Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 22-02-2023

GWI seeks EPA’s blessing to construct solar farm at Port Mourant facility

Scores of excited children braved the sunny conditions on Tuesday to participate in the Region Two Children’s Mashramani costume parade (Indra Natram photo)

Energy, agriculture among matters discussed with Indian officials

VICE-PRESIDENT Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Tuesday held separate meetings with India’s Minister of Agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar, and Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during which a range of matters were discussed.

The meetings were held on day one of Jagdeo’s official visit to the South

Asian nation, which aims to strength bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Discussions with Dr. Jaishankar focused on ties in areas of trade, energy and agriculture, a media report noted.

“Delighted to meet Hon. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana, during his India visit. Discussed

Woman certified in handling heavy-duty equipment

–– plans to pursue courses in other male dominated areas

JUANITA Evans-Watterman became a qualified Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator (HDEO) through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) with the goal of better understanding and supporting her husband in any way she can.

She was one of the 251 graduates in Region Three who received certification in early February. Her journey, however, began about 22 years ago, following her job as a garment construction instructor at the Ministry of Labour.

She is currently stationed at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre (LTVTC), aiding the ministry’s endeavour to provide other interested individuals with a skill that would allow them to become employable.

Evans-Watterman has taken advantage of opportunities to become certified in plumbing, carpentry, and

now heavy-duty equipment operation throughout her time at the ministry.

She told BIT’s officials that her recent certification came from a place of love, which she hopes will also be considered an incentive for other females to become involved in non-traditional careers.

“My spouse is presently in hydraulics, and so I believed that it would be fitting for me to be familiar with this because I occasionally accompany him into the interior, and if there is any situation in which I can always support him, I would be delighted,” she explained.

Nonetheless, Evans-Watterman will not be seen by the agency for the final time because she plans to pursue Small Engine Repairs and, eventually, Metal Engineering. This method, she claimed, would assist her in properly caring for and maintaining the

our historical relationship and greater opportunities in contemporary partnership, especially in trade, energy, agriculture, skills and people-to-people ties,” Jaishankar said in a Tweet on Tuesday.

Jagdeo later met with Minister Tomar.

The two discussed mutual areas of cooperation and other matters.

machine, as recommended by her programme instructor.

As such, she thanked the government for providing her with this chance and hopes that others would see the value of being multiskilled to effectively contribute to the country’s progress.

“What the government is doing here is fantastic. You know, many people are unaware of the opportunities they must seize to become empowered. “It is a good idea to have a plan in place for self-development,” Evans-Watterman stated.

(Board of Industrial Training Public Relations Department)

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo with India's Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar.

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo with Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. (Photos taken from the VP's Facebook page)

Juanita Evans-Watterman

–– President Ali engages US-based cancer specialists on formation of milestone advisory council

Plans progress for advancement in medicine, science

–– new medical school, PhD programme also discussed

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan

Ali on Tuesday met with Nobel Prize winner, Professor James Allison and his wife, Guyana-born Professor Padmanee Sharma, and among the matters discussed was the creation of a Presidential Advisory Council on Medicine and Science.

The President also discussed the setting up of a medical school and a PhD programme in Guyana, to supplement the government’s vision for the development of Guyana as a hub for medical care.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle after the meeting, the two scholars noted how impressed they were by the vision that the President laid out for the improvement of medical education in Guyana.

“We were very happy with what we heard because it aligns with our vision and we thought it would be great to serve on this advisory council,” Dr Sharma commented.

“This is my first time meeting him [the President] and having a conversation, but it just aligned so much with what we thought should be done in Guyana to help with establishing a stronger scientific and medical research programme here,” she added.

She also explained that such a programme will enable foreign students to come to Guyana to be trained in medicine and science as the country moves forward in building a bright future.

Dr Sharma is an immunologist and oncologist at the University of Texas’ MD Anderson Cancer Centre which is located in

Houston, Texas. She holds the position of professor of genitourinary medical oncology and immunology in the Division of Can-

cer Medicine where she specialises in renal, prostate, and bladder cancers.

Dr Sharma, who was born in Berbice, migrated

to the USA in 1980, but has always had a strong tie to Guyana.

She returned to her homeland to establish

back and help our community, and I’ve always felt like this is home. I know that I’m Guyanese and this is my home,” Dr Sharma expressed.

According to her the conversation with President Ali was productive.

“It was a wonderful conversation with the President, where we were able to discuss what his vision is for the people of Guyana and what his vision is for the infrastructure of medicine and science in Guyana and how we can contribute to that, based on our expertise and the resources in science and medicine.”

Professors Allison and Sharma are currently in Guyana to commission a school, Scholar’s Academy, that was built through Abraham’s Tent Inc. in No. 74 Village in Berbice. The school was built with funds from Professor Allison’s Nobel Prize.

Dr Allison won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his part in discoveries in cancer therapy. Dr Allison is the executive director of immunotherapy platform at the MD Anderson Cancer Centre, and has been working together with Dr Sharma for over 20 years.

“She is always talking about Guyana and made a really passionate case for building the school in Guyana, so she got me involved in that.

Abraham’s Tent Inc., a non-profit organisation.

“My grandmother has always instilled in us that we should always come

When we talked to the President today and he started laying out this idea and his plans for medical and science in Guyana and it resonated well with my own though on what can be done,” Dr Allison shared.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali (centre) with Professor Padmanee Sharma (left) and her husband Professor James Allison at State House (Office of the President photos)

President Ali shares government’s vision for the development of Guyana as a hub for medical care

United Airlines launches $100M sustainable fuel investment fund

UNITED Airlines (UAL.O), on Tuesday, launched a more than $100 million investment fund to support start-ups focussed on the research and production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The Chicago-based

carrier, along with inaugural partners such as Air Canada (AC.TO), Boeing (BA.N), General Electric (GE.N) JPMorgan Chase (JPM.N) and Honeywell (HON.O), has invested in the United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund, it said.

United said the fund was open to investment by companies across industries and would prioritise investment in new technology and “proven” producers.

The global aviation industry is under pressure to reduce carbon emissions and find ways to meet the 2050 net-zero emissions target set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2021.

The industry, which contributes about 2 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, faces formidable challenges in reaching that goal as technologies such as electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft are still unproven.

Global airlines and aerospace manufacturers are betting on SAF, which is made in tiny quantities from feedstocks such as cooking oils and animal waste, and can cost two to five times more than conventional jet fuels.

United’s Chief Sus -

tainability Officer, Lauren Riley, said the investment fund was aimed at scaling up the supply of SAF. The company would contribute up to 49 per cent of the fund’s value, she said.

The carrier was also encouraging travellers to contribute to the fund by offering first 10,000 customers 500 miles each for their contribution.

Riley said the move was aimed at educating customers rather than generating funds from them.

“It’s more of an effort for us to educate,” she told Reuters.

United has pledged to reduce its carbon intensity by 50 per cent by 2035 versus 2019.

It has purchased nearly 8 million gallons of SAF since 2016. However, as of last December, the total volume of SAF used in its operations remained less than 0.1 per cent of its total aviation fuel usage. (Reuters)

A United Airlines Boeing 777-200ER plane is towed as an American Airlines Boeing 737 plane departs from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Nov. 30, 2018 (REUTERS/ Kamil Krzaczynski photo)

Eight wanted for money-laundering crimes

THE Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Tuesday issued wanted bulletins for eight persons, including three women, in relation to money laundering and financial offences.

Those wanted are:

Denzel Lawrence Muir, 28, of 194 First Street, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara; Aubrey Anthony Fraser, 25, of Lot 75 Accabre Drive, Kara Kara, Mackenzie, Linden; Leon Anthony Williams, 28, of Lot 74 Accabre Drive, Kara Kara Housing Scheme; Cassandra Alexandra Mclennan, 26, of Lot 58 Accabre Drive, Kara Kara Housing Scheme; Melicia Adella Williams, 38, of Lot 99 Inner Bagotsville, West

Bank Demerara, or Lot 347 Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and Lot 74, Accabra Drive, Kara Kara Housing Scheme; Akeem Elijah Powers, 27, of Lot 918 Victory Valley, Linden and Lot 37 West Watooka Farm Road, Linden; Khadijah Nafeesah Long, 25, of 266 Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden; and Raul Jomal James, 34, of Lot 98 Accabre Drive, Kara Kara Housing Scheme.

According to the bulletins, the aforementioned persons are wanted for questioning in relation to matters having to do with money laundering and financial crime. No information about the alleged crimes committed were disclosed.

Brazil landslides: Dozens missing, feared buried in mud

Meteorologist Marcelo Seluchi told BBC News Brasil that a cold front with a combination of very specific characteristics had caused an “extreme and historic” weather eventnot just heavy rains, but also high swells which made it hard for any of the rainfall to drain away.

Many of the makeshift homes built on steep hillsides could not withstand the force of the water that came rushing down.

areas prone to mudslides or flooding.

With more heavy rain forecast for the coming days, some left their homes to take shelter in sturdier buildings.

The area had been particularly busy during the carnival period with families seeking to relax by the seaside.

With some of the roads which had been made impassable by the landslides cleared, vis-

itors have been encouraged to return to their homes to ease the pressure on aid and services in the affected towns.

Landslides and flooding are not uncommon in Brazil. Last year more than 230 people were killed in Petrópolis, north of Rio de Janeiro, when torrential rains caused mudslides in the historic town.

THE number of people killed in landslides which hit coastal towns in Brazil’s São Paulo State over the weekend has risen to 44.

More than 40 others are still missing.

Locals have joined forces with rescue workers to search the mud for survivors.

More than 750 people lost their homes as torrents of earth and rock came loose from hillsides after a record amount of rain fell in the coastal area east of São Paulo.

Meteorologists said more than 680mm (26 inches) of rain came down in the municipality of Bertioga in the space of only 24 hours.

But it was the town of São Sebastião, 80km (50 miles) to the north of Bertioga, where all but one of the deaths occurred.

Among the victims are many children. One girl died when a boulder weighing two tonnes crashed into her home.

Another woman was hit by a falling tree. Most of the others were

More than nine million people in Brazil are estimated to be living in

buried in the mud that careened down the hillside.

Landslides are seen after severe rainfall in Sao Sebastiao, Brazil on February 20, 2023 (REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli photo)

Top left to right: Denzel Lawrence Muir, Aubrey Anthony Fraser, Leon Anthony Williams and Cassandra Alexandra Mclennan.

Bottom left to right: Melicia Adella Williams, Akeem Elijah Powers, Khadijah Nafeesah Long and Raul Jomal James (Guyana Police Force photos)

Finding Faults

THERE are some people in our society who are so blinded by prejudice that they could see nothing positive taking place in Guyana.

They find fault with anything the current PPP/C administration does, regardless how well-meaning and beneficial these are for the Guyanese people. These are professional “fault-finders” who only look for “faults” and could see nothing else.

Thankfully, such people are in the minority and does not in anyway speak for the masses of the Guyanese people. These are people who behave as though they have a constituency when in fact the people they speak for do not extend beyond a misguided few.

Persons such as those cannot be helped. Nothing that the government does will suffice. Even if the roads were to be paved with gold, they would complain that the glare is too much for their eyes!

Take for instance the issue of carbon

credits. This is a major development, one that will impact the lives of all Guyanese in positive ways, especially our Amerindian brothers and sisters.

Instead of giving credit to the PPP/C administration for having advanced the discussions to a point where the credits have now become a reality, these opposition elements have been making the specious argument that enough from the carbon proceeds is not given to the Indigenous peoples. Indeed, Guyana is the first such country to have scored such an extraordinary feat, thanks to the hard work done both by President Irfaan Ali and Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The same could be said for oil and gas and the Amalia Falls Hydropower project. These opposition elements sought to throw cold water on these projects in every conceivable way. The fact that these projects are designed to bring down the energy cost by nearly half is of little or no consequence.

Not even President Ali’s proactive leadership style has been spared the “wrath” of these individuals who complain that the public service is being undermined by the on-the-spot solutions to festering problems!

If these people have their way, the oil contracts will be scrapped altogether and ExxonMobil would be sent packing, never mind the fact that the impact of oil has catapulted Guyana to one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and the country is now on the path to economic and social prosperity.

It does not follow from the above that all criticisms are bad. Indeed, there are considerable benefits to be derived from those who may have alternative or even opposing views, but such criticisms must be based on objective realities and facts. In other words, there is value in constructive criticism and those intended to advance the common good.

President Ali, on his part, has been very active on the local and international stage promoting his vision of a One Guyana based on the principles of equity and social cohesion. In his recent speech to the Guyanese diaspora in The Bahamas, the President said that he will not rest until the country is unified, something he is passionate about.

As noted by President Ali, it is important to shape the collective mindset to one of greater involvement by all in the exciting task of national development, especially at this time when the country is on the cusp of monumental change and transformation.

The One Guyana platform provides an opportunity for all Guyanese to become integrally involved in this transformation process.

But, as President Ali observed, it has to come from within, from the way we relate to each other, to our communities and our country.

Congratulations to Melinda Janki but her efforts are misplaced

Dear Editor

I WOULD like to join the 15 signatories to a letter that saluted Melinda Janki for winning the “Rule of Law” Award (2023) from the Commonwealth Law Association (Stabroek News, 20/2/2023).

