OACPS.

EU AND GERMAN FUNDING

FISH4ACP is being implemented with €47 million in funding from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BmZ).

“The focus on all three aspects of sustainability - the economic, the environmental and the social - sets this programme apart. Now that FISH4ACP is entering a new phase, it will be able to strike a balance between production and protection, to contribute towards fair income distribution and decent working conditions and to champion sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific,” says Leonard Mizzi, the EU’s Head of Unit in Directorate General for International Partnerships.

“We are delighted to see that FISH4ACP is now ready to put its comprehensive value chain approach at work in support of fisheries and aquaculture development. It is key that it takes all players into account, at all stages - from net to plate. FISH4ACP’s innovative approach will boost the supply of aquatic foods, economic returns and social equity, and reduce negative impacts on the marine environment,” says Hendrik Denker, deputy head of the BmZ Division for Food and Nutrition Security, Global Food Policy and Fisheries.

The publication of its first five reports provides a baseline for supporting the countries in strengthening their fish value chains, increasing self-sufficiency in

See page 9

Much of FISH4ACP’s work addresses the needs of artisanal fishers, fish farmers and fish workers

Fisheries, aquaculture sectors in Guyana, four ...

fish production, creating local jobs and maintaining sustainable stock levels.

FINDINGS

Among the reports’ findings:

• Potential to make Côte d’Ivoire self-sufficient in fish production through a 10-year strategy to boost tilapia production from the current 6,000-8,300 tonnes per year to 68,000 tonnes by 2031 without extra burden on the environment. This would meet the entire national demand, through a more structured, local and sustainable value chain which will generate jobs, respect good environmental practices and increase resilience.

• A need to tackle declining catches of a variety of prawn, known as seabob, in Guyana, while promoting artisanal fisheries, particularly strengthening the position of women.

Key opportunities include strong demand from the US and European markets for more high-value seabob if biological stock issues can be addressed and bigger shrimps can be caught; and strong domestic demand for fresh seabob that can be sold to restaurants and supermarkets.

• How the Marshall Islands can generate more value and local jobs from the multi-million-dollar tuna trade, boosting it to $55 million by 2031 using one type of vessel alone and strengthening

its position as a leading hub for tuna through transshipment and containerisation, with Marshall Islands-based companies incentivized to shift to new and more efficient loading machines for filling containers with tuna. This will bring down the cost of packing and shipping tuna in containers and allow the fish to be sorted, fetching a higher price. [see story and read the report]

• By tapping into Senegal’s oyster production and boosting the number of oyster farms, the study found great potential to meet local demand and support development of modern oyster farming. By 2031, the country aims to boost national production by 30 per cent to 21,000 tones to cover more than 80 per cent of domestic demand, with added value nearly tripling to $12.6 million, and full-time jobs nearly doubling from 6 500 to 11 000.

• Potential to leverage increasing consumer demand and market opportunities in Tanzania to improve sustainability of Lake Tanganyika’s sardine, sprat and perch fisheries and bridge the gender gap. Using better processing and cold chain techniques, improved business models with more participation by women and better compliance with fisheries legislation can help to boost value added in the sector by 12 per cent and increase fish processors’ incomes by an average of 42 per cent.

The FISH4ACP value chain analysis is based on 5, 200 interviewees, with more than 100 focus groups and 50 stakeholder workshops organised to validate findings. The five value chain assessment reports published (Côte d’Ivoire, Guyana, Marshall Islands, Sene-

gal, Tanzania) helped to field test FAO’s value chain analysis method which will be published in the months to come. FAO’s work in fisheries and aquaculture promotes the effective management of aquatic living resources and the development of capacities to ensure

equitable outcomes for all. It is geared towards bringing about a Blue Transformation, a vision committed to building sustainability and resilience.

Much of FISH4ACP’s work addresses the needs of artisanal fishers, fish farmers and fish

workers. The value of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture for our food systems, our livelihoods and our environment has been celebrated through the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA), which draws to a close on 31 March. (FAO)

Guyana’s local content laws to be updated ––AG says

THE Attorney-General of Guyana, Anil Nandlall, S.C., recently announced that the country’s local content laws will be updated to reflect the growing oil and gas industry.

During his online pro -

gramme, “Issues in the News,” Nandlall commented on a series of issues including the updating of the Local Content Act (LCA) 2021.

“We (Government) have now had two years of the Act being in force. In my

respectful view, as I said at the beginning, it was a good initial effort [and] is the first piece of legislation of its type in the entire English-speaking Caribbean. And it’s the first legislation of its type. We said that it

would be subject to review as we gain more experience in the sector. And we will also supplement the law with regulations made by the minister [Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat],” he said.

The laws aim to ensure that companies operating in the country hire a certain percentage of local workers and use local goods and services. The decision to update these laws comes as Guyana prepares to increase its oil production in the coming years.

This means that the country will need to develop its workforce and infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the industry. As a result, the updated laws will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

The laws are designed to promote economic growth and development within the country. By requiring companies to use local goods and services, the laws aim to boost local businesses and create jobs for Guyanese citizens.

According to the legislation, companies must procure from Guyanese companies, 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services, 90 per cent janitorial services, laundry and catering services, 95 per cent pest-control services, 100 per cent local insurance services, 75 per cent local supply of food, and 90 per

cent local accounting services.

