Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20-12-2023

WEDNESDAY 20th December, 2023

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE

No. 107300

Additional $13B disposable income released into economy during December

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Guyana to reach new heights in 2024 - country to host major conferences, high-level delegations from around the world - ongoing infrastructural projects will be completed and new, major projects will commence, President Ali says

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President, Dr Irfaan Ali met with retired United States Four-Star General, Mr Wesley Clark at State House, on Tuesday.

Discussions focused on hemispheric security and geopolitical relations within the western hemisphere.

Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan were also part of the meeting. (Office of the President photos)

Border controversy: House approves Guyana could ‘Stop the reckless $25.9B for further close year with and irresponsible 40 per cent development of Guyana - $12.3B for agriculture sector advancements - $3.9B to boost health infrastructure

public commentary’

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- AG urges; says Maduro is using it to spread falsehoods

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GDP growth

- ECLAC report shows

Funds approved for aerodrome unit, other firefighting resources

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Additional $13B disposable income released into economy during December

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

–– as more than 54,000 public servants, government pensioners receive 6.5 percent salary increase –– $25,000 one-off cash grant paid to public sector employees and old-aged pensioners

–– $35,000 paid to persons living with disabilities

–– Disciplined Services receive one-month bonus

Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh

MORE than 54,000 public servants, teachers, members of the disciplined services, and government pensioners have received their 2023 salary increase representing payment of the 6.5 per cent retroactive salary increase announced by Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on December 10.

This increase was received by public servants and government pensioners. Dr. Singh thanked staff of the Ministry of Finance and Finance Departments of the various government agencies who worked tirelessly and diligently to ensure that the increases were paid out in time for the Christmas season to eligible persons, together with the retroactive amounts.

The ministry also ensured that the 12,000 members of the Disciplined

Services along with civilian employees of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) --for the first time--received the one-month tax-free bonus.

In addition to the 6.5 percent salary increase received, as part of a $5 billion cost-of-living allocation, the government also paid out a 25,000 oneoff tax-free cash-grant to public sector employees, a one-off $35,000 cash grant to persons with disabilities receiving public assistance, while old-aged pensioners also benefitted from the $25,000 one-off cash grant.

These amounts have placed a total of over $13 billion in the hands of all of the above categories of persons.

Minister Singh highlighted the importance of persons receiving these payments before Christmas, which will stimulate economic activity across the country. “…an injection of this nature has tremendous, positive multiplier effects in the economy because it generates the consumption that it stimulates at the household level, then feeds into the retail trade and that then feeds into the wholesale trade and that then feeds into production,” Dr. Singh explained.

Moreover, members of the Disciplined Services and health workers received salary adjustments in January 2023, reflective of announcements made by President Ali on November 24 and December 12, 2022 respectively.

With regard to health sector workers, the salary adjustment to the tune of $1.5 billion benefitted over 5,000 health care professionals, while an estimated 8000 members of the Disciplined Services benefitted from their salary adjustments which increases their disposable incomes by over $1 billion annually.

For 2023, government also announced salary adjustments and other emol-

uments for teachers as follows: All Graduate Teachers (i.e. holders of a relevant Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Guyana, a Degree awarding institution under the GOAL Programme, or a Degree certified by the National Accreditation Council) shall be moved to the maximum of the scale applicable to the post they currently occupy. This will benefit over 4,000 teachers at an additional annual cost of $1 billion, effective from 1 December 2023.

2. Teachers will receive an Education allowance of: A. $10,000 monthly for holders of a Bachelor’s Degree B. $20,000 monthly for a Master’s Degree C. $30,000 monthly for a Doctorate Degree This revision benefits over 4,500 teachers. Any preexisting allowances paid in relation to the Post Graduate Diploma in Education (DipEd) will remain in place.

The Remote Areas Incentive will be adjusted upwards from its current level to $20,000 monthly, effective from 1 December, 2023, to the benefit of over 2,400 teachers.

All teachers who hold substantive appointments as a Senior Master/Mistress/Head of Department or above and are within three years of retirement and have not previously received a duty-free concession on a motor car, shall be entitled to one duty-free concession for one motor car up to 1500cc.

Dr. Singh has noted that other than salary increases, government’s approach to improving the lives of Guyanese involves improvements and upgrades to essential services under the numerous policies and plans the administration has been administering.

Some of the measures include the reviving of the ‘Because We Care’ cash

grant for school- children, pensioners’ water subsidy, removal of taxes on various commodities as well as the resumption of the onemonth tax-free bonus for the Disciplined Services.

“When you speak about disposable income you have to speak first of all about adjustment to salaries…We have also adjusted upwards a number of specific categories of public sector employees. Some as high as 50, 60 and 70 per cent. We have recently announced the cash grant of $25,000 to every single public servant,” Minister Singh had pointed out.

The implementation of these measures, including government’s housing initiatives has no doubt altogether enhanced the lives of Guyanese all across the country including public servants who are among the nearly 30,000 individuals who have benefitted.

In addition to this, public servants have also benefitted from the reduced interest rates at various commercial banks to assist persons in constructing their homes at affordable costs.

“We take a holistic and comprehensive view of well-being. We look at the things everybody wants.

They want to earn a better income of course. And so, our aspiration is to make sure that people are able to earn a better income over time.

“But people also want other things, other aspects of well-being. Like being able to live in a community that has decent roads, being able to access good-quality healthcare, having your elderly parents be able to access a decent pension,” Dr. Singh explained further.

President Ali has continued to reiterate that his government’s focus is on a holistic plan of improving workers’ lives with salary increases being one aspect of the benefit that will be provided.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Guyana to reach new heights in 2024 - country to host major conferences, high-level delegations from around the world - ongoing infrastructural projects will be completed and new, major projects will commence, President Ali says

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has said that 2024 will be a significant year for all, as more initiatives will be rolled out to better everyone’s lives.

He made this announcement during his address at the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC)’s 31st Anniversary Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony.

“Our development must leave no one behind,” he firmly remarked.

As he reflected on the important roles that Guyana will play in both the international and regional arena, the President highlighted that the nation is gearing up to assume its non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on January 1, 2024.

Additionally, Guyana will be assuming Chairmanship of CARICOM and will be hosting the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, and the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting next year.

As the nation continues to build relationships, the President said that in February 2024, Guyana will be hosting “high-level” delegations from Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Rwanda, among other countries.

The President also said that the Urban Renewal Plan will be commencing next year and this is an investment from a Qatari group.

He said: “That will open up tremendous opportunities along the Carifesta highway, and bring into realisation a plan of modern boardwalk along the seawall. This is the year that we'll see new shore bases commencing.”

F u r t h e r, w h i l e e x pounding on the expansion and completion of local projects, Dr. Ali said that 2024 will be the year that we will see the Wales Development Authority (WDA) moving towards implementation.

“Guyana will be aggressively positioning itself globally in the energy, food, climate and environmental services, ecological and biodiversity services.

We’ll be unloaded on global focus areas as pillars of the economy moving forward,” Dr Ali said.

With the nation aiming to continue making a name for itself, Dr Ali emphasised that developmental works will be pursued and all citizens can expect a more enhanced Guyana.

On the subject of infrastructure, come 2024, the President said that Guyanese will see the Diamond

to Buzz Bee Dam highway completed and works commencing on the Buzz Bee Dam to Soesdyke Highway.

“This is bonus… the programme that we were elected on did not have this,” he said, while underscoring the massive road works that his administration has pursued.

In addition to this, by mid next year, the Schoonord to Crane four-lane by-pass will be completed. Moreover, the signing and commencement of the Corentyne River Bridge that will connect Guyana to Suriname will occur in 2024.

“We'll see substantive completion or completion of the New Demerara Bridge…continuation of Ogle-Eccles bypass to Providence…,” the President said while expounding on the plans in progress for easing traffic woes.

He also stated that before the end of this year, the government will be signing the contract for the construction of the new Wismar four-lane bridge Guyanese can expect to see the completion of the fortified superhighway bridges to Lethem and work commencing on the finalisation of a model for the Kurupukari Bridge, and the commencement of

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

the New Amsterdam Creek Road project.

The President said: “We'll see the completion of many of our new hospitals and schools, but we'll see expanded collaboration and partnership with universities, teaching and research medical institutions around the Western Hemisphere,” adding: “We're going to launch a special initiative on innovation completion of the development of the regional food hub…”

He also touched on the efforts being made to upskill and provide opportunities for young people and the plans to have 2,000 persons trained for near-

shoring jobs related to the oil sector.

In 2024, the government will commence the operation of the first innovative drug development programme which will apply the best technology.

ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL “This is the year that we will be moving forward on the building of three new stadiums and the completion with the stadium in Anna Regina,” he said while adding: “We’re at the final stages, of negotiating the hosting of the women's CPL in Essequibo, next year.”

In Regions Three and Six, he stated that there

will be the commencement of a new stadium along with the completion of the football and cricket stadiums in Region 10.

Among other notable events, the President said that Guyana is hosting the Cricket World Cup and finals of the Cricket Carnival. “…We are already acutely aware with the fact that once we develop this capacity with all these new rules and new hotels a new restaurant we have to be able to bring people bring in, bring consumers in…,” the President said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Border controversy: ‘Stop the reckless and irresponsible public commentary’ –– AG urges; says Maduro is using it to spread falsehoods

By Clestine Juan ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has expressed concern that the negative commentary about the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, particularly on social media, is being used by Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro to advance a false narrative.