At the same time, however, I would like to show that Ms Janki’s overall efforts as an environmental activist is definitively misplaced. I shall insist forthwith that my observations are based on the totality of threats to the global climate stability, and are in no way a personal critique of the award recipient. Editor, I trust you will allow this debate to take place.

To date, Ms Janki’s efforts seem to be wholly and fully dedicated against the oil-and-gas sector in Guyana, a small developing nation in the Caribbean. Note that to the best of my knowledge, though Ms Janki won an award for the “Rule of

Law,” she is not known to have protested against the wanton attempts by the APNU+AFC to rig the 2020 national and regional elections in the same Guyana.

Now, allow me to show that Janki’s efforts on oil and gas in Guyana are misdirected. My contention is two-fold. First, rather than critiquing energy development in Guyana because of the associated environmental consequences, she should be directing her attention to the world’s biggest polluters. I will focus on the energy-consumption side of the greenhouse emissions equation. The second aspect of my concerns relates to the North-South dimensions of world energy consumption, a situation that speaks to the most horrific inequalities in the world.

Let us begin with coal consumption, since it is patently dangerous to human health and to the global ecosystem.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists “[i]n the United States, coal

accounts for roughly one-quarter of all energy-related carbon emissions.” Coal contributes about 22 per cent to US electricity supplies. Incidentally, natural gas contributes roughly 38% of US electricity consumption, but Ms Janki is content on being silent on that, while attacking our gas-to-energy project.

Let us get back to the North-South inequality noted above. Below is a quick glance of coal consumption expressed in per capita cubic feet per annum – Australia 5,343; Czech Republic 4653; Greece

3,587; Poland 3916; Germany 3,132; USA 2,263; Japan 1648; and Canada

1,179. While it is true that the Gulf States and Saudi Arabia are top users, Global South countries in general are minimal users of coal. Take a look at the comparable figures for, Mexico 182; Pakistan 50; Venezuela six; and Sri Lanka 109. Coal is not used in Guyana.

How about per capita electricity con-

sumption? The following data (expressed in per capita kilowatt hours) clearly shows North-South disparities. Norway 27,529; Sweden 16,538; Canada 16,405; USA 12,314; Australia 9,531; France 8,545; and still in the Global North, Japan at 7,692. Some of the largest countries in the Third World show significantly lower per capita consumption of electricity. Note for instance, Brazil 3,091; India 1,218 and Nigeria (indicative of most African countries) 147 kilowatts. Guyana’s consumption rate, by comparison is at 982 kilowatts.

Gasoline consumption expressed in per capita gallons reveals dramatic North-South disparities. Note the following – Singapore 3,679; Luxemburg 1,487; Canada 1,047; Netherlands 846; Japan 480; Germany 444; France 404; UK 366. Guyana’s consumption stands

Editor Navendra Seoraj

OP-ED

Ukraine one year after

By Clement J. Rohee

WITH the looming first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, analysts and historians will long debate whether Russia’s security was indeed severely compromised and its invasion of Ukraine in defence of its national security had any basis in international law and whether the United States and its allies were over-ambitious in expanding the European Union and NATO to the borders of Russia.

A big debate will also likely continue as to whether President Biden and other Western leaders could have done more to persuade President Putin not to invade Ukraine and avoid a war that now looks as though no end is in sight.

Professor Alan Bulharofsky, a scholar of ‘Russia and Public Opinion’ at Tufts University, was quoted as saying: “No State can or should ensure its own security separately from the security of the rest of the world and at the expense of the security of other States.”

Bulharofsky then rhetorically asked, “When the U.S. drove five waves of

NATO expansion eastward all the way to Russia’s doorstep and deployed advanced offensive strategic weapons in breach of its assurances to Russia, did it ever think about the consequences of pushing a big country to the wall?”

Historical data shows that diversionary wars fought beyond a country’s borders and aimed at concealing social and economic problems at home have usually boomeranged.

Though a diversionary war might not be the casus beli in Russia’s case, the bigger picture that potentially could have impacted Russia’s internal and external stability should not be discounted. Note for example, Alexie Navalny’s trial and imprisonment that occurred just about one month before the invasion of Ukraine; the January mass protests in Kazakhstan against the government and former President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who led Kazakhstan for three decades as well as the mass demonstrations and protests against the Belarusian government and President Alexander Lukashenko, both allies of President Putin.

History tells us that military aggres-

sion over time decreases the aggressor’s capacity to win. We only have to look back in history to find that beginning with the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, followed by the defeat of imperial Germany in 1918; Hitlerite fascism in 1945; the defeat of first the French in 1954, and then the USA in 1975 in Vietnam; the invasion of Cuba by mercenaries at the Bay of Pigs in 1961; France’s defeat in Algeria in 1962, and the Portuguese in Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau in 1974.

In all the above cases, the aggressor ran out of time and military options. The big question therefore is, will Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prove to be an exception given the historical antecedents?

The Russia-Ukraine war is not just a war between the two countries, nor is it just a European war. To adopt that position would be to do so from a rather narrow perspective. All 30 NATO countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada are involved, one way or another in a war that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described recently as “a comprehensive hybrid war.” Observers have described the war as

having all the features of a proxy war. The principal aims being to punish, and if possible, defeat Russia militarily, weaken it financially and destroy it economically.

Clearly neither side is winning; there is an apparent deadlock. Reports indicate that to break the deadlock, Russia, apart from mobilising as many as 500,000 conscripts last month, in addition to the 300,000 it called up in October last year, is amassing fighter jets on the border with Ukraine.

And in response, President Zelenskyy has appealed for modern fighter jets, but NATO’s focus is on the ground. The allies are pouring in artillery, armour and airdefence systems to help Ukrainian forces fend off an impending Russian offensive. The US will send longer-range rocket artillery; Germany will send 112 of the older versions of its Leopard One tanks, while South Korea has been asked to provide weapons. An escalation of the war is in the air.

The stark objectives of Russia’s enemies aside, the fundamental question

See page 10

Poverty Reduction: A major goal of PPP/C

By Dr. Tara Singh

IMMERSED in the excitement of oil wealth, many Guyanese have been calling not only for direct cash transfer to every household but also asserting that oil wealth offers the best opportunity to produce the good life and for eliminating poverty.

While exuberance about impending oil wealth is understandable, direct cash transfers have serious limitations; for example, it would not eliminate nor even reduce poverty; rather it would lead to dependency and entitlement that are unsustainable.

It is important, therefore, that the lofty expectations of Guyanese be tamed with a dose of reality.

The Ghanaian oil expert

George Owusu stated: “I don’t believe in cash transfer; you must work for the money.” (Feb 2022).

Mr. Owusu’s view synchronizes with this position: “Any able-body person gains his/her self-respect and selfesteem through being a productive member of society.”

However, the PPP/C is not averse to limited “conditional” cash grants for such projects as home ownership, business startup, education advancement, job creation, and scientific research to improve living conditions and reduce the poverty level. Its focus is on “empowerment” to provide a good life and lift people out of poverty.

Stunned by the 43 per cent poverty rate in 1992, the PPP/C government moved quickly to invite the Carter

Center to develop a plan to reduce poverty.

That effort resulted in the development of a National Development Strategy (NDS) and together with a Business Summit held in 1999 there emerged the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). However, the PRS is not the only PPP/C’s government approach to poverty reduction; others including the NDS, the NCS (National Competitiveness Strategy) and the LCDS 2030 (Low Carbon Development Strategy) are also critical policy instruments.

Together, these strategy documents indicate that poverty could be reduced through the implementation of various measures such as providing affordable housing, job creation, and quality education. (Please see chart). The focus

here is restricted to housing development, education advancement, quality healthcare, and job creation.

The government is investing $54.5 billion in housing development in 2023. About 80 per cent of the 20,500 house lots allocated between 2020 and 2022 have been awarded to low-income families. This means that over $25 billion annual housing subsidy goes to low-income families.

The government has established 44 new housing areas, constructed 827 houses for low and moderate income and professional people (with another 527 in progress), and regularised six of the 19 existing squatter settlements. These projects provide jobs for thousands of workers as well as expand household income and consumption and help to lift many households out of poverty.

Delivering quality healthcare to all regions is a top priority of the government. With a budget allocation of $84.9 billion, the government has moved swiftly to establish six state-of-the-art regional hospitals and one Pediatric

and Maternity hospital at Ogle, plus the construction of a Hospital at Bartica.

The Georgetown, New Amsterdam, and Linden Hospitals are scheduled for rehabilitation and expansion, while four tele-medicine centers will be established in regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine.

Hundreds of workers, including those previously unemployed and those living in poverty, are being hired to work on these projects.

Buoyed by the distinctive honour conferred upon the Anna Regina Secondary School for being named the 2022 CSEC School of the year for the Caribbean, the Education Ministry with budget of $94.4 billion is expected to play a significant role in the transformation of Guyana.

In 2021-2022 the government awarded 13,690 GOAL scholarships at a combined cost of $2.3 billion. For 2023 and 2024 the projection for GOAL scholarships is 6,000 annually. By 2024, this GOAL investment alone translates into lifting 4,881 households (or 2.1 per cent of total house-

holds) out of poverty.

The cash and school uniform grant amounting to $5.8 billion and awarded to 147,000; the national school feeding programme that benefits 85,000 children ($2.1 billion); and $3.4 billion worth of textbooks would also augment the household income of thousands of households that live in poverty and progressively lift many of them out of poverty.

The government has allocated $10 billion in budget 2023 for the continuation of the 11,000 regular part-time job programme at a 10-day per monthly rate of $40,000. By contributing an average of US$6.5 per day (based on a 30-day month) to the household, many part-time workers are helping their households to rise above the official poverty line of US$5.50 per day. About 4,180 households (1.3 per cent of total households) with supplementary income of $6.50 per day would rise above the ((US) 5.50) poverty line.

Together, the GOAL and job programme alone would result in a poverty reduction of 3.4 per cent. With a budgetary allocation of $220+ billion for other sectoral programmes/projects, like in housing, health, human services, public works, agriculture, hinterland, and tourism, a further drop of at least 3.4 per cent in the poverty rate would be realised.

This rate (3.4 per cent), combined with that of GOAL and job programme (3.4 per cent) would result in a decline of 6.8 per cent in the poverty rate from 38 per cent (as of 2022) to 31.2 per cent by 2024. And once the government continues on this track, the poverty rate is expected to drop progressively to single digit by 2030.

Guyana’s national oil and gas development strategy

GUYANA has long been one of the few nations in the world to support actual national and international policymaking to strike a balance between ambitious climate action and citizens’ reasonable desires for prosperity.

Guyana introduced its Low Carbon Development Plan in 2008, marking the first time a developing nation has done so.

President Ali presented a new version in October 2021, following a sevenmonth national consultation period.

The LCDS describes a non-polluting path for Guyana’s future social and economic growth.

The LCDS 2030 includes the strategy as one of its primary components. The strategy shows how to transition from the current grid-produced energy mix of heavy fuel oil and diesel to one that includes natural gas and renewable energy.

Guyana is also working to develop new, low-carbon economic sectors that take advantage of the internet economy and other contemporary opportunities to solve regional inequality and create jobs.

While this is happening on a national level, Guyana also aims to develop a model for the rest of the world to address an issue with the global market that needs to be resolved if the world is to manage the climate challenge successfully: the value of ecosystem services or nature-based solutions is still not being monetized.

A fifth of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions is primarily attributable to deforestation and related activities because of this market failure.

Every year, a tropical forest the size of Greece is lost.

The causes of this are well known: trees that are felled for use in agriculture, infrastructure, and other purposes are valuable; trees that are left standing are not.

According to Bill Gates, Amazon.com is worth US$1.5 trillion, but the remaining Amazon Forest is worthless.

Yet, the Amazon Forest generates economic value for the globe that may be

quantified in trillions of dollars through watershed management, biodiversity protection, zoonotic disease prevention, and climate change mitigation.

Since 2008, Guyana has worked to develop a prototype for how this economic reality could be altered, making forests more valuable when they are alive than when they are dead.

The forest in Guyana is almost the same size as England, and the nation boasts one of the lowest rates of deforestation in the world— about 90 per cent lower than the average.

The forest has around four per cent of all known animal species worldwide, 19.5 gigatonne (Gt) of carbon dioxide equivalent, and more bird species than the United States of America.

In addition to offering all these other ecosystem services, Guyana’s forest makes it predominantly a carbon sink even if it produces oil.

Data publicly available in Guyana shows that the country is overwhelmingly a carbon sink despite being an oil producer.

Since then, Guyana has made history by receiving the world’s first jurisdictionscale, market-ready carbon credit issuance in 2022 under the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) The REDD+ Environmental Excellency Standard (TREES) Programme, amounting to 33.47 million credits.

For successfully halting forest loss and degradation, a nation has now received carbon credits created especially for the voluntary and compliant carbon markets.

In December 2022, the Government of Guyana signed a significant carbon credits sale agreement with Hess Corporation for a third of Guyana’s carbon credits issuance from 2016 to 2030, valued at three-quarters of a billion US dollars, after immediately realising the earning potential of this issuance for the people of Guyana.