The updated laws will likely include new provisions that address issues such as training and capacity building for local workers, as well as requirements for the use of local content in the supply chain.

“I think after we have acquired under our belt, two years of experience as an oil and gas producer, operator, and exporter, and I believe now…we are at a particular vantage point that we can now reveal our experience and start to work on modernising or making adjustments to the local content law and bringing in additional regulations that will strengthen the legislation to enable the government to achieve the core objective of the legislation, which is to protect Guyanese and Guyanese company in the oil and gas sector,” the AG said.

He explained that taking into consideration all that has happened, Guyana will continue to review the matter and ensure that they are inserted in the law, so that the LCA benefits from that experience.

Last year, the LCA was challenged by the Trinidadian-owned company, Ramps Logistics Guyana over the non-issuance of a local content certificate.

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George, S.C., in her ruling, ordered the Local Content Secretariat (LCS) to issue a local content cer-

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs

Anil Nandlall, S.C.

tificate to the company. The LCS has since complied with the order.

Minister Bharrat later announced that the government will be putting new systems in place to block companies from using Guyanese conveniently in order to obtain a 51 per cent stake to merely satisfy the provisions of the Local Content Act.

He added that the government is “serious” about this initiative to stop the “fronting” and “renting” of citizens.

This phenomenon –commonly referred to as ‘fronting’ or ‘rent-a-citizen’ – has the potential to reduce the financial benefits accumulated by Guyanese and runs counter to the spirit and intent of the LCA.

The updated local content laws will have a significant impact on Guyana’s economy in the years to come.

With the country poised to become a major player in the global oil and gas industry, the laws will play a crucial role in ensuring that Guyana’s citizens benefit from the wealth generated by the sector.

‘Intoxicated’ man dies after being run over by car

KELSTON Ferreira was killed on Saturday when a motorcar ran over him while he was lying on the Stanleytown Public Road, West Bank Demerara, in an alleged intoxicated state.

According to a police report, the incident involved a hire car (HD 2943) owned by Shivanand Ramkissoon of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, which was being driven at the time by Kristoff Pollydore,33, of Belle West Housing Scheme, WBD. The fatal incident occurred around 22:30 hours.

“Enquiries disclosed

that hire car HD 2943 was proceeding east along the northern side of the said road where the left side front wheel ran over the pedestrian lying on the northern side of the road, suspected to be under the influence of alcohol,” the release said.

Ferreira, 27, of Lot 66 Stanleytown, was picked up in an unconscious state by undertakers of Ezekiel Funeral Home and later escorted to West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor.

The body is presently at Ezekiel Funeral Home

awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Pollydore is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

Kelston Ferreira

Upgrades to road leading to Parika Stelling moving apace

CONSTRUCTION works

to upgrade the thoroughfare leading to the Parika Stelling, Region Three are moving apace.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, said he was pleased with the works which will result in a smooth flow of traffic.

“Workers toiled through the night to enhance the highway leading to the Parika Stelling. The upgraded roadway is set to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce commuting time for those who frequently traverse the area. Paving works will resume today,” Minister Indar stated in a Facebook post on Sunday morning.

The Parika Stelling is a busy transportation hub and serves as a critical link be-

tween the Demerara River and the West Bank of Demerara, providing a crucial connection between Georgetown and other key locations in the region.

However, for years, commuters have been facing significant challenges with the roadway leading to the crossing station. The Ministry of Public Works swiftly dispatched a team under its Special Projects Unit to rehabilitate the thoroughfare to address these issues.

The road will receive strategic upgrades that will benefit the region for years to come.

Additionally, the enhancement project ties into the major overhaul of the Parika Stelling that is expected to commence this year.

The stelling will be mod-

Blairmont, Uitvlugt Estates surpass weekly production targets

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has announced that both Blairmont and Uitvlugt estates have surpassed their weekly sugar production targets, ending March 18, 2022.

The estates achieved nine per cent and eight per cent respectively, above the week’s budgeted target for the first time since the commencement of the first crop of 2023.

Estate Manager (Uitvlugt), Hutton Griffith credited this sterling performance to the factory’s time efficiency and favourable weather condition over the past days.

Also contributing to this achievement is the cane quality, resulting in an improved tonnes cane to tonnes sugar (Tc/ Ts) ratio of 12.2 per cent versus the budgeted 15 per cent.

As a consequence of this achievement, qualified workers who worked 80 per cent or more days available for that week will benefit from the weekly production incentive scheme, which allows tax-free incentives when an estate achieves its weekly production target.

“The Executive Management congratulates the management and workers of both Blairmont and Uitvlugt estates and urges all of the grinding estates to strive towards the achievement of the weekly production incentive. Management also implores workers to remain focused and committed to achieving their weekly targets,” GuySuCo said.

ified to facilitate a payment booth near the weight scales to ensure the ferry mode of transportation is seamless. (DPI)

Ongoing road works near the Parika Stelling entrance

Guyana to celebrate Int’l Day of Forests tomorrow

GUYANA will join the rest of the world to celebrate International Day of Forests (IDF) 2023, on Tuesday, March 21.

