Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 22-01-2024

MONDAY 22nd January, 2024

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No.107331

Gov’t ‘rigorously’ pursuing 03 development, unification of Guyanese PAGE

–– President Ali says while defending budgetary allocations for infrastructure, human resources

President Ali lauds Dharmic Sabha’s 50-year 02 contribution to nation –– announces plan to name national asset after founder, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud

PAGE

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday joined scores of Hindus as they celebrated the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s 50th Anniversary (Office of the President photo)

PM Phillips calls for Old-age pension will $3.8B set aside 13 be $41,000 next year for cervical global solidarity at 11 cancer programme G77 and China Summit 12 PAGE

PAGE

–– Jagdeo discloses; says it has increased by 75 per cent since gov’t took office in 2020

–– slams Opposition for failing to keep promises to elderly

PAGE

–– early detection, prevention the target, Health Minister says

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

President Ali lauds Dharmic Sabha’s 50-year contribution to nation - announces plan to name national asset after founder, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud

By Naomi Parris BUILDING a foundation of positivity, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has helped and supported thousands of Guyanese and in lauding the organisation for its work and 50 years of service, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that a newly acquired national asset will be named after its founder, the late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud.

The Head of State, who on Sunday joined hundreds of Indo-Guyanese for the organisation’s 50th Anniversary celebration at the Pt Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Ken-

dra in Prashad Nagar, reflected on the resilience of the organisation over the last five decades.

“Today, we are faced with many challenges in this world [and] it is organisations like these that build a human character, that build the human spirit, that build the human asset to be an agent of positivity,” he said in his remarks.

He further emphasised the importance of positivity and lauded the organisation for its continued innovation and impact.

While acknowledging the Dharmic Sabha’s milestone, the president encouraged continued progress towards a

A scene from the anniversary celebration (Japheth Savory photos)

President Ali speaking at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha 50th Anniversary celebration

brighter future.

“50 years of service by this organisation to support positive thinking

and a positive way of life cannot be understated or underestimated. And I thank you on behalf of all of Guyana for the work you have done in the last 50 years and I look forward with great enthusiasm to see what the next 50 years will bring, because this organisation is a dynamic organisation. It is a thinking organisation. It is an innovative organisation. And I know you will find new ways every day to do what you do better,” he added.

M e a n w h i l e , D r.

Vindhya Persaud who currently heads the organisation, reflected on

the work of the father and the founder of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

“If pandit were alive today, he would have not only [recalled] every one of your names but your entire generation and that is how long the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha would have existed in this country,” she said.

The organisation was established in 1974 and at that time according to Dr. Persaud, there was a void that needed to be filled.

“It came at a time when leadership was necessary, when there was political turbulence and when there was a

void needed to be filled and he did not just walk into leadership, his leadership emerged from the petition of Hindus across the length and breadth of this beautiful land of ours.”

Prior to his passing in April 2013, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud presided over the Sabha for 39 years.

Since its founding, the Sabha has created, organised, and maintained a variety of programmes and events that have suited the requirements of Guyanese. The Sabha has about 125 affiliated mandirs spread across Guyana and consists of eight branches/ Praants. Its youth and women's wings, Dharmic Naujawaan and Mahila Mandalee, provide support. There is a Praant of the Sabha branch in New York, United States.

Passionate about education, health, the welfare of women and children, development of youths and social issues, the Sabha has programmes in those areas.

The Sabha has a Playschool, Nursery and Primary Schools adjoining the Dharmic Rama Krishna Mandir.

Very soon, this will be expanded to include a Secondary School. Currently, construction is in progress of a new and modern school complex which will allow for an excellent academic programme, smart classrooms, sports, cultural and religious education and a robust extra-curricular programme.

Through its Voices Against Child Abuse Programme, the Sabha opened Bal Nivas - a shelter to house children who were victims of abuse in 2014.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

Gov’t ‘rigorously’ pursuing development, unification of Guyanese

- President Ali says while defending budgetary allocations for infrastructure, human resources

By Naomi Parris LESS than 24 hours before government and opposition parliamentarians were set to commence debating Guyana’s largest fiscal package of $1.146 trillion in the National Assembly, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday used facts to debunk criticism of the budgeted sums for the country’s infrastructural transformation and other major programmes.

The Head of State in a live broadcast on his official Facebook page, responded to the numerous inaccurate comments made by the main opposition since the reading of Budget 2024 one week ago.

“I’ve been listening a lot to some of the usual commentators on the budget and they are deliberately trying to mislead, because some of our political operatives believe that policy-making is something that should be partisan,” President Ali said.

The governing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) policy matrix, he said, is based on the needs of the country and every segment of the population.

“We don’t weaponise, we are not like the op-

position who weaponise bauxite, who weaponise sugar.”

Responding directly to recent comments made by members of the country’s opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), President Ali said their aim is to push an agenda of division.

He maintained that the government is pursuing the unification of its citizens and the expansion of the country’s economy “rigorously and aggressively.”

“Whether we invest in electricity subsides alone, $8 billion in Region 10 and we invest billions of dollars in sugar, we invested because we care about the people. We invested because we care about the communities. We are not going to pursue policies that do not address the holistic needs of our country and community.”

He noted the country’s economy is integrated and policy-makers cannot look at the needs of its people through a single lens.

Further delving into the budgetary allocations to build Guyana’s infrastructural landscape, an area which has attracted much criticism from the opposition, the President questioned: “How are we going to improve the time you spend in traffic? How

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during Sunday’s broadcast

are we going to improve the efficiency of the road system? How are we going to improve the safety our roads? How are we going to expand and open up new lands for housing?

How are we going to open up new lands for agriculture?”

In the 2024 fiscal package, a total of $204.1 billion has been allocated to upgrade and expand the country's roads and bridges network and another $73.2 billion is budgeted in 2024 to continue the government's programme of constructing, rehabilitating and maintaining community roads.

He explained that the government is also creating an enabling environment for further invest-

ment.

The budgetary funds for this sector are set to benefit thousands, with billions allocated for the upgrading of major road networks, such as the construction of the new four-lane Demerara Harbour Bridge, as well as upgrades to airstrips, roads and bridges in the hinterland regions.

“It is very funny to listen to some of these guys criticise the investment in infrastructure and then in the same breath speak about improved services.”

He explained that the investments outlined for the infrastructural sector is just one component of Budget 2024 and these will complement many other aspects of the coun-

try.

“How are we going to improve the healthcare system if we don’t invest in the healthcare? How are we going to improve the fire service, if we don’t invest in better [and] more equipment? That is just one component of the transformation we invest in the infrastructure, ensuring that we invest in the physical assets.”

The investments to the sector, he said, are holistic in creating connectivity within the regions across Guyana, reducing travel time and increasing the competitiveness of several industries.

“That is what infrastructure will do… [It] will lead to wealth creation and open up new op-

portunities for the future; open up new opportunities for the economy,” President Ali added.

HUMAN RESOURCES Another major component of the government’s transformation matrix is human resource. Massive investments have been made in this area and this trend, according to President Ali, will continue in 2024.