His comments came in response to critical commentaries following the meeting between Presidents Dr. Irfaan Ali and Maduro last Thursday at the Argyle International Airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The meeting was facilitated by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, and was observed by Brazil, CARICOM, and a UN Under-Secretary-General.

This historic meeting culminated in what is now known as the “Argyle Declaration,” an 11-point agreement which addresses matters consequential to the border controversy, including the fact that Guyana holds

firmly to its position that the substantive case is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Nandlall explained that following the meeting, he made a post on his official Facebook page where he highlighted the potential repercussions of irresponsible public statements on Guyana’s position in the territorial dispute.

In an interview on Tuesday, Nandlall clarified his intent, stating, “I never attempted to prohibit anyone or to suggest that anyone must refrain from exercising the right to free expression, but to just alert those who choose to do so to appreciate that there is a consequence.”

Nandlall pointed out that his primary aim was to make individuals aware of how their public expressions could be used against Guyana’s interests in the ongoing border discussions.

He underscored the importance of responsible discourse, particularly on matters of national importance, such as territorial sovereignty.

The AG explained that

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall his response was to a prominent commentator in the legal fraternity who had speculated on the establishment of foreign military bases in Guyana.

“And he [the commentator on social media] surmised and speculated that that will be the basis of a failure of the impending talks scheduled to take place in St. Vincent, between President Irfaan Ali and President Maduro. I responded by first emphasising that Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is nowhere on the public record as asserting that there will be any military base established in

Guyana for any country.

“However, the Vice President has assured that Guyana will do all that is lawfully necessary to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty. I posited that that is not only the Vice President’s view, but that is the view of the Government of Guyana, and I dare say the entire population,” Nandlall said.

Nandlall pointed out that such speculative conclusions could be misinterpreted and used against Guyana in diplomatic negotiations.

“I cautioned against persons pontificating publicly in this reckless and irresponsible manner on matters of national importance, more particularly at this crucial juncture of Guyana’s history, where its territorial sovereignty is at stake,” Nandlall stated.

The United States had denied that it has plans to set up a military base in Guyana. Guyana’s government has made no request to establish such a base here.

Venezuela, with no evidence, has been using weaponising commentaries made on social media by persons to propagate a distorted narrative on the border controversy.

Addressing the recent talks with Venezuela, Nand-

lall detailed during the meeting in St Vincent, President Maduro’s use of public statements critical of ExxonMobil’s operations and other activities in Guyana.

The Venezuelan President reportedly compiled a dossier of these statements, attempting to leverage them in support of his narrative.

“His [President Maduro] point that he was making, was that Exxon’s operations here, in which he claimed was in the disputed territory, was not even supported

by Guyanese and that his criticism of the grant of the licence to operators within that sector, in what he’s describing as the disputed territory, was not only his criticisms but Guyanese by and large were expressing similar views. And he also cited other operations within the Essequibo area for which he collected information that is critical of those operations,” the AG said.

Nandlall clarified that he, nor the government did not cause this to happen, but rather it was the comments made by persons. Those comments are now being used by Venezuela against Guyana, he said.

He added that he did not express support for Maduro’s stance and maintained that his intention was to

highlight the consequences of public criticism.

He referred to the situation as a “spasm of guilt” among those who had made public criticisms, leading to their apprehension about contributing to Venezuela’s cause.

“The reality is, they do not help Guyana’s cause.

These commentators obviously felt a spasm of guilt because they didn’t, for one moment, want the population to perceive them as contributing to Venezuela’s cause.

“All I was doing was to inform those who are exercising this freedom to be aware of what use is made of their expressions and to see if you wish to travel that road, you must understand and appreciate that there is this real consequence.

“That is to say, the enemy is collating and compiling what you say and is throwing it in our faces.

Whatever weight is attached to them, I don’t know. They may not carry any weight at all, but what I do know is that they do not in any form or fashion help Guyana’s cause,” Nandlall said.

Nandlall defended his position, stating, “I only brought the message. I didn’t contribute to the state of affairs, they did.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

House approves $25.9B for further development of Guyana - $12.3B for agriculture sector advancements - $3.9B to boost health infrastructure

THE National Assembly, on Tuesday, during its 70th Sitting and following extensive debate, approved a $25.9 billion Supplementary Bill which was successfully piloted in the

additional costs with respect to the provision of security for a number of regions.

Financial Paper No. 5 caters for over $12.3 billion for the agriculture sector including provisions for

hospitals as part of government’s broader agenda to modernise the healthcare system.

Under the education sector over $530.6 million is provided for additional

House by Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh.

The supplementary papers presented on December 11 during the 69th Sitting of the National Assembly, provide for an acceleration and expansion of developmental programmes across a wide range of sectors, as the government continues to keep its promises to citizens to improve their lives and ensure that Guyana’s landscape is transformed at a fast pace.

The $25.9 billion Appropriation Bill comprised Financial Paper No. 4 of 2023 relating to Contingency Fund advances on the current and capital estimates for the period October 1, 2023 to December 8, 2023 and Financial Paper No. 5 of 2023 for supplementary funding for expanded work programmes for the period ending December 31, 2023.

Financial Paper No. 4 caters for over $1.9 billion in contingency fund advances for various agencies, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Home Affairs, Agriculture and Education, with $643 million to support operational costs of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and

subsidies and contributions in local organisations, and additional resources for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority to execute drainage and irrigation works.

Farmers have been demanding additional support to protect and boost the productivity of their crops and livestock and government had committed to providing this support. It would be recalled as well that in November last, President Ali had indicated that as part of the $5 billion cost of living allocation, $850 million would be used for the acquisition of fertiliser to be distributed to the farmers.

Further, the Bill provides for over $1 billion under the Ministry of Public Works for maintenance of roads, procurement of equipment and for the Transport and Harbours Department with the country continuing to undergo massive infrastructure transformation.

In terms of the health sector $3.9 billion has been provided largely to support the rollout of healthcare infrastructure, with $3.3 billion for the construction of the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, which adds to the suite of several new

inflows under the Caribbean Development Bank loan for the skills development and employability project.

Under the Ministry of Home Affairs, over $3.9 billion is provided for various initiatives including $2.8 billion to boost the firefighting capabilities of the Guyana Fire Service including their operations in hinterland and outlying areas.

Additionally, $1.3 billion is provided for the Guyana Defence Force for defence and security support while under the Regional Development programme, more than $527 million is catered for to boost a number of development programmes in Regions One, Six, Seven, Eight and Nine.

Under the Office of the Prime Minister, supplementary provisions include more than $188 million for additional resources to support the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated to sustain Ituni’s operation, the Mahdia Power and Light Inc. and Kwakwani Utilities, as well as for additional inflows under the Government of India’s supported Line of Credit due to an acceleration in the delivery of solar photovoltaic systems.

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Editor

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Navendra Seoraj

A victory for democracy

THE High Court in a recent ruling has dismissed an appeal by the APNU relative to Election Petition 88 of 2020 in yet another humiliating defeat suffered by the main political opposition which continued to peddle a false narrative of being ‘cheated’ out of power in the March 2020 General and Regional elections.

It will be recalled that the High Court had two years ago rejected this very petition which had cited ‘serious non-compliance with the Constitution of Guyana’ and relevant electoral laws.

According to the High Court ruling, there was no breach of the Constitution by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to make the elections a ‘sham’ or a ‘travesty’ as claimed by the petitioners.

The decision of the High Court

was unanimous. As noted by the Court, a crucial pillar of any democratic society is one in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them, directly or indirectly through a system of representation, usually including periodically held free and fair elections.

These are indeed foundational principles governing the behaviour of modern rules-based societies where sovereignty rests with the people through free and fair elections.

Any departure from this democratic principle is not only a breach of the Constitution but an aberration of the norms and values of law-governed and rule-based societies.

Whatever infractions of the democratic processes took place during the March 2020 elections resulted from the actions of some ‘rogue’

elements within GECOM which thankfully was remedied by the decisions of the Courts, including the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). It is to the credit of the judiciary that democracy prevailed in Guyana.

This recent ruling by the High Court can be seen as yet another victory for democracy in Guyana.

There was a time in our past history when the justice system was subverted under the doctrine of party paramountcy. The PNC was able to perpetuate its political life for over two decades through a combination of force and fraud.

Thankfully, we have gone past that sordid period of our history and constitutional rule has become much more entrenched and institutionalized. However, the ‘ghosts’ of our undemocratic past continue to linger on. This is why it is so

important to ensure an independent judiciary free from the influence of partisan politics.

Guyana has certainly evolved in terms of judicial independence and the rule of law.

This is good for the country especially at this conjunction in time when the country is making rapid economic and social progress. The rule of law is indispensable in this regard.

One can only hope that with this most recent High Court ruling, the false narrative by the APNU of being ‘manipulated’ out of power will be put to rest.

The political opposition has a duty and obligation to its supporters and for that matter the whole of Guyana to respect the ruling of the High Court on this matter.

Guyana’s agri-revolution: Feeding the Caribbean Dear Editor, LISTEN up now, mek we chat bout Venezuela and Guyana.

Two neighbours, but dem worlds apart inna how tings a gwan. Venezuela? Lawd, de place inna real mess. De govment deh corrupt till it cyaan corrupt no more.

People a live tough - no food, no proper health care, money na worth a thing. Millions ah Venezuelans had fuh pack up an lef, lookin fuh a betta life, someweh else.

Now, tek a look pon Guyana. Oh gyal, it a whole different scene deh so.

