Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 23-11-2023

Guyana’s position will always be one of peace

PG 3

— respect for the Rule of Law, PM Phillips tells South American defence and foreign ministers — says Venezuela’s actions in ongoing border controversy are a threat to stability of the region

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Wednesday outlined Guyana's steadfast commitment to "the peaceful settlement of controversies," and the need to uphold the principles of international law, during his address to regional leaders at the inaugural South American Dialogue Meeting between Defence Ministers and Foreign Ministers in Brasilia, Brazil

Region Five awarded 185 contracts without public advertisements in 2019 under APNU+AFC’s watch

— PAC highlights; reveals in some cases fewer than four persons were invited to bid for contracts

PG 13

Local ‘organisation’ fails to produce any evidence of discrimination

Venezuela’s VP expresses nation’s disregard for ICJ’s authority

PG 5

PG 9

— after declaring it ‘worked’ with US ‘fact-finding’ group

Over $680M in grants distributed to small-business owners in three years PG 2

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Over $680M in grants distributed to small-business owners in three years

— gov’t guaranteed 61 loans valued $569M to further assist sector

Senior Communication Manager of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Cordell McClure, and one of the awardees (DPI photos)

By Cindy Parkinson AS government continues to work with its local and international partners to boost morale and ensure the growth of micro

and small enterprises and their adherence to standards, the Small Business Bureau (SBB) and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, on Tuesday, held their

annual awards ceremony.

The simple yet important event was held at Parc Rayne to celebrate 21 small entrepreneurs for their exceptional achievements across several industries.

Twenty-one small-business owners were recently recognised for exceptional achievements

The Senior Communications Manager of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Cordell McClure, explained in the remarks he delivered on behalf of Minister of Tourism Oneidge Walrond, that while the SBB is currently associated with grants, loan guarantees, and training facilitation, it is also crucial to understand the broader objectives of these initiatives.

While noting that the Government of Guyana continues to invest heavily in small businesses, McClure asserted that for the past three years, President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his administration have given over 2,500 grants to small business owners at a value of over G$680 million.

“We have also guaranteed 61 loans through our partner financial institutions valued at $569 million,” he said.

He further added that the government has also supported the participation of small businesses at the various expos that were held throughout the country.

“The Small Business Bureau and the government have supported small businesses at Agro-fest in Barbados, the Vincy Expo in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as shows in

Brazil and other different parts of the world. This support is designed to give our businesses the exposure that is required for expansion in international markets, and our commitment extends to comprehensive training programmes,” McClure explained.

He also explained that since 2020, over 7,000 clients have benefitted from training in their respective fields, which aims to build the capacity of small businesses and to contribute to a more robust sector.

McClure further stated that the government continues to give significant support to small businesses because they believe that small businesses are the ‘backbone’ of any economy.

“You play a critical role in driving economic development, creating jobs, and enriching communities.

Therefore, we want you to see yourselves as having a pivotal role in Guyana’s development,” he related.

Additionally, the senior communication officer said that grants are meant to serve as a launching pad or start-up initiative, and incentives and loan guarantees offer competitive interest rates and facilitate business expansion by providing access to much-needed capital.

He also stated that the government and the SBB support and investments are geared towards realising growth in the small business sector. It is expected that these businesses would utilise these resources to develop innovative approaches, explore larger markets, and consequently generate greater revenue and employment opportunities.

Finally, McClure said: “Businesses that fail to be creative and innovative will struggle to survive in today’s competitive global economy. I would like to encourage each of you to embrace innovation as a critical element of your business strategy. I also encourage you to tap into the services of the SBB, and on this note, I would also like to encourage small businesses across Guyana to ensure that they are registered with the bureau to benefit from the extensive services that they offer. The government has set aside 20 per cent of all contracts for goods, services, and works for small businesses. However, these small businesses must be registered with the bureau.

To ensure the smooth function of this process, a small-business registry has been established.”

Guyana’s position will always be one of peace

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

— respect for the rule of law, PM Phillips tells South American defence and foreign ministers — says Venezuela’s actions in ongoing border controversy are a threat to stability of the region

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, outlined Guyana's steadfast commitment to "the peaceful settlement of controversies," and the need to uphold the principles of international law, while emphasising the crucial role of regional co-operation in ensuring peace and security

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, has outlined Guyana's steadfast commitment to "the peaceful settlement of controversies," and the need to uphold the principles of international law, while emphasising the crucial role of regional co-operation in ensuring peace and security.

During his address to regional leaders, at the inaugural South American Dialogue Meeting between Defence and Foreign Ministers in Brasilia, Brazil, Prime Minister Phillips drew attention to the complex international landscape and underscored the necessity of inter-state collaboration to protect shared aspirations for regional safety and security.

"This defence forum offers a valuable platform for reinforcing our collective aspirations for a safe and secure region. We are inherently connected by geography, unified by culture, and interdependent in trade.

It is through this intricate network of relationships that we strive to uphold and enhance peace and stability across our region. Brazil's initiative to lead our region at this critical juncture is indeed commendable," the Prime Minister said.

He referenced the need to follow the UN Charter and international law as a "guarantee for peace", stressing the critical importance of peaceful conflict resolution.

“Let me reaffirm, at the outset, the Government of

Guyana’s commitment to the Charter of the UN, to the purposes and principles of the organisation, including the peaceful settlement of [controversies]," Prime Minister Phillips said.

He related that adherence to the tenets of the UN Charter and International Law is a “sine qua non” – a guarantee – for peace at the international and regional levels.

Prime Minister Phillips, who is a former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), said that as an incoming non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Guyana stands prepared to confront existing and emerging threats to international peace and security in a principled manner.

He stressed that “no effort should be spared” to avoid conflict and ensure South America remains a “zone of peace and co-operation”.

Guyana, he said, continues to condemn Russia's violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, and expressed alarm over the crisis in Gaza.

Further, he expressed Guyana’s solidarity with Haiti as he spoke about the deteriorating situation, which he described as “deeply concerning”.

Turning his attention to Venezuela’s controversy with Guyana, Prime Minister Phillips spoke extensively about the rising tensions tied to Venezuela's long-running issue with Guyana; this matter is currently before the

International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He underscored Guyana's peaceful approach and stated that Venezuela’s planned referendum on December 3 jeopardises stability in the region, and by challenging Guyana's territorial sovereignty, the referendum and related rhetoric pose "an existential threat" to Guyana.

"Besides posing an existential threat to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in violation of International Law, it represents a threat to the peace and stability of the region as a whole," the Prime Minister said.

He related that Guyana has turned to the ICJ seeking provisional measures to pre-

vent escalation, pending the court's binding judgement on the underlying boundary controversy.

Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken along with GDF’s, Colonel General Staff; Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts are also part of Guyana’s delegation in Brazil.

The first South American meeting on political-military dialogue was convened by the Government of Brazil, in keeping with the mandate of the Brasilia Consensus dated May 30, 2023, which was agreed upon by the Presidents of the South American Region, aiming at the resumption of regular dialogues on strategic regional issues.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

AG urges citizens to follow official communication channels — advises against irresponsible postings about Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

AT TO R N E Y- G E N ERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. has appealed to citizens to only listen to and read the official channels of communication regarding the ongoing Ve n e z u e l a - G u y a n a border controversy.

The Attorney-General made those remarks during his weekly show, Issues in the News, during which he noted that there are a lot of irresponsible, false and hysterical postings on social media that constitute fear-mongering.

“We caution against such publications, they do nobody any good; they certainly don’t have a positive impact on the psyche of Guyanese, and they can lead not only to

unnecessary apprehension, tension and stress, but can also lead to provocative acts, which can be inimical to our national interest at this point in time,” he said.

To this end, Nandlall related that the government continues to appeal to people to not do those things and not pay heed to those publications.

Against this backdrop, he said that the Government of Guyana will continue to intensify its public engagements on the question of the border controversy.

Thus far, several important institutions such as the University of Guyana, and others across the region, have been organising engagements to discuss this important issue.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C.

The University of Guyana is set to hold

its second symposium, while another university

from the Caribbean is scheduled to host one soon as well.

Later this week, the Attorney-General is set to participate in one such engagement at The Bishop’s High School, where he and Guyana’s agent in the ongoing border controversy case at the International Court of Justice, Carl Greenidge, will be panellists.

Guyana is currently awaiting a notification from the International Court of Justice regarding when it will deliver the ruling on Guyana’s application for provisional measures that would prevent any action by Venezuela to annex Guyana’s Essequibo.

Nandlall said that the President of the court

announced that the decision would be handed down shortly.

“We are entitled to the belief that a decision would be forthcoming before December 3, as that is the date on which the impugned referendum is scheduled to take place in Venezuela, and our application to the court relates directly to the occurrence of that event,” he said.

However, he reiterated that the government will continue over the next few days and beyond, to engage in public interactions of different types in an effort to bring greater awareness to this matter.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Local ‘organisation’ fails to produce any evidence of discrimination

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— after declaring it ‘worked’ with US ‘fact-finding’ group

DESPITE maintaining that there is evidence of discrimination by the government, Lelon Saul, Secretary of a local body called the Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD), on Wednesday, doubled down on his claims when pressed for proof.

The “institute,” on Wednesday, called a press conference to discuss a range of topics such as the recent group of American politicians who visited Guyana to execute a “fact-finding” mission following allegations by opposition members about discrimination practiced by the government.