He explained that the government is making investments to diversify and build a modern economy; simultaneously, investments are being made to create an ecosystem that will support the aspirations of Guyanese.

“That is why we are investing in more GOAL [Guyana Online Academy of Learning] scholarship programmes. We are investing more in training and development; we are spending with Exxon more than US$120 million on the new national training centre, [and] building a school of hospitality….

“We are building new nursing schools; we want to give our people the best possible health and education services.

That is why we have to build and invest in the technology, building the knowledge economy,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

Nearly 90 dead after fierce winter storms strike US NEARLY 90 weather-related deaths have been recorded across the US after the country was pummelled by ferocious winter storms for the past week.

The deaths include at least 25 in Tennessee and 16 in Oregon, which remains under a state of emergency following severe ice storms.

Tens of thousands of people also remain without power across wide swathes of the country.

Icy conditions are expected to continue until the middle of the week.

A total of 89 weather-related fatalities have been recorded across the country over the past week, according to a tally maintained by CBS, the BBC's US partner.

While the death toll has been greatest in Tennessee and Oregon, fatalities have also been reported in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Washington, Kentucky, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey and elsewhere.

IN one incident in Portland, Oregon last Wednesday, three people were electrocuted to death when powerful winds caused a power line to fall and strike the vehicle in which they were travelling. A baby, who was in the vehicle, survived.

Other deaths remain under investigation, including that of a person killed in a five-car crash in Kentucky, and four in Illinois.

Five people, most of them presumed to be homeless, died over the course of just four days in Seattle, according to the Associated Press.

In Mississippi, the weather has prompted officials to warn drivers to "drive only if necessary" and "be aware of black ice" on the State's roads. Colleges and universities in the State have delayed students' return from winter break due to the conditions.

Mississippi officials are also investigating whether Online rumours about potential storm-related water shortages prompted residents to store water in their bathtubs. The move caused a temporary drop in water pressure and dry faucets for thousands of residents in Jackson, the State's capital, which has historic water issues.

A frozen car after an accident in Iowa on January 15 (EPA photo) Water issues also continue to plague Tennessee, where 400,000 remain under a boil water due to broken pipes in the Memphis area warning, one of nearly 30 areas that issues similar warnings. The local utility there said it had fixed 41 water mains, and more than 4,000 water pipes because of the cold temperatures.

"Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing

dishes, and food preparation until further notice" the company said on X. "Tap water is safe for bathing and showering; try to avoid getting it in your mouth."

Restaurants and bars in the US southern city were reportedly using bottled water to serve customers on Sunday, with some forced to close or offer modified menus.

Across the country in New York, the Buffalo Bills NFL team was, for the second time in a week, forced to reach out to fans for help shovelling snow from the team's stadium ahead of its

Sunday match-up with the Kansas City Chiefs.

By about 1500 local time (2000 GMT), the team's supporters, known as the Bills Mafia, had reportedly cleared more than 30 inches (76cm) of snow from the stadium.

While electricity has largely been restored in areas of the US that lost it due to the winter weather, tens of thousands of people remain without power across the country.

As of Sunday afternoon, the total included nearly 10,000 people in Oregon, 8,000 in North Carolina, 7,000 in California, and 4,300 in Kentucky.

Icy conditions and chilling winds are expected to continue at least through the beginning of the week.

After that, a thaw is expected, with some meteorologists warning that warm air and rain could cause flooding in parts of the Midwest and north-eastern US. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

Dominica gov’t prepares to construct geothermal plant ENERGY Minister Dr Vince Henderson says the Government of Dominica is ready to begin construction of a 10-kilowatt geothermal power plant to supplement the supply of electricity from the Dominica Electricity Company (DOMLEC).

The Dominica government is said to have invested nearly US$50 million, so far, in geothermal research and Henderson said, on a recent radio programme that tests done at wells drilled in Laudat, an area in the centre of the island, have shown that there is enough geothermal resource potential to transmit and distribute throughout Dominica.

“Having done that we have gotten to the stage where we are ready to actually build the power plant and to get the power to DOMLEC through a transmission system which will take us from the

place, but there are also some serious challenges that geothermal doesn’t have.”

“Once you go, you drill, you build a proper housing or a proper facility for that plant, you don’t have to worry about hurricanes. It’s not like panels that can be blown away or broken if some flying object knocks it up,” said

A geothermal plant in the US (US Department of Energy photo)

Roseau Valley all the way to Fond Cole,” Henderson said.

He added that: “We have made great progress and we are very excited about where we are now, because we are at the stage where we are ready to actually start work on the power plant.”

On December 5, 2023, the Dominica government along with DOMLEC signed an agreement with Ormat Technologies Inc of Nevada USA to finance

the construction of the plant, operate and maintain the power plant and geothermal wells for a period of 25 years.

The agreement, which was signed on the margins of COP28 in Dubai, said the government would maintain ownership of the wells, lands and other assets that it has invested in.

The energy minister said the government chose to invest in geothermal, not because it was easy, but for its potential to transform

Dominica.

“So, we have the potential and we see how it can help to transform Dominica’s energy landscape, but also we can change things around,” he said, adding that it is one of the most resilient forms of renewable energy.

“Solar and wind are good, they have their

the energy minister.

The Dominica government has been exploring the prospects of transitioning to geothermal energy sources for over 20 years and Henderson said he is excited about the prospects of the removal of the fuel surcharge, which is often the major cost imposed on consumers’ electricity bills. (Loop News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

The politics of comicality, the comicality of politics

TWICE I mentioned in previous articles that I find this country’s production of outrageous political stances to be per capita, the worst in the world and this is taking into account the bizarre world of politics that has canopied the US since the arrival of the penetrating personality of Donald Trump.

Last Friday, I looked at two women – Elizabeth Dean-Hughes and Vanda Radzik – employing, attorney Melinda Janki to petition the Eximbank to stop consideration of the bank’s loan for the gas-to-shore project here.

I concluded that it had to be a publicity stunt since a bank of that international standing would never in reality read the petition and conclude that the women are right and stop its financing.

If international banks operate like that then the world has to end up in turmoil

because literally millions of people in their individual capacities will write the UN, World Bank, IMF, OAS, Commonwealth Secretariat, CARICOM, Caribbean, Development Bank, European Central Bank, Arab League, Mercosur, OPEC, African Union, ECOWAS and other powerful international bodies and simply ask them to stop a policy direction. And after reading the letter, from some unknown person, they accept the letter’s content and agree with it. Is this the way the world operates?

Is it not plausible to argue that this is comicality and should be treated as such? In that same article on Friday, I made reference to Dr. Janet Bulkan’s appeal to the OAS to intervene to stop oil production in Guyana.

The OAS ignored Bulkan and the Eximbank will ignore Hughes and Radzik because there is comicality

in this kind of activism.