President Ali, da man solid, man ah him

word. Member dem drains in Eccles? He mek sure dem dig out, easing up all dem flooding problem. De people dem grateful, yuh see.

But wait, hear dis part – Guyana nah just stop deh so. Dem govment a dish out nuff coconut trees, like 400,000 or sumting lik da! Part a dem big plan fi mek agriculture step up big time. De economy a kick off – more production, more money a flow. Guyana a shine like a bright star.

And guess what? Guyana a turn into de breadbasket of de Caribbean again, yuh know. All dem Caricom countries a tek notice! We a talk ‘bout rice farming?

It a fly high, yield up by four times inna just four year! Sugar? Dem a revitalise it with new tech. Guyana ah get into hightech farming, yuh know – drones an’ dem tings. Plus, dem a improve water management with new irrigation projects.

Nah just rice an’ sugar no more. Dem a plant corn, soybean, nuff fruits, veggies.

Organic farming a tek off, an’ fish farming inna de pipeline.

De govment deh behind de farmers 100 per cent. Subsidies, advice, all kinda help. Dem even got a big, big plan fi agriculture.

So dats de story: Venezuela inna deep,

deep trouble with corrupt leaders. Too much people a haffi leave. But right next door, Guyana a blossom ‘specially inna de farming world. Dem a fix up flooding problems, step up agriculture big time.

President Ali an’ him team a show how good leadership can mek a country stand tall.

Two neighbours, but dem walking two very different roads inna dis part a de world. Guyana a set example for all, a real gem inna de Caribbean.

Sincerely, Haimdat Sawh

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Penalties must be applied to those who don’t think before using the pen Dear Editor, AS Maduro’s aide plunked down volumes of notebooks on the desk at the beginning of the meeting with Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, few could have guessed the contents would be the writings of Guyanese on the topics of the border and, of ExxonMobil’s operation in Guyana, but it was predictable as day follows night for those who think before using the pen.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who witnessed first-hand, Maduro’s attempt to manufacture evidence and sell the thoughts of a few as that of the majority, felt compelled to share his thoughts and urge caution going forward.

Immediately, there have been bellicose challenges to Nandlall concerning his final paragraph: “In the future, therefore, those who wish to travel this road by making such statements, or taking such actions, must now become alive to this consequential reality.”

This was questioned by some as a threat to free speech. Nandlall has made assurances that it is not, but I would posit that it is much like the Argyle agreement, subject to change with circumstance.

Guyana had a long, discomforting look down the wrong end of a gun barrel as Venezuela’s embattled Dictator, Nicholas Maduro, made use of the border controversy to bolster his flagging political career at home and, while the Argyle Agreement gives us respite, it may well be temporary given Maduro’s level of desperation to hold onto power in an election year (2024).

From September 20 (the Referendum announcement) to date, there has been no state censorship of any kind; Guyanese have shared every half-baked conspiracy theory they can dream up, fiction phrased as fact and stunningly accepted and repeated ad nauseam even after disproved or discredited.

A country facing an existential threat to its survival cannot afford this level of disinformation and chaos in time of crisis, it is clear to me that self-censorship failed and when the next period of crisis arrives, we need to treat our press and ‘commentators’ differently.

Our government should institute a review of statements, letters, opinions, and social media posts during the foregoing period, then invite all news entities to workshops to find solutions to any issues identified (there will be issues). Self-censorship remains the best option for our national well-being, but there should be an effort to educate the public about the dangers of “reckless speculative pontification”.

Our government should also make it pellucid that it is not toothless should self-regulation fail; giving aid and comfort to our enemies cannot and should not be tolerated; every country in the world allows for emergency powers in times of grave threat or war, and Guyana is no exception.

Those who would put themselves in Maduro’s shoes and offer advice on how to conquer our homeland should see the inside of our jail cells and enjoy our hospitality until they regain their senses.

Sincerely Robin Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Road safety is everyone’s business

Dear Editor,

HOW often haven’t we heard the phrase, “speed thrills but kills?” But it enters through one ear and exists the other without registering its significance or application for its avoidance and it remains only a passing thought and comment for analytical purpose!

Our highways, roads and streets have been converted to the race track to experience the thrill of the goose-neck turn with the pedal to the metal effort on the long stretch. Patience has escaped our temperament and “rush hour” is a foreign thing with a 6 o’clock morning to 6 o’clock evening Guyanese application, throughout the coastal belt.

A risk is always risky and when indulged, one may be successful or partially successful or unsuccessful. Pedestrians, bikers and motorists do incur different degrees of risks, thus exposing themselves to different levels of danger.

Users on the road, whether walking, riding or driving, are always in a hurry and deliberately take the following risks, if, risk may be categorised: pre-mature risk, anticipated risk, calculated risk, dangerous risk, unnecessary risk, avoidable risk, careless risk, reckless risk, thoughtless risk, breath-taking risk, deadly risk and costly risk. Why take a risk on the road when waiting a minute or two may make all the difference between being dead or alive, or, partially or severally injured, or, being safe and sound?

Common sense is a no-nonsense approach for this sensitive subject and being sane and sensible is a sober reality which should be the guiding factor when using the road.

The ideal situation may never be realised in Guyana simply because most users prefer to remain insensitive to this senseless situation and are conscious or unconscious of their actions and inactions, but, clearly do not care or are unconcerned about the consequences.

A care-free attitude provides the breathing ground for perpetual and perplexed accidents, particularly for those who participate in poor or no judgement.

The holiday season has just commenced and already so many accidents have been recorded with deaths as the end result. Friends and families will not have the pleasurable company of a young Berbice businessman who was allegedly test driving his vehicle last Friday at a fast rate but lost control. Was it speed, poor judgement or mechanical failure being the contributing factor to his demise? Was this fatality the hand of fate or it could have been avoided?

Is there a lesson to be learnt? Is anyone paying attention?

Last Thursday on the busy East Bank Road, a biker and his pillion rider lost their lives when they were involved in an accident with a lorry.

Again, the usual scenario presented itself for this calamity but the difference being, with allegedly suspected criminal behaviour being deployed. A bitter lesson accompanies this tragedy paying priceless dividend. It is too late for those departed ones to be remorse! But it is not too late for those who favour indulging in this type of trauma. Hopefully, the young and restless will pay heed and want to make a commitment not to repeat anything so dramatic.

Misfortune struck several people when they were injured in an unfortunate accident which occurred over a week ago again on

the dangerous East Bank Road. Sadly, four people, including the driver, died. This time, observers reported that a mini bus driven by an inconsiderate driver, did what other drivers continue to do, attempted to overtake a line of traffic and ended up on the wrong side of the lane, law and life.

How many drivers and bikers are guilty of this negligence, endanger themselves and others and not observing the laws of the road by being passionately impatient? Many would prove positive to the test!

When would bus drivers acknowledge that they owe their passengers the responsibility of driving with the application of the five C’s: care, caution, consideration, courtesy and common-sense; driving while observing all traffic rules and regulations; driving with the five S’s in description: safely, soundly, soberly, sanely and simply; driving not dangerously, destructively, distractively, dominatingly nor disruptively; driving without loud or lewd music; driving with respect, regard and all requisite requirements; driving properly and preventively attired; driving with a clean, fully fueled bus with tires already tested for adequate air; driving with enough change; driving with the passengers’ comfort in mind; driving with the passengers’ interest and time in mind? Other vehicle drivers are also very much guilty of most of the aforementioned aggravation.

Many would say, “keep on dreaming” or, “not in this life time.” Nothing is truer or being really realistic. In common practice, most accidents occur because of negligence, inexperience, impatience, speeding, alcohol, poor driving skills, inattention and not observing and applying all traffic, rules, regulations and guidance. In poor weather condition, the need to adjust accordingly is not heeded.

While the police have their hands filled and their job cut out for them, they are trying to cope with uncontrolled and undisciplined road users. They are limited in number and resource.

Some also do not respect their uniform and indulge in controversial matters in contravention, contradicting customary compliance. The police need to step up to the plate in controlling noise nuisance by motorists which is an abuse of public privilege and privacy. Overtaking and under taking is a key area for monitoring and ticketing. Speeding is a sickening area and needs to be curbed.

Overall, if road users can be responsible participators, many lives may be saved and not lost.

Road safety is everyone’s business. Do be the change for a change and have a safe holiday season.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Oil contract renegotiation: Two things to know

WHAT do the people of a country want? How do we know what they want, what they do not approve of and where their thinking is going?

The most popular and common method of gauging the thoughts of a nation is the scientific poll.

It is outside the scope of a column to describe the scientific approach to doing polls, suffice it to say the survey has to, and must, embrace the representative sample of the total society. Telephonic survey is nonsense simply because it will not yield a representative sample.

How do the French people see the Gaza genocide?

France has 500,000 Jews. It has six million Muslims, yet the French President went to meet the Israeli Prime Minister who is committing genocide in Gaza and supports Israel all the way.

A scientific poll in France would probably show that the French people do not support their president’s position.

Here in Guyana, some well-placed individuals and the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News have been invoking the name of the Guyanese people in their quest to get the government to demand that Exxon renegotiate the oil contract.

It is easy to bandy about the term, “the Guyanese people.” But what do the Guyanese people want and if a poll was taken and the relevant questions were asked, do you think the Guyanese people will demand contract renegotiations?

I don’t think so and maybe I am wrong and we can only know if we take a scientific poll. And if people should write about the horrific implications in de-

manding renegotiations, and also people explain the benefits of the oil industry to Guyana’s future, how then would Guyanese react to a poll about renegotiations?