When addressing a media operative on the topic of discrimination, Saul initially said: “I can go on and cite several cases that suggest and support our allegation of the government discriminatory practices in the allocation of development benefits. It is out there.”

But, when pressed by the Guyana Chronicle for evidence of discrimination, he deviated from his initial stance, and said: “Persons made submissions to the fact-finding mission; they present papers, empirical evidence.

The team left with that, they have to analyse it,” adding: “I don’t know what are the findings.”

Lelon Saul, Secretary of the IFAAD (left) and Ubraj Narine, Vice-Chair of IFAAD (right) (Adrian Narine Photo)

Also, when asked why his organisation deemed the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) as not credible, Saul vaguely replied that citizens do not have “confidence” in the commission.

The ERC is a constitutional body established

by Guyana’s Constitution (Amendment) (No.2) Act No.11 of 2000, which amended Article 212 D to provide for the establishment of the body.

T h e c o m m i s s i o n ’s functions include promoting harmony and good relations between persons of different ethnic groups; discouraging and prohibiting persons, institutions, political parties, and associations from indulging in, advocating for, or promoting discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity; investigating any issues

affecting ethnic relations, and promoting the elimination of all forms of ethnic discrimination.

Notably, during the organisation’s address, Ubraj Narine, IFAAD’s Vice-Chair/Communication Officer, said that they “worked” with the delegation.

Also, because the government refused to meet with the delegation, Narine labelled the administration’s policies as “discrimination,” and he then went on to say that it “slipped” him to bring a list of the names of the persons who said they faced discrimination.

During the delegation’s visit, residents from towns such as Linden and New Amsterdam, like the government, raised concerns over the objective of the team and its glaring bias.

Last week, Lindeners shut down the claims of favouritism and Linden being left on the backburner of development by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government.

“Town Hall meeting is about the people,” Lennox Gasper, the Municipality’s Town Clerk said in a recent report.

Another resident blatantly rejected the claims of discrimination and non-development.

With the proof being in the pudding, the man said that all of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s initiatives cater for all Guyanese, regardless of one’s political affiliation.

“The President makes sure he addresses the needs of each and every Guyanese,” the Lindener said.

Another resident said:

“Everyone who had a genuine concern was stopped from talking,” adding: “The fact-finding mission did not seem interested in actually engaging with residents, and that’s very sad for us today in Linden.”

Also, in New Amsterdam, former member of the People’s National Congress- Reform (PNC-R), Barbara Pil-

grim, rubbished the claims of discrimination and instead brought light to the external racism she endured after crossing over to the PPP/C. “There was no intention to fact-find because if you’re going to factfind then you have to go to the man in the street,” she said, while highlighting that only a handful of persons were invited to the meeting, and even a prominent community member like her was not aware until hours later after she was informed by someone.

Emphasising the point that Afro-Guyanese are not being left behind or excluded from opportunities, one resident explained the one-sided nature of the ‘fact-finding’ mission.

The resident stressed that the delegation was overlooking the neglect Region Six experienced under the PNC-R.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Guyana’s Resilience Shines

AS the prolonged dry season, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, continues to cast its arid shadow over Guyana, the nation is grappling with the multifaceted impacts on its agricultural sector and the subsequent surge in the prices of essential commodities.

The Government of Guyana, recognising the severity of the situation, has undertaken a series of commendable initiatives to alleviate the burden on farmers and citizens alike.

One of the most pressing concerns stemming from the prolonged dry spell is the adverse impact

on agricultural productivity. Traditional farming practices have been significantly challenged, with water scarcity becoming a critical issue for crop cultivation.

Guyana, known for its rich agricultural heritage, has witnessed a decline in yields, leading to a ripple effect on the prices of essential food items. As staple crops struggle to survive in the parched lands, the prices of agricultural produce have surged, affecting both farmers and consumers.

In response to this crisis, the Guyana government has taken proactive measures to support its

agricultural community.

A notable initiative has been the direct provision of fertilisers to farmers, aimed at revitalising soil fertility and enhancing crop resilience.

Recognising the importance of connecting farmers directly with consumers, the government has also embraced the concept of farmers' markets.

These markets provide a platform for farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers, cutting out middlemen and ensuring fairer prices for both parties. This approach not only supports local agriculture, but also fosters a

sense of community and shared responsibility in the face of adversity.

Water scarcity is a critical challenge during prolonged dry seasons, affecting both agriculture and daily life. To mitigate this, the Guyana government has also embarked on a programme to distribute water tanks to residents.

This initiative not only ensures that citizens have access to a vital resource, but also enhances their ability to engage in smallscale agriculture, such as backyard gardening, promoting self-sufficiency.

In tandem with these efforts, the government

has implemented measures to directly address the rising cost of living.

By closely monitoring and regulating the prices of essential commodities, authorities aim to shield citizens from the full brunt of the economic impact caused by the El Niño-induced dry season.

These interventions are designed to strike a delicate balance, ensuring affordability for consumers while safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers.

In the face of the El Niño-induced dry spell, Guyana's resilience shines through in the form of a government committed to the welfare of its people.

By directly supporting farmers, fostering local markets, distributing water resources, and implementing measures to curb the rising cost of living, Guyana is not merely weathering the storm but emerging as a beacon of proactive governance in the midst of environmental challenges.

As the nation continues to navigate these turbulent times, the importance of sustainable practices and community solidarity becomes increasingly evident, paving the way for a more resilient and self-sufficient future.

The southern ‘delegates’ preach peace or confer conflict?

Dear Editor,

GEORGIA, USA, is well known for many popular reasons. Ailing at the current age of 99, the approaching centenarian, Jimmy Carter, former US President, was born in Plains, Georgia. He assisted in laying the foundation for Guyana to regain democracy with the election and administration of the PPP/C party in 1992, from the dictatorship of the devious PNC’s 28 continuous years’ reign of totalitarianism.

History has proven that the PNC rigged elections in order to retain power. The year 1992 was the turning point with a free and free election through the assidu-

ous and courageous efforts of the Carter Centre’s input.

Jimmy Carter endured much aggravation at the unscrupulous hands of the bullish PNC. But he relentlessly fought the tyrants with the help of the US to overcome the militarised PNC who finally succumbed to the results of the election, showing the PPP/C as the winner. Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

His Prize motivation: “For his decades of untiring efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”

This was at the time when the President of the United

States of America, George.

W. Bush, was planning war on Iraq in the fall of 2002.

Today, we have a masked Georgian, who wants to participate in the wages of sin by interrupting the peace Guyanese are enjoying.

Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His “I Have a Dream” slogan still resonates with the world as advocates clamour for reparations for some only at the expense of others. Named Man of the Year by Times Magazine in 1963, he was the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

His motivation: “For his non-violent struggle for civil rights for the Afro-American population.” Influenced by the teachings of Gandhi’s

“Truth and Non-Violence,” MLK preached and practised non-violent civil disobedience to racial segregation.

In Guyana, while many hide behind closed doors but profess MLK’s teachings, they silently confess to what they do not possess.

The current visiting Georgian should take a page from this teacher and adopt the responsibility of not distorting facts. MLK warned: “We have allowed the means by which we live to outdistance the ends for which we live.”

This advice is so relevant for the PNC to penetrate those who prefer to propagate propaganda, rather than, to live within a means with patience and work diligently in order to progress towards prosperity.

A delegation of “find-outers” (no, not the English characters from the famous Enid Blyton’s series, “The Five Find-Outers”), arrived in the country from the south of USA, including the State of Georgia.

In Blyton’s series, the find-outers probed, pronged and proved to be positive producers in their village, while being peaceful and progressive in providing help to the police. Can the same be said of our visiting friends from out south? A foregone conclusion was scripted as the players enacted a well-directed scene, plagued by authored planning. They avoided Baracara as if the place is full of cobras.

Every day there is an accident of some sort in Guy-

ana. Coincidentally, with the visit from the “fact finders,” customs found a cache of firearms and ammunition in a barrel at the GNIC Wharf last Friday.

The Guyana Police Force is investigating this matter and a 56-year-old man from Atlanta, Georgia is wanted in connection with this issue.

Strange but true, the State of Georgia holds different prominence.

Only last month, a large amount of ammunition was found in an abandoned building at Mocha, East Bank Demerara. Also, earlier October, another large number of arms and ammunition were found on examination of a barrel at the Laparkan shipping bond Continued on page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Remembering John F. OP-ED Kennedy and the need for world peace

On Saturday November 22, 1963, most of us who were living at that time still remember that date. More specifically, we recall where we were when we received the shocking news of the assassination of the President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. The news left the world in shock and total disbelief.

Kennedy was a new type of leader that emerged in the U.S., and indeed the world after World War II. He brought to the international arena a fresh approach to life’s problems and even though his time in office

was relatively brief, his impact still reverberates 60 years after his brutal killing on the streets of Dallas, Texas.

During his period in the White House, he was confronted with many knotty issues, some of which he inherited and others that surfaced during his stay.

For instance, when he assumed power, the plans to invade Cuba to overthrow the revolution was well advanced. He found it almost impossible to stop the CIA misadventure. That operation was a disaster and a blow to his administration.

However, that event

The southern ‘delegates’ preach peace or...

From page 6 at Timehri.