Before we move on to my Sunday column, I need to remind readers that Bulkan, Hughes and Radzik were part of a group that published a letter in the November 13, 2022 edition of the Stabroek News calling on the government to cease oil production because greenhouse gas pollution kills African people. They chose not to specify any other race of people, only Africans. Do these three ladies speak for Guyanese, a multi-racial country? Are these three ladies ethically biased in favour of African people? If not, can they explain why in that letter they only mentioned the African race and found it useful to state that civilisation started in Africa. Is that the politics of danger or the politics of comicality?

Let’s move to my column. I looked at the ranting

of a German citizen who says he has Guyanese in him. His name is Andre Brandli who works as a professor in science somewhere in Germany. Let’s demonstrate the politics of comicality and the comicality of politics.

Brandli argued that when he read a commentary by presidential adviser, Dr. Randy Persaud praising Vice

President Bharrat Jagdeo, he thought that it was a sycophantic outpouring that you don’t find in a country of liberal democracy but only in authoritarian countries. I replied to Brandli and asked him if in a country of liberal democracy, leaders support genocide as his leader in Germany did in relation to what Israel is doing in Gaza.

Let’s quote Brandli once

more in our attempt to prove the politics of comicality and the comicality of politics. “I have spent over several decades of my professional life working as an academic and biomedical researcher in liberal democracies, such as Switzerland, Germany and the United States. However, I have never come across such a clumsy and ingratiating propaganda on behalf of a political leader by a respected academic. In Germany, where I currently teach, these types of pamphlets were commonly penned during the rule of the national socialists in the 1930s and 1940s.”

I ask Brandli again the question I did yesterday, in liberal democracy do the heads of government support genocide? His chancellor in Germany does. His country has openly rejected the hearing on genocide brought by South Africa against Israel. But I want to go further and ask Brandli what is a liberal democracy and what happens in a liberal democracy.

I am sure Brandli read the indignant outpouring of rage against American presidential contender, Nikki Haley who said that the USA has never been a racist country. The latest critic of Haley is basketball icon, Charles Barkley. Is Switzerland a liberal democracy, one of the most enduring racist countries in the world? Are you allowed to protest in liberal democracies? Brandli lives in Germany where it is a criminal offence to advocate for the boycott of Israeli goods, to have a placard that reads; “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” and to print or say anything in favour of Hamas. Please Dr, Brandli, stick to biology.

You know nothing about politics.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

More O&G monitoring, contract compliance among major policies for 2024 –VP Jagdeo GUYANA’S Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has disclosed that monitoring and contract compliance will be among the major policy items for the country’s oil and gas (O&G) sector in 2024.

Dr. Jagdeo during his weekly news conference at the Office of the President, on Thursday, maintained that the government remains committed to improving its policies to regulate the country growing oil and gas industry.

In fact, the VP told reporters that the government has already implemented several policies that were outlined in its manifesto.

These according to Dr. Jagdeo include: reforming the Natural Resource Fund, reforming the petroleum activities bill, local content legislation, process safety event (PSE) strengthening

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the environmental permits.

“We believe this year has to focus more on greater monitoring and contract compliance. So the new law would necessitate and clarify data flow between companies so we will now focus heavily on timeliness of data, the completeness of data, and the assessment of the data when it comes from the oil companies,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

Further, the Vice President disclosed that a complete review of the country’s local content legislation is on the cards.

“The local content law, we are now doing complete review to see what worked, what didn’t work, what was effective, what was not effective, the loopholes that were exploited in the law and then we have to make adjustments accordingly.”

Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo Last year, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal

Affairs Anil Nandlall had disclosed that officials would

update its local content laws to reflect the learnings and recommendations from stakeholders in the growing industry.

On December 31, 2021, the Government of Guyana passed the Local Content Act 2021. Subsequently, it published several related guidelines that were designed to maximise the participation of Guyanese companies wherever they have the skills and capacity to get involved, beginning with services such as office space rental, janitorial services, laundry and catering services, pest control services, insurance services, supply of food and accounting services and extending through long-term involvement in highly skilled subsectors like subsea installation, geophysical analysis and engineering.

The Local Content Act was designed with the over-

arching goal that Guyana’s oil and gas industry will support an economy where small and medium-sized businesses can grow, thrive, and benefit from those resources.

This publication had previously reported that small and medium-scale businesses operating in the field of logistics and transportation have been benefitting significantly from the oil and gas sector.

Senior Petroleum Coordinator at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Bobby Gossai Jr. had said: “We have seen the growth in the establishment of more infrastructure, support, and the service sector.

We have seen major businesses that have been established, we have seen the establishment of the Local Content Secretariat and the approval of Local Content Certificates.”

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Guyana on track to reach one million passenger movements goal

GUYANA’S passenger movement statistics paint a vibrant picture of a nation on the rise, with figures placing the country firmly on track to achieve President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s bold prediction of one million passenger movements by 2025.

This is according to a press release from the Cheddi Jagan Internation-

al Airport (CJIA), which noted that by the close of 2023, Guyana had recorded an impressive 931,450 international passenger movements across its four key ports of entry: the CJIA, Eugene Correia International Airport (EFCIA), Lethem Border Crossing and Moleson Creek Crossing.

“This remarkable achievement represents

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

93 per cent of the targeted goal set by President Ali, demonstrating the momentum and dynamism within Guyana’s travel and tourism sector,” the release said.

It added that the CJIA led the charge, recording 729,450 international passenger movements.

This surge in activity at this airport reflects the increased global interest in

Passengers shortly after disembarking their plane at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in March 2023 (CJIA photo) Guyana as a premier travel destination fuelled by its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and burgeoning oil and gas industry.

The Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Lethem Border Crossing and Moleson Creek Crossing played significant roles in facilitating international passenger arrival and departure.

EFCIA registered 78,035 international passenger movements, highlighting its growing importance as a regional service provider, while Moleson Creek Crossing registered 97,408 passengers, and Lethem Border Crossing, 26,557, the air-

port said in its release.

The latter two ports serve as vital links for travel between Guyana and neighbouring Suriname and Brazil, respectively.

“Overall, these ports of entry recorded 134,124 or a 17 per cent increase in international passenger movements in 2023 compared to 2022, the release said, adding that Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works has declared that “These figures are a testament to the immense progress Guyana has made in recent years under the leadership of His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C Government.”

According to the release, he went on to add: “Our commitment to infrastructure development, improved air connectivity, and enhanced tourism promotion is paying off, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.”

The release said that the government remains steadfast in its dedication to exceeding the one million passenger target by 2025.

“Ongoing initiatives to expand airport capacity, diversifying tourism offerings, and strengthening strategic partnerships with airlines are expected to fuel continued growth in the sector,” it added

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

PM Phillips calls for global solidarity at G77 and China Summit

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, emphasised the need for global solidarity and united action to address the interconnected socio-economic, environmental, and governance challenges that threaten sustainable development of the Global South.

Prime Minister Phillips delivered these remarks at the Third South Summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Group of 77 and China, held in Kampala, Uganda, aimed to address the interconnected socio-economic, environmental, and governance challenges that threaten sustainable development and leave vulnerable nations behind with the theme, “Leaving No One Behind.”

reports of regression with more than 50 per cent of our targets off track, some in reverse.”

