Issuu

THURSDAY 24th MARCH, 2022

Excise tax on gasoline, diesel slashed to zero

No. 106672

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$344M Shell Service Station commissioned at McDoom SEE PAGE

Incentives being offered to encourage investments in outlying regions re gions 3

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Guyana, UAE crafting joint investment agreement 5

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U.S. Deputy Assistant 4 Secretary expected in Guyana today SEE PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

$344M Shell Service Station commissioned at McDoom - signals government’s commitment to foreign investment, says Minister Bharrat

By Jared Liddell SHELL’s customers on the East Bank Demerara corridor are set to benefit from an improved quality of service, following the commissioning of the $344 million Shell Service Station at McDoom. According to Sol Guyana’s General Manager, Earl Carribon, the company made the major investment in 2021 as part of efforts to improve the image and the services that were being offered at the location for over 12 years. The multimillion-dollar face lift included the installation of four new stations where eight vehicles can be served at any particular time, as well as the renovation of the gas station’s minimart. Regional Manager of Sol Suriname and Guyana, Mark Goede, noted that the investment was “timely and necessary” as the company continues to expand its services across Guyana. He stated that the level of investment not just improves the company’s ability to serve its customers but also adds to the overall aesthetic of the East Bank corridor. “Sol is committed to contributing to Guyana’s economic growth and servicing its customers in a

safe and responsible manner. We will continue to invest in modern gas stations like this one to continue to offer our quality products, latest technical products for convenience and safety for people and the environment,” he said. Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, in echoing similar sentiments, noted that the recommissioning of the service station adds to government’s agenda of transforming the landscape of the East Bank corridor. He highlighted that, recently, the East Bank corridor has been home to a number of oil and gas companies, even managing to be labelled the oil and gas corridor for the number of energy companies setting up there. “East Bank Demerara is establishing itself very quietly as the oil and gas corridor of Guyana. We have seen a number of oil and gas companies coming to the East bank. Just across the road we have Schlumberger, we have Guyana Shore Base, Champion X, we have Halliburton, we have Baker Hughes on the East Bank, Gulf Engineering among many other companies that are already established on the East Bank corridor, along with Shell,”

From left: Regional Manager of Sol Suriname and Guyana, Mark Goede; Retail Sales Executive, Renee Armstrong-Joseph; owner of the service station -- Theresa Thompson, her husband and daughters; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; and Sol Guyana’s General Manager Earl Carribon and Commercial Manager Ayanna Watson (Delano Williams photo) said Minister Bharrat. The minister also noted that the recommissioning of the service station also signals government’s commitment to foreign investments. He noted that, recently, investors raised concerns over the recently enacted local content legislation. The Sol Group, a member of the Parkland family, is the leading supplier of petroleum-based products and energy solutions in the Caribbean, as well as Central and South America. In 2005, Sol acquired

Shell’s assets in the Eastern Caribbean, Guyana, Suriname and Belize. Since beginning its operations here, the company has expanded its services and locations to cater to the growing needs of its clientele. Minister Bharrat opined that, like Shell, international investors have the opportunity to invest and expand across the country. He explained that the local content legislation was created to ensure that, while investors had the opportunity to benefit from the oil and gas sector, Guyanese

were not left behind. “We want Guyanese to be employed, we want Guyanese to be trained to work in these areas, we want Guyanese to enjoy the same rate of pay and benefits as foreign workers, and, it is quite relevant that Guyanese must not be treated as second class citizens of their own country, and that is something that we, as a government, want to prevent while at the same time we encourage foreign investment,” Minster Bharrat said. Guyana’s local content

legislation, which was tabled by Minister Bharrat, and subsequently passed in the National Assembly, seeks to ensure that Guyanese and Guyanese-owned businesses are given preference when it comes to providing goods and services to the major oil companies operating within the country’s borders. It outlines 40 areas that oil companies and sub-contractors will procure from Guyanese companies and Guyanese nationals by the end of 2022. For instance, by the end of 2022, oil companies and their sub-contractors must ensure that 100 per cent of their ground transportation needs are satisfied by Guyanese entities. The same percentage applies to the provision of immigration support services, customs brokerage services, and visa and work permit services. Similarly, Guyanese should provide 90 per cent of the office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent of pest control services; 25 per cent of medical services; 20 per cent of aviation and support services and 75 per cent of the local food supply.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Excise tax on gasoline, diesel slashed to zero

By Tajeram Mohabir

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday, announced the removal of excise tax on gasoline and diesel, as the government moves to further cushion the impact of rising global fuel prices. The Vice-President made this announcement during a community meeting at Para-

dise on the Essequibo Coast and the good news was greeted with a loud round of applause from the residents, most of whom are farmers. Farmers have also been “feeling the squeeze” as a result of rising fuel prices. The high prices for fuel are due largely to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a major global supplier of oil and gas but is facing sanctions from the US, UK and the European Union following its invasion of Ukraine. Those sanctions target the

Russian economy and deter other nations from purchasing oil and gas from Russia. Sanctions have also created a shortfall and uncertainty which have driven up oil prices on the global market to more than US$100 per barrel. The surge in prices for oil has resulted in a spike in prices for fertiliser, which is made from petroleum products. Though the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government has removed VAT on agriculture inputs since assuming office some two years ago, these measures could not lower the prices for fuel as the spike is due to external factors. However, of late, prices have dropped from US$139 per barrel in the first week of this month to US$117 as of Wednesday, as the UAE has agreed to calls to up production to satisfy shortfalls on the global market. Farmers along the Essequibo Coast - primarily a rice growing region of Guyana - have been appealing to the government for support to cushion the impact of high prices for fuel which have been eating away at their profit margin; they welcomed the news on Wednesday with cheers and praises for the government.