This barrel was shipped by a man residing in the Bronx, New York from a shipping company located in Brooklyn. A manager employed by the said shipping company attempted to clear the barrel. Why would a man living in the Bronx where shipping companies are located, travel all the way to Brooklyn, bypassing Queens where numerous shipping companies are also located, to ship a barrel?

This is a very suspicious story with unrevealing ramifications to date. It will be noted, Brooklyn houses a man wanted by the Guyana Police Force. He is well known for being anti government and spreading racism.

Will the “fact finders” try to find out the facts on this individual as to why he is wanted by the police? Will they assist the police in delivering justice?

Will those Americans seek information from their fellow Americans from the US Embassy for clarification or confirmation? Will they question in their fact finding

why CARICOM, the OAS, the Commonwealth and the UN have never accused the current Guyana government of discrimination?

Will they question why the President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali is so much loved and admired by all the heads of governments throughout the world?

If there is inequality, prejudice and apartheid existing in Guyana and engineered by the government, will those belonging to that elected, selected, self-appointed or pin-pointed group with a thinly veiled motive, find out why so many investors are anxiously coming to this country, wanting the friendship of this government and eager to set up business, including African states?

Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King Jr. are southerners and they lived and breathed peace during their active days. Do the visiting “delegates” from the south preach peace or confer conflict?

Yours respectively, Jai Lall.

led to a serious international crisis that took the world to the brink of a nuclear catastrophe.

The Cuban and Soviet Governments decided that the only way to protect the Cuban Revolution and deter another invasion of Cuba was to put nuclear armed missiles in Cuba.

The Soviet Union had another reason for doing so. They saw it as countering the threat that U.S. nuclear missiles, which were installed in Turkey, posed to the Soviet State.

President Kennedy saw that as an existential threat and demanded their removal. Those days

were dangerous times.

Eventually, agreements were reached in which the Soviet Union withdrew the weapons on the commitment that the U.S. would not attack Cuba and that it would remove its missiles from Turkey.

That event had a profound impact on President Kennedy. He must have shuddered to contemplate how close we were to destroying our world.

Another factor that shaped his view and influenced his conduct was the fact that he was an active participant in the second World War. That gave him a deep appreci-

ation of the miseries wars cause. Those two events made him into a champion of world peace.

In the course of his quest for world peace, he brought his considerable intellect to bear on the issue.

He was not just an ordinary politician. He was a deep thinker rooted in a humane philosophy. He believed that the problems in the world was caused by man and as such, man must be courageous to work for their solution.

These came out clearly in his speeches after October 1962. Two speeches in particular,

Donald Ramotar, Former President of Guyana

which must be considered as two of the most important addresses by any world leader down the corridors of time, were his address to the American University on June 10, 1963, and his last speech to the United Nations General Assembly on September 20, 1963.

I urge all people interested in working for world peace to read and re-read those two interventions, they should become your constant companion.

In those speeches, President Kennedy thoughts on world peace and other global problems such as environContinued on page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Remembering John F. Kennedy...

From page 7

mental issues were very clear and deeply refreshing. In his address to the American University this is how he introduced the topic, he said, “I have… chosen this time and this place to discuss a topic on which ignorance too often abounds and the truth is too rarely perceived-yet it is the most important topic on earth; world peace.”

He went on to elaborate, “What kind of peace do I mean? What kind of peace do we seek?” Then he answered: “Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war. Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave. I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and

to build a better life for their children – not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women – not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.”

How clear and how brilliant he was.

He advocated seeking an understanding of each other and implied that arrogance of one state towards another or others must be done away with. After criticizing some attitudes of the Soviet Union, he added: “I also believe that we must re-examine our attitude - as individuals and as a Nation – for our attitude is as essential as theirs….”

Here he was being self-critical, which is a great strength, and which is so lacking in our world today. It’s hard to imagine hearing this from a U.S. president today;

since then, we have not seen such modesty in a U.S. president or the total lack of arrogance which JFK displayed.

Throughout his speech, he advocated the need to talk to each other.

He was high in praise of the establishment of a direct telephone line established between Washington and Moscow. He saw these as helping to foster trust and avoiding misunderstanding.

That speech had a great impact in the Soviet Union and was welcomed in Moscow, which was constantly advocating the same principles, perhaps not as elegant as President Kennedy but an unmistakably genuine desire for lasting world peace.

The US president recognised that when he told his audience: “…no nation in the history of

battle ever suffered more than the Soviet Union suffered in the course of the Second World War. At least 20 million lost their lives. Countless millions of homes and farms were burned or sacked.

A third of the nation’s territory, including nearly two thirds of its industrial base, was turned into a wasteland – a loss equivalent to the devastation of this country east of Chicago.”

It was that speech and the positive and welcomed response from Moscow that led to the first major agreement on limiting nuclear weapons with the view of their eventual abolishment.

Kennedy and the Soviet leader Khrushchev found in each other partners for establishing a lasting peace in the world.

This allowed President Kennedy to report great progress in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on September 20, 1963.

Here is how he expressed his views on the progress made: “…we meet today in an atmosphere of rising hope and at a moment of comparative calm…” He went on to add that we

must not relax our efforts for peace.

He said: “Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures. And however, undramatic the pursuit of peace, that pursuit must go on.”

Those words mean more today than when he uttered them 60 years ago. It was as if Kennedy had a premonition of his own assassination and wanted to urge us to work unceasingly for peace.

Today, the world has not lived up to hopes that President Kennedy had.

Indeed, we have slipped back into the kind of dangers that existed in 1962.

The war imposed on Russia by the insistence of NATO to expand to Russia’s borders has created a very dangerous situation.

So too are the barbaric and genocidal killings that are taking place against the unarmed civilian population of Gaza.

This has brought us to the threshold of the destruction of international laws and institutions.

All of these can easily spin out of control and

threaten the whole world.

The attitude of the U.S. leaders to world peace is at a 180 degree shift away from that of John Kennedy.

Tragically, the leaders of the two countries that possess the most nuclear weapons, the United States and Russia, are not speaking to each other.

Instead of talks, insults are thrown around and leaders are described as “killers” and “dictators”.

We, the masses, must force a change in this attitude, we need world leaders at this time in the West with the wisdom and vision of John F. Kennedy.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy died much too soon.

However, he has left us a considerable amount of his thoughts on many of the most important global issues that face us today.

We will do well to learn the lesson he sought to impart to his people and the peoples of the world.

On this 60th anniversary of his tragic assassination we salute the memory of the great man.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Venezuela’s VP expresses nation’s disregard for ICJ’s authority VENEZUELA’S Vice-President, Delcy Rodriguez, expressed her nation’s complete disregard for the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ)’s authority in addressing the ongoing border controversy with Guyana.

Recent developments have heightened the geopolitical situation, as Venezuela, through its National Electoral Council, unveiled plans for a “Consultative Referendum” on December 3, 2023.

Rodriguez expressed her country’s position during the ICJ’s hearing of Guyana’s request for provisional measures to restrict any action that would result in the annexation of the country’s Essequibo as a result of the upcoming referendum.

In her presentation to the World Court on November 15, the Venezuelan Vice-President, in defiance, began her presentation by emphasising that Venezuela's participation in the hearing should not be misconstrued

Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez

as recognition of the ICJ's jurisdiction over the territorial controversy concerning “Guayana Esequiba.”

“I wish to begin by emphasising that our participation in this hearing in no way implies recognition of the jurisdiction of this honour-

able court over the territorial dispute concerning Guayana Esequiba…,” she said.

Rodriguez went on to tell the World Court: "Nothing will prevent the referendum scheduled for the December 3 from being held."

Venezuela’s position is

‘Lookout man,’ ‘getaway’ driver get over 10 years each for 2018 murder

HIGH Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall on Wednesday sentenced two men to serve over 10 years in prison for the 2018 murder of phone card vendor, Ron Mansfield, who was fatally shot during a robbery.

The men Alexander La Cruz, 31, a father of two, formerly of West MetenMeer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and Mark Welch, 31, formerly of West La Penitence, Georgetown, were sentenced to 13 and 14 years, respectively, at the Demerara High Court.

The pair had previously admitted to killing Mansfield, a 37-year-old father of two, on June 19, 2018, during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

Mansfield, a 37-yearold father of two was fatally shot on the day in question, upon returning home from selling phone cards.

DEAD: Ron Mansfield

Welch had confessed that he was the “lookout man”, while La Cruz admitted to being the getaway driver.

During the sentencing, Justice Morris-Ramlall emphasised the senselessness of such crimes and acknowledged the prevalent issue in society. “ Wa y t o o o f t e n

hard-working citizens are robbed of their possessions and killed in the process”, the judge said while delivering her sentencing remarks.

Despite neither being the actual shooter, the judge considered their involvement and expressed optimism about their chances of rehabilitation due to their youth.

The sentences which started at 24 years, were reduced to 13 and 14 years for La Cruz and Welch, respectively, considering their early guilty plea and mitigating factors.

The men were also credited for time spent in pre-trial detention.

Attorney-at-Law Tuanna Hardy represented the defendants, while Attorneys-at-Law Rbina Christmas, Caressa Henry, Delon Fraser, and Madana Rampersaud prosecuted the case.

contrary to the stance of CARICOM, the Commonwealth, the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and other reputable institutions and countries, which have ex-

pressed their firm views that the judicial process should be respected as a solution to the controversy.