To overcome these challenges, the Honourable Brigadier stressed exploring common positions and taking decisive, coherent actions at various levels.

He emphasised the need for support from both developing and developed countries, stating, “Support for development efforts is paramount and we must look both to ourselves and the developed world to move forward.”

Calling for unity and decisive action, Phillips voiced the need for common positions to address the developmental challenges for the Global South. Highlighting the importance of cooperation.

tions,” The Honourable Brigadier also called for an urgent international review of development-financing approaches, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are highly susceptible to external shocks such as climate emergencies, financial and debt difficulties, and surging food prices. These challenges, according to PM Phillips, exacerbate inequalities and sustain poverty, hindering global efforts towards sustainable development.

“As a matter of priority, the G77 and China should continue to support efforts for the urgent development and implementation of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI). We must advocate for concrete

PM Phillips joined dozens of leaders at the Third South Summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Group of 77 and China, in Kampala, Uganda In his address, he underscored the urgency of a collaborative approach to surmount the formidable challenges faced by countries of the Global South.

“In addressing global challenges, we acknowledge that the world economic situation, geo-political tensions, and the peculiar environmental issues present formidable challenges for the countries of the Global South as we strive to safeguard the development interests of our nations and to ensure that ‘no one is left behind.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the COVID-19 pandemic’s severe consequences, noting it could take developing countries several years to recover growth levels necessary to fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, after enduring “We have seen daunting

“It would be to our advantage to explore common positions which require decisive and coherent actions at different levels to address the challenges to development for the Global South and ensure that no one is left behind,” he urged, pointing out the necessity for internal and external support to propel development efforts.

Underscoring the importance of cooperation between the Global South countries, PM Phillips also reiterated Guyana’s support for the Palestinian quest for a secure homeland and the two-state solution for lasting Israel-Palestine peace.

He stated: “As leaders from the developing world, we have the responsibility to come together and claim with a united voice the changes needed to ensure a sustainable future for the current and future genera-

actions by developed countries to deliver on previous commitments, as well as on the reform of the international financial architecture which are essential for the transformation we are advocating.”

Addressing the desired outcomes of the Summit, He underscored the “importance of South-South, North-South and triangular cooperation” between developing countries, stating that: “It is necessary for us to take appropriate collective actions to capitalise on our full potential, capacities, knowledge, technologies and infrastructure to effectively address the new development challenges.”

He also referenced previous commitments made at the last G77 gathering in Havana, noting that the bloc had agreed upon the significance of science, technolo-

gy and innovation to boost the nations of the Global South.PM Phillips further reiterated the urgency for a comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture to enable developing nations to respond to threats such as climate change.

“We further noted the urgency for a comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture and a more inclusive and coordinated approach to

global financial governance to aid effective response to the urgent threat of climate change, based on the priorities of developing countries,” PM Phillips also reiterated Guyana’s enduring solidarity to cooperation and shared growth with fellow developing countries through the G77 bloc, stating: “Guyana reaffirms our strong commitment to the Group of 77 and China,

noting that the unity and solidarity of the Group form the basis upon which the realisation of our goals will be achieved.”

The Guyanese Prime Minister praised the Government of Cuba for its outstanding leadership of the Group of 77 and China, as he congratulated the Government and people of Uganda on the role of Chair of the Group for 2024. (DPI)

Old-age pension will be $41,000 next year

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

–– Jagdeo discloses; says it has increased by 75 per cent since gov’t took office in 2020 –– slams Opposition for failing to keep promises to elderly

By Trina Williams

OLD-AGE pension has increased by 75 per cent since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government assumed office in 2020 and in 2025, it will climb to $41,000, according to Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

Jagdeo during a press conference, last Thursday, at the Office of the President, slammed the Opposition for their track record of failed promises.

Members of the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) have repeatedly criticised the efforts of the PPP/C Government and had failed to double old-age pension as they had promised before they exited office.

However, in just three years, the Irfaan Ali-led current administration has been putting measures in place to improve the lives of elders.

One such measure is the oldage pension which will be increased to $36,000 when Budget 2024 is passed. It was $20,500 when government took office in 2020.

While counteracting the claims that the increase was not enough, Dr Jagdeo reflected on how it has been increased under this admin-

istration.

“Our old-age pension now… is higher than the wages of workers… in some parts of the world,” he said.

Furthermore, he said that the old-age pension is not a replacement for income, but instead it serves as a support for the elderly.

Under the previous APNU+AFC government, the pension in 2015 moved from $13,125 to $17,000.

In 2016, it increased from $17,000 to $18,200 and in 2017 it went from $18,200 to $19,000.

Moreover, old-age pension increased from 19,000 to 19,500 in 2018; just $500 more. And in 2019, despite passing a $300.7 billion budget, the elderly only saw $1,000 more on their pension; the final figure being $20,500.

While reflecting on the “increase” that pensioners saw for the entire five years under APNU+AFC, the Vice President stated: “…That is APNU’s track record of giving an increase…”

Putting the annual allocations into perspective, that is, the $7,375 increase for the entire five years, Dr Jagdeo highlighted the 200 taxes that were placed on the backs of citizens and the Value Added Tax (VAT) on

the PPP/C administration that implemented the policy that the every Guyanese who attained a certain age is able to benefit.

electricity, water, basic food items, among other amenities by the APNU+AFC when they were in office.

Additionally, the previous administration had removed the water subsidies given to pensioners. The PPP/C has since reinstated this initiative.

Dr Jagdeo further remarked: “We said in our manifesto that we want to double old-age pension; we’ve increase it so far by 75 per cent. So, those who are talking about $3,000 now, need to understand that oldage pension has increased by $15,500 since the PPP got into office, nearly double the amount that APNU had…”

He then went on to say:

“It [old-age pension] is $36,000 now. It will go to $41,000 next year... consistent with our manifesto promise that we made.”

While giving an in-depth analysis of how much more money is being placed back into the pockets of the elderly, Dr Jagdeo pointed out that pensioners are now getting $2.7 billion more than last year and it is costing the government $14.1billion more per year than 2020. “…We wish we could’ve given a lot more to pensioners but look at our record…,” he said while reflecting that initially not all elderly persons could have received pension but it was

PROVEN TRACK RECORD Once the budget is passed, the old-age pension will move from $33,000 to $36,000 and will benefit some 76,000 persons.

In 2023, the government increased old-age pension from $28,000 to $33,000.

The increase placed some $4.4 billion in disposable income back into the pockets of the elderly.

In 2022 it was increased from $25,000 to $28,000 placing $2.3 billion of disposable income in the hands of the elderly.

In 2021, old age pension was increased from $20,500 to $25,000 monthly.

In addition to these increases, in 2021, a one-off grant of $25,000 was paid to pensioners, providing them with an additional $1.6 billion back into their hands and they were also given an additional $28,000 one-off cash grant in 2022.

Moreover, in 2023, pensioners across the country received a $25,000 bonus, which benefitted over 72,000 pensioners at a cost of $1.8

billion.