Soon after the announcement by Dr. Jagdeo, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) C o m m i s s i o n e r- G e n e r a l , Godfrey Statia, dispatched a release that captured the disclosure made by the VicePresident. The 10 per cent excise tax on gasoline and diesel has been slashed to zero with immediate effect, the GRA said in a bulletin notifying all importers and licensed customhouse brokers of the decision made by the government. The government, in Budget 2022, had reduced the excise tax on gasoline and diesel from 20 per cent to 10 per cent and the latest intervention, Dr. Jagdeo said, is geared at offering further relief to consumers. President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), Manniram Prashad, in a brief statement, welcomed and commended the move by the government. “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and international oil prices has resulted in a recent significant increase in oil prices. The government’s action to reduce the excise tax on gasoline and diesel to zero is most welcome by GOGEC. This action would help to cushion the impact of the rising cost of

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and other senior officials of the government engaging residents of Region Two, on Wednesday (Office of the Vice-President photos) Some $250,000 has been fuel at the pump and will ben- implemented by the governefit all Guyanese, especially ment within a relatively short given to sugar workers who the poor and vulnerable,” Mr space of time to bring relief to lost their jobs when the citizens reeling from the pan- APNU+AFC Government Prashad said. He also urged the relevant demic and poor economic poli- closed the sugar estates; old agencies to ensure that this cies of the former APNU+AFC age pension has increased by 40 per cent; the sum for reduction is passed on to the Government. The others include the res- school uniform vouchers has public. The government is expected to now move swiftly toration of the education cash been progressively increasto ensure the removal of excise grant which was scrapped by ing; and the scores of burtax on gasoline and diesel is the former coalition adminis- densome taxes implemented implemented by pump stations tration. Aside from restoring by the former government the grant, Dr. Jagdeo reiterated have been removed. Rethroughout the country. This latest intervention, that his government has in- cently, the Vice-President Dr. Jagdeo told residents at creased it to $25,000 and will also announced that some several community meetings further increase it to $50,000 800 temporary jobs will be across Region Two, is just before the end of their first made available to residents of Region Two. one in a series of measures term.

Incentives being offered to encourage investments in outlying regions By Tajeram Mohabir WITH investors flocking to Regions Three and Four following projections of bright economic prospects for Guyana in the years ahead by major financial institutions, the government is offering to co-invest with companies willing to establish operations in Regions Two, Five, Six, 10 and the hinterland regions. Addressing a series of community meeting on the Essequibo Coast, on Wednesday, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said that the government is willing to help fund the “shell” of buildings, provide training and subsidise the cost for bandwidth for operations like call centres that will provide scores of jobs. Job creation, he said, is a major focus of his government and pointed out that monies from oil and gas, a cent of which is yet to be spent, will be invested in education, health, modernising public infrastructure, strengthening other productive sectors and more particularly, diversification of agriculture. These steps, the VicePresident said, will lay the foundation for Guyana to

Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo engaging residents of Region Two enjoy prosperity long after oil is no more. He took a critical view of some commentators who have been calling for cash from oil to be distributed as handouts to the populace. The Vice-President contended that such utilisation of the money will not prepare Guyana for the future and stressed that this approach to governance is not in the philosophy of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). To drive home his point, the Vice-President pointed to the capital expenditure under the APNU+AFC Government, which, for its years in office, was less than what the PPP/C Government allocated in 2014.

CONSUMPTION PHILOSOPHY He said that heavy expenditure on current projects with less investment on capital ones indicate a consumption-drive focus, which is a known philosophy of the PNC when in government. The shortfall in this approach to governance, Dr. Jagdeo said, is that less attention is placed on building infrastructure to improve services, modernise the country and create wealth and altogether reflects the hallmark of an irresponsible and visionless government. The PPP/C government, he said, since coming to office some two years ago, has been working overtime to correct the wrongs of

the former government and will continue to look for opportunities to increase employment, particularly in the outlying regions. On Tuesday, he an nounced that some 800 temporary jobs will be made available to residents of Region Two. These jobs will cater for not more than one member per family and seek to supplement the income of families in need. Persons employed will work at government offices and institutions and will provide their services three to four days per week. ENERGY COST REDUCTION The government’s gasto-shore project, he said, will also give impetus to the manufacturing sectors as it will slash electricity cost by 50 per cent. High energy cost has been a major deterrent to small and medium size manufacturers in expanding their business, which concomitantly will create jobs. A fertilizer plant is expected to be an offshoot from the gas-to-shore project and a protein plant is also being considered. On the Essequibo Coast, Dr. Jagdeo said that the government will be investing in a solar project that will add eight to 10 megawatts

of power to the region’s current generation capacity. This project is expected to enable a more stable supply of power to residents of Region Two. This aside, he also disclosed that the government will be allocating some 250 grants for small businesses in the region with viable business proposals. Also, this year, the government has allocated some $1B in the national budget for road projects in the region, which will also create hundreds of jobs for Region Two residents. A US$30 state-of-the-art hospital will also be built

at Anna Regina this year, which, the Vice-President said, will reduce the need for Region Two residents to travel to Georgetown for critical medical care. And these are not all of the major infrastructural works that will be executed in the region this year. Jagdeo, on Tuesday, said that two water treatment systems will be installed in the region and $600 million has been allocated for the dredging of the mouth of the Pomeroon River. This project is expected to significantly reduce flooding in the Pomeroon.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary expected in Guyana today

— plans to engage several senior government and opposition officials, other key stakeholders IN an effort to enhance the relationship between Guyana and the United States of America (U.S.), U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti, Barbara A. Feinstein, will be in Guyana from today to March 26. According to a press release from the U.S. Embassy, the Deputy Assistant Secretary, while in Guyana, will be meeting with Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; members of the opposition; CARICOM representatives; private sector stakeholders and members of civil society. “Her visit underscores the continued importance the United States places on the U.S./Guyanese partnership,” the U.S. Embassy related.

According to the U.S. Department of State, America’s policy with Guyana seeks to develop robust and sustainable democratic institutions, laws, and political practices; support economic growth and development; promote an active, organised, and empowered civil society, and promote stability and security. “Beginning in the late 1980s, Guyana sought to improve relations with the United States as part of a decision to shift toward political nonalignment, moving from state socialism and one-party control to a market economy and greater freedom of the press and assembly. “This shift, closer security cooperation, and expand-

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti, Barbara A. Feinstein

ing trade and investment have helped place U.S.-Guyanese relations on excellent footing. With the shift in Guyana’s economy to an oil-producing

nation, the U.S. partnership is more important than ever to help Guyana become a leader in the region on issues of security and governance,” the U.S. State Department related. The State Department said the U.S. values Guyana’s partnership and co-operation on issues of mutual interest. Together, the two countries promote democracy and respect for human rights; empower youth, women, the private sector, and civic/ opinion leaders to formulate grassroots responses to social and economic challenges; support new initiatives to improve the health of the Guyanese people; and, through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), enhance the

security and prosperity of the region. The bilateral relationship between these two nations is expected to be enhanced with Feinstein’s visit. According to the U.S. State Department, she recently served as Deputy Assistant Administrator for Caribbean Affairs, Haiti, Cuba, Mexico, and Central America with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). She has also held various leadership positions with USAID, including as Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Legislative Affairs; Deputy Chief of Staff to Administrator Rajiv Shah; Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Adviser to Acting Adminis-