A staunch anti-government critic, Gordon Moseley, remarked a few days ago that people need to talk about the benefits of oil production to Guyana.

There are two things to note about the oil contract renegotiation. First, it is a bandwagon of people who are anti-government. What these people have done is to extract from their hidden, political agenda, the loopholes in the Exxon deal and have weaponised it against the government.

Look at the renegotiation bandwagon and you will see it is a cabal of people filled with passion against the government that has been harassing the Ali presidency since its beginning in August 2020.

If the contract is renegotiated, they will reshape their hidden, political agenda, discover another aspect of government behaviour, and rally against the government.

The fixed mentality of the anti-oil lobby is to weaken the government. If the PPP administration goes out of office, you bet your last dollar, they will find an alternative methodology to justify Exxon’s presence.

The point about these people is that they want the PPP out of power and the renegotiation cry is the only game in town. These people have no support in Guyana and any poll about how Guyanese feel about them will reveal this lack of support.

The second thing to note about the oil contract is the knowledge one should have of international politics,

global realpolitik, the Venezuelan threat and CARICOM stability. Guyana is a moderately unknown country in the global system that has no cemented, traditional intimacy in international political economy outside of CARICOM and the Western world – US, Canada and EU. A country like Guyana is in no position to force Exxon to renegotiate or leave. The immediate response from Exxon is that they cannot renegotiate and they will leave. That would leave Guyana isolated in the world with possible disastrous or maybe tragic repercussions. Four reactions are inevitable – the US will not tolerate Exxon being treated like that and will pressure Guyana. Secondly, Guyana’s standing in CARICOM will lay flat on its face.

Thirdly, Western countries will be enraged at Guyana’s violation of the sanctity of international business contracts and will react adversely. Fourthly, given our regional and international isolation, Venezuela will invade this country.

What all Guyanese in and out of the land need to know is that the people who are clamouring for renegotiation are not stupid. They know Exxon will refuse to relook at their investment portfolio and will leave.

What the anti-oil lobby wants is that in the ensuing crisis where Guyana is isolated with possible international sanctions, CARICOM ostracisation and Venezuelan threats, they can gain political capital from the ensuing stability.

This is what the anti-oil lobby wants. They know the contract cannot be re-

negotiated and should not be tampered with but what other stratagem they have to confront the government

with? One of the questions on a survey about renegotiation should go like this – if Exxon refuses to negotiate and leave

do you think that is good for Guyana’s economy.

Some 99 per cent would say no.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Preliminary report on 2022 census to be completed by second quarter 2024

–– Finance Minister says SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Tuesday, said that the preliminary report on the 2022 national population census is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2024.

He made this disclo-

sure during the 70th sitting of the 12th parliament, in response to questions posed by opposition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson.

Dr Singh said that the latest information available from the Bureau of Statistics is that they should have the prelim-

inary report by the second quarter of 2024. The bureau will then require an additional four to six months for the preparation of the publication of the data.

“We would like the census exercise to be completed as quickly as possible, but we would also like it to be completed without the compromise of its rigour and compre-

hensiveness,” Minister Singh said.

The minister was also asked whether provisions were being made for persons who were not at home at the time census activities were being conducted.

In response, Dr Singh said the census requires one responsible adult in the home to be available to answer for the entire household.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh He added that where no one is present in the household upon the time of the initial visit, the enumerator will make two return visits to the home, and if they are still unable to make contact, they are required to leave a call back card to inform the household of the visit and the date and time of the next visit.

Further, subsequent visits are made and the area supervisor also makes visits to those homes.

Against this backdrop,

Dr Singh said that there are indeed households that are yet to be enumerated, so the Bureau of Statistics has provided an online portal for persons who might not have been counted to indicate same and they will be counted.

Meanwhile, he said that the bureau is working diligently, and the government is ensuring that there is maximum coverage in the census and that they minimise and eliminate instances of non-coverage.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

ERC strengthens unity through regional outreach in Moruca Sub District

IN its unwavering commitment to fostering harmony and good relations, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) conducted a vital outreach exercise in the Moruca Sub District of Region One, Barima-Waini, on Monday, December 18, 2023.

The Paloma Benab in Kumaka served as the venue for this significant engagement, where the ERC team, led by Chairman Mr. Shaikh Moeenul Hack, engaged with the residents to enlighten

them about the functions of the ERC and its dedicated efforts to fulfill its constitutional mandate.

During the outreach, the ERC team actively sought to understand the challenges faced by residents in various communities, including Santa Rosa, Manawarin, Rincon, Waramuri, Parakese, and others.

According to the ERC, the goal was to address concerns raised by residents, with a commitment from the ERC to investigate matters

falling within its purview and facilitate referrals to other agencies or ministries for issues requiring intervention beyond its scope.

This collaborative effort received significant support from Toshaos and Community Support Officers (CSOs) in the villages and satellite communities, showcasing a united front in the pursuit of community well-being.

The ERC team, consisting of Commissioners Reverend Rodwell Porter, Mr. Deon Dick (Ras Khafra), Ms.

ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack (centre) flanked by Head of Public Education and Awareness, Dwijendra Rooplall (extreme left) and CEO Ms. Gomin Camacho (right) sharing gifts to children of the Moruca Sub District of Region One, Barima-Waini

The Paloma Benab in Kumaka served as the venue for this significant engagement, where the ERC team, led by Chairman Mr. Shaikh Moeenul Hack, engaged with the residents to enlighten them about the functions of the ERC

Chandrowtie Sarran, Mr. Norris Witter, Mr. Ashton Simon, CEO Ms. Gomin Camacho, and Secretariat staff, worked diligently to ensure the success of the outreach.

In addition to addressing community concerns, the ERC team spread the festive spirit of Christmas by distributing toys among the village children.

This thoughtful gesture added a touch of joy and celebration to the outreach, emphasising the Commission’s commitment to building bridges and fostering positive relations.

Chairman Mr. Shaikh Moeenul Hack expressed the ERC’s unwavering dedication to combating discrimination and enhancing tolerance

and harmony throughout Guyana.

The Moruca Sub District outreach stands as a testament to the ERC’s proactive approach in fulfilling its mission, promoting unity, and contributing to the overall well-being of the diverse communities it serves.

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Heroes Highway eases traffic woes, benefitting East Bank commuters

THE Heroes Highway, a four-lane artery stretching from Eccles to Great Diamond, is already transforming commute for East Bank and other residents.

The DPI on Tuesday caught up with Neville Lyttle, a motorcyclist who used to spend hours navigating rush hour. Now, on the Heroes Highway, his journey is a breeze.

“Well, it’s very beneficial to us you know. For instance, I just came from Georgetown, it took me like 10 minutes and I’m already at home in Diamond,” he stated.

Lyttle believes as more roads join the network, traffic on the East Bank will dwindle, replicating the calm already being experienced near the Diamond Junction.

Candasi Thomas, a vendor along the road for the past three years, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the noticeably lighter flow of vehicles.

“I must give my comment that it’s a job well done. I personally am very appreciative because the traffic out here flowing so smoothly now. Everybody is moving

in their own direction and getting around in doing their things at a faster pace,” she explained.

For taxi driver Joshua Jones, his job has been easier with faster travel time which has been commended by his passengers.

DPI also caught up with motorcyclist Ronald Adamson who related, “I am benefitting from it because I’m living in the fourth bridge at Grove. So, I cut back on time, mileage, and gas. When I used to traverse East Bank Road and depending on the flow of traffic, I used to take 30 to 35 minutes, but now you’re looking at some time just over 15 to 20 minutes.”

Businessman Chevon Favorite deems the opening of the highway as appropriate.

“The new road is very good. It leads you straight to town in a good manner. Traffic-wise, it is fluctuating the right way. The road is really helping us a lot and as far as I’m concerned it came at a very appropriate time right now,” he posited.

The Heroes Highway, named after the five fallen soldiers who bravely served Guyana, unfolds in stages. First, the Eccles bypass brought relief in September, and just last week, the journey extended to Great Diamond. Each section symbolises the government’s unwavering commitment to easing the lives of its citizens.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

New research urges data-driven action for agriculture, food systems change –– data shows urgent need for improvement, as well as the potential for shared learnings

“THE state of food systems worldwide in the countdown to 2030,” published today by The Food Systems Countdown to 2030 Initiative (FSCI), provides the first science-based monitoring to guide decision-makers as they seek wholesale transformation of the global agriculture and food systems.

This transformation is needed urgently, both to reduce the environmental impact of these systems and to mitigate the impact of climate change on them.

The overarching objective is that all people – especially the most vulnerable – have equitable access to healthy diets through sustainable and resilient agriculture and food systems.

The UN Food Systems Summit catalysed agricultural and food-system action, though policymakers often lack the data required to drive critical decisions.

The FSCI is filling that gap, having identified an indicator framework composed of 50 indicators that monitor agriculture and food systems at a global level, using existing data to enable immediate action. Repurposing existing data, rather than carrying out time-consuming new research, means policymakers have quick access to relevant information.

Following this first global baseline, the FSCI will track agriculture and food systems annually until 2030, updating the framework as needed where new indicators or better data emerge.

Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, said: “The first annual Countdown report shows that no single region has all the answers. Europe and North America do well on undernutrition but poorly on indicators of unhealthy diets.