The payouts are among a number of measures that the government has been implementing since 2020 to improve the lives of pensioners across the country.

Aside from direct cash transfers, other measures that senior citizens have benefitted from, include the reintroduction of water subsidy which has benefitted over 27,000 pensioners and provided them with additional disposable income of $200 million per annum.

The government has also made it easier for pensioners to access their monthly pension through alternative payment methods such as direct bank payments, as well as direct payment to shut-in pensioners including persons living with disabilities and persons who do not have access to a post office.

In its 2020 manifesto, the PPP/C, under the heading: “EMPOWERING WOMEN AND TAKING CARE OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE GROUPS,” promised to increase old age pension to $40,000 per month. This promise is already coming into fruition as this year’s fiscal package has spiked it to $36,000.

crete.”

As such she said, “That tells me and shows me a basic lack of economic knowledge of how economies work and develop and I don’t know who’s advising them but it is economics 101 that infrastructure projects are a major driver for the economy.”

With that, she gave an example and noted that when there are construction projects, people are employed from the communities as part of the project, and persons who provide meals for workers are also earning.

“The roads and major roadways that are being

built...brings economic activity… Infrastructure projects like roads also highlight and incentivise investors,” she said.

The minister went on to add, “People will choose a place, a country, an island, an area to invest when the infrastructure is available, and when we speak of infrastructure we’re speaking about hospitals, we’re speaking about the accommodations, hotels and housing and water.”

Further to this, she noted that these sorts of investments will ultimately trickle down to the ordinary Guyanese across the country.

Budget 2024 shows gov’t remains people-centred – Minister Walrond

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government through the 2024 National Budget continues to demonstrate that the government is a people-centred one focused on the welfare of all citizens.

This is according to Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who made these remarks during an airing of Budget In Focus on Sunday.

The minister said: “The people are at the heart and centre of our policies and this budget emphasises

that point.”

Against this backdrop, she said that there has been a good reception generally from the public about the budget; however, she noted that opposition members have been bereft of constructive things to say about this budget.

To this end, she noted that this is something that the government will address in relation to how disingenuous their remarks are. Against this backdrop, she highlighted a statement made by one opposition member who stated, “We can’t eat con-

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

$3.8B set aside for cervical cancer programme –– early detection, prevention the target, Health Minister says

By Shamar Meusa

MINISTER of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, recently said that the allocation of some $3.8 billion for a targeted cervical cancer programme will see an increase in early detection and preventative action for women across the country.

The minister made this disclosure during an episode of Budget in Focus 2024, where he dissected some of the major benefits that will come from the overall $129.8 billion that was set aside in this year’s budget for Guyana’s healthcare sector.

During the presentation of the National 2024 Budget, Senior Minister within the office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh had stated that in this year’s budget, the cervical cancer screening programme will be expanding its services to include HPV testing for all women between the ages of 35 and 45.

In this regard, the finance minister said that $3.8 billion has been allocated as a specific intervention to ramp up capabilities to detect and fight against cervical cancer.

Against this backdrop, the health minister indicated that this is part of the government’s intention to expand the work it has been doing in the areas of women’s health and cancer screening for women in Guyana.

The two most prevalent cancers among women are breast cancer and cervical cancer and as such the government wants to address both, he informed viewers.

“Now with cervical cancer you can actually prevent it. Cervical cancer is actually caused by a virus and if we immunize persons then they wouldn’t get the cancer. So, part of this programme that we would be doing is to ensure that we’re able to give people this vaccine to prevent cervical cancer,” he said.

Further to this, Dr Anthony said that the ministry wants to start this immunization programme in schools and he later noted that a single-dose vaccine can be administered to children between the ages of six and nine years old.

For those who are older (16 years to 45 years) two doses can be administered at an interval of six months.

Those two doses would help to prevent cervical cancer.

Additionally, the health

minister said that the second phase of the programme focuses on increasing screening, which he noted can be done via three methods: VIA method (Visual inspection with acetic acid), and pap smears and HPV testing which is relatively expensive.

Giving a breakdown, he indicated that the first two tests can detect whether or

not the cervix has abnormal cells and if that is discovered intervention can be done using cryotherapy to prevent cervical cancer from developing.

He went on to explain that the HPV test is very effective and would be able to detect whether or not the person has cervical cancer.

They can then receive the necessary treatment.

“Right now, in the private sector, HPV test is going to be about $25,000 and what we have in the budget is a programme to ensure we can give people access to HPV testing and we would be giving them a voucher and they could go to the private sector, to a lab and be able to access this type of test,” the minister said.

Further to this, he ex-

pressed that by doing mass testing, they will be able to identify persons who might have early stages of cancer and as a result can take action sooner.

He expressed: “I think that is what is important.

So, with the work that we’re doing now, I think we can see over time a significant reduction in people getting cervical cancer.”

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

SBM Offshore remains committed to investing in Guyana’s local content

OVER the last few years, Guyana’s oil and gas industry has seen exponential growth that drastically improved the country’s economic standing and enhanced its global appeal.

A transformational tapestry is being unravelled as the government’s development matrix propels the country to new heights.

While the implementation of mega projects to push the infrastructural development agenda is a key facet of the matrix, the administration is also placing a keen focus on ensuring that the country’s social infrastructure receives adequate investment.

The Local Content Act is just one testament to this commitment. The act was designed to ensure the oil and gas industry supports an economy where small and medium-sized businesses can grow and benefit.

The act has led to the employment of more than 6,000 locals in the industry and lays out 40 areas in the services sector that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure locally.

One such contractor that has aligned its procurement and management policies with this legislation is SBM Offshore Guyana.

The company was the first major Exxon contractor to receive approval for its local content master plan.

With over 100 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, SBM Offshore is responsible for the construction of Guyana’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block.

SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager, Martin Cheong has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to investing in the local market, partnering with local businesses, and ensuring that training programmes remain a hallmark of its local

SBM Offshore Guyana General Manager, Martin Cheong (DPI photos) content framework.

“One focus for us primarily is building local capacity on two fronts; human capacity, that is, employees, ensuring we have a strong national footprint; and secondly, in terms of local vendors and suppliers. Going local just makes sense,” he told the Department of Public Information (DPI) during a recent visit to SBM Offshore’s corporate office on Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

In 2023, some 112 Guyanese vendors were engaged, with nearly 600 purchase orders issued.

These orders ranged from several services, including transportation, accommodation, welding, fabrication, and fresh foods.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Training initiatives are one crucial aspect of the company’s investments in the local workforce.

The Trainee Technician Programme and Graduate Engineers’ Programme are just two of the initiatives aimed at upskilling Guyanese in various capacities so they can support offshore operations.

Recently, a total of eight Guyanese engineers completed the Graduate Engineers’ Programme, which provided international training to support

the FPSO vessels.

Two of these graduates, Malik Lewis and Maryam Nasir, both of whom are employed at SBM Offshore Guyana, shared their experiences, which they described as transformational and exciting.

For Maryam Nasir, the oil and gas sector has introduced new opportunities for young Guyanese, opening doors for innovation and creativity.