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trator Alonzo Fulgham; and Special Assistant to Administrator Henrietta Fore. Other assignments include service with the U.S. Departments of State and Defense. The State Department said Feinstein has served on the professional staff of the House Appropriations Sub-committee on state and foreign operations and the House International Relations Committee of the United States Congress. She holds a Master’s degree in International and Public Affairs from Princeton University and a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies, Spanish and Portuguese from the University of California-Berkeley.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Guyana, UAE crafting joint investment agreement

— President Ali says wider CARICOM region also enthusiastic about Emirati investments PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has said that his government intends to use the examples of countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and best practices from countries across the world to enhance and develop Guyana. He made this announcement during a panel discussion at the Global Business Forum LATAM (Latin America), in Dubai, held under the theme: “Lessons in diversification and partnership.” President Ali said: “We are not in competition with anyone, and we don’t want to be in a race with anyone, and this is our global position. We just want to use the best examples, best practices to do the best we can do for the people of our country and the people of the region—giving them a better shot at life, a better shot at prosperity and ensuring that revenues help to build an economy that reduces inequality and disparity.” The Head of State related

that the UAE has taught the world how to utilise oil revenues to diversify its economy and ensure that there is a system of equality, improved governance services and state-of-the-art infrastructure. “And that is exactly what we want to achieve in Guyana. We want to use the resources that we will gain from oil revenues to build an economy that is resilient, one that is broad, well-diversified,” Dr. Ali said. He related that Guyana is working closely with the UAE in a number of areas, including infrastructure development, improving efficiency in governance systems and technology transfer. The President underscored that technology advancement and improved efficiency in transparency and accountability in governance are key to success. He said that the two States are collaborating on an investment agreement that would make it easier for

ment. “So, these are important agreements that will build a platform and create a conducive environment through which investors will feel comfortable coming, but more importantly, in which we will have government-to-government and people-to-people collaboration and co-operation,” Dr. Ali said.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

investors from the UAE to invest in Guyana. Reference was made to the development of a deep-water harbour port with

Abu Dhabi Ports in collaboration with Brazil that will give access to the Atlantic, a visa-free waiver programme and a double taxation agree-

pleted in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six and 10. In 2016, the project was piloted in Region Six, where a total of 3,262 PWDs were recorded in that region. Regions Five, Two, and 10 were surveyed in 2017. A total of 1,233 PWDs were recorded in Region Five; 954 in Region Two and 1,142 were identified in Region 10. Additionally, Region 10 was surveyed in 2018 and a total of 2,498 PWDs were recorded to be living in this region. To date, the NCD

has a total of 10,140 PWDs registered on its database. “The commission is, therefore, urging all PWDs, their parents or guardians to be on the lookout for their field staff during the verification exercise in Region Four. It’s important to be accounted for as a person with disability and benefit from the various services available in Guyana for PWDs,” Corrica related. Meanwhile, Programme Coordinator of the Guyana Council of Organisations for

CARICOM OPEN President Ali also spoke of the CARICOM region’s willingness to accept investment and said that there is no pushback against globalisation. He noted that the region is very open and pointed out that one of its largest trading partners is the United States of America, and that there are economic partnership agreements with the European Union as well as Latin American countries and other nations. To this end, Guyana’s

Head of State said: “So we have a very open system to international investment. We’re very strong on reform, and we understand very clearly the impact of rising food prices and rising prices in everything.” President Ali also heaped praises on the tolerance and diversity of Guyana’s population in terms of culture and religion. He said: “As the UAE, Guyana could be a great example of how we can demonstrate globally to build the levels of tolerance, inclusiveness and to share a model in which people can all prosper.” The discussion was moderated by John Defterios, former CNN Emerging Markets Editor and Professor of Business and also featured His Excellency, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the UAE. (Office of the President)

Household survey on PWDs begins in Region Four today AS the National Commission on Disability (NCD) continues its countrywide National Household Survey on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the exercise will commence in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) from today. The field verification exercise in this region will run until June 30, NCD Advocacy and Communications Officer, Avonel Corrica, told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday. During the exercise, the officers will be collecting contact information, disability type and addresses of PWDs, subsequent to which telephone contact will be made with them to determine additional information such as their needs, capacities, education, health, employment status, among other things. “This survey is important because the NCD recognises the importance of acquiring figures of the number of PWDs in Guyana, their locations, needs and capacities, which in turn will significantly help policymakers in planning appropriate programmes to meet the needs of PWDs in Guyana,”

NCD Advocacy and Communications Officer, Avonel Corrica

Corrica said. As the national focal point on all matters related to disabilities in Guyana, the NCD continues to update its database with requisite information on PWDs. Further, key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Ministry of Education, Disable People’s Organisations (DPOs), and Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB) have benefitted from data on PWDs shared by the NCD. According to Corrica, the survey has already been com-

PWDs, Ganesh Singh, told this publication last month that the verification exercise could help authorities plan better for the disability community. “Once you know the number of persons, you can advocate and better plan. And it’s not just in planning

but in service delivery both from the government’s perspective and the perspective of civil society. Government will be able to plan programmes, whether it’s building of special needs schools or implementing training programmes,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Innovative Thinking PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has said that his administration is examining the possibility of growing wheat in Guyana. This is indeed innovative and out-of-thebox thinking on the part of President Ali. Guyana has always been an importer of wheat, except for a brief period when wheat was banned by the Forbes Burnham regime after the country found itself in a serious foreign exchange crisis due mainly to economic mismanagement and undemocratic rule. Several other basic consumer items were also banned, resulting in a parallel underground economy which, at one time, was believed to be larger than the formal economy. Guyana is facing a sudden increase in the price of wheat on the world market, but for an entirely different reason than was the case under the PNC regime when there was an acute shortage of foreign exchange to buy basic food items. It has to do principally with the war in Ukraine and