One of the most significant carbon transactions ever occurring worldwide is being marked with this.

After that, Guyana will have received a total of US$75M by the end of 2022 from this arrangement, and another US$75M will be

paid in 2023, bringing the total to US$150M by the end of 2023.

In light of this, and as outlined in the revised LCDS 2030, Guyana will continue to be at the forefront of the discussion on advancing low-carbon development domestically and globally.

Guyana’s fundamental stance that global policies and action are required to stabilize world temperatures at 1.5 degrees over pre-industrial levels is unaffected by the country’s status as an oil exporter.

Of course, lone voices will always advocate for leaving the oil in the ground.

Yet, despite appearing superficially persuasive to some campaigners, voluntary supply-side initiatives like these are incorrect, possibly impossible to implement, and may even make things worse.

From three different angles, they need to be corrected.

First, demanding that a nation like Guyana keep its oil in the ground is incredibly unfair.

Guyana currently has a per capita income of around US$6,000 per year, which is lower than the US per capita income of US$36,000 in the US.

Much like inhabitants of other countries, including the United States, Guyana’s citizens have the right to hope for a brighter future for their families, communities, and nation.

Activists who advocate for leaving oil in the ground fail to realise that they are essentially advocating for the protection of the incumbents’ $4 trillion oil business, which does not include the trillions in externalities it generates.

Essentially, they are urging us to “leave new oil in the ground” so that the current producers can continue providing wealth for their people and nations.

These calls could be more economically logical.

Guyana produces oil at a lower cost per barrel than the average country worldwide and does not finance exploration.

If the world is serious about releasing capital for renewable energy and other development goals, highcost manufacturing capabil-

ity, not low-cost operators, must be discouraged.

Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, expecting Guyana to leave its oil in the ground is illogical since different types of oil have different carbon footprints.

The carbon footprint of Guyana’s light, sweet crude oil may be as little as 25 per cent of some others, similar to a large portion of the world’s offshore oil.

So, whether this issue is seen from the angles of justice, economics, or science, the solution does not involve urging new oil producers to voluntarily leave the oil in the ground.

Instead, through these demand-si de measures, it is to commit to genuine policies that will lower the demand for the most expensive, highest-carbon oil and lower consumption.

National-level demand signals from major consumer nations are crucial to altering

the balance of investment towards clean energy and transportation options.

Yet, more is required, and Guyana has long backed two international policy initiatives: ending exploration subsidies and instituting a carbon price.

Many international organisations, including the G20, the IMF, the International Energy Agency, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, have backed the gradual elimination of exploration subsidies.

Yet, after considering negative externalities, the IMF estimates that fossil fuel subsidies account for 6.5 per cent of world GDP.

In addition, despite the verbal commitment to cutbacks, subsidies are rising rather than falling.

There are various methods for introducing carbon pricing, including taxes and a market-based trading system.

Both have benefits, and various jurisdictions can choose the most appropriate technique for their situation. It’s important that the carbon is fairly priced.

How this works is demonstrated by California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which drives the highest carbon oil off the market by charging certain suppliers of oil a higher carbon tax than others.

If the world transitions away from oil more quickly than anticipated, Guyana will embrace and welcome that reality. Guyana will continue to support these global policies.

Guyana pledges to develop an oil sector that benefits its residents and is a trustworthy partner for buyers, suppliers, and other industry players.

Guyana remains steadfast in supporting lowcarbon development and promoting global measures that would hasten the transition to a net-zero global economy.

Guyana’s strategy won’t be based on platitudes or catchphrases but on genuine, analytically sound policies.

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

Ukraine one year...

is, what would this world look like at the end of the war? Will the losses on both sides be accepted by the next generation of Russians and Ukrainians as the legacy of a different time? About this, we can only speculate, since to be clairvoyant presupposes supernatural implications. Will the outcome see another fallacious ‘end of history’ or, to put it more mildly, the end of an era for Russia and the beginning of another for Ukraine

or vice versa? Or will we see the emergence of a new global human order where the extant world order is replaced by a more humane one with greater emphasis on and more concrete efforts to bring an end to global poverty, hunger and underdevelopment, resulting in the ushering in of prosperity for all and not just a few.

Many have called for an end to the war and for a return to diplomatic efforts to bring about a political/ diplomatic solution to the

conflict.

But what will be the nature of this ‘end’ that many are calling for? Will there ever be a diplomatic solution many so fervently seek? The answers to these questions are not clear -- at least not yet.

Reflecting on the question of wars, Thomas Aquinas, Italian priest and philosopher asked, “When is a war just?” Answering his own question, he said: “For a war to be just, three conditions are necessary. There needs to be a right

authority to declare war, a just cause, and a right intention on the part of the belligerents i.e.; achieving some good or avoiding some evil.”

Placed in the context of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, these are searching questions that continue to stir debates in diplomatic, academic and political circles worldwide.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis for his part, in his 2022 Christmas Day message called for an immediate end to the “senseless” war in Ukraine.

As humanity marks the first anniversary of the

conflict, small states such as Guyana with a border controversy and dispute to its East and West respectively, cannot stand by pondering as it were, what position it should adopt in the face of the ongoing war in Europe as if it is of no relevance to us. We are affected in many ways as in the supply chain, food security, global inflation and international transportation.

It is for these reasons we must continue to advocate in favour of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and for world peace and international security. How to advance these goals and

to avoid war is debatable.

In the meantime, we must exert every effort to link these questions to our own geo-strategic and national interests. According to Indian political scientist, Noor Ahmed Baba, “After all, countries balance principles with real politicking and diplomacy.”

Efforts must be made to encourage others in mass organisations as well as Guyanese personalities belonging to religious bodies, academia, trade unions, environmentalists, journalists, artists and retired diplomats to join in the advocacy.

Congratulations to Melinda ...

at 278. Sixty-one countries in the world consume less than 100 gallons (per capita) per annum, and as you might guess all are in the Third World.

Editor, natural gas is known to be a transition energy source in so far as its greenhouse effects are less damaging compared to coal or gasoline. Yet many of the letter writers who support Ms Janki are protesting our gas-to-energy (NGL) project being developed at Wales on the West Bank of Demerara.

But even here, Editor, the critics are misguided. Excepting the Gulf States, the biggest consumers of natural gas are in fact in the Global North.

Canada, where some of the critics live, is among the very highest consumers of natural gas with a mammoth per capita of 112.5 cubic feet. I specifically wish to remind Dr Bulkan that every Canadian contributed 18.58 tons (per capita) of CO2 emissions. The comparable figure for Guyana is 4.22 tons per capita.

The data above clear-

ly indicate that there is widespread bullying taking place in the global climate change space. Powerful countries that are among the worst polluters are the very ones who have control over multilateral institutions, including development financing. Those same countries have powerful NGOs that though guided by the right convictions on many issues of human rights, broadly defined, are ideologically fixated on the proposition that the rich countries should protect their standard of living as the first and most important goal.

Those same NGOs recruit elites from the Third World to join their cause.

If those same NGOs were truly democratic where global governance is concerned, they would focus on life-style changes in the Global North, which has produced 79 per cent of the greenhouse gases since the industrial revolution.

I must also insist that the militaries in many of these countries are also the most significant polluters.

Guyana is not in the

same ideological space as it was during the Cold War. We have accepted that markets have an important role to play. We are playing by those rules, norms and expectations.

The leadership is also clear that the country is dedicated to taking concrete steps in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Our avoided deforestation commitments, and more broadly our Low Carbon Development Strategy have been widely acknowledged. It is time that the handful of urban intellectuals in Guyana “get with it.”

Ms Janki is a known quantity and she can very well use her intellectual and professional energies to call for greater justice in the relations between Global North and South.

Why not revive the spirit of Bandung, rather than stand with the political and economic interests in countries that are already in an era of excessive consumption?

Sincerely.

Dr Randolph Persaud

Six reasons to bring millets to the market

WE may be small, but we are strong.

We grow where others cannot. We nurture soils and ecosystems, and we provide nutrition for all.

What are we?

Millets!

Millets encompass a diverse group of smallgrained, dryland cereals including foxtail, barnyard and fonio, among others. As whole grains, millets are a good source of essential nutrients.

Millets are primarily grown in Asia and Africa, with India being the top producer followed by Nigeria, Niger and China. They were among the first plants to be domesticated and still serve as a traditional staple crop in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

These crops, rooted in ancient cultures and ancestral traditions, have long survived harsh growing conditions. Their climate resilience and adaptability offer opportunities for strengthening food security and bolstering economic growth.

In celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023, FAO is collaborating with partners to unlock the great potential of millets as affordable foods that can contrib -

ute to healthy diets and a healthy environment.

Here are six key reasons why millets deserve our attention and a place on our tables:

1: Millets are there when others are not.

There is an ever-growing global population that needs sufficient and healthy food amidst climate emergencies and depleting natural resources. Millets can be part of the solution. These grains can survive harsh climate conditions, offering solutions to food scarcity. Because they are often the only crops that can be harvested in dry seasons, millets can be a vital food source for populations vulnerable to food insecurity.

2: Millets can contribute to a healthy diet.

Millets provide anti -

oxidants, minerals and protein. As whole grains, each millet variety also offers different types and amounts of fibre, which play a role in regulating bowel function, blood sugar and lipids.

Furthermore, millets are gluten-free, with a low glycaemic index, making them a great food option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, high blood sugar or diabetes. They can also be a cost-effective source of iron. Incorporating millets in our diets can provide us with nutritious and healthy alternatives to the usual refined grains on the global market. Start exploring some millet recipes, such as this finger millet pancakes option, to revamp your diet!

3: Millets are cli -

mate-resilient.

Millets are resistant to drought, and tolerant to crop diseases and pests, allowing them to survive in adverse climatic conditions.

Because millets can be grown with minimal inputs and maintenance, and can adapt to climate shocks, expanding production of millets can transform local agrifood systems to be more efficient, resilient and inclusive. The ability of millets to grow in poor, degraded soils can also provide land cover in arid areas, reducing soil degradation, and supporting biodiversity.

4: Millets offer promising livelihood opportunities for small-scale

farmers.

As other cereals have become widespread, dietary preferences have shifted and led to a decline in the production and demand for millets. By encouraging the consumption and production of these underutilised crops, we can help millets regain market share, and create additional opportunities for small-scale farmers.

5: Millets’ trade can improve the diversity of the global food system.

Currently, millets account for less than three per cent of the global grains trade. When sudden shocks affect the foodgrain market, millets can provide a valuable alter -

native to typically traded grains. This added diversity can improve the resilience of the global trade markets, and mitigate our reliance on other grains.

6: Millets can be used in many innovative ways. The genetic diversity of millets lends itself to many diverse and innovate applications of millets in areas such as therapeutics and pharmaceuticals. Used innovatively, millets offer even greater market opportunities for regional and international trade. This is our year. Unleash our potential and bring us back to your tables.

We are strong! We are millets, but we cannot do it alone! (FAO)

$1M bail for driver accused of causing vendor’s death

A 24-year-old driver was on Monday charged with causing the death

of Samantha Moffatt, a 41-year-old vendor of Haslington New Scheme,

East Coast Demerara.

Devon Brutus of Middle Walk, Buxton, East

Coast Demerara, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, being an unlicensed driver and for breach of insurance.

He appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore where he pleaded not guilty to the three charges.

According to the police, he was released on a total of $1,050,000M bail.

The matter was adjourned to April 11 for report and fixture.

The fatal accident oc-

curred around 05:00hrs last Wednesday on the Enmore Public Road, ECD.

The police had said that motorcar, PZZ 7712 was proceeding east along the road at a fast rate of speed when Brutus lost control of it and ended up in a trench on the southern side.

“As a result, the female occupant [Moffatt], who was seated in the front passenger seat, was flung out of the car and into the trench, where she received injuries about her body,” police said.

Brutus escaped after he was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital with injuries. He was subsequently arrested.

Pigeon Island man nabbed with cannabis, 'meth'

A 23-year-old construction worker of Pigeon Island Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara, was on Monday allegedly caught with a quantity of cannabis and methamphetamine by police ranks on patrol.

According to a police statement, the ranks were on the patrol in the vicinity of the Success Sideline Dam, East Coast Demerara, around 19:20hrs, when they observed three men standing on the roadway.

On seeing the police vehicle, the men started running in an eastern direction. Ranks gave chase on foot and managed to apprehend the construction worker.

Ranks reportedly discovered 20 transparent zip lock bags containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis and

17 transparent zip lock bags containing a quantity of crystal-like substances suspected to be methamphetamine, in the haversack he had in his possession.

The man was then arrested and escorted to the Beterverwagting Police

Station.

The suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence and amounted to 41.1 grams, while the suspected Methamphetamine amounted to 3.66 grams.

Investigations are ongoing.

Devon Brutus (Guyana Police Force photo)

The narcotics and meth that were found in the haversack (Guyana Police Force photo)

Rice millers to be engaged on paddy prices

AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday travelled to the Essequibo Coast to meet with farmers to discuss some of the issues affecting the agricultural sector.