She was trained in Monaco and the Netherlands, where she played a vital role in the creation of Dig-

Maryam Nasir ital Twin for the Prosperity FPSO. She explained that

a digital twin is a replica of the FPSO intended to facilitate information management.

Nasir is now employed as a data scientist within the company.

“A lot of people think of SBM as an engineering company but there is also a field for innovation and technology.

When I was at the University of Guyana studying Computer Science, I had an affinity for data science, but I didn’t know how that was going See page 16

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SBM Offshore remains ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

From page 15

to work in Guyana because the field was not developed. So, SBM does spread a digital footprint locally, because I was able to become a data scientist,” she said.

Meanwhile, Malik Lewis received training in the Netherlands and then Singapore for six months each. He explained that being exposed to hands-on training on the Prosperity vessel was an invigorating venture.

“We got to go on the vessel and we were able to see all of the work that was going on. It was good to be part of the team and to gain that experience. I am now in marine engineering, and this is quite a new and exciting expe-

Malik Lewis rience for me. It has been productive, refreshing, and transformative,” he said.

The company has also recently launched its Scholarship Programme for Indigenous Women

in STEM, which provides full support for Indigenous Guyanese women pursuing their tertiary education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.

In terms of employment, some 40 per cent of the company’s employees are Guyanese. In 2023, a total of 269 Guyanese were employed both onshore and offshore.

During a recent visit to the Liza Unity FPSO, DPI was fortunate to engage with one such Guyanese, who serves in the capacity of Assistant Safety Officer aboard the vessel.

Shaquwn Sealy, 24, plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the safety regulations outlined

by SBM Offshore. As the company emphasises the safety of its employees, Sealy’s responsibility of advancing this charge is one that she takes very seriously.

She expressed that safety has become an integral aspect of her day-today activities, even when she is onshore.

For her, working offshore has not been easy, but she credits the welcoming and friendly environment created by management and staff for helping her to adjust.

“I had to overcome my personal challenges in terms of self-doubt.

Coming to this environment where everyone onboard is so welcoming and respectful, and seeing how the system works, and everyone is eager to teach you, that made my journey a lot easier. The only challenges I have is missing my family, but out here we also have a family and we make the most of it. We have a women’s committee on-board for support, and that makes it a lot easier for me here as a woman,” she said, adding that employees are also involved in other bonding activities intended to boost morale.

She commended the accelerated pace of oil and gas development in Guy-

Shaquwn Sealy ana and pointed out that this has created massive avenues for economic and social development.

When asked how she feels to be playing an active role in the expansion of the sector in Guyana, Sealy said: “I feel proud and I feel that more Guyanese should get involved and get on-board. This is the future. This is where the major stuff is going to happen for Guyana’s economy. There has been a lot of job availability. You can see thousands more cars on the road, for example, and why? This is because things are being poured into our economy.

I encourage persons to get on board and see where you can fit. Even if you have a small business, see

where that can fit, whether it be farming or something else. We have to eat out here, so your farm could actually supply food here,” the young woman posited.

The expansion of the oil and gas sector in Guyana has had a ripple effect on the rest of the economy. Tourism, infrastructure, education, health, and even agriculture are just some of the sectors that are seeing tremendous growth.

“Oil and gas bring more than just oil and gas.

It brings tourism, because everybody is hearing about Guyana. So, they want to see Guyana. We have many tourists and expatriates coming here with their families. They tour, they want to see Kaieteur Falls, they want to see different parts of Guyana. So, even though we are producing oil, there are other aspects of Guyana that are developing due to oil and gas,” Sealy shared.

Other initiatives outlining the company’s continuous pursuit and support of sustainability under the Local Content Act include the Green Farms Initiative, the Education and Awareness Programme on the Barima-Mora Passage, the Enhancing Livelihoods Youth Literacy Initiative, and the Hubu Aquaculture Project. (DPI)

The fuss over UG and infrastructural development

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

THIS past week, as part of Budget 2024, the government has announced debt forgiveness for those with unpaid student loans at the University of Guyana.

Can you imagine that that has drummed up loud controversy? The chief argument is that the PPP government of 1994 is the one to introduce fees in the first place. I saw some of the arguments, and, at best, they are extremely simplistic, monotonic and lack basic analysis.

I do not want to add anything to the superfluous arguments being passed for criticisms, I merely want to ask a few questions: What was the physical condition of the campus at the time when fees were introduced, and what progress has been made since?

What was the financial condition of UG at the time, and was an infusion of student fees alongside government subvention good for the survival of UG? As a subscribing country to IMF’s Economic Recovery Programme that started under PNC’s Desmond Hoyte, wasn’t it an unavoidable part of the conditionalities for partial cost recovery (fees) to be introduced at the University of Guyana?

Wasn’t there general political consensus at the time that the introduction of fees was necessary for the survival of UG? Wasn’t UG administered by a PNC government for almost its entire existence until 1992, when the PPP assumed Office? And, wasn’t UG in a deplorable, run-down condition when the PPP took office?

Wasn’t there a PNC government in office for five years, and during its term in office not only increased fees but also placed a VAT on education fees? Further, what effort was made towards total removal of fees and/or debt forgiveness?

The answers to the questions posed above will show the record of how each government administered the financial affairs of the university. These answers will also show how two-faced some of the critics are.

Further, I wish to remind the nation that when fees were introduced, the PNC was in general agreement that it was necessary. However, an on-campus protest started, I know, because I was part of the initial planning group. I participated in going from classroom to classroom to get the support of other students to shut down the campus. And we succeeded in putting all classes on pause. Our initial protest was never about the introduction of fees, per se, but rather the condition of

the campus. The buildings were rundown, toilets were stinking from half-mile away, poor water supply on campus among other types of concerns regarding UG’s physical and built environment.

Our protest was to gain an audience with President Jagan and the UG administration, either together or separately, to ask for fees to be paused pending an improvement in the physical conditions of the University. Our argument was that you can’t ask us to pay fees without first making that initial investment. Dr. Jagan’s plans were to improve the university incrementally while fees were being introduced. After engaging the student representatives, Dr. Jagan agreed to bring forward and fast-track his timetable for physical improvement of the campus. Once we were convinced of his commitment to addressing our concerns, the protest ended.

There was one phenomenon about the protest that must be underscored. It was organic and entirely student-led, but elements within the PNC tried to usurp the protest and attempted to turn it into a protest about the introduction of fees, even though the Party initially agreed.

The PNC did the same thing in Linden during the protest over electricity rates.

The PNC is on record as having agreed to the new price structure. Once the protest started, they moved in, usurped, and pretended that they never supported or contemplated a fee increase.

The weight of credibility on these issues are not on the side of the PNC. They should take several rows back, and find real avenues to become a better opposition; the history of clutching at straws and buying over other people’s “fire-rage” is now transparent.

I wish to touch briefly, only briefly, on the 1.146 trillion-dollar budget for the fiscal year 2024.

In fact, I will reserve any analysis until after the actual budget debates are concluded.