the sanctions imposed by western nations on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. This is having a disruptive impact on the supply chain, which was already disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Russia and Ukraine are among the largest producers of wheat, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of global supply. For decades, we were led to believe that wheat cannot be grown in tropical climate such as ours and hardly any effort was made to conduct research to examine the possibility of growing wheat in Guyana. Following an announcement by President Ali that the government is seeking to find a variety of wheat that can be planted in Guyana, the Ministry of Agriculture has commenced research to identify the variety of wheat that will be able to withstand Guyana’s tropical conditions. And, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, the results, so far, have been promising. It is an established fact that wheat grows best in moderate temperature al-

though it also needs lot of sunshine especially when the grains are filling. China is the world’s largest producer of wheat, followed by India, Russia and the United States. It does not follow, however, especially in light of the huge advances in bio-engineering and research and development, that the cultivation of wheat in Guyana cannot become economically viable. In neighboring Brazil, roughly half of the wheat consumed by the population in the form of bread and pastries is produced locally. Currently, Brazil consumes about 12 million tonnes of wheat a year but produces only seven million, with the remainder imported from Russia and Argentina. Necessity, it is said, is the mother of invention and with wheat prices now literally hitting the roof, the need to examine the possibility of growing our own wheat is becoming paramount. President Ali has said that he is committed to building a Guyana that is resilient and such a

move is a positive step in that direction. Food is already in short supply and, according to the Global Hunger Index (GHI), hunger is on the increase in several parts of the world, giving rise to a dire need for assistance to avert malnutrition and deaths. This is especially true for countries such as Somalia, Yemen and the Central African Republic where thousands of people including children are dying of hunger. In Somalia, which is now ranked as the “hungriest” country in the world due in part to famine, but mainly to civil unrest and political instability with almost 60 per cent of the population malnourished and 31.9 per cent of the children stunted, child mortality is almost 12 per cent. According to United Nations data, 165 million children worldwide are too small for their age or stunted due to chronic malnutrition. The latest World Food Programme data showed that 690 million people cannot meet their daily food requirements; this is roughly

one out of every nine people in the world. The situation is particularly severe in Yemen, where the ongoing conflict has resulted in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. In 2019, the United Nations declared Yemen the world’s largest food security crisis that was driven mainly by conflict. These are indeed depressing statistics but as pointed out by UN Secretary-General, Antonio Gutteres, while every day hundreds of millions of people go to bed hungry, nearly one-third of the food that is produced is lost or wasted. The situation is made even worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and now wheat shortages due to the ongoing war in the Ukraine. Fortunately for us in Guyana, we have a President that is passionate about food security not only in Guyana but in the region as a whole. President Ali is the lead Head of Government with responsibility for Agriculture in CARICOM. And in the fulfilment of that role, he has been leading from the

front. He has placed agriculture and food security on the front-burner. According to the President, it remains a travesty that our region, blessed with arable lands, abundant freshwater supplies and skilled agricultural workers, imports more than US$5 billion annually. “We have the means to slash original food import bill, produce more of the food we consume and, in the process, generate sustainable livelihoods through agriculture,” the President posited. The decision taken by President Ali to explore the possibility of growing wheat in Guyana could become a game-changer from the standpoint of agricultural development and food security in Guyana and, for that matter, the region as a whole, especially at this time of food shortages and rising food prices. This is indeed forward-looking thinking for which President Ali must be commended.

Make every drop count: An inclusive, integrated, innovative approach to water scarcity is critical

(FAO) THE world needs a more inclusive, integrated and innovative way of addressing the issue of water scarcity, which already threatens as many as 3.2 billion people living in vulnerable rural communities, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, said on Wednesday. “We need solutions that tackle both the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of the interlinked problems of poverty, food, water and climate,” Qu said in a video message to a high-level roundtable at the 9th World Water Forum in Dakar, Senegal. The World Water Forum is the world’s largest event on water, organised every three

Director-General of the FAO, QU Dongyu

years by the World Water Council with a host country. This year’s edition was the first to be hosted in Sub-Saharan Africa. Other notable speakers addressing the event on water for rural development included Adamou Mahaman, Niger’s Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, and Abdoulaye Sene, Executive Secretary of the 9th World Water Forum. According to FAO’s latest

report - The State of Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture - water scarcity and pollution are stretching key agri-food systems around the world to breaking point. In much of Africa, water availability is so low that many countries don’t have enough of it to grow food or to meet the demand from other sectors of the economy. In all, 2.3 billion people already live in water-stressed countries, with over 733 million of them - or about 10 per cent of the global population - living in countries with high and critical water stress. An even bigger number of people living in agricultural areas 3.2 billion - are threatened by the risks that water scarcity poses for global food security and sustainable development. These are often the most

vulnerable: smallholders and family farmers who see their harvests severely damaged by drought; the pastoralists who see their cattle and other livestock die of thirst; or the fisherfolk who see their fishing grounds shrinking and degraded. “We need to recognise land and water rights for smallholder farmers, the poor, women, youth and Indigenous Peoples, and increase transparency and participation in resource management,” Qu said. AGRICULTURE’S ROLE Agriculture accounts for more than 70 per cent of all freshwater withdrawals in the world, which is why there’s a need to focus on a “more food per drop” approach based on new forms of water manage-

ment, Qu said in his video message to the forum. While the tremendous progress witnessed in food production in the last half century has made it possible to feed a rapidly growing population - thanks to irrigated agriculture that produces about 40 per cent of the world’s food on only 20 per cent of global cropland - there is still scope for improvement. “The climate crisis is also adding to the pressures on the availability of water, which is why we need to protect and restore our ecosystems through green and climate-resilient agricultural practices that enable the sustainable production of agrifood products, while minimising impacts on biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emission,” Qu said.

He added: “To move forward, at the scale and speed required, we need significant investment at all levels: political, financial and technological, and by societies.” FAO is already supporting countries to attract and access climate finance and to implement climate-resilient innovation across agrifood systems, including through the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund. The organisation’s strategic framework for the next decade also supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through the transition to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

The CCJ and the court of public opinion Part 2: Can Caribbean Judges deliver justice better than British peers?