The crowd comprising mostly rice farmers, gathered at the Rice Producers Association (RPA) bond at Anna Regina and were given an opportunity to engage the minister and his team in a one-on-one setting.

While a small group of farmers chose to exit the meeting before directly engaging the visiting team, scores of farmers and residents took the opportunity to sit down with the minister to raise their concerns.

farmers can get better prices for paddy, especially in Region Two. When that meeting is finished, I will communicate with the farmers,” he said.

The Agriculture Minister said too that his ministry will be working with rice farmers to assist them in increasing cultivation.

“We are looking at how we can work with those farmers and see how we can get back those lands under cultivation.

There are a number of areas we are looking at to bring relief to… cash crop farmers, we are looking to venture out to new crops” Mustapha said.

–– farmers who suffered losses due to inclement weather to receive assistance

his land and he is hoping the ministry could help.

Although the minister was open to engagements on any area, he was disappointed with the behaviour of the few who appeared to have a premeditated agenda and attempted to disrupt the meeting.

Minister Mustapha said that rice farmers especially have benefitted from a lot of assistance since the government was elected to office in August 2020.

“Since we got back into government, we’ve been trying our best.

Many farmers right here on the Essequibo Coast received direct cash payments and seed paddy when we had the flood in 2021.

Last crop when the price was low, farmers said that they were not happy and we intervened, and many farmers received $4,000 per bag for paddy last

See page 14

Rice farmers, in particular, did not hesitate to say that millers offered a price which is $500 less than what they received last crop.

“Crop after crop is the same thing. We need the price to increase so that we can get our expenses back. Rice is we living and every crop is like [we] getting robbed. We are just frustrated and we got loans to pay” Dyal Narine said.

While pointing out that the price of paddy for the current crop was a burning concern for many farmers, especially in Region Two, Minister Mustapha said that he will soon meet with the Guyana Rice Millers’ Association to discuss the matter.

“The main issue today seems to be the price for paddy. Only about 22,000 acres were planted in Region Two for this crop. I will be meeting with the Guyana Rice Millers’ Association on Friday to see if

LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

The Agriculture Ministry is also looking to develop the livestock sector, as persons when they think of agriculture, concentrate only on cash crop farming or rice farming.

Livestock, Minister Mustapha said, is part of agriculture and his ministry will be working to advance the industry.

“We have to work with farmers to develop the livestock sector. At the end of today’s exercise, I hope we can resolve as many issues as possible… I will be working with my team as long as possible,” Mustapha said.

He related that he visited the region to directly engage farmers and listen to their individual concerns.

Rice Farmer, Ramjit Sookhoo, said that he is currently seeking cash to get back into his field. He said that he did not cultivate

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha engaging farmers at the RPA bond in Anna Regina

Rice millers to be engaged ...

crop.

“I am very shocked at this behaviour because when farmers were told rice was a private business, they never behaved in this manner. Now we are here to listen to you and work to find solutions to your issues, a few are trying to

From page 13

disrupt the meeting. We have to be factual. I am here to listen to you to see how best we can resolve the issues,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that the government will also continue to rehabilitate critical infrastructure so that farmers can

have access to transport their paddy from the fields.

“This year again, $25 million will be made available to rehabilitate dams in Region Two from the Ministry of Agriculture so that farmers can bring out their paddy. The Water Users Association has $10

million. The seed facility here, I’ve asked GRDB to refurbish it so that we can start producing seed paddy in time for the next crop.

“Some rice farmers gave me a list with a number of issues so that we can sit down as a team and go through them point by

point. For instance, things like zero rated on certain machinery and parts; there are still a number of spare parts that attract VAT because they are also used outside of the sector. We have to work with the GRA to deal with that,” Mustapha said.

A section of the gathering at the meeting on Tuesday

Children’s Mashramani costume, float parade brightens Anna Regina

HUNDREDS of Region

Two residents converged at the Anna Regina car park on Tuesday morning to witness the grand return of the Children’s Mashramani costume and float parade after a

two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The parade commenced from the Lima Pump Station with the secondary school children taking the lead after which they joined

the primary schools at Richmond Village and then the nursery children joined at Henrietta before making their way to the Anna Regina Car Park. (Indra Natram photos)

Children proudly displaying their Guyana Flags.

team.

Children and teachers parading.

Significant increase in fatal accidents prompts review of road-safety measures

Home Affairs Ministry urges use of helmets, seatbelts

NOTING the steep rise in the number of road fatalities, the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Tuesday that a further review of more measures to promote road safety

are currently being undertaken.

In a detailed press release, the ministry said that for the period January 1 to February 18, 2023, 16 persons were killed when

compared with eight persons for 2022.

“The 2023 results show a 100 per cent increase when compared with 2022. What is very notable is that pedestrian fatalities

increased by 25 per cent when compared to the same period last year. Whereas approximately 44 per cent of motorcyclists were killed during the same period compared

to last year,” the release said.

Comparative data has shown that as of February 18, 2023, 16 persons have been killed on the roads as a result of 14 accidents, when compared with the same period for 2022 when eight persons died from seven accidents.

“What is significantly alarming, is that in 2022, five of the eight persons killed during that period were the most vulnerable classes of road users (two pedal cyclists, one motorcyclist and two pedestrians), while as at February 18, 2023, of the 13 killed, the vulnerable classes accounted for 16 (two pedal cyclists, seven motorcyclists, four pedestrians),” the release added.

With regard to serious accidents, it was noted that according to the data provided as of February 18, 2023, 41 serious accidents were recorded, while 39 serious accidents occurred during the same period in 2022, indicating a five per cent increase when compared to 2022.

Data also clearly indicates that fatal accidents occur primarily on Sundays and Fridays between the hours of 18:00 and 05:59, with male drivers accounting for 81 per cent of all deaths.

“With the advent of the new government, we were able to reduce road deaths by 30 percent in 2021 and 2022, with less than 100 persons killed for the first time in 16 years.

This achievement of the previous two years will be extremely difficult to maintain at the present rate of road fatalities,” the ministry noted.

GRAVE CONCERN

The ministry which is led by Minister Robeson Benn said it has noted with grave concern the growing number of road fatalities which have occurred for the year thus

far.

It said that this increase in road fatalities appears to be a daily occurrence, and the indications are that reckless driver behaviour, attributable to excessive speeds, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without due care and attention (or inattentiveness), tailgating, and driving while tired is the common cause.

While noting that it sympathises with the families, friends, and communities impacted by the loss and injuries, the ministry said the fact that effective preventative strategies do exist makes this situation all the more unacceptable.

“The five Cs’- Care, Caution, Courtesy, Consideration and Commonsense -- taught at our driving schools seemed to have been forgotten or ignored altogether by many motorists.

Motorists are failing to observe the fundamental principle of safe driving, which is to maintain a safe braking distance and not exceed the required speed limits,” it added.

The ministry noted that this situation necessitates stringent law enforcement as it is simply not acceptable that Guyanese continue to perish and be injured on the roadways.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs is continuously collaborating with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive action plan to reduce road accidents and fatalities by 50 per cent by 2030. This coupled with all road users taking personal responsibility by adhering to road safety measures and guidelines.

Furthermore, on November 7, 2022, the National Assembly passed the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2022 to promote and enforce safe driving, while imposing

Significant increase in fatal accidents ...

much higher penalties for serious infractions.

The National Road Safety Council’s financial resources have been boosted from $3 million to more than $11 million, which will aid in the sensitization and reduction of road accidents,” the release said.

It was explained that through advocacy, training, and education, the ministry is committed to providing evidence-based road-safety knowledge and awareness programmes to create a culture of safety among all road users and address high-risk behaviours among young adults and the broader road-using community.

As part of corporate social responsibility, the ministry is encouraging private sector participation in augmenting national efforts to promote road-safety awareness.

The Traffic Department has been intensifying efforts to prevent speeding on the roads, but despite these efforts, deaths on our roadways continue to be problematic.

“The PPP/C government has been spending considerable sums of money to upgrade roads and highways, as well as installing lights and CCTV cameras at strategic points, which improve infrastructure and safety for all road users.

The ministry wishes to remind the public that there is no justification for not wearing a helmet or a seatbelt. An accident may occur at any

time, but our safety and that of others should be prioritised over convenience, as the case may be. Not only is it the law to wear a helmet or

a seatbelt at all times, but it only takes a few seconds to do so. We all have a role to play in the prevention of road accidents. It cannot be the responsibility of the Police Traffic Department alone.”

Despite the encouragement given to motorists with the free distribution of safety helmets, a large number of motorists continue to ride without helmets, and worse yet, persons are transporting women and children on motorcycles at high speeds without helmets.

This practice, the ministry emphasized, must be stopped.

Additionally, the ministry indicated its in-

tention to pursue discussions with the relevant stakeholders regarding requirements for the importation, registration and licensing of electric bikes.

“A further review of more measures to promote road safety is currently being undertaken through a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Police Force, the Traffic Department, the Guyana Revenue Authority, and the Ministry of Education.

Again, the Ministry of Home Affairs is appealing to all Guyanese to exercise care and caution when using the road,” the release added.

Crime or no crime, T&T comes out to play

By Anselm Gibbs

“FORGET the hate and spite; if we unite, we could put up a fight,”

sings Eunice Peters as she takes to the stage in San Fernando, a city in the southwest of Trinidad.

The lyrics may not be what you would normally expect to hear in a calypso song, but this year’s celebrations in this carni-

val-mad twin-island nation are happening against a backdrop of spiralling crime.

2022 was the deadliest year in Trinidad and Tobago’s history, with 605 recorded murders in a country of 1.3m inhabitants, according to police figures.

“Close them borders to stop the inflow of guns; it’s time to modernise we education system,” Ms. Peters belts out from the Skinner Park stage during the semi-finals of the National Calypso Monarch competition.

Criminologist Wendell Wallace blames the proliferation of gangs for the recent crime wave.

“In Trinidad and Tobago, we have that gang problem, where you have that fight for turf. To me, that contributes, in a large measure, to the rising crime, as well as the increases in murders that we are having,” he explains.

And, as if he was echoing the lyrics of Ms. Peters’ calypso song, Dr. Wallace argues that Trinidad and Tobago’s porous borders are also a factor. This, he says, leads to illegal drugs coming in, followed by guns.

In north Trinidad, in the lush area of Surrey Village, Amrit Samaroo is trying to keep a group of young people busy doing something positive.

Mr. Samaroo is the musical arranger for the First

home of the main carnival parade stage in the capital, Port of Spain, gang crime is also getting a mention, as Ruth Adams Mendez is showing off her Carnival Queen costume.

Citizens Supernovas Steel Orchestra.

The steelpan ensemble, which has many young players among its ranks, is rehearsing feverishly in the lead-up to the National Panorama competition final.

“It instils values of discipline, hard work, patience, and also working towards a common goal,” Mr. Samaroo says of the benefits of playing in the orchestra.

Cheriese Pierre started

“At a time when our communities are in turmoil due to gang warfare and environmental changes, this costume represents a beacon of hope, and a call for peace,” the narrator says of the costume, which is modelled on the Maraval Lily, a flower native to Trinidad.

THE MECCA OF CARNIVAL

The Savannah is considered the mecca of carnival, and it is where the majority of official events, which this year fall on 20 and 21 February, are held.

Tens of thousands of masqueraders, entertainers and spectators are expected to join in the revelry,

playing steelpan when she was 10. Sixteen years on, she still gets a thrill from being in the Supernovas pan yard.

“Being amongst young people motivates me, because I see people around my age and younger who I could also motivate and work along with,” she says.

Meanwhile, at the Queens Park Savannah,

and the rising level of crime is causing major concern.

With 2023 off to a bloody start after police recorded at least 85 homicides as of 17 February, veteran Soca music artist Ronnie McIntosh is leaving nothing to chance.

Mr. McIntosh and his wife, Caroline, lead the

Revellers on the streets of Port of Spain on Monday

Veteran Soca Artiste Ronnie McIntosh

Crime or no crime, T&T comes ...

eponymous Ronnie and Caro ‘mas’ band. Parades by ‘mas’ [short for masquerade] bands and their costumed revelers make up the beating heart of carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.

But with dancers and spectators expected to pack the area as the celebrations return in full after two years of ‘COVID’ restrictions, keeping everyone safe has become part of Mr. McIntosh’s duties.

He has organised at least 100 officers to guard the more than 1,000 revelers who have registered to join his band this year.

“Who I’m responsible for, which are Ronnie and Caro masqueraders, when they’re in my zone, I will make sure that we do our job and make sure we’re safe,” Mr. McIntosh explains.

And it is not just the security guards hired by Mr. McIntosh who will be on duty.

Police officials say officers have been called out from holiday leave to help secure carnival activities. Over 300 soldiers will provide additional support.

“We will be there, out and about, on foot, mobile, aerial patrols, on the sea,” Assistant Commissioner of Police Collis Hazel said at a news briefing.

The CEO for Trinidad Tourism, Carla Cupid says the police service has been “a valuable partner” in the tourism board’s efforts to promote Trinidad as a destination for overseas visitors.

Ms. Cupid says visitor numbers have not been affected by the crime wave, and are up this year, compared to 2020, the last year the carnival was held in full before ‘COVID’ restrictions kicked in. Some hotels were completely booked up before and during carnival, she said.