That said, I wish to address one of the early pre-debate criticisms.

What they are saying is that the budget is too heavily invested in physical infrastructure.

Again, another question. What is unusual about such investments in new oil-producing countries? At the time when Trinidad, Venezuela, USA, UAE, Qatar and others discovered oil, what percentage of their budgets were allocated to physical development of their nations? We will find that the path being pursued by Guyana is neither abnormal nor imprudent.

Check it for yourselves.

What do you make of it ?

by Leonard Craig

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

Grave: ‘Balance and compromise’ needed to solve franchise dilemma

CMC – Cricket West Indies chief executive, Johnny Grave has dismissed the notion that players are paid “a pittance” by the Board, but said the emergence of even more franchise leagues meant an increase in economic opportunities for them, while further imperiling their availability for international tours.

Speaking to former England Test captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Grave said CWI was actively seeking “balance and compromise” with players, in order to ensure fullstrength sides were selected for its Future Tours Programme obligations.

Last month, West Indies were forced to select a rookie side for the ongoing two-Test tour of Australia, after the established likes of all-rounders Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers chose to “explore T20 franchise opportunities”.

“We do pay our players very, very well. I think there is a perception in the world that

we pay them a pittance,” Englishman Grave asserted.

“Most of our top international players, when you include and factor in Caribbean Premier League contracts, they’re probably earning half-a-million US dollars a year, so it’s not like they’re playing for us for free.

“But the challenges exist, and we, like all the Boards, are fighting to find the balance and the compromise, and at times, like we did with this tour, we can’t compromise. It’s a World Test Championship obligation.

“We acknowledge it clashes with other lucrative leagues, and we accept and respect that the players have that choice.”

Over the last decade, West Indies have faced multiple challenges with player availability, as the cash-rich Indian Premier League emerged as a lucrative option to international cricket.

To reduce the conflict, Grave said CWI had made an arrangement with its players, which would see a win-

dow created to allow their availability, not only for the IPL, but for the domestic Caribbean Premier League.

H o w e v e r, G r a v e pointed out that with even more nations launching franchise leagues in recent years, it was proving difficult for CWI to “create the perfect window”.

“The first year that I joined [in 2017], we played Pakistan in the IPL window, and obviously, their players were all available because they don’t play in the IPL,” Grave explained.

“And then we played England in the CPL window, so players had to effectively give up both earning opportunities, which was never going to be sustainable.

“So, pretty obviously, we agreed very quickly with all the players that we would give them an exclusive window for the IPL and for the Caribbean Premier League, which was in our own interest to do so.

“There wasn’t a huge amount of trust back then, but it’s one of the things we’ve been really focussed on, in terms

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of never compromising that promise.

“We’ve actually gone as far as to put it into all of the players’ contracts that we can’t do that, and it’s something that we’ve kept sacrosanct.

And I think now we’ve just got to re-think and pivot again, because what used to be fine in terms of the balance of an IPL and CPL window, has become more complicated.”

He continued: “The earning opportunities now particularly Janu-

ary and February with four leagues going up against each other for overseas players, [have increased]. You’ve got the ILT20 in the UAE, you’ve got the SA20 in South Africa, you’ve got the Big Bash finishing and the Bangladesh Premier League going on.

“In a few weeks the Pakistan Super League will be starting and they’re all leagues that offer six-figure sums for three weeks work and four overs per game for bowlers, and the op-

portunities I guess is something that players at certain times in their careers can’t say no to.

“Unfortunately, at this stage with the Future Tours Programme set, we can’t always create the perfect window for them to go and do that and still represent the West Indies.

“It’s about balance and compromise and hopefully in the next cycle of ICC events we can get a better schedule for both the boards and also the players.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

Olympic Solidarity Level 1 Archery Coaching Course wraps up

ON Sunday, Archery Guyana in collaboration with the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) wrapped up its week-long Olympic Solidarity Level 1 Archery Coaching Course.

All 21 participants enthusiastically arrived at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue, to greet Coach Ludys Tejada.

The Olympic Round was

introduced to Target Archery so that it could become more watchable as a competitive sport, the main focus of this being for the Olympics when televised.

The round was developed by the World Archery Federation and is used at the Olympic Games, the Archery World Cup and in many lower-profile or local tournaments worldwide.

With this being an Olympic year, just under 200 days are left until all eyes will be on the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. Participants had an experience as to what is involved with the tournament and with coaching each other.

Sunday’s session followed up on the work they did on Friday with respect to anchoring and full draw

form and expansion.

Coach Ludys Tejada also explained Para-Archery and participants were exposed to the various aides used in para-archery.

Participants had practical experience outdoors and worked on release and follow-through. They were also exposed to shooting on a wobble board as part of balance training.

The Board of Directors extends thanks again to the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association, Olympic Solidarity, the Unit of Allied Arts, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Director of Sport Mr. Steve Ninvalle, the National Sports Commission, World Archery, Secretary-Gener-

al Sergio Font of World Archery Americas, Chief Executive Officer of the CJIA Int’l Airport, Mr. Ramesh Ghir and his Protocol Team, Mr. Alvin Wilson and his Team at Bermudez Operations, Massy Distribution (Guy) Inc., Mr. Samuel Arjoon and his team at the Guyana Beverages Inc., and the media.

2024 Pepsi/Mike Parris U-16 Boxing Championships…

RHT Jammers secure ‘Best Gym’ title

ROSE Hall Town Jammers (RHTJ) secured the Best Gym title when the first edition of the 2024 Pepsi/ Mike Parris U16 School Boys and Girls Boxing Championships was conducted on Saturday at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis gym in Albouystown.

When the dust settled, RHTJ emerged as the overall winner, with Pace and Power finishing in the silver medal position in the five-team tournament.

The foregoing achievement resulted in Gregory ‘Chassis’ Cort of RHTJ walking away with the Best Coach title, while Ken Harvey of Pace and Power copped the Best Boxer accolade, and Arthur Scipio the Best Referee/

Judge award.

The other gyms that competed were Bayley Boxing Gym, Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis, and Forgotten Youth Foundation.

10 fights were staged in

this iteration of the monthly competition.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle said, “Our U-16 championship, which is the backbone of Guyana’s

dominance within the English-speaking Caribbean, will continue in its current format of at least one monthly iteration. Moreover, the resuscitation of other gyms will add to the flavour and

competitive nature of the event, as seven gyms are expected to participate in the next iteration.”

He added, “Youth programmes are the bedrock of the Association’s developmental agenda, and will always encompass the overall objective and architecture of the entity, which is to create a sustainable ecosystem for the discipline’s continued growth. This age group is, unquestionably, the most important, as it serves as the bridge and conduit between the amateur and professional strata. The importance of this platform cannot be quantified.”

In 2023, more than 18 iterations of the competition, which is administered by the

GBA, were conducted. The entity is scheduled to surpass the aforementioned number during the current calendar year.