In contrast, Africa and South Asia do relatively well on some environmental indicators but poorly on indicators of livelihoods. The data show very clearly that every region has significant room for improvement.”

Agriculture and food systems play a vital role in meeting all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet the SDGs are insufficient to monitor these systems.

The FSCI fills this gap.

Agriculture and food systems transformation is absolutely essential if countries are going to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions. Yet this is still

an emerging conversation: agriculture and food systems played only a small part in climate negotiations at COP27. They featured more strongly at the recent COP28 where over 150 countries signed the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action and committed to incorporate agriculture and food systems into their climate plans by 2025 – very encouraging progress.

Mario Herrero, Professor and Director of the Food Systems & Global Change Programme, Cornell University, said: “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.

That’s why we need a monitoring system that shows

Kate Schneider, Research Scholar, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and lead author of the paper, said: “Better data is urgently needed to monitor progress in food safety, off-farm livelihoods tied to agriculture and food systems, food loss and waste, agriculture and food systems’ economic contributions, governance, and agriculture and food system resilience.”

“The state of food systems worldwide in the countdown to 2030” organises agriculture and food systems monitoring into five themes: diets, nutrition, and health; environment, natural resources, and pro-

transformation of food systems, so they become equitable, sustainable, and resilient and positively contribute to achieving the 2030 SDGs and other global goals.

The Food Systems Countdown Initiative is led

by Jessica Fanzo of Columbia University Climate School, Lawrence Haddad of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Jose Rosero Moncayo of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and Mario Herrero of Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability. Kate Schneider of Johns Hopkins Uni-

strengths and weaknesses at national, regional and global levels across all parts of agriculture and food systems.

And this complete picture highlights successes that provide valuable lessons for others.”

The FSCI indicator framework is intended for global monitoring of agriculture and food systems transformation. It also offers a menu of indicators that can be used to design policies and actions, and inform tailored monitoring systems to meet country needs.

José Rosero Moncayo, Director, Statistics Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), said: “We are at the beginning of the process and there are still gaps in the data that we need to fill to ensure we are effectively monitoring progress across all dimensions of agriculture and food systems. Filling those data gaps is a top priority for ourselves, and the global science and policy communities concerned about the future of agriculture and food systems.”

duction; livelihoods, poverty, and equity; governance; and resilience. Each theme contains three-to-five indicator domains that together provide a comprehensive picture of agriculture and food systems.

Jessica Fanzo, Professor of Climate and Director of the Food for Humanity Initiative, Columbia Climate School concluded: “There is a growing urgency to transform agriculture and food systems to support healthy diets in sustainable and equitable ways, and to protect the environment.

Our research sets the stage for a data-driven approach to address the challenges and seize the opportunities to create a healthier, more equitable and sustainable future for all.”

versity School of Advanced International Studies leads the data team and coordination together with several Johns Hopkins graduate students.

The Initiative involves dozens of collaborators from civil society, academia, and the United Nations (UN) on almost all continents.

ABOUT THE FSCI The FSCI is a collaborative effort to monitor global food systems. It brings together indicators that span food systems and provides annual analysis to inform policy, business, and NGO priorities and actions. It supports the

EDITOR’S NOTE: The term “food systems” is used in line with the United Nations Food Systems Summit language.

However, the FSCI indicator framework considers broader agrifood systems encompassing activities and processes related to nonfood agricultural products (e.g., forestry, fibres, biofuels, etc.) that are interconnected with food for human consumption.

Many indicators cannot distinguish food and non-food components of production and value addition and non-food components greatly influence the environment, social outcomes, and the food people ultimately eat. (FAO)

Guyana could close year with 40 per cent GDP growth

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

–– ECLAC report shows

GUYANA’S economic outlook remains bright, as the country’s economy is expected to record double-digit growth yet again, reaching nearly 40 per cent by the end of this year, according to the Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2023 report published by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

“In Guyana, the GDP growth rate is expected to be in double digits in 2023, close to 40 per cent in real terms, as a result of the start-up of offshore oil production,” ECLAC said.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its 2023 Article IV Consultation report published recently, commended the Government of Guyana for

its economic management, including the implementation of policies and initiatives geared at transforming Guyana’s economy.

The findings were published following an official IMF mission visit to Guyana in September. The IMF, in its

findings, highlighted that Guyana’s real GDP is expected to continue to grow rapidly, adding that Guyana achieved the highest real GDP growth in the world in 2022 – 62.3 per cent.

The Guyanese economy has tripled in size since the start of oil extraction (end-2019), from one of the lowest GDP per capita in Latin America and the Caribbean in the early 90s.

Oil production is growing, with a third oil field – Payara – on stream, and growth in the non-oil sector is supported by the implementation of a fast-paced public investment programme, focused on providing transportation, housing, and flood-management infrastructure, and raising human capital. Moreover, spinoffs from oil and construction are supporting growth in the services and

supplies sectors.

Meanwhile, in relation to inflationary pressures, the IMF noted that the government introduced a suite of measures in 2022 and 2023, which have contributed to a decline in the inflation rate in 2023.

Guyana is poised for continued rapid expansion, with on-average growth of 20 per cent per year during 2024-28.

The IMF projects that non-oil GDP growth will be sustained at 5.5 per cent, as the government continues its plans to address the country’s developmental needs.

The IMF reported that the government’s current expansionary fiscal policy stance is appropriate, given the country’s development needs and is appropriately balanced by monetary policy.

Massy group brings joy to over 700 children –– with Christmas parties and gifts

OVER 700 children across Guyana were treated to an unforgettable Christmas experience, as the Massy Group recently hosted annual Christmas parties and gift-giving activities in the communities and surrounding areas where their branches are located.

Massy Stores, Massy Gas, Massy Distribution, Massy Services, and Massy Motors all contributed to the activities that catered to children in the following communities: Ruimveldt, Agricola to Bagotstown, Plaisance, Vryheid’s Lust, Montrose, La Bonne Intention, Mon Repos, Good Hope, Enmore, Non Pariel, and the Rupununi.

While Massy Motors and Massy Services

partnered with Eripan to identify the children who would receive gifts in the Rupununi, Massy Stores donated toys to the Demerara Lioness Lions Club’s Children and Senior Citizens Christmas Party. Also, gifts were distributed to

children in attendance at Massy Stores Ruimveldt’s Christmas Tree Lighting events. Massy Gas and Massy Distribution gave gifts to children from the East Bank and East Coast communities, respectively.

During the festive

celebrations, the atmosphere was filled with excitement as the young attendees had the opportunity to meet and interact with the Santa Claus actor and Disney cartoon characters, who made special appearances to spread holiday cheer.

Speaking about the company’s Christmas community outreach activities, Navin Thakur, Senior Vice President, Massy Guyana, said: “At Massy Group, our commitment to the communities we serve never ends.

Our companies believe in

making a positive impact all year round by supporting various organisations and charities. We are proud to remain actively involved in the development and growth of the communities in which we operate. Because for us, being a responsible corporate citizen is not just a seasonal endeavour, it’s a professional duty.”

The Massy Group’s commitment to the communities they serve extends beyond the Christmas season.

Throughout the year, the companies support and assist various organisations, charities, and educational institutions, ensuring that they remain involved in the development and growth of the communities across Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Bell 429 helicopter revolutionises Sheriff’s emergency service

By Cindy Parkinson

IN a ground-breaking move aimed at transforming emergency services in Guyana, the Managing Director of the Sheriff Group of Companies, Ameir Ahmad, has announced the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Bell 429 rescue helicopter, valued at US $9.14 million.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Ahmad shared his motivation behind this significant investment, emphasising the commitment to enhancing emergency services, particularly in the hinterland regions of

ing, is designed for comfort and versatility, catering to a range of missions and equipped for offshore operations.

“We are dedicated to revolutionising the emergency services in Guyana, and we are committed to obtaining all the required approvals and certifications to fully utilise this asset.

The acquisition of the Bell 429 helicopter represents a significant advancement for us and the people of Guyana,” Ahmad reiterated.

Meanwhile, Ahmad assured that the Bell 505 is ready and equipped to respond to medical emergencies while adhering to

The Managing Director of the Sheriff Group of Companies, Ameir Ahmad (right), and dad, Shareef Ahmad, with their recent Bell 505 Guyana. The Managing Director, who already oversees a diverse portfolio of equipment, expressed his realisation of the critical role helicopters play in providing timely assistance to individuals facing emergencies in remote areas.

“With our recent arrival of the Bell 505 chopper, I quickly realised the importance of this investment not only for me but also for the people who may have emergencies and cannot reach a designated hospital or medical facility in time.

This service will be provided across Guyana, but more specifically in areas in the interior,” Ahmad explained.

Anticipated to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2024, the Bell 429 helicopter is certified through the MSG3 procedure, making it one of the most advanced models available.

Ahmad highlighted the cutting-edge technology embedded in the helicopter, emphasising its remarkable speed, range, payload capacity, and hover performance. The spacious cabin, featuring club seat-

the highest safety standards. He highlighted the company’s commitment to providing services of the highest standards and the recent training completion of their experienced Guyanese pilot, Akeem Stoll, in Houston, Texas.

Ahmad concluded the interview by emphasising the Sheriff Group of Companies’ dedication to contributing to Guyana’s economic development across various sectors, including security services, health, and construction.

The financing for the Bell 429 was secured directly through Bell/Textron, while the Bell 505 is financed through the US EXIM Bank.

“Guyana is our home, and we are proud and grateful to play a part in its development,” Ahmad concluded.