According to the International Institute for Sustainable Development, this year’s theme, ‘Forests and Health,’ calls for “giving, not just taking; recognising that healthy forests will bring healthy people.”

International Day of Forests is an annual observance that was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2012, to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees, and the role they play in sustaining life on Earth.

The PPP/C Government, since taking office in August 2020, has implemented several initiatives with a focus on preserving the country’s forest.

These include the launch of a seedling station at the Yarrowkabra Forestry Training Centre on the SoesdykeLinden Highway, to aid in reforestation efforts, training and educating members of the Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) programmes on the measures to conserve the forest and biodiversity.

Additionally, a $900 million revolving fund to boost the forestry sector was established and will be officially launched at the Tuesday’s IDF ceremony which will be held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

Boasting over 87 per cent forest coverage, Guyana is one of the most heavily forested countries in the world.

It is also a leader in forest conservation, with multiple areas across the country forming a protected areas network, and a deforestation rate of less than 1 per cent— one of the lowest in the world.

Statistics of this kind have enabled Guyana to utilise its strategies for monetary benefit in the form of carbon credit sales, bringing millions of dollars into Guyana’s growing economy.

Legislation such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 also demonstrates the government’s plan to continue to promote sustainable development, while reducing Guyana’s carbon footprint.

The LCDS has been recognised by stakeholders across the globe as an innovative, effective approach to sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

These and other policies being implemented by the President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led Government continue to position Guyana in a leadership role for climate-smart development.

A forest is an integral part of the earth’s ecosystem and an essential resource for the health of the planet and its inhabitants.

It provides clean water and a habitat for wildlife, as well as absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and produce oxygen that is essential for human and animal survival.

Forests cover nearly one-third of the planet’s land area and provide a range of benefits to humans and wildlife.

International Day of Forests also serves as an opportunity to highlight the threats that forests face and the need for conservation efforts around the world.

Despite their importance, forests face a range of threats including deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable forest management practices.

Deforestation, in particular, is a major threat to the world’s forests. Each year, millions of hectares of forest around the world are cleared for agriculture, livestock grazing, and other human activities.

This not only reduces the earth’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide but also leads to the loss of biodiversity and habitats for wildlife. To address these threats, conservation efforts are necessary. (DPI)

Most citizens should be accessing treated water by 2025

-Minister Rodrigues announces at World Water Day walkathon

WHILE urging Guyanese to adopt water conservation practices, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, on Sunday, said that government is working to ensure that 90 per cent of the population has access to treated water by 2025.

She was at the time speaking at a walkathon hosted by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in recognition of World Water Day 2023.

GWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh; Board Member, Dharamkumar Seeraj; UNICEF Guyana and Suriname Deputy Representative, Irfan Akhtar and representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Hydrometeorological Service were among those who participated in the exercise which began at the seawall roundabout and ended at GWI’s Vlissengen Road office.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Rodrigues, during brief remarks, emphasised that water was rapidly becoming one of the world’s scarcest resources. She urged citizens to conserve and practise better water management.

“Here in Guyana, we have the privilege of having access to water, 97 per cent…A lot of countries in the world still do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. So, we have to think about what is going on globally to really appreciate our situation locally,” she was quoted as saying.

The minister stated that while the government has been working to ensure universal access to water, its priority has now shifted towards ensuring access to treated water that meets the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard of 0.3 milligrams per litre or less of iron content.

“Our goal is to ensure that 90 per cent of our population receives treated water by 2025,” the minister said.

This achievement would be five years ahead of the year that was set for attaining the Sustainable

Development Goals, one of which speaks about ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

The goals numbering 17 were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

DPI said that to achieve the ambitious 2025 goal, the Government of Guyana was investing in the construction of 13 new treatment plants across the country to ensure citizens have access to treated water. Additionally, existing water treatment plants were also being upgraded.

In his comments, Baksh said the water company was committed to providing safe water and sanitation to all Guyanese by 2030, with the government investing billions of dollars annually in the sector.

He also highlighted that GWI has achieved 97 per cent access to water and is actively working towards achieving 100 per cent access by the year 2025.

Meanwhile, the UNICEF representative stated that the organisation was delighted to collaborate with GWI to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation in the hinterland.

More than 2.2 billion people around the world lack access to safe drinking water, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, which is particularly deadly for children, the DPI said.

Designated by the United Nations General Assembly, International World Water Day is held annually on March 22 as a means of focusing attention on the importance of fresh water and advocating for the sustainable management of fresh water resources.

This year, the focus of World Water Day is on ‘accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.’

Several prizes were awarded to those who participated in the walkathon.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues and GWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh, leading the World Water Day walkathon (DPI photo)

Warrant Officer undergoes successful kidney transplant at GPHC

WARRANT Officer Class

One (WO1), Shirlon Damon, is celebrating a new ‘lease on life’, after having a successful kidney transplant surgery through a collaborative effort by the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The GDF on its Facebook page said that Chief-of-Staff (ag), Colonel Omar Khan and Force Medical Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Nigel Langhorne, visited WO1 Da-

mon, who was in high spirits about his recovery, on Friday.

“He was fortunate to have received the transplant through peer exchange and the other party who underwent surgery days prior, has since been discharged from the hospital, also in great health,” the GDF said.

Damon’s surgery was done on March 7, 2023.