“Generally, there are very few crimes against visitors,” she says.

Dane Durham, who sells drinks at a seasonal stall at the Savannah, is also keen to tell visitors that a few bad apples should not be allowed to put a dampener on carnival.

“The crime has nothing to do with Trinidad and Tobago; it has to do with the individuals who commit the crimes,” he argues. “Trinidad is a beautiful place. We love people; we love to entertain.” (BBC)

J’Ouvert revellers come out in their numbers ––

in Mayaro and Cedros

By Khamarie Rodriguez

FROM as early as 4.a.m. on Monday, thousands of revellers funnelled into the streets of Cedros and Mayaro to be a part of the local Jouvert celebrations, the first since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The otherwise reserved localities promised a “Bigger, Better Carnival”, to communities ravaged by unemployment, infrastructural issues, and a two-year-long sense of desperation in the pandemic’s wake.

And according to representatives, despite the numer-

ous challenges along the way, this year’s events came together to offer residents a successful respite, many of them crowding its streets and empty spaces with dancing and singing that lasted throughout the day.

At the Mayaro Junction car park on Monday, Culture and Events Committee Chairman Roxanne Omalo told the Express that nearly 9,000 residents had joined the festivities, with at least four Jouvert bands having crossed the event’s stage.

Buttressed by a heavy police presence, she said there had been no incidents or injuries throughout the morning period.

Omalo, who was recently elected as the committee’s chairman, said that the group had been allotted 31 days to pull together this year’s Carnival. Despite this, she said, the event had been a true success, attracting thousands more than the usual crowds of the years past.

“Words cannot explain the joy the new committee experienced this morning. We are not 100 per cent satisfied; we are 150 per cent satisfied. We are elated about what happened; it was successful and incident- free,” Omalo said, adding:

“We have a new committee elected on January 17, so we had exactly 31 days to execute the Carnival. As the past Carnival Queen for 2018 and 2020, and the chairman, I told them, ‘People have been home; people are depressed. Give the people a celebration, so they know they are welcome in Mayaro.’

The amount of people who came out never did before, because it was well executed.”

Jouvert Morning celebrations in Mayaro on Monday

J’Ouvert revellers come out in ...

10,000-STRONG

Similarly, at the Bonnasse Old Jetty car park in Cedros, Carnival Committee Secretary Coreece Wilson told the Express that a crowd resembling 10,000 had made their way to the “incident-free” festivities.

Though there was only one participating band, she said, residents had done their part in participating, moving jovially throughout the area.

“We had one of the better Jouverts in a long time. People came out, and had a good time, despite all the negative things that were happening. The crowds were massive. We usually have the largest Jouvert in the south-western district,” Wilson said.

“The police presence was great; they were really cooperative too. We had police, soldiers and coast guard as well. They were able to control the crowd, and that is why we were more or less incident-free. It has always been our theme for a small community in the South-West. We’ve had a better showing at Carnival activities; we have most of the traditional mas, kiddies and Jouvert,” she added.

Both Wilson and Omalo however said their respective committees received funding from the National Carnival Committee (NCC) a mere three days prior to the Jouvert events.

Omalo said that the Mayaro Committee had pre-emptively worked on promised contracts with their suppliers to avoid running out of time.

“We got our funds; we had an issue with the cheque, and we got ours on Friday around 2.p.m. We did not wait on funding; we knew it was coming, so the last week before Carnival when nothing was taking place, we did contracts with persons and suppliers we knew we needed this weekend. We dealt with them, and interacted with them. We knew we sent in a budget, and we would get approval, we had our show continue to go on,” she said.

Wilson said that the Cedros Committee was left in a rush to secure infrastructure and services within the community.

“It was a bit difficult for us to find resources at the last minute; we got the cheque after lunch on Friday, and we had to basically pull a rabbit out of a hat between Friday and today. The funding we got was not sufficient; they basically cut our budget in half. We had to work magic with the resources that we had; we have service providers we are owing.

“We did the best with what we had, and it was successful. We did the best with what we had. I wish the NCC would look into showing the support they put into real communities, a lot of people prefer to stay closer to home instead of the main Port of Spain showing,” she said. (Trinidad Express)

78 million children don’t go to school at all

UN chief warns in call for action

A STAGGERING 78 million girls and boys around the world today “don’t go

to school at all” because of conflict, climate disasters and displacement, while tens

of millions more receive only sporadic teaching, UN Secretary-General António

Guterres said on Thursday. Lending his support to a call for more funding for education in emergencies spearheaded by the UN global fund Education Cannot

Wait (ECW), the UN chief insisted in a video message that no one should be denied their chance to learn.

A full 222 million children today experience blighted education, Mr Guterres noted. To help them, 18 countries and private partners have pledged $826 million for ECW, on the opening day of the landmark conference.

EDUCATION A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT

“No matter who you are, no matter where you live, no matter what barriers stand in your way, you have a right to a quality education,” he said, in an appeal for greater international efforts to ensure that more vulnerable children and youngsters get their chance to succeed.

Delivering his comments at the Education Cannot Wait High-Level Financing Conference in Geneva, the Secretary-General welcomed the fact that since it was founded in 2017, the fund had trained 87,000 teachers and given seven million children in crisis “the education they deserve.”

As pledges from 18 countries and the private sector topped $826 million on the first day of the conference, UN Special Envoy for Global Education and Chair of ECW’s High-Level Steering Group, Gordon Brown, welcomed the international support for learning for all, as an investment in sustainable peace.

“We are talking about the most isolated, the most desolate, the most neglected children of the world. We’re talking about girls who find themselves trafficked or forced into child labour or child marriage, unless we can help them,” he continued.

AFGHANISTAN: TEXTBOOK DESPERATION

With her own painful story about education in crisis in Afghanistan, Somaya Faruqi explained that while she had fled the country when the Taliban seized power in August 2021, many of her “sisters” were left behind.

Her girlfriends are now unable to study after being banned from attending class by the de facto authorities, said 20-year-old Faruqi, who remains in contact with them and works as women’s rights activist to highlight their plight.

“The situation is far worse than what you can see in the news and social media,” she told UN News. “Every day I receive messages from my friends that they are forced to marry, regardless of their age or consent.”

HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY

She added: “I feel a deep sense of responsibility to support my sisters who are still in Afghanistan. Every day, I stay in touch with them, even though their situation is not good.

“I listen to their stories, offer words of encouragement, and help connect them with resources when I can.

It is heartbreaking to see the struggles they face, but it only strengthens my resolve to fight for their rights and to

help build a better future for all Afghan women.”

DIGITAL AMBITION

Ms Faruqi, who is originally from Herat in western Afghanistan, is now studying mechanical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology in the US.

Her interest in fixing things stemmed from helping her father fix cars, which sparked an interest in robotics, as Captain of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team.

BRIGHT FUTURE DASHED

Together, Faruqi and her team designed and made a low-cost ventilator prototype at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, in coordination with the Afghan health ministry. Bolstered by that success, Faruqi’s hopes of pursuing her interest in technology were dashed when the Taliban swept to power.

“We were going to build the first robotics company in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, when the situation changed,” she said. “Now we can see the actual situation inside Afghanistan, that [the Taliban] do not value what we have and what we had achieved in 20 years.”

Today, Somaya says that she had many happy shared memories of growing up in Afghanistan, but feels deeply saddened at how the de facto authorities “took everything from us.”

THROUGH THICK AND THIN

Before the August 2021 coup, “Afghanistan was a place that I called home,” she explained, “where I could pursue my dreams and contribute to the development of my community. However, since the Taliban seized control, the situation has become dire, and my heart aches for the suffering of those who are trapped there.”

Mornings would start happily “with a sense of excitement and purpose, knowing that I would be going to school that day,” Somaya told UN News. “For me, school was not just a place of learning, but a sanctuary where I could be myself, make friends, and dream big. I cherished the opportunity to learn new things, and each day felt like a precious gift.

“But more than that, school was where I made the most meaningful connections of my life -- with my girlfriends who shared my passion for knowledge and growth. We laughed together, cried together, and supported each other through thick and thin. Being with them made me feel whole, alive, and free.

“Now, as I look back on those days, my heart swells with gratitude and nostalgia for those precious moments. I know that not all girls have the same opportunities that I did, and it breaks my heart.

“Going to school and spending time with friends should not be a privilege, but a basic right. I will always cherish those memories and work to create a world where every girl has the chance to experience the same magic that I did.” (UN News)

Steel, cement subsidy vouchers issued to first 30 recipients

- Housing Ministry to distribute 500 vouchers in two weeks

By Cindy Parkinson

In keeping with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s promise, the Ministry of Housing and Water began distributing steel and cement programme vouchers to 30 recipients on Tuesday and will distribute nearly 500 more over the next two weeks.

The simple yet significant ceremony took place in front of the Ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown office.

In honouring the promise made by President Ali, at the opening of the International Building Expo on July 22 last year to new home builders, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal explained that the steel and cement programme

ceiling from $15 million to $20 million.

smooth steel rod for $2,000, one 3/8-inch corrugated steel

our manifesto has been and is 50 thousand house lots over the five years of our term.”

After getting back into office, Minister Rodrigues stated that they recognised that there were gaps in the system whereby people were able to acquire their subsided house lots. However, many were still left without a home. After recognising the prob-

the Ministry of Housing for delivering on their promise.

She said that the voucher will help her start construction on her home.

“I am happy that this is how we are getting help. I will get two slings of cement because it is over the six-million-dollar loan. I am grateful,” Ms. Rampersaud said.

would see the provision for the beneficiaries of all new construction of homes that are valued at $6 million or less, and will receive one sling of cement and the steel to construct the foundation; the other beneficiaries that are valued at over $6 million, but less than or equal to $25 million, will receive two slings of cement.

According to Minister Croal, the activity is significant to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government, which is “championed” by President Ali.

The minister noted that this is yet another demonstration of the government’s commitment to providing housing interventions across the board to different categories of citizens, with the ultimate goal of reducing people’s burdens and increasing home ownership.

Minister Croal pointed out that there has been a significant reduction in mortgage lending rates, improved access to loans and an increase in loan limits. For example, he said there had been an increase in the low-income

The minister stressed that “making access to loans for certain categories is one of our trump cards and achievements.” He explained that the verification process has been completed for over 500 people.

Minister Croal also noted that they are ensuring a regional intervention, which will help the region and, in some cases, the village economies.

He said: “The expression of interest was sent out inviting suppliers to express interest in the supply, the steel, and the cement. Based on that, they were engaged, and that is how you had the agreement on the prices.”

In every region, there is more than one supplier that has been pre-approved and the pricing remains the same, which ensures that there is a “level playing field,” according to the minister.

All suppliers have agreed to sell one sack of cement for $1,725, a one-quarter-inch smooth steel rod for $450, one-half-inch corrugated steel rod for $1,800, one-half-inch

rod for $1,200 and one 3/8inch smooth steel rod for $1,150.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues expressed her delight at the launch of the steel and cement initiatives in her presentation.

According to her, “our president is always thinking about ways in which we can achieve bigger objectives here at the Ministry of Housing.”

Minister Rodrigues explained: “This programme is not a handout programme.” Instead, she said it is one that is designed to ensure that people acquire home ownership.

She continued: “For many years, the Ministry of Housing has been distributing land and our political commitment in

lem, Minister Rodrigues said that her ministry “took on the bigger task of being primarily focused on home ownership; helping people acquire their own homes and go from being renters to homeowners.”

The Guyana Chronicle spoke with one of the recipients of the steel and cement vouchers, Ms. Bagmatie Rampersaud from Success, East Coast of Demerara, who thanked the government and

The 30 recipients are from across Region Four.

To qualify for the subsidy, people must submit copies of pertinent documents including TIN certificates, identification evidence, marriage certificates (if applicable), and approved house plans from local towns. Estimates for building the home and evidence of land acquisition are additional documents that must be provided.

Seated from left: Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Andre Ally; Ministers Susanne Rodrigues and Collin Croal, and Chief Executive Officer –CHPA, Sherwyn Greaves. They are flanked by some of the beneficiaries.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing Susan Rodrigues and the first recipient of the steel and cement voucher

Minister of Housing Collin Croal issues a voucher to Ms. Bagmatie Rampersaud

THE Agriculture Ministry, through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), is moving apace with its agenda to provide a sustainable source of food and income for the local population.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has disclosed that the ministry has started the distribution of giant black chickens across hinterland communities, specifically Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo).

The Shulinab Youth Group, in the South Central Rupununi sub-district, has already received 200

of the chicks to expand the Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agricultural Development (HESAD) programme.

The village has been actively engaging in sustainable agriculture practices and recently completed a farmland fence project, utilising a grant through the HESAD programme.

Kumu also received a batch of dual-purpose chickens.

Similarly, persons from St. Ignatius and surrounding communities also received chicks.

The black giant chicken can produce up to 200 eggs annually and about 4.5 kilogrammes of meat. These birds can graze and forage, as well as eat leftovers from the kitchen and still produce

––

to boost food production, income

Region Nine residents receive ‘black giant’ chicks

ties last year, as the government made a concerted effort to ensure that those areas receive the same benefits as coastal communities.