The acquisition of the Bell 429 helicopter marks a significant milestone in the Sheriff Group of Companies’ ongoing efforts to positively impact emergency services and overall national progress.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Truck driver dies on Aurora Tapir trail

A 32-year-old driver lost his life on Monday, after the fuel tanker he was operating overturned along the Aurora Tapir trail in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Dead is Tyrone Anthony, a resident of Supenaam, Essequibo Coast.

According to a police release, an investigation is currently ongoing into the fatal incident, which occurred around 17:35 hours on December 18, 2023, at the 16-kilometer Aurora/Tapir trail in Region Seven. The fuel tanker involved, bearing licence plate #GAD 3757, is owned by Demerara Trans-

portation Limited.

“Enquiries disclosed that the fuel tanker was proceeding South along the trail, and while negotiating a turn down a slope, the tanker developed a mechanical problem causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and ‘run off’ the trail,” the police said.

As a result, Anthony was flung out of the fuel tanker and pinned down on the ground.

He was picked up in an unconscious state by a passerby and taken to the Aurora Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Tyrone Anthony lost his life on Monday after the fuel tanker he was operating overturned on the Aurora Tapir trail

‘Eddo’ killed in Berbice brawl over domino game

POLICE are currently investigating the murder of 27-year-old Dwayne Byass, called ‘Eddo’, who was fatally stabbed by another man during a brawl at a Middle Street Paradise, West Coast Berbice shop, after a game of dominoes went sour.

According to police, Byass’ alleged killer, Nascio Allen, 27, called ‘Buck Boy’, is currently in police custody and assisting with the investigation.

The police said that on the date in question, at about 12:50 hours, Byass and Allen were at a shop playing dominoes when a heated argument occurred, which caused a fight to ensue between them.

Allen then allegedly pulled out a knife, stabbed Byass in the left abdomen, and ran out of DEAD: Dwayne the shop.

Byass called ‘Eddo’ He made good of his escape, leaving Byass behind, bleeding on the ground. Byass was picked up by his cousin and rushed to the Mahaicony Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor.

Byass’ body was examined, and one wound was seen on the left side of the abdomen with the intestine protruding. His body is currently at Bailey’s Funeral Parlor, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

After committing the act, Allen went to the Weldaad Police Station and stated that Byass attacked him with a piece of wood. He further claimed that Byass “run into” the knife, which he was holding in his hands at the time.

He is currently in custody, as investigation are ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Road worker killed in NIS vehicle crash

A 26-year-old construction worker is now dead after a motor pickup owned by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) crashed into him on Monday night while he was working along the Montrose Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is Daniel McCalmon of West La Penitence, Georgetown.

According to a po-

lice release, the accident occurred at about 22:05 hours Monday night and involved Motor Pickup #PAD 1720, owned

by NIS, and driven by Dwayne Williams, a 44-year-old driver of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

“Enquiries disclosed that the NIS Pick-Up was proceeding West on the southern carriageway of Montrose Public

Road at a fast rate and whilst in the process of negotiating a left turn, the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with the centre median of the road. As a result, the vehicle ended up on the northern carriageway and collided with the pedestrian (Mc Calmon), who was doing roadwork alongside the northern carriageway,” the release said.

The pickup vehicle dragged Mc Calmon on the northern carriageway and, in the process, collided with another pickup with registration GMM 8060, which was driven by an 80-year-old man and was proceeding East on the northern driving lane.

Because of this additional collision, both vehicles received extensive damage and then came to

a halt. McCalmon was pinned under pickup #PAD 1720.

McCalmon was picked up in an unconscious condition by public-spirited citizens and placed into a vehicle which took him to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor, who pronounced him dead on arrival.

The body was later

escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

A breathalyser test was conducted on Williams, the driver of Motor Pick-Up #PAD 1720 which showed readings of .068 and .071 micrograms respectively.

He remains in police custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

RACING TIPS AMERICAN RACING

KEMPTON

TIPS

12:55 he's Stonking

TAMPA BAY DOWNS

13:30 yes Classic Encoun-

Race 1 Astronaut Oscar

ter

Race 2 Bingo Was His

14:00 hrs Dire Wolf

Nzme

14:30 hrs Friendly Soul

Race 3 Shall Retutn

15:00 hrs Crownthorp

Race 4 After A Few

15:30 hrs Coachello

Race 5 Hollywood Close-

16:00 hrs Global Warning

up

16:30 hrs Dvine Nessen-

Race 6 Gotts Got It

ger

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

SOUTH AFRICA RAC-

NEWBURY

ING TIPS

08:15 hrs Therapist

GREYVILLE

08:50 hrs Home Free

08:20 hrs Free Will

09:25 hrs Brave Kingdom

08:55 hrs Sleek As Silk

10:00 hrs Galia Des Li-

09:30 hrs All The Time

teaux

10:05 hrs Rugger Bugger

10:35 hrs East India Ex-

10:40 hrs Averni Princess

press 11:10 hrs Mr Grey Sky

IRISH RACING TIPS

11:45 hrs Maria's Flame

Dundalk 12:15 hrs Samrouge

LUDLOW

12:45 hrs Alto Sax

08:40 hrs Gaboriot

13:15 hrs Hodd's Girl

09:15 hrs Virginia Lodge

13:45 hrs Circles

09:50 hrs Sacre Coeur

14:15 hrs Tynamite

10:25 hrs Lilting Verse

14:45 hrs Serious Notions

11:00 hrs Cartonne

15:15 hrs Hasten Slowly

11:35 hrs Go To War

15:45 hrs Squire Danagher

CRICKET QUIZ

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday December 20, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (a) WI won by 4 wickets (b) Andre Russell (WI) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the second T20 International of the current WI/ENG series?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Joseph goes to RCB as fifth most expensive player at IPL Auction; Powell, Hope and Rutherford also get deals

ALZARRI Joseph, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope were the only West Indians selected at Tuesday’s 2024 Indian Premier League Auction in Dubai.

Joseph, who has previous IPL experience with the Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, was the most expensive West Indian as well as the fifth most expensive player, going to the Royal Challengers Bangalore for 11.5 crore (USD 1,386,000 approximately).

West Indies T20I skipper Rovman Powell was the first

Alzarri Joseph was picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore for 11.5 crore (USD 1,386,000 approximately)

player up for grabs on Tuesday, going for 7.4 crore (USD

892,000 approximately) to the Rajasthan Royals after a

David Warner's value to Australia is unquestionable

…As an ever-aggressive opener, he has given his side an advantage to capitalise on more often than not

YET again David Warner, by amassing a scintillating century, has proved his immense worth to the Australian cricket team as an aggressive match-winning opener. He will be sorely missed by the Australian Test team when he retires after the SCG match of this series.

There are varying opinions on him announcing his preference for an SCG send-off. I prefer the former great Australian allrounder Keith Miller's version. Miller wanted to retire while people asked "Why did you?" rather than "Why don't you?"

Warner could have been following the example set by Steve Waugh in 2003-04 of having a season-long send-off. Protracted farewells like that can make cricket decisions difficult for members of the players' own team.

Damien Martyn found that out in the Gabba Test in that 2003-04 series against India, sacrificing his wicket when a mix-up led to the prospect of Waugh being run-out.

It can also test the resolve of the selectors if the upcoming retiree endures a bad start to the season.

Or Warner might have been following the example set by Greg Chappell in 1983-84. Chappell announced before the final Test against Pakistan at the SCG that it was to be his last match. He was 69 runs behind Sir Donald Bradman's Australian record for most Test runs. It was a bold and unusual move from Greg, and when I asked why he'd done it, he gave a plausible answer: " I could no longer drag up the intense concentration like I used to, so I thought the extra incentive might help." It worked for Greg: he scored a magnificent century to become Australia's leading Test run-getter at the time.

If Warner was looking for

David Warner: attack dog extraordinaire • Getty Images

similar motivation, it has worked a treat. Now, barring injury, he'll get - as he should - a fond SCG farewell.

It might be acceptable to question Warner's retirement preference but no one should ever query his value to Australian cricket.

Very few players have the guts and skill to attack the new ball from the outset in Warner fashion.

Having played in sides with South Australia's captain Les Favell and Australia's Keith Stackpole, I'm well aware of the enormous value of an attacking opener. Warner is in that mould and his strike rate as an opener is better than all others at Test level, bar the audacious and very successful Virender Sehwag.

Not only does an aggressive opener make life easier for his partner and others he may bat with, the opposing captain is also wary against him, particularly with field placings. If this results in deep-set fields then that is a major advantage to the attacking opener's team.

However, Warner's value to his team doesn't just start and finish with his aggressive batting.

As we saw in Australia's recently achieved 50-over World Cup victory, his brilliant outfielding

is an enormous asset in a team's success. There is also his catching.

He's not the best slip fielder at Test level, as Australia are fortunate to have had a number of brilliant specialists, but he's competent.

All of that says why Warner will be a hard man to replace in Australia's Test side. The selectors' choice will be difficult and currently there is no one on the horizon who is even close to Warner's value to the team.

Warner has been a polarising figure in the Australian side and much of the love-hate relationship stems from the part he played in the controversial 2018 sandpaper affair in Cape Town. If he does expose his version of events in a book following his ultimate retirement, it will make for extremely interesting reading. It also ensures there will be a lot of very nervous people around Australian cricket awaiting any revelations.

Whether you love or hate Warner, you should never underestimate his value to Australian cricket. Warner is a rare gem and Australia have been lucky to have his services in a long and distinguished career.