“I felt extremely happy when I learned that I got a donor. I consider this the greatest gift that I have received in my life. I am grateful for the efforts of all those

who have made this possible and my family for their never-ending support”, he was quoted as saying.

He was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease and attended the clinic at GPHC and was then recommended for a transplant in June 2021.

The father of four is also thankful for the excellent work of Dr. Kishore Persaud, and Dr. Roy Samlall as well as their support team for their continued dedication and commitment.

Construction worker fatally stabbed by reputed wife

POLICE are currently investigating the murder of 23-year-old construction worker, Esan Hamilton, who was allegedly stabbed to death by his reputed wife, at their Lot 57 Fourth Street, Alberttown home, on Saturday.

The woman, Aaliyan Lewis, called “Dacia”, a waitress, is currently in police custody assisting with the investigation.

According to a police release, the couple shared a common-law relationship and were living in a family house. They occupied one of three bedrooms in the upper flat with their three children.

Hamilton’s aunt, Stacey Moses, told investigators that on Saturday at 06:30 hours, she was in the kitchen, which is located on the southern side of the upper flat of the building, when she saw her nephew rush out of his bedroom holding his left side abdomen.

“The deceased said, ‘Look what Dacia did to me.’ Moses said she placed him to sit in a chair in the living room where she observed what appeared to be a stab wound to his left side lower abdomen. Whilst there she said she saw the suspect Aaliyan Lewis exited the said room holding a silver knife in her hand,” the police release said.

According to the police,

Moses said that she enquired from Lewis about what happened to Hamilton, but Lewis did not respond.

Moses raised an alarm and other family members responded. Hamilton was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he subsequently died while receiving treatment.

The police recovered two

knives from the scene. The body of the deceased was examined, and what appeared to be a single stab wound was seen on the left side abdomen.

Hamilton’s body is presently at the GPHC mortuary awaiting post-mortem examination. Lewis was arrested and placed into custody at the Alberttown Police Station.

DEAD: Esan Hamilton

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Shiv Chanderpaul-1559 ODI runs (39 matches)

(2) Jacques Kallis-1666 ODI runs (40 matches)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which WI bowler has claimed most ODI wickets against SA to date?

(2) Which SA bowler has bagged most ODI wickets against the WI to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Starc, Marsh...

with the bat, it was Starc who set up the win with a blistering display.

The left-armer started the destruction in the opening over by tempting Shubman Gill (0) into a loose shot, with Marnus Labuschagne gobbling up the catch at backward point.

Smith gave Starc his second wicket with a juggling effort at slip to dismiss Rohit Sharma for 13.

And when Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed lbw by Starc for a golden duck for the second straight match, the Australian pace ace was on a hat-trick.

KL Rahul blocked out the hat-trick ball but was trapped in front by Starc a short time later, reducing India to 4-48.

Smith’s stunner at slip – off the bowling of Sean Abbott – made it 5-49, and Nathan Ellis snared the prized scalps of Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja (16) as India crashed to 7-91 in the 20th over.

Starc was struck for consecutive sixes by Axar Patel when he returned for another spell but finished the innings by bowling Mohammed Siraj.

Only Waqar Younis (13) and Muttiah Muralitharan (10) have more five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket than Starc’s nine

“We saw a clinic there from Mitch today, as we’ve seen before,” Abbott said of Starc’s heroics.

Abbott (3-23) and Nathan Ellis (2-13) produced handy cameos.

Virat Kohli (31) top scored for his side, with Patel (29no) the only other batter to put up any fight.

It was India’s third-lowest ODI total against Australia, behind their 63 at the SCG in 1981, and 100 also in Sydney in 2000.

It was also India’s fourth lowest total in ODIs in India against all nations.(AAP).

Alonso loses podium after penalty as Perez wins Saudi GP

SERGIO Perez held off teammate Max Verstappen to take a Red Bull one-two in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Verstappen fought up from 15th on the grid to fourth place before a safety car closed up the field and brought him into contention for victory.

But after passing Mercedes’ George Russell and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, Verstappen could not catch Perez and had to settle for second.

Alonso finished third but took a post-race penalty dropping him to fourth.

The Spaniard was penalised five seconds for not being correctly in his grid slot at the start of the race.

He served it in his pit stop, but it was adjudged that the team had broken the rules by touching the car before the five seconds had elapsed and he was given a 10-second penalty as a result, promoting Russell

to third.

Lewis Hamilton took fifth, after briefly challenging Russell following the restart after the safety car, ahead of the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.

It was Red Bull’s second consecutive one-two at the start of a season they have begun with every impression they will be almost impossible to beat.

How did Perez hold off Verstappen?

Perez started from pole, lost the lead at the start to Alonso, but controlled the grand prix from the front after re-passing the Spaniard on the fourth lap.

Meanwhile, Verstappen steadily picked his way through the field from his lowly starting position, the result of a driveshaft failure in qualifying.

He was up to fourth place when a safety car was sent out on lap 18 of 50 when Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin stopped on track following

a technical failure.

At the time, Perez had a 20-second lead over the Dutchman, but the safety car brought the field back together and appeared to give Verstappen a chance to take his second win in two races this year.

After the restart, Verstappen made quick progress past Russell and then Alonso while Perez built as much of a lead as he could.