By Earl Bousquet

JUSTICE is justice, seen or perceived as, or not, but if not so seen or perceived by those seeking it in courts of law, that’s a big problem. It’s like medicine, with some doctors swearing if you don’t believe a prescribed tablet or liquid will work, it most likely won’t because of your mental or psychological rejection. Not a lawyer or doctor, I can only go by what I’ve seen and heard during my not-so-short professional career since 1976 and from what I’ve learned along the way about Caribbean people’s general perceptions of Justice. But from what I’ve seen in four-and-a-half decades following cases at home and abroad, between the West Indies and The Caribbean, (one can say) it’s not for nothing that it’s taking so long for the remaining Caribbean Community (CARICOM) memberstates to also make their common and shared Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) their Final Appellate Court. Responses and attitudes could be measured at three main levels -- Lawyers, Politicians and ‘The People’. By virtue of the virtual DNA makeup of their trade, lawyers will naturally trade arguments based on points of law from the same books to agree and disagree (and agree to disagree) on whether justice could be better delivered for Caribbean people by Caribbean judges in Caribbean courts. The 21st Century opened with a greater level of acceptance of the CCJ among the current generation of young Caribbean lawyers, but not among governments where decisions are made more on the basis of what’s convenient, or considered best ‘for the

moment’, or ‘for the time being…’ But even in the four CARICOM nations that have taken steps to make the CCJ their Final Appellate Court, responses to its decisions are not always based or judged by the layman or everyone on the legality of the judgment, but more on reasons less associated with right and wrong. Whether a CCJ decision overrules a local court or annuls general elections’ results, the responses are less based on what The Law says and more on implications for the parties concerned, especially if governments or political parties are involved. The linguistic ‘legalese’ of sophisticated judicial arguments about elasticity of law across jurisdictions normally tends to sideline ‘The People’ to whom justice is to be served – and likewise with the layman’s laying-to-waste of arguments for and against the CCJ, simply because they feel they have enough reason to say they just don’t ‘trust’ lawyers. Whether it be Roe v Wade or Caribbean Joe v West Indian Doe, ordinary plaintiffs and respondents normally become just names for future citations of precedence. CCJ rulings, though published and available to all Caribbean media houses, often don’t get reported until and unless considered ‘newsworthy’ enough, leaving the readers and viewers to settle for the interpretations and misinterpretations of reporters and editors. Established media houses often have access to legal opinions on matters of national or regional import, but, in most cases, coverage is more on the dollars-and-cents size of costs awarded than on the commonsense aspect of

how they will affect society thereafter. Caribbean people’s general and ordinary perceptions of law and justice are still regrettably generally limited to whether they personally know or knowof the litigant(s) or interested in non-legal aspects of the case - their judgment of the judicial judgements, therefore, mainly guided by the nature of their interest in the personalities or other peculiarities involved. There are also people who either don’t trust or can’t afford lawyers, but will dare to pursue their cases on their own, eventually dying feeling The Law is either just not on their side, or always on the side of those who can afford the ‘best’ lawyers. Take the celebrated case of a Saint Lucian litigant who spent a lifetime – from Colonialism to Independence -- pursuing a case against a lawyer who claimed to have purchased his mother’s property (a large estate) through a Deed of Sale signed by her, but on a date long after she died. The case dragged on in-and-through the local courts for decades and was ended in a district court by a magistrate from a neighbouring island-state who had to depend daily on a court translator’s interpretations of the predominant (then unwritten) national creole language. The popular plaintiff was eventually declared a ‘Vexatious Litigant’ – meaning (in lay language), he was wasting the court’s time. The matter has/had its origins in the mid-1960s and it drew some high-profile Pro-Bono interest by at least three top local lawyers for the plaintiff, whose case was against the lawyer who originally signed the deadly deed and the defendant, the

latter also a high-profile local lawyer and politician, who also happened to be a government leader for most of the time the related cases were heard. The plaintiff, at one point, called a press conference (with his three lawyers) to outline why he’d decided to take the case to the British Privy Council, where he felt the judges would not be afraid to rule against a head of government, but he too would

die without living to see his wish for justice delivered by Justices sitting in London. Such cases might be rare, but, though old, they underline some types of bases for expressed doubts or refusals to accept that Caribbean judges are able to deliver justice, based on law, equal to or better than their British peers. The extent to and speed at which CARICOM and the CCJ could make a suf-

ficiently-convincing case in the Court of Public Opinion to correct that longstanding expression of lack of confidence in regional judges, will determine how fast the remaining ten CARICOM Governments do decide to join the Appellate Jurisdiction of the regional court which their predecessors all agreed to establish on February 14, 2001 and formally established exactly 17 years ago, on April 16, 2005.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Tech enthusiasts get platform to showcase creativity

- with Office of the Prime Minister, GTT sponsored ‘Innovation Challenge 2022’

THE Office of the Prime Minister’s Industry and Innovation Unit, in partnership with GTT, has launched “Innovation Challenge 2022” with the aim of advancing technology and its use locally. Innovation Challenge 2022, with the theme: “Transitioning through innovation,” was designed with the aim of promoting Information and Communications Technology (ICT) innovation in Guyana. The three-day activity invites coders, software innovators and programmers to create functioning software applications to address social and economic issues that affect Guyana.

Speaking at the launch of this activity, Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, expressed the government’s unwavering commitment towards ICT development. He highlighted that Guyana would use ICT as a springboard to national development. The Prime Minister, during his remarks, underscored that Innovation Challenge 2022 could create groundbreaking technologies. Prime Minister Phillips said: “Guyana intends to learn from the posture of developed nations and plans to champion the use of ICT to strengthen our position in the global economy, while enhancing a thriv-

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillip (centre); Director of the Industry and Innovation Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister, Shahrukh Hussain (third from left); CEO of GTT, Damian Blackburn (fifth from right), with other officials at the launch of Innovation Challenge 2022 ing ICT sector that can support national development from both social and economic standpoints.” Further, the Prime Minister said that the Government of Guyana is steadfast in creating a digital eco-system in Guyana. “Where there is innovation, there is economic growth,” he said. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTT, Damian Blackburn, in his address, spoke of his company’s supporting role in the development of Guyana’s ICT sector. “I believe through innovations, bringing new

systems, new solutions to people in a digital way, it is going to strengthen our communities around us. More importantly, we also promise to innovate for all in our country,” Blackburn said. He also underscored the importance of Innovation challenge, noting that the incoming team could perhaps “bring their software to life. Blackburn said that he is proud to lead hundreds of innovators at GTT and recognises the wide scope of opportunities that the Innovation Challenge presents. In brief remarks, Di-

rector of the Industry and Innovation Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister, Shahrukh Hussain, said his unit is steadily working on building a digitally connected society. A total of $1 million and bragging rights will be up for grabs, as five teams go up against each other at the upcoming three-day event. The challenge will be a non-stop coding affair and will be judged by ICT gurus from Guyana. All are welcome to tune in to the Industry and Innovation Unit’s Facebook page for updates.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