The genesis of the controversy goes back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the land boundary between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.

However, despite the historic arbitration, tensions have persisted, with Venezuela repeatedly challenging the validity of the award.

In 2018, Guyana took a decisive step by approaching the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking affirmation of the legitimacy of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Venezuela, taking a defiant stance, initially claimed the ICJ lacked jurisdiction, a contention flatly rejected by the international court in a crucial ruling in December 2020. The door was thus opened for the ICJ to delve into the merit of the substantive case.

Even as this substantive case remains before the court, Guyana contends that the recent announcement of a referendum by Venezuela is a thinly veiled attempt by the Bolivarian Republic to gather support for abandoning the ongoing ICJ proceedings, and unilaterally assert control over the Essequibo region.

In response, Guyana swiftly approached the ICJ seeking urgent provisional measures to prevent any action by Venezuela that could jeopardise the status quo until the court reaches a final verdict on the matter.

The ICJ is expected to rule on Guyana’s request for provisional measures to prevent Venezuela from proceeding with its planned referendum on the Essequibo. Meanwhile, the substantive case, highlighting the historical context and the 1899 Arbitral Award, remains before the court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Local obstetrics, gynaecology professionals enhance laparoscopy skills

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has announced the success of its recent “Fundamentals in Laparoscopy Workshop,” held on November 19 and 20, 2023

THE Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has announced the success of its recent “Fundamentals in Laparoscopy Workshop” held on November 19 and 20, 2023.

This workshop, according to a press release from the GPHC, generously sponsored

by MEDTRONIC and KD Enterprise, aimed to elevate

the skills of obstetrics and gynaecology (OB/GYN) specialists and trainees, building on the momentum of the impactful CASES Conference in October 2023.

With dual objectives, the workshop first focused on refining the proficiency of OB/ GYN specialists, trainees, and medical support staff in common gynaecological laparoscopic techniques.

The comprehensive train-

ing included didactic lectures covering essential laparoscopy principles and addressing pre-operative, intra-operative, and postoperative complications.

Complementing theoretical knowledge, simulation models and trainers were employed to hone laparoscopic skills, further enhanced by hands-on experiences in the operating theatre.

Additionally, the work-

shop aimed to empower participants to become mentors for junior OB/GYN trainees.

“The training unfolded at the GPHC OB/GYN/Peds Training Room, featuring esteemed trainers, including Dr. Vishwal Bahall, Gynae-Oncologist from San Fernando General Hospital, Trinidad and Tobago; Dr. Yuan Wang, OB/GYN Consultant from the 19th Chinese Medical Brigade – GPHC; Dr. Natasha France, OB/ GYN Consultant at GPHC; Dr. Shivani Samlall, Senior Registrar, OBGYN, GPHC; and Nichelle Sookdeo from Medtronic,” the GPHC said.

A diverse cohort of 16

participants, representing GPHC, New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, Linden Hospital, and West Demerara Regional Hospital, enriched the workshop. The healthcare providers included OB/GYN specialists, residents, Midwives, Registered Nurses, and Scrub Technicians.

Beyond theoretical realms, day two of the workshop was dedicated to practical applications in the operating theatre.

The successful execution of two Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) procedures in the Gynaecology Operating Theatre heightened the hands-on experience for

all participants.

“The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the GPHC remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing medical education and professional development. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, the department ensures the highest standards of care for women's health in Guyana. This workshop stands as a testament to their dedication and contribution to the growth of OBGYN expertise in the medical community,” GPHC said.

Dialectics of classes in Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

THIS is the second installment in my series of social classes in Guyana as a response to the Stabroek News’ editorial on the petit bourgeoisie. The first was published yesterday. I will repeat some contents of a conference paper I did 12 years ago for the Guyana Institute for Historical Research as I go along.

In the audience was Mr. David Granger who felt that the paper was a good contribution to the elucidation of social classes in Guyana. Mr. Granger did not tell me that himself. After the conference, I went up to Beterverwagting to have a lime with Arnon Adams, the business page editor of Stabroek News and the then sports journalists of Kaieteur News, Rawle Welch and Edison Jefford.

It was Arnon who told me of Mr. Granger’s appreciation of my analysis. It was quite unfortunate that after he became president, Mr. Granger never sought to have a meeting with me to arrange for publication of my paper.

I would give anything to meet with Mr. Granger so we can talk about which section of the paper he found interesting. The paper was entitled “Class birth and class decay and in Guyana.” Guyana’s class structure before Independence consisted of a proletariat, generally founded in Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Linden.

There was a large peasantry which evolved out of the plantation system. Part of that peasantry was a Kulak class found among the wealthy, Indian, landowning stratum. The petit bourgeoisie was the descendants of the Portuguese immigrants and finally, there was a powerful middle class which emerged after Emancipation.

The play, “The Last of the Red Men,” performed last week captures the social status of that class. This class consisted of people of colour who presided over state administration, education, the professions, and the socialite sector.

In my ongoing analysis of social classes in Guyana, I refer to this class as the Mulatto/Creole class (MCC).

Please see my 14-part series on the MCC in this newspaper from May to October this year.

The final social class at

that time is what Karl Marx named, lumpen proletariat.

This was the unemployed section that includes people in crimes and social vices.

This class underwent humongous changes after the return to the capitalist system in Guyana under the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) of President Desmond Hoyte.

The missing class in Guyana was the bourgeoisie.

Guyana as a Third World plantation economy did not have a bourgeoisie until way into the 21st century. The bourgeoisie must be engaged in industrial, manufacturing, and financial capitalism to constitute a genuine bourgeois stratum.

As we go on, we will describe how the dialectics after the ERP in 1987 created a bourgeoisie and expanded the petit bourgeois and the lumpen proletariat and downsized the proletariat. Class changes move rapidly in Guyana with an oil economy providing social elevation for the proletariat contrary to the opinion of the Stabroek News.

There have been four periods that saw profound changes in Guyana’s class structure. 1- Burnhamite state hegemony. 2- Hoytean capitalist restoration. 3- Jaganite elevation of the peasantry. 4- petro-dollar economy. From the late 19 century, classes and colour interacted intricately with each other shaped by the colonial administration in Guyana.

The MCC and the petit bourgeoisie maintained an adverse stance toward both the Indian peasantry and the Indian Kulak class because of ethnicity. And though the African proletariat was despised for their dark-skin they were nevertheless favoured over the descendants of the former indentured servants.

British Guiana in the 19th and 20th century was an absorbing case in which ethnicity met class in a dangerous

confluence that turned tragic in 1964 with the Wismar massacre and the Son Chapman incident. And though

class crystallisation has been going on steadily since independence, the role of ethnicity still shows it large face.

The dialectic, as Hegel demonstrated, is unstoppable and one suspects that we may be entering a phase in Guyana’s class evolution in which ethnicity’s role in preserving political instability may be ebbing.

I think dialectical in class changes in Guyana may become fascinating stuff for a textbook on class and politics, where an expanding economy based on the surfeit of petro-dollars may erode the influence of ethnicity.

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Traditional political theory postulates that social classes endure ongoing antagonism because of scare resources.

In Scandinavia, scarce resources became plentiful and that had profound changes the proletariat that proved Marx wrong.

Guyana is currently going through what Sartre wrote. Sartre brilliantly remarked that man makes the dialectics just as the dialectics make him. In my next piece, I will begin my analysis of class decay and class birth from the Burnham era and take it to the arrival of the oil industry.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

The role of seeds in transforming agri-food systems under the spotlight

THE role of seeds in addressing global challenges, such as loss of biodiversity and climate change, and the need for greater variety in the world’s “food basket” of key crops has come into sharp focus amid multiple crises and were the core of discussions when as governing body of the treaty safeguarding plant genetic resources meet over the next few days.

“The diversity of plant genetics makes meaning-

ful agricultural research and innovation possible to foster resilience, enhance food security and support the livelihoods of rural communities, including women and youth,” QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), said in opening remarks at the Tenth Session of the Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

RECOGNISING VITAL CONTRIBUTIONS This year’s theme – ‘From seeds to Innovative Solutions: Safeguarding our Future’ recognises the farmers, plant breeders, agricultural researchers, and seedbank curators who work to conserve and improve plant genetic resources around the world, Qu said.

Plant genetic resources are crucial to our diets and the treaty’s role is to ensure these are safeguarded

A major focus will be how seeds can help address global challenges such as loss of biodiversity and climate change

and accessible as part of innovative, sustainable and resilient agri-food systems solutions.

The meeting, lasting from 20-24 November and attended by more than 600 delegates from across the world, will discuss how the international treaty - a binding agreement, with its secretariat based at FAO - can keep up with the changes brought by factors such as the impacts of the climate crisis, which is playing havoc with farmers’ traditional crops across the globe and threatening the planet’s ability to sustainably feed a growing population.

A special event on the first day will bring together key stakeholders for agricultural biodiversity management to discuss linkages and synergies between the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the International Treaty. Speakers will discuss innovative ideas for enhancing conservation of plant diversity, promoting sustainable agriculture and joint efforts to achieve a more food-secure and resilient future.

UPDATED FOOD BASKET? The treaty, adopted in 2001, lists 64 of the key crops that make up our global “food bas-

ket”. Informed by a report called The Plants that Feed the World, which is to be presented at a side event, among the issues the meeting will consider is whether this list needs updating to take in a greater number of crops.