Perez was 5.4 seconds in front by the time Verstappen got into second place and was able to hold the margin at about that same amount for the rest of the race.

Verstappen complained over the radio about problems with this driveshaft, but had no trouble making it to the flag.

Verstappen set his mind on trying to set fastest lap and clinched it on the final lap - stealing it from Perez - to ensure he leads the championship by virtue of the point he gained for setting it. (BBC Sport)

Man City to face Sheffield United, Brighton to play Manchester United

MANCHESTER City will face Championship side Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-finals, while Brighton will play Manchester United. City progressed to the last four with a 6-0 win over Burnley on Saturday

The Blades beat Blackburn 3-2 on Sunday before Brighton ended League Two Grimsby’s dream run to the last eight with a 5-0 win.

In the last quarter-final, Manchester United came from

behind to beat Fulham 3-1 at Old Trafford.

Both semi-finals will take place at Wembley Stadium across the weekend of 22-23 April.

City’s star forward Erling Haaland’s scored his second hat-trick in five days in the win over the Clarets.

This will be Sheffield United’s first FA Cup semi-final since 2014

Loan players are not allowed to play against their

parent clubs in the FA Cup, meaning that Blades pair Tommy Doyle and Jamie McAtee will not be permitted to play against six-time competition winners City.

Doyle struck a stoppage -time winner against fellow Championship side Blackburn to send the Blades to Wembley.

Brighton last reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 2019 while Manchester United are 12-time winners.(BBC Sport)

Arsenal cruise past Palace to go eight points clear at top of Premier League

MANAGER Mikel Arteta challenged his Arsenal players to maintain their mindset following the international break after they beat Crystal Palace to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The Gunners have won six consecutive league games as they aim to become champions for the first time since 2003-04.

They have 10 matches left, including clashes with Liverpool, second-placed Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle. Their next game is against Leeds at home on 1 April.

“We can control our games. We have won six games in a row in the league, which is great,” said Arteta.

“It feels very good, especially with the way we have played and the results we have picked up.

“Now we must stop and make sure everyone comes back from the internationals with the same mindset. We have Leeds next and we put the focus there.”

Arsenal have 69 points from 28 matches, with second-placed Manchester City, who beat Burnley 6-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, on 61 points having played a game less.

The Gunners went ahead at Emirates Stadium through Gabriel Martinelli’s left-footed strike - his sixth goal in six league matches.

Bukayo Saka doubled the lead when he collected Ben White’s pass and curled an effort past 19-year-old goalkeeper Joe Whitworth.

Granit Xhaka made it 3-0 with a first-time finish from Leandro Trossard’s assist, before Jeffrey Schlupp pulled one back from close range following a corner for Palace’s first goal in five matches

But the excellent Saka restored Arsenal’s three-goal advantage with a guided finish from Kiernan Tierney’s pull-back to seal the victory.

Palace sacked manager Patrick Vieira on Friday and have now not won in 13 games in all competitions and are only three points above the relegation zone.(BBC Sport)

Every eye should focus on the GOA

Dear Editor,

I WRITE to add my sentiments to the OP-ED that was carried in this newspaper yesterday, and captioned, “Change and the GOA Emperor”.

The scribe of that masterpiece has highlighted a couple of possible outcomes that I think every Guyanese, near and far, should keep their eyes on. For ease of reference, I will excerpt the particular paragraphs that warrant the most attention.

“While the possible intervention of the Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO), which represents the 41 national committees of the Americas, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has not been publicly cited or endorsed, any attempt at such a move can be viewed as means to create confusion, or, worst yet, offer the nation potential residency in the international wilderness.

Would the GOA boss opt for, or even entertain, utilising such an avenue and intervention, when a domestic solution, [evident by the General Secretary fiasco], to any of the dilemmas facing the entity can be resolved in an egalitarian manner?”

The foregoing opinion connotes the possible destruction

Lahore Qalandars edge Multan Sultans in thriller to win title

LAHORE Qalandars beat Multan Sultans by one run in a thrilling final to secure backto-back Pakistan Super League titles.

Needing four off the last ball, Khushdil Shah was run out attempting a third run to force a super over as Sultans finished on 199-8 in Lahore.

Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi took 4-51 after smashing 44 off 15 balls to help his side post 200-6.

of the organisation, if Juman Yassin is no longer chief. This assertion ought to raise alarm bells. Could greed consume an individual to such lower tiers?

Guyana, our beloved country, embraces multiple ethnicities. We may be divided by politics, race, religion, and even culture, at times. The only thing that brings us together in jubilation and harmony, for many years, is Sport. Whether it is cricket, football, track and field, boxing, or any other discipline, we stand united when our fellow Guyanese are competing on the world stage.

The GOA elections are slated for tomorrow. The only certainty, thus far, is the removal of Yassin from the executive. This nation hopes that bitterness and vindictiveness do not consume the outgoing president. I hope there’s a smooth transition of power; but, only time will tell.

Any attempt to besmirch sport in Guyana should be condemned by every Guyanese within these 83,000 square miles, and also by those in the diaspora. I await the outcome, with watchful eyes. You should, too!

Respectfully,

Geoffrey Stoll Heyliger

Qalandars also beat Sultans in last year’s final.