(Cricinfo)

bidding war with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Sherfane Rutherford was the next West Indian to be picked up, going to the Kolkata Knight Riders for 1.5 crore (USD 181,000 approximately).

ODI skipper Shai Hope earned a maiden IPL contract, going for 75 lakh (USD 90,500) to the Delhi Capitals.

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is now the most expensive player in IPL history after being sold to the Kolkata Knight Riders for 24.75 crore (USD 2,982,000 approximately).

Starc broke the previous record of 20.50 crore (USD

2,470,000 approximately) set earlier in the evening when the Sunrisers Hyderabad outbid the Royal Challengers Bangalore for Starc’s teammate and World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins.

New Zealand All-rounder Darryl Mitchell went for 14 crore (USD 1,687,000 approximately) to defending champions Chennai Super Kings while Indian pacer Harshal Patel went to the Punjab Kings for 11.75 crore (USD 1,412,000 approximately) to round out the top five buys.(Sportsmax)

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Georgetown beat East Coast to take DCB Inter-Association 50-over U-15 title

By Sean Devers

IN scorching heat with fluffy clouds drifting lazily over the DCC sward yesterday, pre-tournament favourites Georgetown, demolished East Coast by seven wickets to take the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Inter-Association 50over U-15 cricket title.

In the other final round game of the round-robin tournament at Meten-Meer-Zorg, Upper Demerara lost to West Demerara by eight wickets.

At DCC, East Coast won the toss and elected to bat on a track with some preparation moisture and fairly fast outfield despite overnight rain.

East Coast lost Gopaul Ramchand who was LBW to Emmanuel Lewis for a duck at 0-1 in the first over and when East Coast’s two best batters, Munish Outar (2) and Demerara U-15 Skipper Mickel Shamra (0) in the space of two runs, they were quickly on the back-foot.

Outar was LBW while Sharma was comprehensively bowled, as Lewis, who scored a double century in this tournament, bowled fast and straight to leave East Coast on 18-3.

A handful of fans on a working day in the middle of the Christmas season, watched as Junior Dindyal, the only batter to double figures, offered token resistance; making 12 from 25 balls with a boundary before the left-hander edged a google from pint-size leg-spinner Reyaz Latif

Reyaz Latif about to have East Coast’s top scorer Junior Dindyal caught behind by Shamar Apple GT’s Skipper Emmanuel Lewis (stooping) with his team which won the DCB Inter-Association 50over U-15 tournament yesterday (Sean Devers photos)

to the Keeper Shamar Apple at 24-4.

Dindyal’s demise triggered a dramatic collapse as their last six wickets tumbled for 27 runs as extras contributed 15 runs to the total of 50 all out in 28.3 overs.

Ramchand, Sharma, Nicholas Simon and Udesh Jaikarran were dismissed without scoring as Man-of-the-Match, Latif captured 3-6 from five overs.

Lewis (3-7) and Trilok Nanan (3-6) also bagged three-wicket hauls for Georgetown who started their run-chase in horrific fashion.

Little left-hander Lomar

Seecharran had his off-stump uprooted from a delivery that came back from pacer Navindra Isurdeen at 1-1 off the fourth ball of the innings.

It was soon 2-2 when Apple, who was hit on his back leg and might have gotten edge, was LBW to Sharma who opened the bowling with his off-spin.

The left-handed Ravin Singh, who favored the offdrives executed a glorious extra-cover off Sharma which reached the boundary like a bullet from a gun.

Cush Seegobin who showed good technique, lofted Sharma

effortlessly over mid-off four as their wicket partnership took shape to silence the East Coast supports.

Singh, who seemed willing to play across the line to balls on middle and off stump, swept Outar for four before with 10 runs to win, Seegobin pulled a kneehigh full toss from spinner Satindra Shiwdarsan to mid-wicket, where Isurdeen who left the field nursing a hit to his ankle halfway into his fourth over, took an easy catch.

Nanan who hit Dindyal for six over mid-wicket to end to one-sided contest in 15.4 overs,

was unbeaten on eight while Singh finished undefeated on 20 with three boundaries from 43 balls.

At Meten-Meer-Zorg on the West side, Upper Demerara Select X1 made 119-9 after recovering from 43-5 in a reduced to 45 overs.

Shahid Ramzan, the son of popular newscaster Avinash Ramzan, reached the boundary three times in his carefully constructed 48 from 113 balls But only Jermaine Grovsnor and Sameer Bhola with 11 each, got into double figures made up of mostly players from the city and East Coast.

Parmeshwar Ram (2-18) and Shaker Ramesh (2-24) were

the main wicket takers for West Demerara who cruised to 119-2 in 28.5 overs.

Ram stroked six fours in his 86-ball unbeaten 62 while Joshua Collette hit four boundaries in his 31 not out as West Demerara finished third being Champions Georgetown and East Coast.

Outar, with three MOM performances and Anek Haimnarine, who surprisingly did not play yesterday for Upper Demerara, finished jointly with the most wickets (10) while Lewis ended as the leading runs scorer with 205 from two innings at an average of 205.

Lewis was also the MVP of the tournament while Latif took the MOM award at DCC.

Manchester City sweep past Urawa to reach Club World Cup final

MANCHESTER City swept past Urawa Red Diamonds to set up a meeting with South American champions Fluminense in the final of the Club World Cup on Friday.

Pep Guardiola's side dominated throughout and went ahead when Urawa defender Marius Hoibraten turned Matheus Nunes' cross into his own net on the stroke of half time.

The Japanese club had offered plenty of resistance until then and limited City to few clear-cut opportunities.

However, after the break it was a different story, with Mateo Kovac-

ic quickly adding City's second - running through the heart of an absent Urawa defence to latch on to Kyle Walker's pass and lift his effort past goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa.

Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva added City's third before the hour mark, guiding an effort low into the bottom right corner after his international team-mate Nunes had a shot blocked by Nishikawa.

In truth, City's margin of victory could and should have been more with Nunes, Jack Grealish and second-half substitutes Oscar Bobb and Julian Alvarez all failing to convert good opportunities

Manchester City restricted Urawa Red Diamonds to just two shots while having 25 themselves

when well placed.

Brazil's Fluminense had beaten Al Ahly 2-0 in the first semi-final played on Monday and City's victory ensures the 13th meeting between the champions of Europe and their South American counterparts in the show-

piece match since 2005.

Man City on course to close the circle After winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Uefa Super Cup, Guardiola had spoken about this competition as an opportunity to "close the little circle

and win all the trophies" possible.

And his team will be undoubted favourites when they face their opponents from Rio de Janeiro later this week in a match being played at the King Abdullah Sports City, north of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Fluminense should, though, at least represent a step up in class from Urawa, who were defensively disciplined until they fell behind but struggled to build any sort of attacking momentum to chase the game.

The gulf in class between the sides was underlined by Urawa boss Maciej Skorza summoning

former Ross County forward Alex Schalk from his bench as his team chased the game.

In contrast, Guardiola had Alvarez, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and the out-of-favour Kalvin Phillips in reserve, while Nunes, a £53m summer arrival from Wolves, cost City more than it took to assemble the entire Urawa squad.

And even despite the continued absence of the prolific Erling Haaland and midfield playmaker Kevin de Bruyne, there was a formidable look to the Blues as they close in on a fifth trophy of the calendar year.(BBC Sport)

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

IPL auction: Mitchell Starc becomes most expensive player at Indian Premier League

AUSTRALIA bowler Mitchell Starc became the most expensive signing in Indian Premier League history when he was bought for 24.75 crore Indian rupees (£2.3m) by Kolkata Knight Riders.

The bid for Starc broke the record set earlier in Tuesday's auction when Pat Cummins was sold for 20.5 cr (£1.9m).

That fee beat the 18.15 cr (£1.85m) paid for England's Sam Curran in 2022.

Elsewhere, England bowler Chris Woakes was sold to Punjab Kings and team-mate Harry Brook went to Delhi Capitals.

Wo a k e s c o s t 4 . 2 c r (£400,000) and Brook 4 cr (£380,000) - a drop from the £1.35m fee paid for him last year.

After retiring from international cricket last month,

all-rounder David Willey was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants for 2 cr (£189,000).

England quick Gus Atkinson was signed by Kolkata for 1 cr (£94,000) while Royal Challengers Bangalore signed Surrey and England bowler Tom Curran for 1.5 cr (£142,000) and Rajasthan Royals moved for Somerset wicketkeeper-batter Tom Kohler-Cadmore for 40 lakh (£38,000).

Opener Phil Salt and leg-spinner Adil Rashid were among a host of other English players to go unsold, alongside Australia pair Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood.

Moeen Ali (Chennai Super Kings), Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone (all Punjab Kings), Jason Roy (Kolkata Knight Riders), Will Jacks, Reece Topley (both Roy-

al Challengers Bangalore), Mark Wood (Lucknow Super Giants) were the England players already retained by their franchises.

World Cup stars earn big sums The third biggest purchase was New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who was signed for 14 cr (£1.3m) by Chennai Super Kings.

The fees paid by franchises are the amount paid to each player to play for them in the tournament.

CSK also picked up Mitchell's Black Caps teammate Rachin Ravindra for 1.8 cr (£170,000) after his breakout performance at the 50over World Cup this autumn.