$249M for enhancement works between UG Road to Ogle

THE space between UG Road and Ogle, East Coast Demerara, is in line for a major facelift, as the Ministry of Public Works is set to expend around $249 million for massive enhancement works in the area. The area has been divided into three lots, with lot one catering for the construction of a parking lot at Ogle at an estimated cost of $77 million. Lot two will see the construction of a promenade from UG Road intersection to the arch at Industry, while lot three will see the construction of a promenade from the arch at Industry to Ogle. The two promenades will be done at an estimated cost of $86 million each. Invitation for bids have been placed in several local newspapers. The idea behind the project is to create a safe space similar to that on the Lamaha corridor. The idea to convert this area which was once filled with debris and covered in bushes into something spectacular, is the brainchild of President, Dr.

Irfaan Ali. Budget 2022 has an allocation of $3.3 billion to finance improvement and enhancement of the aesthetics of the environment across major urban areas across the country, with particular focus on the capital city. The area will be outfitted with lights, seats, a parking lot, art gallery and food court. I n J a n u a r y, P r e s ident Ali spearheaded ‘Operation Clean-Up’ in Georgetown, which has since rapidly spread across the country. This initiative, which has been adopted by residents in various communities, has restored a number areas that were once unpleasant to the eyes. Further, the government has several beautification projects ongoing around the city. First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali and Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, have collaborated to beautify the Kingston seawall. Additionally, phase one of the geometric improvement project along Vlissengen Road

has been completed. The $42.6 million project will improve access to pedestrians, with phase two set to commence this year. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Health Ministry in multiple partnerships to improve sector

THE Ministry of Health is currently in partnership with a number of international organisations, as part of its efforts to bring improvement to the country’s healthcare system. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, made that revelation on Wednesday, during his daily COVID-19 update where he stated that strong partnerships have been formed with multilateral agencies such as the Pan American Health Organisation/ World H e a l t h O rg a n isation (PAHO/ WHO). To t h i s e n d , he stated that PAHO/WHO has been integrally involved in the country’s health sector as the ministry has been working with the organisation on a number of projects. “This include getting guidance

on legislation that we want to implement. We have also been benefitting from their technical guidance in several areas so we continue to work with them,” he said. He mentioned that, recently, a consultant, through PAHO, came to work with local authorities on neglected infectious diseases, even as other persons are expected to come to Guyana from different fields. Aside from PAHO, Dr Anthony added that the ministry has been working closely with UNICEF in the area of immunisation and the rolling out of vaccine programmes and with the UNFPA on reproductive health issues. “The UN itself, we’ve been looking at other ways we can utilise technology in healthcare so a number of

partners have been collaborating with us and, through these collaborations, we’ve been able to move a lot of things forward in the health sector,” he added. Meanwhile, the minister also revealed that there is currently a partnership with the University of Oxford to use innovative techniques to control malaria in the hinterland. He stated that this project is specifically targeting Region Nine and, while some preliminary works have been done, it is expected to continue this year. Additionally, there is also a partnership with the Columbia University which focuses on the area of psychiatry. Specific studies relating to suicide and other mental health issues in Guyana are expected to be conducted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Health Ministry, Harvard University conducting ‘cutting edge’ study on malaria parasites

THE Ministry of Health has partnered with Harvard University, to carry out studies of the malaria parasite, to detect changes that may cause drug resistance, the findings of which, could contribute to global studies. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said Guyana could become one of the top centers once the project is successful. The study will use pioneering technology and techniques to sequence the malaria parasite and check for gene alterations that are common with resistance to medications. “Some of these parasites would develop resistance towards the treatment that is currently available, so we have seen that globally and when that happens the current medication is not going to work properly and therefore, when people get sick with malaria, if we are using the same treatment protocol, they would have challenges in getting better,” Dr. Anthony related. He said officials at the National Public Health Reference Lab have been trained in gene sequencing at Harvard University, while a gene sequencing machine has been acquired. “Once we do the sequencing locally, the data that we collect, we would be assisted by the Harvard team to interpret the data so it’s a collaboration, we do part of the work, they will help us with the analytics. So, it is a

good collaboration because it allows our staff to learn new techniques and some of these are really cutting-edge technology that we are using and techniques that we are using,” Dr. Anthony said. While the focus is on malaria, the same technique and equipment could be used for gene sequencing for the COVID-19 virus. Minister Anthony said this could be done locally by the end of this year. Another collaboration, this time with the Oxford University, will see the use of “innovative techniques” in Region Nine, to control malaria there. On this point, Dr. Anthony said: “We don’t know if we don’t monitor and that’s why we have these projects to do specific types of monitoring, so the traditional way doesn’t work that well, so with the advances in science we can use molecular surveillance.” The Ministry of Health has, in the last year, distributed treated bed nets in the various hinterland communities, along with hammocks and nets in mining areas. The Health Minister said there are 15,000 to 18,000 reported cases of malaria every year. He is hoping that the distribution of bed nets, which has been very effective in other parts of the world like Africa, will see results in reducing the mosquito population and infection. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Drastic action needed in fight against climate change

— Attorney-General tells international parliamentarians

ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C., has said that countries around the world could either take immediate steps and drastic action to address the climate crisis or subject themselves to an infernal global disaster. In his brief address to the 144th Inter-Parliamentary

Union Assembly in Bali, Indonesia, on Tuesday, the Attorney-General said climate change has left the world with serious decisions to make. He said leaders across the world must implement specific policies to tackle the issue, and ensure they are followed precisely. “…all countries must set

more ambitious goals to reduce emissions, and we must honour, to the letter, those ambitions. All countries have an obligation to act,” the Attorney-General posited. In consonance with President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s call for a global commitment to the US$100 billion climate aid, the Attorney-General said negligence of this pledge

would be a “recipe for disaster.” Meanwhile, the Attorney-General affirmed that Guyana will continue to play its role in ensuring climate change is controlled as far as possible. To do this, the Nandlall told the international delegates that Guyana’s government will maintain its forests

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C.

which store 20 gigatons of carbon and continue its work with local communities in conserving, protecting and sustainably managing the country’s biodiversity and freshwater supplies. He also spoke of the country’s plan to decouple economic growth and emissions through a progressively cleaner energy mix to reduce carbon emissions by 70 per cent by the year 2030, and invest in low carbon opportunities for jobs, ecosystem services and social inclusion through its expansive Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). These strategies, particularly those associated with the administration’s LCDS, will have a positive local impact on the fight against climate change. “Our government and

our parliament will continue to aggressively enact laws and regulations, promulgate and implement policies on climate change and promote low carbon development in every area of national life,” the Attorney-General said. Nandlall is part of a delegation which includes Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir; Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag; Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud; Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, and Opposition Members of Parliament, Dawn Hastings-Williams and Christopher Jones. The Assembly’s theme this year is, “Getting to Zero: Mobilising Parliaments to act on climate change.”