The aforesaid strategy, which serves primarily as a high-performance structure to better equip pugilists for the rigours of international competition, is supervised and administered by the technical and experienced trainers of National Coach Lennox Daniels, Technical Director Terrence Poole, and Cuban Coach Francisco Roldan.

The event also forms part of Guyana’s preparatory phase for the annual Caribbean School Boys and Junior Championship.

Tucber Park Cricket Club youth benefits from ‘Cricket Gear’ project YOUNG and enthusiastic cricketer Dakshan Narainsamy, of Tucber Park Cricket Club, is the latest to benefit from the Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana project.

At a simple ceremony held recently, he was presented with one pair of cricket shoes.

Narainsamy expressed his gratitude to the founders of the project, and promised to do his best and remain disciplined.

A joint initiative of Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana, the project highlighted the excellent work of the Tucber Park Cricket Club, and the recent success story of Shamar Joseph, who is currently in Australia representing the West Indies. The names of Romario Shepherd and Nial Smith were also mentioned.

Total cricket-related items received or purchased so far include

$370,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, two trophies, 17 pairs of cricket boots, 31 pairs of batting pads, 33 cricket bats, 29 pairs of batting gloves, 24 thigh pads, three pairs of wicketkeeping pads, six arm guards, two chest guards, two boxes, ten cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one softball cricket bat and ten boxes of white balls. In addition to the foregoing items, over $600,000 worth of

Dakshan Narainsamy

gear were donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket keeper/ batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.

To date, 69 young players from all three Counties of Guyana have benefitted from gear and cash.

Cricket-related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients.

Talent spotting is being done across the country, and club leaders also assist in identifying talent. Progressive and well- managed cricket clubs with a youth programme, will also benefit.

Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

Nandu’s XI win GCB first-class trial match at Meten-Meer Zorg Anderson, Sankar, and Perez shine on final day

Kevlon Anderson reaches his century off pacer Nial Smith yesterday at Meten-Meer-Zorg

By Sean Devers KEVLON Anderson (122), leg-spinner Steven Sankar (6-52) and Raymond Perez (76*) highlighted the final day of the rain-ruined Guyana Harpy Eagles four-day trial match on Saturday, as the Matthew Nandu’s XI beat Anthony Adams’XI by six wickets.

The match formed part of the preparation for the 2024 Regional First-Class tournament and was played at the Meten-Meer-Zorg ground,

West Coast Demerara.

Scores: Adams’ XI 144 & 232, Nandu’s XI 335 & 143-4 In bright sunshine on the ‘Westside,’ Adams’ XI resumed on 139-2 and Anderson on 83 overnight, progressed to an entertaining 122 decorated with seven sixes and eight fours which lasted 145 balls before he was last out.

Anderson and Akshaya Persaud, who made 43 in the first innings, took the score to 155 before left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul

Leg-spinner Steven Sankar staked a strong claim for national selection with 6-62 to limit Adams’ XI to 232 all out yesterday

Raymond Perez drives during an entertaining half-century for Nandu’s XI on the final day of the rain-affected trial match on the West Demerara yesterday (Sean Devers photos)

trapped Persaud lbw for 28.

Ronsford Beaton had Clinton Pestano lbw for a duck at 156-4 before Sankar bowled Zeynul Ramsammy for 10 at 171-5.

On a flat track and soggy outfield, Anderson brought up his century as he played some glorious shots to be unbeaten on 119 at the interval.

Talented 14-year-old Adrian Hetmyer, playing for the first time in a red-ball match against the ‘big boys,’ lasted just three balls before he fell to the lively Nial Smith for a duck at 223-7 on

Sankar was supported by Smith 2-49 for Nandu’s XI who were set 140 to win.

Perez led the way with a magnificent unbeaten 76 decorated with seven fours and two sixes, one of which cleared square cover off Pestano.

Perez flicked Sylus Tendell for four to register the third score of over 50 of the game and along with Shamar Yearwood (19 n.o.), the duo saw the Nandu XI to an emphatic six-wicket win.

The last trial match before the Guyana Harpy Ea-

the stroke of lunch.

After the interval, with a fair-sized crowd present, Smith bowled Quintin Sampson for another duck while Sankar ran through the lower order; removing Rivaldo Phillips, who reached the boundary four times in his 27.

Sankar who got rid of Sachin Singh (0) and Rampertab Ramnauth (20) on Friday afternoon, bowled Malcom Hubbard (4) and Anderson when he missed a sweep as the last four wickets tumbled for nine runs.

gles travel to St Kitts, is scheduled for Tuesday to Friday at a venue to be named shortly.

The Harpy Eagles begin the defence of their title against Trinbago Red Force in St Kitts, where Guyana will also oppose the Leewards and Windwards.

It is understood that Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kevin Sinclair will return from the two-Test series in Australia in time for Guyana’s opening game.

NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League

Quarter-final stage set for Saturday following final group matches THE battle for supremacy and a place in the final of the National Sports Commission/East Bank Football Association Ralph Green Under-11 League is set for this Saturday at the Agricola Community Ground.

This competition was set to conclude last year but due to several unforeseen challenges, and the unavailability of a suitable venue, it was postponed on numerous occasions. Nonetheless, the young players have been getting warm to the challenge and with the group stage now out of the way, the business end of the competition will get cracking this weekend.

Booking their places as the top two teams from groups ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ and ‘D,’

are: Santos, Friendship All Stars; Kick Start Academy of Den Amstel, Pouderoyen; Eagles, Vengy, Eagles (Stewartville); Fruta Conquerors and Swan.

Kick Start Academy, Santos, Eagles, Vengy, Fruta Conquerors, and Swan have all played undefeated so far, but that will change on Saturday as only the winners will advance to the semi-finals.

In the final round-robin matches, Vengy were 5-1 winners over Diamond United, thanks to a double off the boot of Kael Beckles, with a goal each from Santiago Gonzalez, Jimmy Carpio, and Samuel Mota.

Swan and Fruta Conquerors battled to an exciting 3-3 draw, Conquerors coming

This Swan player is in control of proceedings against Fruta Conquerors in their exciting clash at the Agricola Ground from two goals down to earn

an equal share of the spoils.

Kevon Charles hammered

in a brace for the Soesdyke-Linden Highway-based Sawn with the other goal coming from Elcon James.

Conquerors responded in like manner with goals from Fabio Kowlessar, Dane Vancooten, and Kando George to keep their undefeated record intact.

Kick Start Academy kept their intent to go all the way with a clinical 4-0 win over fellow West Demerara FA side, Pouderoyen, which despite the loss, still booked a quarter-final place.

Kick Start Academy got their goals from Isaiah Allicock who scored a double, and Kaderee Trotman, while an own goal from Pouderoyen, which added to their tally.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 22, 2024

Grave: ‘Balance and compromise’ needed to solve franchise dilemma SEE PAGE

21

West Indies chief executive, Johnny Grave

Olympic Solidarity Level 1 Archery Coaching Course wraps up SEE PAGE

22

Warm-up track to be built at National Track & Field Facility

At centre, Coach Ludys Tejada poses with President of Archery Guyana Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon on her right and participants of the course

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| MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024