Australia's title win in India was expected to put their players in demand and there were gasps in the room when the bidding for captain and

Mitchell Starc (right) and Pat Cummins (left) were part of Australia's 50-over World Cup win last month and also won the 2021 T20 World Cup

bowler Cummins, 30, went over 20 cr for the first time in an IPL auction as Sunrisers Hyderabad won a bidding war with RCB. Starc, 33, has not played in the T20 competition for eight years but was signed after intense bidding, which started between Mumbai Indians and Delhi before being taken on by Gujarat Titans

and KKR. Sunrisers also picked up Australia batter Travis Head, player of the match in the World Cup final win over India, for 6.8 cr (£645,000).

Left-armer Spencer Johnson, who was not part of Australia's squad and only made his Big Bash and international debuts this year, was

bought for 10 cr (£944,000)

by Gujarat Titans.

RCB spent 11.50 cr (£1.1m) on West Indies quick Alzarri Joseph and his teammate, all-rounder Rovman Powell, was bought for 7.40 cr (£702,000) by Rajasthan.

Mumbai signed South Africa bowler Gerald Coetzee and Sri Lanka left-armer Dilshan Madushanka for 5 cr (£473,000) and 4.6 cr (£435,000) respectively.

Punjab signed India pace bowler Harshal Patel for 11.75 cr (£1.1m) and paid 8 cr (£756,00) for South Africa batter Rilee Rossouw.

Twenty-year-old Sameer Rizvi and 19-year-old Kumar Kushagra were two young, uncapped Indians to pick up large sums with Rizvi signed by CSK for 8.4 cr (£793,000) and Kushagra 7.2 cr (£680,000) by Delhi.

Anthony Joshua doesn't have the heart to fight me - Deontay Wilder

DEONTAY Wilder believes Anthony Joshua does not "have the heart" to fight him, but says a bout between the former heavyweight world champions is closer than it ever has been.

The pair are on the same bill in Saudi Arabia on Saturday and could fight each other in 2024 if they both win.

"I don't want to say he's 100% afraid, but I think he's 75%," said Wilder.

Joshua told BBC Sport he would "love to fight" Wilder, but said he would prefer to fight for the IBF title first.

Wilder is one of the greatest knockout punchers in heavyweight history and, while not convinced about Joshua's intentions, remains hopeful of getting him in the ring.

"I've learned over the years especially dealing in boxing that nothing is for sure, until it's for sure. And I know that's a little bit confusing, but what's understood doesn't have to be explained," the American told BBC Sport in the build-up to

Saturday's event in Riyadh.

“We'll see what happens.

The future is bright and we are farther [in talks] than we've ever been in history. I can say that with certainty”.

On a stacked card in Saudi Arabia, Britain's Joshua tops the bill against Sweden's Wallin after Wilder takes on former champion Joseph Parker.

Both Joshua and Wilder are on the comeback trail after losing world titles in the past three years to Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury respectively.

Joshua, 34, is a two-time world champion - having unified the WBA, WBO and IBF divisions - with a record of 26 wins and three defeats.

Wilder, 38, held the WBC belt from 2015 to 2020 until he lost to Fury and 42 of his 43 victories have come by knockout.

Joshua is promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn, while Wilder has spent most of his career with Premier Boxing Champions and adviser Al Haymon, as well as being managed by Shelly Finkel.

On why the pair have not

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder

yet met, Wilder said: "Money hasn't been the issue. It comes with not having the heart, the will, the courage to step in the ring.

"I don't really just blame it on Joshua. I blame it on his handlers, on his promotion and his management."

"Not only do I feel Joshua is intimidated of me, but I feel his promoter is as well," he added. "That's why the fight hasn't happened."

Joshua motivated by 'dangling carrots' Joshua appears to have two potential options if he

beats 33-year-old Wallin facing Wilder or having a shot at the IBF title against Filip Hrgovic.

Croatia's Hrgovic is the mandatory challenger for the belt held by Usyk, who meets Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title on

17 February in Saudi Arabia.

If a rematch clause between Usyk and Fury is activated it is likely the IBF belt would be stripped and open the door for Joshua to fight Hrgovic instead.

But Joshua must beat Wallin for that to possibly happen as the Swede is currently ranked higher than AJ in the IBF's heavyweight rankings.

Joshua says he will not get drawn into what potentially happens next, but adds the "dangling carrots" bring extra purpose.

"It's hard to switch off from these opportunities, but I transform that pressure and what could be a distraction into motivation," he said.

"Of course I want to become champion. I'm focused on my opponent and focused on the bigger picture.

"I would love to fight for the IBF, and love to fight Deontay Wilder. Either are really good options.

"The championship is worth much more to me, that's special, becoming three-time champion in the world. Then I'd defend it against Wilder."

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Phil Salt's century sets up England’s record T20 total to level series

By Ffion Wynne

PHIL Salt's second successive century helped England hit their highest T20 international total in a chaotic 75-run win over West Indies to level the series.

Salt's astonishing 119 -the highest score by an England men's batter in the format -- came from just 57 balls and included 10 sixes as the tourists finished with 267-3.

Captain Jos Buttler smashed 55 from 29 balls and Liam Livingstone added an unbeaten 54 from 21 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

West Indies kept up with the imposing run-rate during their entertaining chasing effort, but regular wickets cost them, the hosts falling to 192 all out.

The hosts amassed 87 from the first six overs, but England held their nerve and fought back to break every dangerous partnership, with every bowler taking at least one wicket.

All-rounder Andre Russell gave the hosts late hope with a dynamic 24-ball half-century before he was the last batter to be dismissed in the 16th over

by Reece Topley, who finished with 3-37.

The series is level at 2-2, with the decider taking place at the same venue on Thursday.

England's record innings in numbers England's 267-3 surpasses their previous record in men's T20 internationals of 241-3 against New Zealand in Napier in 2019 It is the fifth highest total in all men's T20 internationals.

Salt's 119 took him past Alex Hales' 116 not out against Sri Lanka at Chattogram in

England's 267-3 surpassed their previous highest total of 241, scored against New Zealand in 2019

2014 for the highest score by an England men's batter in T20 internationals Salt is the first England men's batter to hit two T20 international centuries. Danni Wyatt has done so for England's women Salt is the third men's batter to hit back-to-back T20 international centuries after Gustav McKeon (France) and Rilee Rossouw (South Africa) He hit 10 sixes in his knock -- the most by an England men's batter in a T20 international innings Salt leads England's batting carnage On the same day that Salt went unsold in the mini-auction for next year's Indian Premier League, he subjected West Indies' weary bowlers to another brutal onslaught.

A depleted bowling line-

up, with attack leader Alzarri Joseph resting for the final two matches of the series, had no answers to the opener's power as he launched anything full down the ground, was quick to pull short balls and scored freely against spin and pace on a flat pitch.

Salt added 117 in just 9.5 overs with Buttler, bettering the 115 they hit together in Saturday's third T20 for the fifth highest opening stand for England's men in this format.

Buttler's 26-ball half-century went somewhat under the radar compared to Salt's brilliance but a second straight 50 for the captain provides England with a welcome boost, after his disappointing World Cup showing.

Salt was not fazed when Buttler picked out long-on off Jason Holder, putting on

stands of 56 from 23 balls with Will Jacks and 73 from just 29 deliveries with Livingstone.

The batting performance, alongside their successful chase of 223 in the third T20, was so dominant that England's recent white-ball woes seem scarcely believable, with the confidence of Salt and Buttler oozing into each new batter who was able to strike with conviction from their first ball.

West Indies' bowlers, who lacked the consistency and pace of Joseph, were guilty of bowling too straight and into the batters' arc, with T20 debutant Matthew Forde conceding 54 from three wicketless overs.

Spinner Akeal Hosein's 1-36 was a rare bright spark, as he and Kyle Mayers -- who strangely only bowled one over -- were the only two to

concede fewer than 10 runs per over.

Bowlers hold nerve against Windies power West Indies' chase promised to be almost as eventful as England's from the moment opener Brandon King slashed the first ball of the innings to short third man off Moeen Ali. Chasing such a big total gave their powerful line-up plenty of freedom, but while each cameo was entertaining, especially Nicholas Pooran's 39 and Sherfane Rutherford's 36, both off 15 balls, they were unable to keep the momentum going in the same ruthless manner of Salt.

Russell struck five enormous sixes in his trademark style but coming in at 106-5 required a feat beyond even his abilities.

England were disciplined,

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sticking to their plans and not panicking when the boundaries were flying, with Sam Curran taking 2-25 and teenage leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed claiming two in two balls, despite also conceding 42 from three overs.

With the series decider taking place at the same ground, few would bet against another high-scoring thriller, with England having a chance to avenge the 2-1 ODI series defeat earlier this month.

'It's a really confident changing room' - reaction Former England bowler Steven Finn on TNT Sports: "England have been excellent and reaffirmed the manner in how they want to approach white-ball cricket.

"I like that Phil Salt sets the tone at the top of the innings. Jason Roy embodied it previously and Salt has taken on that mantle."

We s t I n d i e s c a p t a i n Rovman Powell: "It's a fine line when you are playing against world-class players and when you don't execute properly they are going to put you under pressure.

"We have failed to close out the series from a good position but Thursday is an opportunity to do that."

England captain Jos Buttler: "We showed so much character. To score two hundreds in a row, Phil Salt has been phenomenal.

"I am really proud of the group. To go 2-0 down and show the reaction we have - to show the bravery, courage and ultimately skill level as well to be able to execute it.

"I am delighted for the guys and it's a really confident changing room.(BBC Sport)

| WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2023