Among the trends highlighted in the report are: an increased role for plant-based proteins; countries becoming more interdependent on each other for crop varieties and tastes and fashions changing the demand for crops.

“We need to ensure a more abundant variety in the world’s food basket if we are to sustainably meet food and nutrition needs while conserving biodiversity,” the FAO Director-General said.

That will involve empowering smallholder farmers with tools, knowledge and resources and fostering partnerships among public and private actors, academia, and civil society, Qu said.

C ON SERVATI ON AND SHARING The session will cover an array of topics including those relating to the global conservation and sustainable use of agricultural plants and seeds, sharing of benefits arising from their use, the enhancement of

its worldwide gene pool, a decentralised Global Information System and farmers’ rights.

A major focus will be how seeds can help address global challenges such as loss of biodiversity and climate change, with their traits enabling crops to withstand or adapt to adverse conditions, including drought.

Greater diversity of seeds means greater resilience for agri-food systems, as locally-adapted seed varieties can offer improved nutritional profiles, rich in vitamins and minerals. Participants will deliberate on strategies for conserving these seeds in gene banks and in agricultural fields, and making them available for use by researchers, plant breeders and farmers.

A special exhibition called “The Journey of Seeds” will also be hosted at FAO headquarters, inviting visitors to embark on a journey with the seeds from farmers’ fields to gene banks to farms, and from there to markets and into our kitchens in different places around the world.

The session also sees two new members joining the Treaty - Nigeria and Somalia - bringing the number of contracting parties to 151. (FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Region Five awarded 185 contracts without public advertisements in 2019 under APNU+AFC’s watch — PAC highlights; reveals in some cases fewer than four persons were invited to bid for contracts

Region Five administration representatives

AS the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) unearthed numerous breached procedures, the 185 contracts totalling $748.003 million in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), which were not publicly advertised in 2019 under the APNU+AFC administration, came into focus.

On Monday, the PAC scrutinised the issue and blazed the former Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Five, Ovid Morrison, for these operations during the 2019 period.

According to the 2019 Auditor General’s (AG) Report, audit examination of contracts for both current and capital expenditures revealed that 185 contracts totalling $748.003 million were not publicly advertised and as such, were awarded by means of restrictive tendering.

It was further highlighted that the Procurement Act 2003 Chapter 25 (2) states that the procuring entity may use a method of procurement

other than public tendering proceedings in which case the procuring entity shall include in the records, a statement of the grounds and circumstances on which it relied to justify the use of that particular method of procurement.

H o w e v e r, n o s u c h statement was presented for audit scrutiny.

Also, audit checks reveal that the Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board (RPTAB) did not invite all its prequalified contractors to submit tenders for which they were qualified.

Further, the AG report disclosed that analysis of the RPTAB minutes revealed that the Tender Board had invited a maximum of four contractors and, in some instances, fewer than four, to submit tenders for 109 contracts valued at $417.023 million of the 185 contracts.

Responding to this shocking revelation, PAC member, Bishop Juan Edghill, said: “This is a pattern in 2019 in Region Five how contracts were awarded. No advertising, less [sic] than four people

and it is the same recurring four or three [persons].”

When Edghill pressed the former REO for a justification behind this, Morrison said he could not recall.

“This is [the] whole system in every programme in 2019 in Region Five,” Edghill said, as he highlighted other irregularities within the region at that time.

Opposition Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul who chaired the proceedings, shared his non-support for how these contracts were awarded and the former REO’s reply to the matter, which was that he could not recall.

“I must say that this level of practice is something that we at the PAC would not support,” Mahipaul remarked, while adding: “We cannot continue to operate in this manner, we should not operate in this manner and we must ensure that taxpayers’ [monies] are accounted for in the most prudent financial way, and in keeping with the laws that govern this great land of ours.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Agricultural workers improve competencies in disaster risk management

Dr Roberto Sandoval interacting with participants during the exercise on seasonality mapping of hazards

SOME 31 officers from various agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture recently participated in a two-day workshop on early warning systems and anticipatory actions for disaster risk management in agriculture.

This was according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in a press release, on Wednesday.

According to the FAO, the workshop was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.

Wi t h t h e c h a n g i n g weather patterns and risk of disasters, early warning systems and actions to protect the agriculture sector remain a priority for Guyana, the FAO said.

The workshop, therefore, supplemented efforts in this area. It was facilitated by Dr Roberto San-

doval, Disaster Risk Management Specialist from FAO and was attended by officers from Hydrometeorological Service, Guyana Livestock Development Agency, Guyana Rice Development Board, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Guyana Sugar Corporation and Hope coconut industries.

“By developing anticipatory actions based on early warnings, farmers

Participants conducting a presentation during the two-day workshop

and fishers can take precautionary and preventative measures once a warning is issued by the relevant agencies to prepare for any impending disaster,” FAO said.

Further, it was outlined that an agency developing and implementing protocols for early actions, ensures that there are resources and tools ready to prepare for disasters before they happen.

At the end of the second day of the workshop, the participants were able to review early warning systems for Guyana’s main agricultural sectors, develop a crisis timeline and identify anticipatory actions that can be taken to reduce the impact of floods and drought on the livelihoods of farmers and fishers in Guyana.

The FAO said: “Early warning systems are the

cornerstone of any anticipatory action system.

They enable countries and institutions to monitor and clearly communicate early signs of a growing hazard and predict when shocks will happen and where.”

To this end it was stated that anticipatory action is increasingly being recognised as an important approach in disaster risk management.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Maikwak gets $13M backhoe loader for road improvements

GUYANA’s carbon credit programme is making a tremendous difference in hinterland communities, and this is evidenced by the recent procurement of a $13 million backhoe loader in Maikwak, North Pakaraimas District, Region Eight.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai officially commissioned the heavy-duty machine on Tuesday, which will aid in the village’s road improvement efforts.

The minister reminded residents of the government’s commitment to advancing development in the hinterland communities through innovative programmes like these.

Over the past three years, millions in Presidential Grant (PG) funding were injected and several capital projects by the ministry were imple-

mented in Maikwak.

Keys to two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) purchased through the ministry’s Presidential Grant (PG) Programme were also handed over to the village council as well as a radio set for communication purposes.

“Our government is working in the best interest of our country and that includes you…I am appealing to village councillors and those responsible for the use of these assets which belong to the people of the community because the government is not giving it to personalities, we’re giving it so that the leaders use it for the development of the people,” the minister emphasised.

Chairperson of the Maikwak’s Community Development Council (CDC), Eugenia Cypriot stressed that the ATVs will be beneficial to

the residents there.

“It’s really going to benefit us. As teachers we normally walk sometimes to attend workshops and even to go to Kopinang for community purposes…it’s really going to be good and I am happy and thankful,” she expressed.

During her visit to the village, Minister Sukhai also inspected a number of government-funded projects, including a $1.2 million fuel depot, school, and health post-expansion.

The Arasawa community was also given the keys to a new ATV. Minister Sukhai was accompanied by Project Coordinator, Besham Ramsaywack; Management Development Officers (MDOs) Kurt Perreira and Eliza Bascome, and other team members.

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Guyana’s carbon credit programme is making a tremendous difference in hinterland communities, and this is evidenced by the recent procurement of a $13 million backhoe loader in Maikwak, North Pakaraimas District, Region Eight

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Region One communities benefit significantly from major investments

IN three years, over 300 households in the communities of Kariako, Kokerite, Warapoka, and Unity Grant in the Moruca sub-district, Region One, have tremendously benefitted from the injection of funds and the execution of programmes, aimed at driving developmental projects and enhancing the village economies.

This was highlighted

by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal during a recent solar panel distribution exercise in the region.

“A lot of resources are being poured into communities now…It doesn’t matter how small you are, everybody is important to us. All of you must benefit equally and be part of the development of our country,” Minister Croal said.

From the carbon credits fund, Kariako Village received $24 million, and a portion was utilised to purchase an excavator.

A total of $2 million from the Presidential Grant was provided to the village along with other support from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

From this grant, a bridge was constructed at Kariako waterfront in 2021, while upgrades were executed on the bridge in 2022.

Through the COVID-19 grant, some $10 million was expended to purchase a boat and engine. Another $5 million is budgeted to construct a concrete road from the landing to the guesthouse.

The village is also benefitting from the construction of a cottage hospital, and an information and communications technology (ICT) hub. The village has received an investment of $6.7 million in solar panels.

In the first quarter of 2024, works on the $40 million well and the distribution network for

Kariako Village is set to commence.

KOKERITE VILLAGE In 2023, many households in Kokerite have benefitted from the injection of approximately $75 million.

With support from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the community has seen the construction of a sewing centre.

Through the COVID-19 grant, a computer hub was completed. The village also received $8.7 million from the $3 billion support programme that was announced by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Similarly, about $7 million was invested for the solar units and the construction of a three-bedroom village guest house.

Through the expanded LCDS funds, a sum of $15 million was provided to the community, and a total of $5 million has been set aside for agricultural support.

“For too often, we have a dependency on other communities and other areas. We have to grow more in our village.

If everybody does a little, then, it will help…At the end of the day, we all have to eat,” Minister Croal related.

WARAPOKA VILLAGE Warapoka has seen the injection of over $100 million in three years for various infrastructural works.