Three arrested following marijuana bust at Diamond

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

THREE persons have been arrested after officers of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) uncovered $6.3 million worth of marijuana, during an operation at the New Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, on Tuesday. According to CANU,

the suspects are 42-yearold Andrew Carew known as Daddo; 47-year-old Rayanthony Persaud called Tony and 47-yearold Sheldon Hope known as Fire Man. Reports are that the illegal substance was found in six parcels weighing, collectively, 5.754 kg (12.6 pounds).

Arrested: Sheldon Hope

The almost 13 pounds of marijuana found at the New Diamond Housing Scheme

Arrested: Andrew Carew

Arrested: Rayanthony Persaud

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Engaging communities,

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and other senior officials of the government, conducted a two-day outreach

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

creating opportunities

h to Region Two, where they listened to the concerns of residents and provided solutions where possible. (DPI photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Stage set for AgroFest in Barbados, May 26-29

- GMSA representatives outline plans for local participation at expo during engagement with Barbadian officials REPRESENTATIVES of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), on Wednesday, conducted a site visit for the upcoming AgroFest which is slated to be held at Queen’s Park, Barbados, from May 26-29. According to a press statement from GMSA, AgroFest will see a display of culture, food, sport, agriculture, and timber products. Local stakeholders engaged Barbadian authorities

on the logistics and line-up of potential exhibitors who will represent Guyana in Barbados. President of the GMSA, Rafeek Khan; Executive Director, Nizam Hassan, and Corporate Communications Specialist, Travis Bruce, represented the association and gathered information to be disseminated to the wider membership and private sector businesses. Following the walkthrough of the expo site, Khan made a commitment

through his business, Durable Wood Products Inc., to donate timber products to Queen’s Park to assist with renovation and repairs of a gazebo. Wallaba Shingles and other wooden building materials will be donated to assist in preparation of AgroFest and Guyana Expo. Adding his voice to the discussion was CEO of the Barbados Agricultural Society, James Paul, who said he was excited and thrilled and would be looking forward

GMSA representatives engaging Barbadian authorities at Queen’s Park, in Barbados to the exchange in May. In his view, the GMSA team was sharing brilliant ideas which will assist greatly in developing Agro-

Fest and adding value to the event. Over the next three days, GMSA representatives will engage gov-

ernment ministries and agencies, business support organisations and private companies to create synergies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Enhanced screening for cervical cancer expected across Guyana

- with distribution of six cryotherapy machines to local health facilities SIX health facilities across Guyana will now have the capacity to screen for cervical cancer, after receiving new cryotherapy machines from the Ministry of Health. According to the Ministry of Health, the machines were given to health offices in Region One (Barima-Waini), Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Speaking at a brief

handing-over ceremony, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said that the ministry has been working to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Guyana by enhancing the capacity of local health facilities to conduct screening. “Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women in Guyana. If we work very hard, we will be able to eliminate this cancer,” Minister Anthony said. In addition, he said that the machines will detect abnormal cells in women and enable early treatment

to prevent other complications. Also present at the handing over ceremony were Dr. Lisa Lall, the Director of the Chronic Disease/Non-Communicable Diseases; Dr. Dianele Drepaul, Acting Coordinator for the Chronic Diseases Unit; Dr. Martin Campbell, Technical Officer for Cancer Control; Dr. Veronica Griffith, the Deputy Director of Regional and Clinical Services; Dr. Vishalya Sharma, the Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Six and nurse Loreen Sobers.

One of the cryotherapy machines

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Man serving 40 years for rape appeals conviction, sentence JULIUS Branker, who is currently serving 40 years for the knifepoint rape of a mother of one at her home in 2014, has moved to the Court of Appeal, seek-

ing to have his conviction and sentence overturned. In 2018, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall, in the Sexual Offences Court at the Georgetown

High Court, sentenced Branker to serve 40 years, after a 12-member jury found him guilty of the crime. The offence occurred on February 15, 2014

when the accused, armed with a knife, broke and entered the home of the victim. While she was in bed with her 18-monthold baby, he committed the rape.

In his appeal, Branker claimed that the trial Judge erred on several pertinent issues leading up to the verdict in the High Court. As it relates to the

severity of sentence, Branker claimed that the trial judge erred in law by failing to apply case law principles that promote fairness in sentencing.

Man who denied chopping pregnant woman changes plea

ONE day after pleading not guilty to the attempted murder of a pregnant woman, Richard Mohammed, on Wednesday, changed his plea to guilty. Mohammed, 31, of Lower Pomeroon, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), was, at the time making his second appearance before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court, for the commencement of his trial. Mohammed had denied that, on March 25, 2021, in the county of Essequibo, he attempted to murder the 23-yearold woman, who was six

weeks pregnant. However, on Wednesday, he opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of felonious wounding. He is being represented by attorney-at-law George Thomas while prosecutor Tiffini Lyken is on record for the State. Justice Barlow deferred sentencing until April 7, 2022. The chopping incident occurred in the wee hours of March 25, 2021. The mother of five lost several fingers and was also chopped to the head and other parts of the body. According to reports, her house was also set ablaze by Mohammed.

Richard Mohammed

Businessman slapped with attempted murder charge Micheal Hercules

A 44-year-old Linden businessman, on Tuesday, appeared in the Linden Magistrate’s Court, charged for the attempted murder of a woman and was remanded to prison. Micheal Hercules of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, appeared before Mag-

istrate Wanda Fortune and was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that, on March 20, 2022, at Buck Town in Christiansburg, Linden, he attempted to murder the victim. Hercules was remanded to prison until May 3, 2022.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Osaka moves on from...