There have been significant investments in poultry production in villages, including Pai Pang, Wowetta, Yakarinta and Kumu, to aid in food security and the availability of protein for balanced diets while earning revenue.

Accordingly, in budget 2023, the ministry will seek to commence direct investments in communities and producer groups, starting with four communities in Regions Seven and Eight.

reasonably well.

Given these qualities, the bird is well-suited for hinterland regions.

The agriculture minister has emphasised that the continued success of these initiatives will contribute to the long-term economic and social development of the regions.

He said the undertaking would help to develop valuable skills and knowledge in agriculture and animal husbandry for local agriculturists.

In 2022, women in hinterland communities benefited from the government’s hinterland program, earning much-needed revenue to improve their livelihoods.

About 32,000 black giant chicks were distributed across hinterland communi-

Minister Mustapha said the intervention would allow the government to establish mechanisms for a wider rollout of this type of intervention.

Meanwhile, the GLDA continues working with farmers, associations and other special groups, providing technical support.

Hatchery operators from two Rupununi Livestock Producers’ Associations have undergone training in candling, identifying fertile and infertile eggs, and other techniques. (Candling detects bloody whites, blood spots, or meat spots, and enables observation of germ development.)

This year, the GLDA has received $491 million in budgetary allocation to advance programmes and projects. (DPI)

GWI seeks EPA’s blessing to construct solar farm at Port Mourant facility

IN an effort to reduce its carbon footprint and high electricity costs, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is planning to construct a solar farm at its Port Mourant Water Treatment Plant.

The utility company applied for an environmental authorisation for the project last year.

In a detailed application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), GWI laid out its case for improv-

ing the carbon footprint of water supply through the use of the sun as a renewable energy source.

According to GWI, the Port Mourant Water Treatment Plant which was established in 2000, has an estimated annual energy output from a 400 kWp solar PV system of 590MWh. This is equivalent to approximately 1,490 PV panels requiring approximately 9,200m2 of space.

The total capital invest-

ment for the existing and proposed projects is just over $1.7 billion.

The company explained that given the required landmass, no feasible and reasonable alternative is currently available to GWI and in the event that the proposed location cannot be used, approval will have to be sought from the Government of Guyana for land.

It added that no pollutants will be generated from the solar farm during its con-

struction and design life. At the end of the design life of the panels, GWI said it will prioritise the recycling and reclamation of any recyclable components, after which, it will dispose of the remaining components in accordance with the EPA guidelines.

Approximately 17 per cent of a panel by weight can be recycled. This comprises the aluminum frame of the solar panel and junction box that will be sold to licensed scrap-metal dealers

in Guyana. The remaining 83 per cent of materials of a solar panel (including glass, silicon and polymer back sheeting) will be disposed of, GWI said, adding, that this portion also includes hazardous materials which will be disposed of in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Management Regulations of the EPA.

According to the 15-page document which was seen by this publication, the company’s annual energy consump-

tion is 1.27 million KWh of fossil fuels. The proposed project would allow for the utilisation of 0.59 million KWh of energy which will be generated from the sun.

“The proposed project will require an isolated/strip footing or pile foundation to be used to mount the panel modules, thereby minimising the surface coverage at the site upon completion.

Landscape drainage is

See page 27

A Shulinab Youth Group receives Black Giant chicks to expand the HESAD project.

Hatchery operators undergoing training facilitated by the GLDA.

GTA Director, Kamrul Baksh.

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has set a target of 15 new tourism products to be launched this year.

GTA Director Kamrul Baksh, during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Tuesday, said the entity is focused on working towards this goal.

We are working on assessments in the first quarter to identify products that will be developed. Products from several regions are expected to be developed, Baksh said.

The GTA has identified Great Falls in Region Ten as a great potential location for weekend trips.

This is just one of many areas that the GTA will be exploring in 2023, as it opens up new areas in the country, making them accessible to Guyanese and tourists.

Over the last two and a half years, GTA has launched about 27 new tourism products and will continue to launch new experiences. Adventure tourism products are also included in this initiative.

Additionally, the GTA has initiated a project in Bartica to support more products coming out of the lower Essequibo Region.

This initiative is beneficial not only for the tourism industry but also for the communities. It allows local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, which will create jobs, generate income and stimulate economic growth in the country.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Ministry aims to challenge tourism operators to bring new and innovative products to the market, which will

help diversify the industry.

With the launch of new tourism products, visitors to Guyana will have the opportunity to explore the

15 new tourism products for 2023 launch

countrys diverse regions, cultures, and communities, creating a more enriching and memorable travel experience. (DPI)

GWI seeks EPA’s blessing to construct solar ...

From page 24

included in the scope of works to mitigate against [sic] flooding at the site,” GWI said, adding that no other major infrastructural works would be required.

The company noted that the proposed project was designed to negatively impact the environment or the water-treatment plant.

In summing up its case, GWI explained that over the years, the company’s energy consumption has been very high.

“Present yearly energy consumption across GWI facilities is 46.6 million kWh. Electricity accounts for more than 60 per cent of GWI’s operating costs. In 2020, GWI spent more than US$13.7 million on

electricity, and GWI’s electricity consumption was over five per cent of the total electricity generated by the country’s electric utility (GPL),” GWI disclosed in its application.

It added that to reduce energy costs from ever-increasing electricity tariffs is of paramount importance for the improvement of the quality of service being provided to Guyanese, as well as for the achievement of GWI’s economic sustainability.

“Guyana’s government emphasises increasing the role of renewable energy in the energy mix in the country to meet the energy demands sustainably. Renewable energy plays a critical role in reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, while at the same time reducing oil-import bills and increasing energy security. Watertreatment plants are ideal end-users for integrating solar PV power plants under a grid-tie net metering scheme. Port Mourant is a water-treatment plant that is energy-intensive, where grid-tie-based solar PV system integration is a potential option,” the company added.

Further, it was noted that as a part of the low-carbon development strategy (LCDS), solar PV power projects are encouraged by the Government of Guyana.

GWI said that the proposed system can generate a maximum peak power of 320 kWp range. The estimated annual energy output from 400 kWp solar PV system is 0.59 million kWh.

“The solar PV power generation share can substitute close to 45 per cent of the present energy-consumption level. The reduction in [the] energy bill after integration of solar PV power plant could be above 40 per cent,” GWI said.

It was also explained that aside from the reduction in the monthly electricity expenditure for the company, the proposed project can also lead to other social and economic benefits, such as job creation.

An aerial view of the Port Mourant Water Treatment Plant (photo sourced from GWI’s application for environmental authorisation)

CPL 2022 generates huge economic impact for Guyana; finals dubbed ‘most successful’

THE 2022 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) generated a huge economic impact for Guyana as the country hosted the finals for the very first time as part of the newly created Cricket Carnival.

The total economic impact for Guyana in 2022 was US$84,425,587, a 186% increase on the figure from the last time the country hosted Hero CPL matches in 2019.

The vision of His Excellency Irfaan Ali in showcasing the country’s many creative and social attributes whilst making the Country the entertainment capital of the region for two weeks in September, led to the most successful hosting of any CPL finals.

Businesses across the

country benefited from the significant uplift of inbound tourism during September last year, as people travelled to be part of the Biggest Party in Sport. The fans certainly didn’t disappoint with almost 50,000 attending the playoff games alone.

With CPL spending more time in Guyana than previous years along with the change to the tournament structure where all six teams, TV production crew and tournament staff travelled as one cohort CPL’s

Fraser-Pryce...

end their careers with a claim to be the greatest in the history of their sport.

Last year, Fraser-Pryce, 36, collected a fifth women’s world 100 metres title win, while a world-leading time of 10.62 seconds was among her record seven races over 100m that were clocked at sub-10.70 secs.

“I would like to thank the world’s sports media for this special nomination,” said Fraser-Pryce. “This is my sixth nomination for the Laureus World Sportswoman-of-the-Year award, and it is a great honour.

“I continue to be inspired by the wider Laureus movement and initiatives in celebrating the power of sports to change the world, which further makes the nomination special.”

Challenging Fraser-Pryce for the accolade of World Sportswoman-ofthe-Year are Spanish footballer Alexia Putellas, Polish tennis champion Iga Swiatek, and three Americans, swimmer Katie Ledecky, skier Mikaela Shiffrin, and world and Olympic 400 metres hurdles champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

RACING TIPS

direct spend increased significantly, with one metric showing a total of 25,783 hotel room nights filled across the tournament, a 236% increase on the figure from 2019.

This report was generated by independent, world-renowned research company, YouGov Sport, with the make-up of the values including the total spent by Hero CPL to put on the 2022 event, the value of media exposure for the country from the broadcast of matches and the money

Continued on page 43

Jamaican sprint queen Elaine Thompson-Herah won the accolade last year, and former Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt won the men’s award on four occasions in 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2017.

More than 1 400 members of the global media panel make nominations in all, but one category – the shortlist for the World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award, which was chosen by a panel from the International Paralympics Committee.

Organisers said this ensured credibility, quality, and a global perspective across all of the awards.

Winners will be announced in categories including Sportswoman of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, Team of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year, Comeback of the Year, and Action Sportsperson of the Year.

They will be decided by a vote of 71 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, which comprises sportspeople who redefined their sport and make up the ultimate jury on sporting greatness.

spent with local business by those who travelled into Guyana for the tournament.

The total viewership for the 2022 Hero CPL also smashed all records as it increased to 721.8million. This is the third successive year that the tournament has generated a viewership figure of over half a billion.

Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s CEO, said: “The reception for the Hero CPL in Guyana last year exceeded anything we have seen before, and we are hugely grateful for the vision

of His Excellency Irfaan Ali, who masterminded the Cricket Carnival concept and showed how cricket can deliver significant economic value when planned alongside other entertainment initiatives.

We are so grateful for the amazing support we continue to receive in Guyana and are thankful that we have been able to repay the country with these fantastic numbers. We can’t wait to make an even bigger impact in 2023. (CPL release)

Prowling Panthers demolish GDF in GRFU’s 12-aside tourney

IN a one-sided affair, Panthers proved too skilful for the GDF in their Guyana Rugby Football Union(GRFU) encounter on Sunday last in the National Park which ended 73-17.

Riding high on victory against the Police Falcons in the opening match of the league, Panthers wasted no time by running up the tally against GDF.

At the end of the first half, Panthers were up by 42 points, with GDF scoring all of their 17 points in the first half.

Panthers’ Rondel ‘Bull’ McArthur, who was crowned man-of-thematch, opened the scoring by crashing through the opponent’s defence.

For Panthers, Jacques Archibald made a return to the sport and scored a try; elusive winger Ryan Dey added 1 try; Daniel Anderson 1 try; Phabian Joseph 2 tries; D’Arcy Durant 2 tries; Kempton David 1 try and a conversion, while Godfrey Broomes backed the team with 19 points, 14 of which came off his boots.

GDF points came from veteran Avery Corbin, Jonathan David, Peabo Hamilton and a conversion from Jamal Darrell.

To start the match, players, officials and spectators observed a minute of silence, for the passing of McArthur’s father, earlier in the day.

This Saturday, February 25, the GRFU will be hosting a 7s competition in the National Park from 10:00 hours.

On Sunday February 26, the 12s league continues with a match between Police Falcons and GDF.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday February 22, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Josh Da Silva (10- 9 catches; 1 stumping)

(2) Tafazwa Tsiga (5 catches)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Where and when did the WI & SA first contest a Test match?

(2) Who were the captains involved?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Lack of lower-order runs compound Australia’s batting woes

AUSTRALIA face an uphill battle trying to find lower-order runs in the third Test in Indore and it may shape their selection.

Australia are still picking up the pieces from their second-innings collapse on Sunday in Delhi where they lost eight for 28 in 74 balls to concede a 2-0 series lead to India. India's lower-order batting, meanwhile, has been one of the major differences between the two sides in the series so far.

But the visitors did have India 139 for seven on the second day before Axar Patel and R Ashwin added 114 for the eighth wicket to ensure India did not concede a first-innings deficit.

Similarly in the first Test in Nagpur India were 240 for seven, leading by just 63 before Ravindra Jadeja, Axar and Mo-

hammed Shami added 160 for the last three wickets to hand the home side an insurmountable lead of 223.

By contrast, Australia were 162 for six in the first innings in Nagpur to be all out for 177. They were 227 for six in the first innings in Delhi only to be bowled out for 263. Peter Handscomb was set at the other end on both occasions but was unable to garner any support from Australia's bowlers.

Australia batting coach Michael Di Venuto admitted it is difficult to help inexperienced spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann find a way to contribute with the bat in Indian conditions when even Steven Smith is having trouble handling Ashwin and Jadeja.

"That's a hard one especially when two guys are brand new

to Test cricket and coming in there," Di Venuto said. "Nathan [Lyon] has shown some good resolve. It's encouraging. Potentially changes. Potentially Starcy [Mitchell Starc] comes in who's done well with the bat here in the past. That adds a little bit more depth to the batting. Patty [Cum-

mins] showed in the first innings a good method of defence and attack, so it is there. The younger ones, that's a work in progress. That's a big learning curve for them with the bat and the ball."