“We reached the final again and won the title for a second time so that’s a reward for teamwork,” said Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen.

“We played well in the final but it was a tense win.”

After winning the toss, Qalandars reached 95-1 before losing four wickets for 17 runs, including the dismissal of England batter Sam Billings.

Shaheen then launched a stunning onslaught, hitting five sixes and two fours to boost his side to an imposing total, building on Abdullah Shafique’s 65 off 40.

Sultans raced to 105-1 in reply before

leg-spinner Rashid Khan bowled Rilee Rossouw for 52 off 32 and removed Mohammad Rizwan for 34 off 23.

Shaheen returned for his second spell to dismiss Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Anwar Ali and Usama Mir, leaving Sultans needing 35 off

the last 20 overs.

Khushdil and Abbas Afridi smacked 22 from Haris Rauf’s 19th over, but Zaman Khan kept his calm in the final over, with Shaheen completing the run-out on the final ball to secure victory.(BBC Sport)

NZ close in on series sweep after enforcing follow-on

NEW Zealand moved to the brink of a 2-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka on day three of the second Test by dismissing the tourists for 164 and reducing them to 2-113 after enforcing the follow-on.

After Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls posted double-centuries as the hosts made 4(dec)-580 on day two, it was the turn of New Zealand’s bowlers to take centre stage at Wellington’s Basin Reserve.

Beginning the day 2-26 in their first innings, Sri Lanka lost 10 wickets across the three sessions to go to stumps still 303

runs in arrears in their second innings.

Spinner Michael Bracewell and seamer Matt Henry took three wickets apiece as the Sri Lankans were dismissed in their first innings before the tea break.

Despite a battling 89 from skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka lost six wickets with the addition of only 55 runs after lunch

With the threat of rain hanging over the fifth day of the match, Blacks Caps skipper Tim Southee wasted no time in sending Karunaratne and his

GCB selectors name U-15 team for Rising Stars regional tournament in April

THE Guyana Cricket Board ( GCB) has named the Guyana Under-15 team to participate in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Under-15 tournament 2023.

This tournament, which is dubbed CWI Rising Stars Under-15 Rising Championship, is scheduled for Antigua and Barbuda from April 2, 2023, to April 13, 2023.

The GCB Junior Selection Committee, led by Chairman Andre Percival and comprising the other selection members Balram Samaroo, Latchman Yadram and Denesh Joseph, selected the National Under-15 team on Friday, March 17, 2023. The team presents an excel-

lent mixture of skilled players.

Dave Mohabir will once again lead the National Under-15 side.

The Guyana Under-15 team placed second in the 2022 CWI Regional Under-15 tournament. Similarly, Romario Ramdeholl will once again act as the Vice-Captain to Mohabir.

The team includes the five players who have been identified by CWI from the 2022 CWI Rising Stars tournament for special development activities.

These players are opening batter Navin Boodwah, left-arm spinner Arun Gainda, fast bowler Arif Khan, right-arm leg-spinner Dhanesh Persaud and wicket-keeper Sohail Mohamed. The identification

opening partner Oshada Fernando straight back in to face the home attack again.

Fernando faced 36 balls before departing for five to give paceman Doug Bracewell, cousin of Michael, another wicket on his return to Test cricket after a gap of nearly seven years.

Karunaratne played another captain’s innings, recording a fourth half-century in his past five innings and putting together a second-wicket partnership of 71 with Kusal Mendis.

His New Zealand counterpart Southee separated them

when Karunaratne, on 51, pulled a shot to deep midwicket where Devon Conway took a fine catch into the sun Angelo Mathews joined Mendis and the pair survived until stumps. Mendis will resume on Monday on 50 not out, with Mathews was unbeaten on one.

In one positive historical note for Sri Lanka, Mendis and Mathews both scored centuries as they batted together for two rain-disrupted days to save a draw the last time the two teams played a Test in Wellington five years ago.

of these emerging players, allows CWI and the GCB to place special development emphasis on their growth and development in the game.

The Guyana Under-15 Team 2023 is as follows: Dave Mohabir (Captain), Romario Ramdeholl (Vice-Captain), Navin Boodwah, Adrian Hetmyer, Arun Gainda,

Dhanesh Persaud, Zandon Rose, Razam Koobir, Sohil Mohamed (wicketkeeper), Jonathan Mentore, Shane Prince, Arif Khan, Emmannuel Lewis, and Trilok Nanan.

The standbys are Nicholas Lovell, Mickle Sharma, Thierry Henry, Feaaz Baksh, Nicholas Hall, Visual Williams, and Krishan Silas and Brandon Henry.

Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi completed a run-out to secure the title

Adrian Hetmyer Dhanesh Persaud

Arun Gainda

GCB Four-Day Inter-County

Persaud’s ton, fifties from Perez, Ali-Mohamed & Singh power Demerara to 394-6

By Sean Devers

ON a hot day at Bourda, an unbeaten 110 from Akshaya Persaud and fifties from Raymond Perez, Renaldo Ali-Mohammed and Sachin Singh powered defending champions Demerara to a commanding position of 394-6 against Essequibo on the opening day the final round of the GCB’s fourday senior Inter-County tournament.

The track at Guyana’s Mecca which has hosted 30 Test matches from 1930, was flat and the outfield lightning fast and most of the batters capitalised on the favourable conditions and at times innocuous bowling.