Approximately $4 million is being invested to extend the village office to comfortably accommodate the residents during meetings. The office will also provide the opportunity for the village to have an effective record-keeping system.

Warapoka also received a $1 million grant for enhancement works on the community centre ground from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Additionally, some 10 houses will be constructed in the community for vulnerable families.

In 2024, Kokerite and Warapoka are among the many communities that will benefit from the construction of new wells to provide potable water.

UNITY GRANT VILLAGE

Unity Grant Village received $10 million from

the carbon credits fund.

For this community, over $6 million was used to construct a shed, building, and the procurement of an engine. Some of the money from the carbon credits fund will be used to construct houses for some of the residents.

Meanwhile, under the $1.5 billion solar panel system project, Region One has received 8,732 panels to boost electricity.

These communities will also benefit from a modern hospital that will be constructed in Santa Rosa. The land has already been identified by the village council.

The region will also benefit from a more than $2 billion state-of-theart secondary school at Kwebanna.

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Appeal Court to rule Monday on dismissed election petition case

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

THE Court of Appeal (CoA) will on Monday hand down its ruling in the case filed by the APNU+AFC concerning dismissed Election Petition 88 of 2020, which was thrown out by the High Court two years ago.

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud are expected to hand down their ruling at 14:00 hrs.

The case was filed to challenge the ruling of Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, S.C., who had dismissed the petition due to serious non-compliance with the Constitution of Guyana, electoral law and other infringements.

The applicants, Claudette Thorne and Heston Bostwick, filed the appeal some 18 months after the CJ had handed down her decision.

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, who is representing the petitioners, had contended that the Chief Justice erred in law and misdirected herself when she misapplied the doctrine of strict compliance.

Another claim is that the Chief Justice erred and misdirected herself when she failed to consider the objective of the petition in

making her decision based on the content of the Affidavit of Service.

Previously, the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., in his oral submissions, said that in addition to the absence of material facts, no foundation has been laid in the petition to establish any grounds upon which the elections can be vitiated.

“The appellants’ submissions are quite narrow in their compass when compared to those which they canvassed in the court below. They seem to have abandoned their frontal challenge to Order 60, redirecting their focus to challenging Parliament’s delegated power expressed in Section 22 of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act. “No doubt, their implicit reasoning is, if the delegation is improper, then everything which flows therefrom would fall away,” the Attorney-General said.

Nandlall further highlighted that there is absolutely no evidence contained in the petition to suggest that the results produced by the recount process is different from that of the original results derived from the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

It is against this background that Nandlall asked

the court to dismiss the appeal with an appropriate order in respect of costs.

In the notice of appeal, the applicants indicated that they are challenging the Chief Justice’s April 2021 decision to dismiss the petition.

When the matter was filed at the High Court, Thorne and Bostwick, in their documents, had asked the court to determine the legality of the March 2 elections, and the results that led to the declaration and allocation of seats in the National Assembly.

They sought an order directing the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, to declare former President David Granger the winner.

Election Petition 99 of 2020, which was filed on behalf of petitioners, Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse, was thrown out by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in October 2022.

The CCJ ruled that the CoA does not have the jurisdiction to hear and determine the appeal filed to challenge the dismissal of that petition. In January 2021, it was dismissed by the Chief Justice due to late service, non-service, or improper service.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

CARICOM stands with Guyana in ongoing border controversy — PM Rowley says; maintains Venezuela is aware of this position, region must remain a zone of peace

PRIME Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, has reiterated the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) steadfast support for Guyana amidst the border controversy with Venezuela and has made it clear that the region must remain a “zone of peace.”

He made these positions known while addressing questions during a recent press conference regarding his country’s relations with Venezuela, which is pursuing a referendum on December 3 to annex Guyana’s Essequibo region.

“We are confident that the Governments of Venezuela and Guyana would know that CARICOM’s position that our region must be and remains a zone of peace is the best position for all of us. And secondly, we all know that even in the darkest hour, Trinidad and Tobago’s position was that if difficulties arise, the response ought to be dialogue, dialogue and dialogue,” Dr Rowley said.

He pointed out that the bedrock of the principal position must be that the region remains a “zone of peace” and Guyana must know that it has the support of CARICOM, a stance he said is well known to Venezuela.

“Let us not overreact or overreach… It will be a tragedy if we misunderstand what is happening and mishandled it,” Dr Rowley said.

Recently, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, said that the CARICOM has always been in support of Guyana’s territorial integrity.

The Vincentian PM made those remarks during a joint press conference with Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, in Barbados.

Gonsalves said the ongoing controversy between Venezuela and Guyana is an old one, noting that Guyana bases its position on the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Gonsalves said: “CARICOM has always defended

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley

the territorial inviolability of Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mottley said that CARICOM has issued a very strong statement in support of Guyana.

She said that while she stated some weeks back that in spite of the controversy, Venezuela is a friend of the region as well, so she would wish to see the region remain one of peace.

Mottley related that this statement has excited condemnation; however, she added: “I have come to public life to promote peace not division.”

She went on to add that Guyana’s position has been strong and unwavering, and this position has been one that is backed by the region.

Mottley said they understand that where there is “not the appropriate opportunity to keep temperatures down, things can happen that go beyond control.”

The genesis of the border controversy goes back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the land boundary between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.

However, despite the historic arbitration, tensions have persisted, with Venezuela repeatedly challenging the validity of the award.

In 2018, Guyana took a decisive step by approaching the ICJ, seeking affirmation of the 1899 Arbitral Award’s legitimacy.

Venezuela, taking a defiant stance, initially claimed that the ICJ lacked

jurisdiction, a contention flatly rejected by the international court in a crucial ruling in December 2020.

The door was thus opened for the ICJ to delve into the substantive case’s merits.

Recent developments have heightened the geopolitical situation, as Venezuela, through its National Electoral Council, unveiled plans for a “Consultative Referendum” on December 3, 2023.

Guyana contends that this move is a thinly veiled attempt by Venezuela to gather support for abandoning the ongoing ICJ proceedings, and unilaterally assert control over the Essequibo region.

In response, Guyana swiftly approached the ICJ, seeking urgent provisional measures to prevent any actions by Venezuela that could jeopardise the status quo until the court reaches a final verdict on the matter.

The ICJ is expected to rule on Guyana’s request for provisional measures to prevent Venezuela from proceeding with its planned referendum on the Essequibo.

However, Venezuela’s Vice-President, Delcy Rodriguez, has expressed her nation’s complete disregard for the ICJ’s authority in addressing the border controversy.

The substantive case which highlights the historical context and the 1899 Arbitral Award, remains before the World Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Chanderpaul and Hodge edge Windies A to narrow lead on second day against South Africa A

BENONI, South Africa, (CMC )– Half-centuries from Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kavem Hodge enabled West Indies A to gain a 27-run, first innings lead against South Africa A in the first “Test” on Wednesday.

Chanderpaul, son of former Guyana and West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, hit the top score of 78, and Hodge supported with 73 before the Caribbean side declared in the final hour on 314 for nine declared, replying to the South Africans’ first innings total of 287 for nine declared, on the second day of the four-day contest at Willowmoore Park.

The visitors failed to make any early inroads in the South Africa A batting, and the home team reached three without loss in the three overs possible before stumps were drawn, with Neil Brand, their captain, not out on three, and Toni de Zorzi not out on nought.

Earlier, West Indies A resumed on 46 without loss, and Chanderpaul and Hodge shared 110 for the third wicket to be the rocks upon which the Caribbean side built their reply after opener Zachary McCaskie and left-hander Kirk McKenzie fell inside the first hour.

Chanderpaul batted for almost 3-3/4 hours and smote 12 fours from 150 balls, and Hodge occupied the crease for almost 3-1/2 hours and struck nine fours

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Tagenarine Chanderpaul hit a top score of 78

from 151 balls.

McCaskie made 31 before he played a loose drive and was caught in the covers of pacer Tshepo Moreki in the eighth over of the day, and McKenzie was caught behind for a fourthball duck off the same bowler when he top-edge a half-hearted cut at a rising delivery.

The Caribbean side were 66 for two, and Hodge came to the crease and played a typically busy innings, carrying them to 129 for two at lunch with Chanderpaul, not out on 59, after he brought up his half-century from 92 balls with a “French cut” for his eighth boundary off pacer Mihlali Mpongwana.

The pair carried on merrily after the interval, and Hodge reached his half-century when he cut a wide delivery from pacer Hardus Viljoen through square cover for his eighth four that also brought up the hun-

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dred-run mark in the partnership with Chanderpaul.

Two wickets in the space of 35 balls in the final hour before tea – Chanderpaul lbw to Viljoen, and fellow Guyanese Tevin Imlach caught at gully off the same bowler – set the visitors back, and they reached 213 for four at tea.

West Indies A chased brisk runs after tea to try to hasten the declaration, and they offered up a few cheap wickets, including Hodge caught behind off Mpongwana, playing defensively forward in the second over of the final session.

The Caribbean side were 213 for five, but Akeem Jordan cracked 40, Kevin Sinclair made 39, and their captain Joshua Da Silva added 20, and they put together a couple of tidy partnerships between them to take the Caribbean side into the lead and past 300 before the declaration came.