There is a clear gap in talent with the bat between Australia's and India's bowlers. Axar Patel averages nearly 34 in first-class cricket and 31.80 in Test cricket, while Ashwin is batting at number nine in this current India team with five Test centuries to his name. Coach Andrew McDonald noted India's depth of batting.

"They bat right through to nine, and that's the reality," McDonald said on Monday. "On the flip side to that, we've got to make sure we bridge that difference with our lower order as well. That's been a clear distinct difference in the two Test matches so far, where you get a team five down and suddenly they creep out. They got 400 in that first game in Nagpur, it wasn't a 400 wicket."

By contrast, Australia have had Cummins batting at number eight with a Test average of just 15.93. Intriguingly, after 17 Tests of their respective careers, Cummins had a higher Test average (20.95) than Jadeja (20.62). Jadeja has become a world-class allrounder, fulfilling his Test batting potential having scored

12 first-class centuries overall, including three triples, while Cummins has regressed.

"Plans certainly weren't wrong. Our plans were good. Guys under pressure moved away from their plans of what worked and you pay the consequence in this country."

That gap in talent was part of the reason Ashton Agar was so heavily considered as Australia's second or third spinner, given he has three first-class hundreds, a Test 98, and averages 28.32 with the bat in first-class cricket. But it is understood he was struggling so much with the ball in training, having taken just 20 wickets in his last 12 first-class games at a cost of 63.45 and a strike rate of 131, that he and the selectors mutually decided he was not in the right place to play in Australia's four-man attack. The selectors are currently considering whether to fly him home to play some domestic cricket in Australia.

Starc's return from injury would bolster Australia's batting at number eight but it may come at the expense of the third spinner unless Cummins is unable to play given his personal situation.

"We need to find runs," McDonald admitted. "We knew that before we came away, that runs is always the biggest challenge in India. We felt like we'd be able to take 20 wickets but how we find runs is really important. So do we bat a little deeper? Mitchell Starc coming in, he's had some good success with the bat, albeit he's a lower-order player. He got 99 in Mohali and 62 in Pune on a spinning wicket as well, so does he come into calculations? Do we play two quicks? All those conversations are happening but the bottom line is we do need to find runs, and that's our big question."

Cameron Green will return in Indore which will balance

GCA T20 competition

the side even more. That could also open the door for Australia to do something radical and play eight batters if they had confidence in taking 20 wickets with playing just three specialist bowlers, Green and Travis Head as support. But that option would probably only be considered if an extreme spinning pitch is presented in Indore.

Ultimately Australia's top order needs to do the heavy lifting with the bat. Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, who is working as commentator on Star Sports this series, has offered his support and expertise to the Australian team but it remains to be seen whether any players will reach out.

Di Venuto believes Australia's batters aren't trusting the methods and plans that they have been working on.

"Plans certainly weren't wrong. Our plans were good," Di Venuto said. "But if people go away from their plans they get in trouble as we saw. I think if we look back at the position we were in at two for 85, executing our plans very well in that second innings and ahead of the game and the wheels fell off after that.

"Guys under pressure moved away from their plans of what worked and you pay the consequence in this country.

"Batting, it's a pretty simple analogy I think, you've got to swim between the flags in this country. If you go outside the flags and your game plan you are going to get in trouble.

"Each individual has got their own method which we think can work. But if you're coming over here and you're not a sweeper and you're trying to sweep, that's not going to work. I think we have some good examples of that and saw that." (Cricinfo)

Four teams record victories

By Sean Devers

ACTION in the Atlantic Marine Supplies INC/Suzuki Motor Cycles Second Division

T/20 Competition continued last weekend with Dwayne Adams and Jermain Grovsnor scoring half-centuries while off-spinner Richie Looknauth had a fine all-round performance for Everest.

At the QC ground, Third Class made 129-9 off of their allotted 20 overs with Daniel Sam top scoring with a cameo 25 from 11 balls with four sixes while Keon Bailey supported with 24 which included a six and a four but only Tony Smith (14) of the other batters reached double figures.

Premchand Sookdeo captured 3-14 while David Dick took 2-41 for GNIC who

reached 130-4 in 19.1 overs to win by six wickets.

Jermain Grovsnor clobbered five sixes in 55 and shared in a 97-run stand with Ranole Bourne who reached the boundary twice in his 35 after the pair had joined forces at 32-3 in the sixth over. Sam had 2-9 for Third Class.

In the afternoon game at QC, Everest amassed 181-8 in 20 overs with Dwayne Adams making 66 with three fours and seven sixes from 33 balls.

He got support from Anthony Sanchara, whose 43 included six fours and a six while Ushardeva Balgobin and Looknauth each made 21.

Dexter George had 3-23 and Kareem Whitney 2-39 for DCC who were restricted to 92-7 when their overs expired as the Camp Road side won by

89 runs.

Raymond Perez hit two sixes and two fours in 33 but only George (23) and Orlando Giddings (13) reached double for DCC as Looknauth returned with the ball to take 3-2 off four overs. Chris Harry had 2-27.

At Bourda, GCC beat GNIC by 6 wickets on the DLS system after reaching 101-4 in 16 overs replying to GNIC’s 95-5 in 18 overs in a rain-affected game.

Dick top scored with 29 with four boundaries while Jevon Collin (18) and Jeffery Blair (17) also contributed.

Left-arm spinner Devon Lord took 2-13 for GCC as Lord returned with the bat to hit a four and two sixes in 33.

Joshua Wade smashed three fours and a six in a cameo 22 while Rivaldo Phillips’ unbeaten 22 included a six.

Australia need more runs from Pat Cummins in the lower-order

IOC stands firm against banning Russia despite risk of boycott

BERLIN — (Reuters)- The Olympic movement is facing its biggest dilemma since the Cold War: bow to demands to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes or risk the first mass boycott of the Games in 40 years. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and several of the most powerful national Olympic committees hate the idea of a boycott of the biggest money-spinner in world sport.

Despite their fear of another boycott, after that in 1984 massively undermined the event, it appears the IOC are prepared to risk it in order to maintain their “non-negotiable” stance that the Games remain above and beyond politics and that athletes should not be banned due to their governments’ actions.

Ukraine and its Eastern European and Baltic neighbors are leading the call for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be banned from Paris as long as Moscow’s troops maintain their invasion of Ukraine, which Belarus helped facilitate.

The IOC wants Russians and Belarusians to compete as “neutrals” – with no national uniforms or flags.

On Monday, more than 30 countries including the Unit -

ed States, Britain and France pledged their support for banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions.

But Reuters’ conversations with several Olympic officials reveal widespread support for the IOC standing firm – despite it last year initially handing the decision over Russian participation to individual sports. The association of national Olympic committees also backs the IOC position.

“If the IOC banned athletes from countries at war over the years, it would have violated the Olympic Charter and would not have given the Games its universal character where sport is above politics,” said a president of a European nation’s national

Olympic Committee (NOC) that backs neutral participation of Russia and Belarus.

“Ukraine is not the only war or armed conflict in the world right now,” the person added, speaking on condition of anonymity. Some other Olympics officials also pointed to what they saw as hypocrisy in picking and choosing which warring nations to exclude

Ukrainian athletes accused IOC President Thomas Bach of being “on the wrong side of history” after he asked them to drop threats of a boycott.

“We have to accomplish our peace mission and that is a unifying mission of bringing people together,” responded Bach.

IOC’S CONUNDRUM

“If you ever wanted a definition of being stuck between a rock and a hard place, the IOC has found itself there,” long-time former IOC marketing chief and current sports media strategist Michael Payne told Reuters.

“For the IOC it has always been a red line dating back to the boycott era, that the moment governments decide on who competes, you are politicizing sport in a way that the genie is out of the bottle and you can never put it back.”

Adding to the IOC’s difficult

Tata Group bags title rights of WPL

position is the pressure to avoid a boycott from sponsors and broadcasters. They have utterly changed the landscape since the model for the 1984 Los Angeles Games, boycotted by what was then the Soviet Union and its supporters, where TV funding and sponsorship took off.

The IOC’s TV and sponsorship income for the 1980 Games was less than $100 million but from 2017-2021 it received $7.6 billion, over 90% of it from TV rights and sponsorship. Broadcaster NBC alone paid $12 billion for rights from 2014-2032.

Despite being Ukraine’s biggest ally in the war, Olympic heavyweights United States, which will host the 2028 Games, is against a boycott, an official with direct knowledge of talks at a recent Olympic Summit told Reuters.

“The USOPC (United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee) was adamant – there was absolutely no talk of a boycott from their side,” the official said.

What looks certain is that the IOC will not rush to take a final decision, with the July 26-Aug. 11 2024 extravaganza still some way down the road and with many qualifying processes not starting until later this year or next year.

MMG sponsors National Under-14 Rapid Chess Championships 2023

MOVING swiftly ahead with the youth tournament schedule, the Guyana Chess Federation is poised to host the National Under-14 Chess Championships.

This year’s edition of the one-day event is set for February 25, 2023 at Queen’s College from 09:00hrs and is being sponsored by MMG – Mobile Money Guyana.

Players will compete for seven rounds under a time control of 20 minutes per player, with 5 seconds added to the clock after each move in the Open or Girls tournaments.

Reigning under-14 and under-16 Open Chess Champion, thirteen-year-old Kyle Couchman returns to defend his title after a year of impressive feat across multiple tournaments and opponents of wide-ranging ages and skill level.

Up and coming star junior players, Alexander and Nicholas Zhang (siblings), as well as Mahir Rajkumar, Arysh Raghunauth, Jeremy Cole, Jacob McDonald, , Arush Ramnarine,

Micaiah Enoe, Vivek Persaud, Mayas Khan, the Mohabir brothers, Julian and Landon, and nine year old Aquilani Swaminadha, who is the current Under12 Open Chess Champion, will all challenge him for the title. A number of these players also performed well in the recently concluded Under 12 tournament.

The girls’ tournament is set to be fiercely contested as well with strong young players such as 2022 girls’ under-12 Champion Ciel Clement and Kataleya Sam, who won the Under12

Girls Chess Championship recently. Atalya John, Amelia Griffith, Chelsea Harrison and Skyler Gurchuran are among those competing on Saturday.

However, they will come up against 13-year-old Anaya Lall, who was the youngest player on the women’s team at 2022 Biennial Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India. The Olympiad is notably the highest level tournament Guyanese chess players compete in and includes a rigorous selection process where players show their prowess against the best players across

the country.

Lall is also the first and only player, male or female, to represent Guyana online at the FIDE World Championship for People with Disabilities in 2021.

This weekend’s under-14 tournament is open to all chess players under the age of 14 at the beginning of the year. Registration is done only on guyanachess.org and the deadline is at 17:00hrs on February 24th.

Registration is free for members of the Guyana Chess Federation. Children who are not registered with the Federation is required to pay a fee of $2000 via MMG.

The top three finishers for each tournament will be awarded prizes as well as the top three under-10 and under-8 players.

The GCF wishes to express its immense gratitude to MMG for sponsoring the event. MMG had previously supported chess in Guyana and the GCF looks forward to a continued partnership in the future.

AFTER Tata IPL, it will also be Tata WPL. The Tata Group, one of the premier corporates in the country, has bagged the title rights of the Women's Premier League (WPL). The deal is understood to have been clinched between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the group, on Tuesday.

Cricbuzz understands that Tata Sons, the holding company of the conglomerate, will have the title rights for the first five years and the products that will be leveraged during the league will be Tata Motors and Tata financial service. A joint statement from the group and the BCCI is expected in a day or two.

The Tata group already holds the title rights of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after Vivo, the Chinese handset manufacturer, pulled out of the agreement. The value of the WPL title sponsorship is yet to be confirmed.

The on-boarding of the title sponsor is a major step for the WPL and the BCCI, which called for tenders late last month. The BCCI already has a broadcaster - Viacom 18 - in place for the league, the maiden edition of which will run from March 4 to 26 and will be held entirely in Mumbai. The BCCI hit a jackpot of sorts by selling the franchises to five top business houses in the country. It earned Rs 4670 crore from the sale of the five teams. Adani Group, Reliance, RCB (Diageo), Delhi Capital and Capri Global have the teams in the league which will have 22 games for the first three years.

The top BCCI brass could not be immediately reached for a comment but Cricbuzz has confirmation from multiple other sources, including the current stakeholders of the WPL and the corporate house.

The tender document for the title rights was up for sale till February 9 as per a BCCI statement, which had read, "The detailed terms and conditions governing the tender process including eligibility requirements, process for submissions of bids, rights and obligations of the title sponsor, etc. are contained in the 'Request for Proposal' ("RFP") which will be made available on receipt of payment of a non-refundable fee of INR 1,00,000 (Indian Rupees One Lakh only) plus any applicable Goods and Services Tax. (Cricbuzz)

IOC President Thomas Bach

The inaugural WPL is set to be played next month. © BCCI

Anaya Lall Kyle Couchman

Women’s Basketball League

Kwakwani Untocuhables outclass

By Joe Chapman

KWAKWANI Untouchables girls’ team proved too strong for their opponents and were out of reach for the two Presidents’ College Royals teams and Mackenzie High School Sixers. This event was the specially organised inaugural Junior women’s Basketball League, which bounced off at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden, last Sunday.