Only Skipper Chris Barnwell who missed a sweep at afull ball from off-spinner Malcome Hubbard for 19, opener Chanderpaul Hemraj, who fell to left-arm spinner

Ricardo Adams when well set on 33 with three fours and a six and Shamar Yearwood (2) failed cash in on the runs fest as the Essequibians chased leather all day.

Persaud, looking to regain his spot on the Guyana Harpy Eagles side, looked

his unusual flamboyant self as he reached the boundary seven times and cleared it on three occasions unbeaten in his 110 from 163 balls and 243 minutes and shared in two century stands.

Earlier, Singh, who hit four fours and three sixes

in his 86-ball 57, added 60 with Hemraj who is hoping for a national recall after recovering from a concussion injury.

Perez fell to Hubbard when well set for a century; making 84 from 146 balls with 10 fours and two sixes and added 110 with Persaud for third wicket before was dismissed at 240-3.

Persaud added 103 with Mohammed who was removed by Adams at 376-5 after making 63 from 58 balls with six fours and three sixes.

Shamar Yearwood (2) was bowled by Adams off the final ball of the day which the fair size partisan fans saw boundaries galore.

Adams so far has taken 4-106 while Hubbard figures read 2-83

The second day’s play iss et to commence at 9:30 am today.

Bangladesh hammer Ireland by 183 runs in first ODI

BANGLADESH claimed a convincing 183-run win over Ireland in the first of three one-day internationals between the sides.

Shakib Al Hasan scored 93 and Towhid Hridoy 92 as the hosts racked up 338-8 off their 50 overs.

Graham Hume was the pick of the Ireland bowlers with 4-60.

The tourists were always struggling to keep up with the required run-rate in reply, George Dockrell top-scoring with 45 as wickets fell regularly.

Having won the toss, Ireland opted to field and made an early breakthrough as Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal was caught by Paul Stirling off the bowling of Mark Adair for three.

A fourth-wicket partnership of 135 between Shakib and Hridoy got their side well back on track, both batters falling

Starc, Marsh destroy India in 37-over masterclass

A Mitchell Starc masterclass and a T20-style knock from Mitchell Marsh have lifted Australia to a crushing 10-wicket ODI victory over India in a match that lasted just 37 overs.

Starc claimed 5-53 off eight overs in Sunday’s second one-day international in Vizag to help skittle India for a paltry 117 in 26 overs.

In reply, Marsh cracked six sixes and six fours on the way to posting 66no off 36 balls, with Travis Head (51no off 30 balls) a handy ally.

Australia reached the victory target in just 11 overs

The result levelled the three-match series at 1-1 heading into Wednesday’s finale in Chennai.

Marsh only opened in the first two matches due to the absence of David Warner, who missed the first match to give him more time to recover from a hairline fracture in his elbow

Warner was due to play on Sunday, but a corked quad kept him out.

Marsh scored 81 off 65 balls in Friday’s five-wicket

just short of their centuries as they fell victim to Hume.

Mushfiqur Rahim contributed a quick-fire 44, including three sixes and three fours, as Bangladesh set a formidable total for their opponents to chase.

Ireland openers Stephen Doheny and Paul Stirling got their side off to a steady start with an opening- wicket stand of 60, but when Doheny was dismissed wickets started to fall rapidly, Ebabat Hossain ending with figures of

4-42.

Dockrell put up most resistance for Ireland, top-scoring with 45 off just 47 balls.

The sides meet again today and Thursday, before contesting a threematch Twenty20 series.

loss to India, and he continued to bludgeon India’s attack in game two.

His hot form as a fill-in opener has given Australia food for thought ahead of this year’s 50-over World Cup in India.

The highlight of Sunday’s match belonged to Steve Smith, who dived full length to his right at first slip to pull off a stunning one-handed catch to send Hardik Pandya packing for one.

Smith was in the air and horizontal when he took the catch, and the stand-in skipper was mobbed by his teammates in the aftermath.

Although Marsh and Head provided the fireworks

Akshaya Persaud on-drives during his unbeaten century for Demerera. (Sean Devers photo)

Mushfiqur Rahim in action for Bangladesh as Ireland wicket-keeper Lorcan Tucker looks on.

EAST LONDON, South Africa, (CMC) – Shai Hope says he plans to fully embrace his role as the team’s principal run-scorer and gloveman, along with his new responsibilities as captain, after carving out a 14th One-Day International hundred to

Prolific Hope embracing new responsibilities

superb unbeaten 128 at Buffalo Park, in his first innings since becoming captain.

Hope is the Caribbean side’s marquee batsman with an average of 50 from 105 ODIs and also keeps wicket, a combination of roles which the player admitted could be tiring at times.

“It is [a lot of responsibility] but I’m definitely going to take it on full speed. It’s just about giving my all to the team and if that means I have to bat all 50 overs and then keep, then that’s exactly what I’ll do,” said Hope, who arrived at the crease in the 10th over and batted until the end of the 50 overs, before donning the gloves for the 42.4 overs of the South Africa reply.

difficult a 50-over game was. I haven’t played since – I think it was August [New Zealand in the Caribbean].”