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday November 23, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 2 times (2) 1975 (vs WI) & 1996 (vs SL) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many times the Indians have won the World Cup? (2) How many times they have played in the final and lost?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

JFF celebrates Reggae Boyz historic triumph over Canada in Nations League quarter-final THE Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is singing praises for the Reggae

Boyz following their remarkable comeback win against Canada in Toronto

on Tuesday night.

The Reggae Boyz staged a historic turnaround,

Reggae Boyz players celebrate their remarkable comeback against Canada

with two second-half goals from Shamar Nicholson and Bobby Reid's penalty kick securing a 3-2 victory over Canada and propelling Jamaica to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League.

In a thrilling encounter that ended 4-4 on aggregate, Jamaica advanced on the away-goal rule, sparking celebrations among football enthusiasts and earning the team high praise from President Michael Ricketts.

"Jamaica's football fans were put on the edge of their seats throughout the game," expressed President Ricketts. "We are so proud of the effort and determination demonstrated by the team.

They fought so hard with their backs against the wall, a true example of the character that the country needs

to tackle any adversity we may encounter."

The historic win not only secured Jamaica's place in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League but also earned them a spot in the prestigious Copa America, setting the stage for more high-stakes encounters. President Ricketts sees this as a pivotal opportunity for the team's growth and cohesion ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers next year.

"Now they get a chance to play more big games in the semifinals of the Nations League and the Copa America, which will, in turn, help to pull them together for the World Cup Qualifiers next year," added President Ricketts.

This victory marks Jamaica's first entry into the semi-finals of the CON-

CACAF Nations League, showcasing the team's rising prominence in regional football. Additionally, it is the third time Jamaica will participate in the distinguished Copa America, underlining their growing influence on the international stage.

The win over Canada holds special significance, as it not only secured Jamaica's first-ever victory over Canada in Canada but also marked the first time Jamaica registered three goals against a North American team on North American soil. The historic triumph is a testament to the Reggae Boyz's resilience and skill, earning them a special place in the annals of Jamaican football history. (Sportsmax)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Jones leads T&T to memorable win Aruba, Dominica, Montserrat end strong

MIAMI, Florida, (CMC) – Alvin Jones scored a stunning, second-half goal from a free kick, and hosts Trinidad & Tobago ended their League A campaign with a gratifying 2-1 win against the United States in the biggest headline from the latest matches in the Concacaf Nations League on Monday.

Jones followed up on a first-half strike from Reon Moore that drew the Soca Warriors level about 20 minutes after Antonee Robinson gave the Americans the lead inside the first half-hour and Sergiño Dest forced the visitors to play one man short following a pair of yellow cards in a dispute with the referee.

At the same time, League B-bound duo of hosts Aruba and Dominica wrapped up their respective campaigns in League C in style with sound victories against Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos Islands respectively, and hosts Montserrat ended its campaign with a 4-2 victory over Barbados in Group B of League B.

AT T H E H A S E LY CRAWFORD STADIUM: T&T were put on the backfoot when Robinson scored in the 25th minute, heading home a cross from Dest to give the United States a fourgoal aggregate lead in the quarter-final match.

Dominic Richmond (centre) of hosts Montserrat celebrating with teammates Donervon Daniels (left) and Alex Dyer after scoring during the League B Group B match against Barbados at the Blakes Estate Stadium. (Photo courtesy Concacaf)

Fortune favoured the Soca Warriors when Dest got two yellow cards 30 seconds apart when he lost his composure in the 39th minute and argued with Guatemalan referee Walter López.

With the numerical advantage in their favour, the hosts made it count when Moore outmuscled a defender in the 18-yard box and fired home to put them back on level terms in the 43rd minute and enabled the scoreline to read 1-1 at half-time.

T&T carried the momentum into the second half, and Jones scored a screamer in the 57th minute on a free kick that gave United States goalkeeper Matt Turner no chance.

The Soca Warriors remained on the front-foot and continued to create chances, but the Americans held firm in defence during the final half-hour of the contest.

T&T will progress to a CNL play-in match on Saturday, March 23 next year at Toyota Stadium, home to the FC Dallas, in the American city of Frisco in the state of Texas, where there will be two single-match direct elimination pairings to be played among the quarterfinal losers.

The winners of the two matches will determine the last two Concacaf guest national teams qualifying for the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024.

With the result, the Amer-

icans won the two-legged series 4-2 on aggregate, and they have qualified for the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League Finals from March 21 to 24 next year on home soil at the world-renowned AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas, in addition to the 2024 Copa America tournament.

AT THE GUILLERMO PROSPERO TRINIDAD STADIUM: Terence Groothusen led Aruba with a brace in a 5-1 rout against Cayman Islands.

Groothusen got things going for the Arubans in the 16th minute with the opening goal from a composed

right-footed finish, but the home team had to wait until five minutes into first-half stoppage time to register their second when Rovien Ostiana also found the nets with an excellent right-footed strike.

Gunnar Studenhofft polished off a counter-attacking move by rounding Aruba goalkeeper Matthew Lentik and scoring to cut the deficit in the 49th minute, but it was all one-way traffic the rest of the way with the hosts dominating.

Benjamin Maria split a pair of defenders and squeezed in a shot in the 55th minute, Jaydon Dania increased the advantage slotting home a right-footed shot in the 77th minute, and Groothusen added a powerful right-footed shot from outside the area in the penultimate minute of regulation time.

AT BLAKES ESTATE STADIUM: Hosts Montserrat got goals from four different players and condemned Barbados to end their League B campaign winless.

Brandon Barzey opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a long-range strike to the left-side of goal to get Montserrat off the mark.

Josiah Dyer, who plays for English League 1 side Barnsley, extended the lead in the 36th minute with a final touch inside the box to cap off a collective build-up through

the right flank.

Second-half substitute Rashad Jules scored in the 47th minute from inside the penalty arc to finish a freekick opportunity for the visitors to cut the lead, but Donervorn Daniels, who plays for Walsall in the English League 2 championship, added a third for Montserrat in the 62nd minute from a header near the left post to convert on a free-kick from Alex Dyer to the far post.

Dominic Richmond, who plays for Fleetwood Town in English League 1, struck in the left upper corner in the 89th minute to extend the lead for the hosts, ruling a stoppage time strike for the Barbadians from Tajio James meaningless.

AT THE A.O. SHIRLEY RECREATION GROUND: The Dominicans closed out their campaign in style on the road in Road Town, Tortola, where Audel Laville opened the scoring in the 15th minute after a free kick taken by Savio Anselm hit the crossbar, pinballed around the TCI area, and he finally stabbed home.

Javid George added an insurance goal for Dominica then in the 61st minute when he received a pass off his chest and placed a left-footed shot into the top left corner of net.

NBA: LeBron James passes 39,000 points as LA Lakers beat Utah Jazz

LeBron James became the first player to score 39,000 points in the NBA as the LA Lakers beat the Utah Jazz in the in-season tournament.

Needing five points, he scored 17 in a 131-99 victory in Los Angeles that secured a quarter-final place.

James, 38, surpassed Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's tally of 38,387 points in February to become the leading scorer of all time.

"I haven't really had chance to wrap my head around what it means," James said.

"There's been so many

LeBron James made his NBA debut in 2003

great players in this league since the beginning of time, and so many great scorers.

"To be able to be the first of anything is always pretty cool. A wild moment, for sure."

The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player saluted the crowd at the Crypto.com Arena when his achievement was announced.

James recorded nine assists and seven rebounds and team-mate Anthony Davis scored 26 points and made 16 rebounds.

The Indiana Pacers reached the last eight with a 157-152 win at the Atlanta

Hawks.

Tyrese Haliburton, who said this week the tournament gave "more juice" to early season games, scored 37 points as the Pacers overturned a 20-point first-half deficit.

Darius Garland's 32 points led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 122-119 overtime victory over the Philadelphia 76ers that kept their qualifying hopes alive.

The quarter-finals take place on 4 and 5 December, with the semis on 7 December and the final on 9 December in Las Vegas.

(BBC Sport)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Wade to lead Australia in T20I series against India ...David Warner, Steven Smith and Travis Head are included but the all-format quicks and allrounders will prepare for the Test summer back home

MATTHEW Wade will captain Australia in the five-match T20I series against India after the 2023 ODI World Cup. The multiformat fast bowlers and allrounders have been left out ahead of the Test summer, but David Warner, Steven Smith and Travis Head are included.

Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will return home after the World Cup along with Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh, who captained Australia's previous T20I series against South Africa, to prepare for the home Test season which begins on December 14 against Pakistan in Perth.

That could open up the opportunity for them to play the final round of Sheffield Shield matches before the BBL break, which begin on November 28, although previously the big three quicks have been comfortable not playing a four-day match before a home Test series.

Marsh and Green are vying for the No. 6 spot with Marsh the

Matthew Wade has previously led Australia in seven T20Is•BCCI

incumbent after playing the final Ashes Test at The Oval.

The selectors will need to decide whether to make Green available for Western Australia's Shield match against Queensland in Brisbane or give him a break. The inclusion of Warner, Smith and Head in the T20 squad means they are unlikely to get any red-ball cricket before the first Test in Perth.

With Marsh heading home it meant a new stand-in captain was needed with Wade, who has previously done the role on seven occasions including the final

game of last year's T20 World Cup when Aaron Finch was injured, taking on the duties. It marks a significant change in his career trajectory after previously indicating last year's tournament in Australia could be his swansong.