The Untouchables, under the guidance of their coach Dave Causeway, ended unbeaten in the tournament with guard/forward Natalya Clarke being the most valuable player of the tournament. United States-based Guyanese Professional female basketball player, Joy Adams donated a replica of one of her playing jerseys’s for the MVP.

The first place winners’ trophy, won by the Untouchables, was donated by ‘James’ Bond out of New York, as Region 10 Member of Parliament Jermaine Figuriera contributed basketball boots to the best players on each of the contesting teams. Other contributions to

the success of the tournament came from the Regional Health Officer, Dr. Harris, Power’s Car Rental, Jermaine and Family General Store, Two Brothers’ Investments, among others.

In the first game of the tournament, Kwakwani’s Untouchables, led by Clarke, shut out PC’s Royals ‘A’ team 31-4 as Clarke netted 16 points.

In the second game, Mackenzie High School’s Sixers side won against President’s College B side 11-1 with Rehaica Roman getting a top score of six points.

In the third game, the PC Royals A side were winners 4-2, while the fourth match ended with the Untouchables again dispatching their op-

opponents

noted that, “It (basketball) could only get better if key personnel continue to invest in it. It is a league that we are pushing to have so it means one month from now we will be switching to 3 x 3 for females as there were several talented females that fit the criteria for 3 On 3 basketball which will be hosted right here at the retrieve hard court in Linden.”

ponents from PC B 28-4, as Clarke again was in fine form with 14 points.

Kwakwani ended the tournament with a 23-5 drubbing of MHS’s Sixers with Clarke sustaining her top level play with 12 points while the other game to complete the round robin format competition finished with PC’s Royals A getting the better of their B side 4-2.

The competition was put together by coaches from the Inter Guianas Games using girls from the under-18 age range to help the development of young players across the country.

Abdulla Hamid of the Hamid/ Joy Basketball Foundation was pleased with this first development league. He

Women’s T20 World Cup

Jackson leads tributes to 'inspiration' Greg Foster

…former world champion hurdler dies aged 64

According to Hamid there will be a tournament planned for every quarter of the year.

He continued saying that, “The coaches who created this plan were Willon Cameron, Ann Gordon and myself as we sat down to note that in order for us to progress the women’s sport, we need to form a Guyana Basketball League which will be incorporated with the Women’s Basketball Association which is headed by Michaela Burnett, a former senior National player.”

Hamid thanked the Regional Democratic Council through its Regional executive Officer Dwight John, who facilitated the arrangements for the transportation of the team from Kwakwani.

England break T20 World Cup record in win over Pakistan

ENGLAND smashed the highest ever women's T20 World Cup total in a record 114-run thrashing of Pakistan in Newlands to complete an unbeaten group phase.

Electing to bat in sunny conditions, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danni Wyatt hit blistering half-centuries to propel England to 213 for five, an almost flawless performance ahead of the semi-finals.

After Wyatt powered England to a fast start, Sciver-Brunt took over with an unbeaten 81 from 40 balls and she combined in a century stand with Amy Jones to destroy Pakistan's short-handed attack.

England were just as ruthless with the ball to secure top spot in Group 2 and they will face South Africa or New Zealand in the semi-finals.

In what was essentially a dead rubber, England were determined not to ease up and

they eyed a formidable total against a weakened Pakistan attack with just one seamer.

England have batted fearlessly under coach Jon Lewis, but this belligerent effort took them to new heights with a sustained assault through the innings.

Wyatt kicked it off by smashing left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal for six and a four in the first over. She unleashed a range of strokes, including several sweet blows over cover, to reach her half-century off just 29 balls. It was a return to

form for Wyatt, who had only scored 27 runs in England's three previous matches this tournament.

Sciver-Brunt, however, entered with confidence and played aggressively from the get go even though England wobbled at 33 for 2. She used her feet with authority against Pakistan's spinners and scored at will all around the wicket.

Sciver-Brunt and Jones took advantage of an increasingly ragged Pakistan attack and smashed 88 runs off the last six overs as England be-

came the first team to post 200 in a Women's T20 World Cup match.

With Pakistan captain Bismah Mahroof missing due to a groin injury, Nida Dar grabbed the reins for the first time as she eyed breaking the record for most wickets in women's T20Is.

She entered tied with West Indian Anisa Mohammed on 125 wickets and had been in good form with her accurate off-spin snaring four wickets in her previous matches against West Indies and Ireland.

But Dar struggled to find her length after coming into the attack in the sixth over and was immediately under fierce examination from Sciver-Brunt, who hit a boundary through cover first ball.

A rattled Dar leaked 25 runs off her first two overs before returning in the 13th over to claim opposite number Heather Knight, who holed

Tributes have been paid to former world champion hurdler and Olympic medallist Greg Foster who has died aged 64.

The American won gold in the 110m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in 1983, 1987 and 1991.

He also won the 110m hurdles silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Former British hurdler Colin Jackson, who competed against Foster, described him as "an inspiration" while American multiple Olympic champion Michael Johnson said he "left a great legacy".

Foster was suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease in which a protein build up causes organ damage.

He had a transplant in 2020 as a result of the disease but died on Sunday.

Double world champion Jackson, 56, wrote on social media: "Greg was an inspiration for me, I watched his hurdle skill work, spoke to him how I could improve and competed with him. His input eventually allowed me to take the world title and the championship record off him… he was very much part of my success."

Four-time Olympic champion Johnson also paid homage to Foster, who remains the only male athlete to win the 110m hurdles at three consecutive World Athletics Championships, "Incredible consistency and longevity as a hurdler," he wrote on social media: "He also valiantly fought this illness for several years. He will be missed but left a great legacy."

World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon, also a former hurdler and rival of Foster, said he was "a fierce competitor on the track but always a warm, generous and friendly man away from the intensity of competition".

(BBC Sport)

out. It was enough for her to re-write the record books but proved the only moment of joy. Dar finished with 1 for 47 from four overs.

England had been searching for a complete performance and were keen to complement their earlier effort with the bat.

They did exactly that with Katherine Sciver-Brunt dismissing recalled opener Sadaf Shamas on the second ball of the innings. She also claimed Omaima

Sohail to leave Pakistan 15 for three with the result a foregone conclusion.

The wickets kept tumbling with Pakistan spiralling to 54 for seven before Tuba Hassan and Fatima Sana mustered some belated fight with a 37-run partnership. But the disastrous run-out of Tuba symbolised Pakistan's abject performance as they suffered the biggest defeat in women's T20 World Cup history. (Cricinfo)

Greg Foster (centre) celebrates winning gold at the 1987 World Championships with Colin Jackson (right) and silver medallist Jon Ridgeon

The winners, the Kwakwani Untouchables

Nat Sciver-Brunt smashed an unbeaten 81 for England

Liverpool thrashed by Real Madrid at Ainfield

LIVERPOOL have been left with a mountainous task to keep their Champions League ambitions alive after they were torn apart by ruthless Real Madrid at Anfield.

Holders Real - who beat Liverpool in last season's final in Paris - became the first side to score five at Anfield in Europe despite going two goals down early on as Liverpool made a dream start to this last-16 tie.

Darwin Nunez's brilliant flick put Liverpool ahead after only four minutes before Mohamed Salah cashed in on Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois' poor clearance to double their advantage 10 minutes later.

Liverpool's supporters, who had vented their fury at being wrongly blamed for the chaos at last season's final by holding up a flag emblazoned with "UEFA LIARS" and

loudly jeering the Champions League anthem, were soon to have their thunderous celebrations silenced in emphatic fashion.

Vinicius Junior's brilliant 21st-minute strike pulled a goal back before Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson followed Courtois' lead by hacking a clearance straight at the Brazilian, holding his head in anguish as the ball looped behind him into the net in

front of a disbelieving Kop.

It changed the whole emphasis of the contest, Real going ahead two minutes after the break when Eder Militao headed in Luka Modric's free-kick.

Real then rammed home their superiority as Karim Benzema's shot deflected in off Joe Gomez, the French striker then coolly adding a fifth after more brilliant work by the ageless Modric.

India make the most of Australia's sweep stumble

Liverpool have pulled off spectacular comebacks before, but it would be truly extraordinary if they turned this one around at the Bernabeu.

Liverpool made the start of their dreams as they rattled Real with their high-tempo play, getting the two goals they thought would provide the platform for a night of glory.

Instead, Anfield was reduced to near silence by the end as Jurgen Klopp's side were reduced to chasing shadows in the face of Real's imperious style and lethal threat in front of goal.

Liverpool did not help their cause with mistakes and dreadful defending, offering up invitations to a side of vast experience and world-class quality that is dangerous enough without being delivered gifts. (BBC Sport)

Holder and da Silva prop up Windies batting with half-centuries

BENONI, South Africa, (CMC) – Jason Holder and Joshua da Silva gathered purposeful half-centuries as West Indies made a tame start to their Tour of South Africa on Tuesday.

Holder hit the top score of 58 and da Silva was not out on 55, and the Caribbean side reached 283 for nine in their first innings against the South Africa Invitational XI at the close on the first day of their three-day tour match at Willowmoore Park.

A handful of other batsmen had starts without carrying on, but West Indies needed the pair to put on 96 for the sixth wicket after they were sent in to bat and wobbled to 124 for five, though none of the home team’s bowlers posed a significant threat.

Left-hander Raymon

Reifer added 32, Roston Chase made a run-a-ball 30,

West Indies captain Kraigg

Brathwaite got 25, and Devon Thomas supported with 21, but the visitors’ batsmen were jolted back to reality after their threeweek safari in Zimbabwe.

Holder struck nine fours and one six from 64 balls before he gave a return catch to left-arm spinner Bryce Parsons in the first hour after tea after he and da Silva carried West Indies past the 200 mark.

Da Silva, whose 129-ball knock includes

half-dozen boundaries, and propped up the bottom half of the batting and shared a valuable 47 with Chase to take the Caribbean side past 250 before three wickets fell for two in 12 balls to undermine their work.

Off successive balls, Chase was lbw to pacer Irvin Modimokoane, who also got Reifer caught behind driving loosely at a delivery that was angled across him when the lefthander returned to bat after falling ill earlier in the day.

Pacer Corbin Bosch, son of late South Africa fast bowler, Tertius Bosch, added the scalp of Alzarri Joseph caught behind for a fourth-ball duck, edging a lifter, and da Silva and Trinidadian compatriot Shannon Gabriel batted through the remainder of the day to ensure the visitors were not bowled out.

Earlier, West Indies were set back when left-handed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul was caught at mid-off for one off Thando Ntini, son of former South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, in the first hour of the day.

Brathwaite grinded out practically the remainder of the morning session with Reifer before he was caught behind, playing defensively forward to the penultimate delivery before lunch from left-arm spinner Smangaliso Nhlebela.

After lunch, Reifer was

ON Sunday (February 19) morning, India entered the day with their spinners being put under rare pressure at home.

Australia's furious start had left them rattled, and the visitors started with a distinct advantage having already enjoyed their best day on tour so far. And there was an even lesser indication that they would crumble as dramatically as they did, losing four wickets for 0 runs at one point.

The trigger did not start with just R Ashwin getting the better of the dangerous-looking Travis Head in the first over. Rather, it was started by the offspinner, beginning to work around a different line of attack against the likes of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.

It was an intriguing period of play with Ashwin pulling out of his action multiple times, presumably to spot the batter's movements for the non-strikers weren't straying out. Soon enough Labuschagne played with his line from the stumps to play a deft paddle sweep for a boundary, and as Ashwin continued from the round-the-wicket angle he also brought out a reverse sweep for good measure.

Rohit Sharma, after the day's play, said that he felt that his spinners had panicked a little on the previous day. "Yesterday, we bowled about 12 overs and they were 62 [61] which is more than 5.5 [5.05] runs an over.

I could see that we were panicking a bit, trying to change fields way too many times. In the morning, we wanted to tell those three spinners, 'keep it calm and we don't need to change fields, we don't need to change fields as often as we did last evening'," he'd say. (Cricbuzz).

forging a solid third wicket stand with Thomas when he was forced to retire ill.

Thomas fell a few overs later when he drove loosely at an arm ball from Nhlebela and was bowled, and Jermaine Blackwood stayed long enough to carry West Indies past 100 with left-hander Kyle Mayers before he was bowled for nine, playing across a well-pitched delivery that moved back.

Mayers departed five overs later when Invitational XI captain Wihan Lubbe,

bowling his uncomplicated off-spin, trapped him lbw for 17 with a flat, fast, full delivery, bringing Holder to the crease.

Bosch ended the day with 2-20 from 12 overs, Modimokoane took 2-35 from 10 overs, and Nhlebela grabbed 2-70 from 19 overs.

The match is the only outing for West Indies before the first of two Tests against hosts South Africa, starting next Tuesday at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Steve Smith was among the handful of batters who fell attempting the sweep shot in Australia's second innings. ©AFP

Liverpool conceded four goals at Anfield in Europe for the first time in their history

Jason Holder top scored for the West Indies with 57