Opting to bat first in the second ODI against the backdrop of last Thursday’s washout of the opener, West Indies stormed to 335 for eight – their highest-ever ODI total against South Africa and the highest overall in four years.

Hope was at the centre of their enterprise, the right-hander facing 115 deliveries and striking five fours and seven fours to dictate the tempo of the innings and ensure the visitors plundered 93 from the last 10 sovers.

where I had to buckle down, make sure they didn’t make any more inroads. But for us, soaking up that pressure was key, especially in the middle there we lost Pooran.

“So I thought that I played the situation pretty well and credit must go to the batting partners as well to make it easier for me to finish the innings.”

Despite the win, Hope was not short of praise for his opposite number Temba Bavuma, who struck a career-best 144 from 118 balls, to rattle West Indies.

help propel West Indies to a 48-run win over South Africa in Saturday’s opening ODI here.

The 29-year-old was recently appointed to replace Nicholas Pooran at the head of the ODI squad and celebrated the honour in style with a

“I’m getting support from all ends so it’s just one of those things where I need to fit into the role. I’ve got support from the guys on the field and off the field. I’ve just to keep embracing that responsibility and when the time comes to shine, I’ll try to do so.”

He added: “I actually forgot how

“It felt good. It ’s been a while since I’ve played ODI cricket … so it was just nice to get some runs under my belt and it contributed to a team win,” Hope explained.

“I thought it was a difficult pitch to start on. I think batsmen coming in found it challenging but we got a big score in the end. I think as soon as you get in you’ve got to go big.

“You have to play the situation. There were some periods in the game

“An innings like that deserves to be a victorious innings but it just so happened that we came out on top in the end,” Hope said.

“But I must give him credit for the way he patrolled the innings. He played the situation well and he really deserved to win the game playing an innings like that, but there can be only one winner.”

West Indies face South Africa in the final ODI of the three-match series at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom tomorrow.

Hercules pleased with GHE’s all-round performance heading into Jamaica clash

By Sean Devers in Trinidad

PG 26

THIRTY-four-year-old Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) Head Coach Ryan Hercules spoke with the Guyana Chronicle after his charges beat the T&T Red Force on Saturday, in the third round of the West Indies Championships Regional First-Class tournament at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy to register their second win, and extend their lead going into the penultimate round against the Jamaica Scorpions at Providence.

“I think it was very important that we come out with a victory against Trinidad in this third round, knowing that we were on top of the table, and we wanted to be on top going home,” the former Essequibo and Guyana fast bowler turned Level 3 coach said, adding:

“Even though we wanted to get the extra bowling points from the fast bowlers, which we did, we would have gotten 12 wickets from the fast bowlers to help with our points.

“I think it was a good game; great performance from Savory getting a hundred. It was good to see Leon Johnson getting back to back half-centuries; Bramble in the runs. Kevin Sinclair got a half-century, and Keemo Paul got some runs.

“Good all-round effort from the guys going into the fourth round against Jamaica.

“I am most pleased with what I would have seen; young Matthew Nandu getting a century on his debut, and Savory in his third match getting a hundred. I am very impressed with young players putting up their hands and getting runs on the board.

“I am also impressed with the fast bowlers; they have been getting wickets for us, from Game One. And right through, they have been contributing to the wicket tally.”

In summary, Coach Hercules, who represented Guyana from 2003 to 2007 before playing in England and Australia, said: “So, all in all, I am very happy that both the young and senior players have been getting runs. The consistency of the team; winning games and doing well.”

Hercules, who coached the Guyana Under-15 and senior Women’s teams at Regional tournaments, disclosed that, going forward, the plan for when the team returns home is to have training sessions in the lead-up to the next round.

“Then, you know, we will plan for the conditions at the Guyana National Stadium, and make plans, going forward, on how we will tackle Jamaica. We will look to get as much points as possible, and extend our lead going into the final round,” concluded Hercules, who coached Essequibo to both the three-day and 50 overs GCB Franchise titles.

Meanwhile, Wicket Keeper Anthony Bramble, who was hit in the face

Regal Legends lifts Orlando Cup

by a ball, was taken the hospital, where he received medical attention before being discharged.

Manager Albert ‘Smith’ Clements, who reported that the player’s face was badly cut, said, “He is OK to travel, and when we get home, he will be looked at again. But he is likely to miss Guyana’s next match.”

REGAL Legends created history by becoming the first team to capture titles in all of the major softball countries, with a resounding 45-run victory over hosts, Orlando Softball Cricket League (OSCL), in the final of the Over-50 category, played at Barnett Park, Orlando yesterday.

Led by a masterful second-wicket partnership of 163, by Ramesh Deonarine (81) and Uniss Yusuf (80), Regal Legends reached a challenging 206 in their allotted 20 overs, before limiting OSCL to 161 for nine.

The win was sweet revenge for Regal Legends, who had earlier lost their first-round fixture to the same opponents on the opening day, Friday.

The finals of the other two categories, Masters Over-40 and Open All Stars, were also being contested, with OSCL opposing New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL), and OSCL battling with Titans. More details to follow in a subsequent issue.

Guyana Harphy Eagles Head coach Ryan Hercules

Uniss Yusuf and Ramesh Deonarine

West Indies captain Shai Hope has a batting average of 50 from 105 ODIs