Wade was initially overlooked for the tour of South Africa as the selectors blooded some new names but was later called up as a replacement and chair of selectors George Bailey had previously said he was in the running for this tour.

It is expected a permanent appointment as Australia's T20

captain will be made during the home season with Marsh the frontrunner to take the role ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The remainder of the squad is made up of players who featured in the 3-0 victory over South Africa with left-arm quick Spencer Johnson given another chance to impress along with legspinner Tanveer Sangha and allrounder Matt Short.

"It's an experienced squad with a mixture of players who have had their first opportunity on the international stage and that we hope will continue to develop into im-

portant players in our T20 group," Bailey said. "Matthew has captained the team previously, is a leader in the group and we look forward to him taking the reins for this series.

Like Mitch Marsh in the South Africa series, this is another great opportunity to further deepen our international leadership experience and depth."

Western Australia allrounder Aaron Hardie is the one player who featured in that series to miss out. Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar was not considered due a recurrence of his calf

injury.

Once the ODI World Cup is complete attention will turn to preparations for the next T20 edition in the West Indies and USA in June 2024. After the five games in India, Australia have a threematch series against West Indies and New Zealand in February as their other confirmed fixtures before that tournament.

Starc and Cummins are expected to be among the players to put their names into the hat for a return to the IPL with a view to using that competition as preparation for the T20 World Cup. The matches against India take place on November 23, 26, 28 and December 1 and 3.

Australia's T20I squad: Matthew Wade (capt.), David Warner, Travis Head, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Josh Inglis, Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha.

(Cricinfo)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Gov’t reinvesting in sporting facilities – Vice President Jagdeo

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo presents the Player of Series prize, a Supertronics electrical scooter for the Open category, to Jonathan Fernandes of Hyde Park All Stars

THE Guyana government has turned its attention to sports and recreational facilities in a huge way and this year alone has spent upwards of $1.5 billion to fix almost every sporting facility in the country.

Delivering brief remarks

at the inaugural Vice President three-day softball extravaganza, which climaxed at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary on Sunday, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo pointed to the fixing of sporting facilities throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, includ-

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo poses with the Regal All Stars Open team. At extreme left is GSCL President Ian John while Secretary Telesha Ousman is at extreme right

ing Berbice, Georgetown, East Coast and several Amerindian communities.

With respect to the Amerindian communities, over 200 of them have been given allocations to fix their village facilities.

According to the Vice President, since the country is doing

slightly better now financially, “we can start to reinvest in sporting facilities.”

Dr Jagdeo congratulated the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc for its effort in organising the tournament.

“It took a lot of dedication and effort to make something like

this happened and there are lots of people in the background and I want to also recognise them too…”

The Vice President also congratulated the winning teams while pointing out that within the spirit of the game, “we congratulate all the participants

ing switches, Cummins ringing the changes more than any other captain at this World Cup. After a roaring start, India scored just four boundaries from overs 11 to 50, the fewest they have ever hit in that period in a one-day international. Their batters were in a spin, their rhythm left on the flight from Mumbai, and they were bowled out for 240.

But what makes Cummins the captain even more special is that he does it while also being the foot soldier back in the ranks.

A slow walk after collecting his cap, hands placed on hips as he gulps in air, and he is able to switch between bowler and leader.

Back in June, Cummins was there at the end with the bat at Edgbaston when he and Nathan Lyon snatched the first Ashes Test from England's hands.

During the third Test in Leeds he took seven wickets and showed there is steel behind those piercing blue eyes when his integrity was called into question in a terse news conference in the aftermath of Alex Carey's controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's.

Five months on, Cummins was again at the centre of it all, there to deal the crucial blow.

Virat Kohli is the man whose name is on a million

backs in India - almost every blue shirt emblazoned with his name.

For 63 balls, Kohli carried all his fellow countrymen on his own shoulders as he tried to steer India from danger, only to be removed by Cummins for 54.

As the vast Narendra Modi Stadium fell quiet, Australia's skipper ran away, arms outstretched in celebration for what is becoming a trademark charge of wicket-taking delight.

He said pre-match on Saturday, with a grin, that there is "nothing more satisfying in sport" than hearing a big crowd go silent.

And on Sunday, Cummins took it upon himself to make sure his side experienced such satisfaction.

What began as a moment's pause after a wicket became prolonged periods of nervous tension in a crowd that had arrived to party.

This was supposed to be India's day, their 12-year wait for a global title over, with their prime minister watching from the stands.

Instead, by the time Glenn Maxwell swung away the winning runs, many had already began the journey home - the fireworks at the final moment met with further glum silence by those still in attendance.

But Cummins' men were not just the parents returning

although they did not succeed in lifting the winning trophies.”

The three-day tournament, which was played in three categories – Legends Over-50, Masters Over-40 and Open All Class, saw Regal making ash of their opponents by sweeping all three, the Legends defeating Aash Décor, Masters winning from Ariel Masters and the Open whipping Hyde Park.

Among the several sponsors were Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Trophy Stall, which provided the trophies through the continued generosity of its proprietor Ramesh Sunich, I & S Trading, ARD It’s Our Life Youtuber, Star Party Rentals, Tourism Guyana, Ofimak Office Supplies (Panama), Baifa Office Supplies (Panama), Quick Office Supplies (Panama), HL Latino Furniture (Panama), and FL Sports. Regal Stationery and Computer Centre are the sole distributors for the four Panamanian entities products in Guyana.

Cricket World Cup: Pat Cummins delivers again as Australia spoil India's party in Ahmedabad

By Matthew Henry BBC Sport in Ahmedabad

THE evening before his Australia side completed the ultimate heist to stun India and win the World Cup title, captain Pat Cummins was playing Call of Duty in the team's Ahmedabad hotel.

He lasted only 30 minutes before leaving his team-mates to play into the night.

But in the end, he answered the true call of duty.

Cummins is the 30-year-old who became captain by accident, awarded the honour when Tim Paine had to quit after a sex scandal.

So hurried was his appointment that he revised his fielding positions the night before his first Test as captain.

B u t n o w, t h e c a l m , well-mannered captain with the business degree has made winning very much his business.

After this triumph, Cummins stands alongside the greatest Australian leaders of all.

Australia sides have scaled many heights in the past, but Cummins' six-month run - including the World Test Championship crown, an Ashes retained in England and a sixth World Cup title for his country, won in a final against the hosts and previously unstoppable India - runs anything before it very close indeed.

While Travis Head's superb

Australia World Cup winning captain Pat Cummins

century - 137 runs in 120 balls in pursuit of 241 - will take the headlines, it was Cummins' captaincy that set this party-pooping smash and grab in motion.

First, having won the toss, Cummins surprised most observers by bravely choosing to bowl. It gave India what they wanted but Cummins, too, had his plan in mind.

He then twirled through his options - Mitchell Starc from here and then from there, Glenn Maxwell for an over, Adam Zampa for two - to tie India's much heralded batting line-up down in a masterful tactical display from a man who had only led his state in four 50over games before taking his country's top job.

In total there were 22 bowl-

home to put an end to the party - they were gatecrashing it for themselves.

They had, by completing victory with seven overs to spare, embarrassed this previously dominant India team in front of 93,000 friends, with prime minister Modi having to awkwardly hand Cummins the trophy himself as the Aussie skipper grinned.

Rather than his two Ashes wins or the T20 World Cup, Cummins had always regarded Australia's 2015 World Cup win as his greatest moment in the game - a final against New Zealand won against a crowd similarly partisan in their favour.

He ran the drinks that night but now has his own moment to savour.

"I think that's the pinnacle of international cricket, winning a one-day World Cup," he said as his team-mates partied in the dressing room.

"Especially over here in India, in front of a crowd like this.

"You only get a shot at it every four years. The whole cricket world stops with this World Cup so it doesn't get any better."

Ever the team man, the polite and modest Cummins was keen to praise others for securing the title.

These days, however, it is Pat that always delivers.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Golden Jaguars punch ticket to League A in emphatic style

Guyana’s Golden Jaguars have been promoted to League A of the CONCACAF Nations League

Guyana’s Golden Jaguars defeated Antigua and Barbuda, 6-0, at the Felix Sanchez Olympic Stadium in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Tuesday evening to seal their promotion to League A in the CON-

CACAF Nations League.

Kelsey Benjamin opened the scoring in the seventh minute by connecting with a pass across the box from Liam Gordon.

Benjamin went from goal scorer to assist man in the 36’

with a pass from right field to find an incoming Omari Glasgow inside the box.

Nathan Moriah-Welsh struck from behind the halfway line in the 45′ as Guyana took a commanding 3-0 lead before the halftime whistle.

Osaze de Rosario added his name to the scoresheet in the 67′ by cutting inside and striking a curling shot to the far-right corner of the net.

Leo Lovell added his own in the 90′ with a crossing ball from Gordon, who

earned his second assist of the night.

Deon Moore capped off a buildup in the 90+3’ to secure the largest margin of victory for Guyana in this campaign.

This season, the two

meetings between these sides have an aggregate of 11-1.

Their remaining match is the postponed fixture against The Bahamas.

However, no date has been given as yet for that match.

Chanderpaul and Hodge edge Windies A to narrow lead on second day against South Africa A See page 23

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

| THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023