FROM PAGE 24

Osaka missed much of the 2021 season and has dropped to 77 in the world rankings

In the men's draw, Britain's Jack Draper, the world number 146, is through to round two where he will face British number one Cameron Norrie.

Draper, 20, beat Frenchman Gilles Simon 7-5, 6-1 to earn his first Masters-level victory and boost his hopes of moving into the world's top 100.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday March 24, 2022)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Aussie quicks damage Pakistan’s batting

Pat Cummins took a stunning return catch then claimed a five-wicket haul (AFP/Getty Images)

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Unplayable quicks Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc tore through Pakistan's batting order with vicious reverse swing late on day three to engineer Australia's stunning fightback and power them into unexpected control of the series-deciding third Test. After being in a strong position at 214 for 2, Pakistan collapsed against torrid bowling from Cummins and Starc, who claimed nine wickets between them in a remarkable turnaround as Australia gained a 123-run first-innings lead. A shocked Pakistan lost 7 for 20 in 10 overs to be dismissed for 268 with Cummins finishing with 5 for 56 and Starc 4 for 33 to turn the match on its head. Openers Usman Khawaja and David Warner survived three tricky overs before stumps as Australia gained a stranglehold in the decider of the historic series, the first played between the teams in Pakistan since 1998. Few could have predicted the late flurry of wickets after Pakistan had mostly blunted Australia's disciplined bowling for more than two sessions. Wickets had been few and far between for Australia but they toiled hard and were rewarded when Starc produced firecrackers to clean-bowl Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan, who had so memorably defied the tourists on the last day in Karachi. After a sedate first hour after tea, Fawad's slump continued after being cleanbowled by a cracking deliv-

ery from his nemesis Starc. While the rest of Pakistan's specialist batters have struck tons in this batting-dominant series, Fawad has mustered just 22 runs from three innings after missing out on a hit on the flat Rawalpindi surface. Starc then produced an even better delivery from around the wicket to knock over Rizwan's off-stump and expose Pakistan's longer tail with the hosts having entered the match with a five-pronged attack. Sensing Australia's moment to gain a stranglehold, Cummins quickly snared the wickets of Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali and Hasan Ali to become the first quick in the series to claim a five-wicket haul. He was well supported by Starc, who had struggled with his rhythm on day two but was much better from the outset and reaped the rewards in spectacular fashion later in the day. In a flash, punctuated by losing their last four wickets for no runs, Pakistan's grip on the match had eroded as they had no answers to the scintillating reverse swing conjured by Cummins and Starc. Captain Babar Azam, who had played sweetly before the carnage, was left ashen-faced as he watched from the other end. Even Babar, who was coming off a herculean 196 to save the second Test, couldn't thwart a red-hot Starc and he was the ninth wicket to fall leaving Pakistan's hopes of a Test and series victory in tatters. After two topsy-turvy days, where little separated the teams, day three loomed

as pivotal in the outcome of the historic series, which remains deadlocked after draws in Rawalpindi and Karachi. It had seemed like Pakistan were moving into a strong position after losing just two wickets in the first 47 overs of day three. The hosts had threatened to take the game away from Australia with Azhar Ali and in-form Abdullah Shafique combining for a 150-run partnership as they batted through the first session. Australia, however, kept toiling and spinner Nathan Lyon - who provided a lot of the heavy lifting during the second session - finally broke through after lunch

with a faint edge off Shafique that was originally given not out after only Travis Head at silly point had appealed initially. Having wasted a review earlier and with just one left, Cummins gambled correctly as Shafique fell just short of a ton for the second straight innings. In front of his family in the terraces, an unmovable Azhar appeared to be marching towards his 20th Test century and first on hishome ground before he fell for 78 late in the second session to a brilliant return catch by Cummins, who athletically clutched a onehander while tumbling in his follow-through.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

World Number 1 Barty quits tennis to chase other dreams

(BBC) - Ashleigh Barty's ambitions and desires have been well and truly sated. Her time at the top was too short for tennis, but not for the person who matters most. If winning Wimbledon was the Holy Grail, then enduring fulfilment was secured in January when Barty became the first home winner of an Australian Open singles title for 44 years. "I (no longer) have the

physical drive, the emotional want," the 25-year-old has said. "I just know that I'm absolutely spent." Perhaps the decision has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with its enforced bubble-life and the difficulties of returning home to Australia. Barty spent six months on the road last year and, in 2014 as an 18-year-old, she suffered home sickness and

depression before taking a two-year break from the tour. But surprising though the announcement is, with Barty in her 121st week as world No. 1, the Queenslander never seemed likely to be playing into her 30s. She is never happier than at home near Brisbane, with family and friends - barbecue tongs in one hand and a cold beer in the other. There are many parallels to the decision taken by Jus-

tine Henin in May, 2008. She was also 25, world number one, and had won two Grand Slams in the previous 12 months. The announcement of her retirement, just two weeks before the French Open which the Belgian had won for the previous three years, was a monumental surprise. But, like Barty, she also said she had given everything and wanted to try her hand at something new. Henin, though, came back for more. Motivated by Roger Federer completing his set of Grand Slams at Roland Garros in 2009, she wanted to see whether she could win Wimbledon, which would remain the only major title to elude her. The only Grand Slam singles title missing from Barty's resumé is the US Open. Only 10 women in history - and only Margaret Court, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova in the Open Era - have been able to win all four Slams. Could Barty one day be tempted? It is always possible, of course, but she seems to me to be a less likely candidate for a comeback. And I do not say that because of the conditions at the US Open, although Barty's long-serving coach Craig Tyzzer made some interesting observations about that at this year's Australian Open. "The US Open really needs to change the ball for the girls. It's a terrible ball for someone like Ash - the

Barty celebrates winning the Australian Open title in January

ball itself is so light," he said. "I had to change her racquet just to get any sort of control of the ball. If they keep that ball the same, noone like Ash will win that tournament." When returning to tennis in 2016, after playing professional cricket for Brisbane Heat in the inaugural women's Big Bash League, Barty admitted having missed the competition and the one-onone battles. Her fiancé, Garry Kissick, is a trainee golf professional, and given Barty's low single figure handicap, there is sure to be further speculation about her one day embarking on a third professional sport. Once, that is, she has enjoyed "the next phase of life as Ash Barty the person, not Ash Barty the athlete". It is unusual for players to retire so young when injuries are not a factor. Jennifer Capriati had well-documented off-court issues, but the initial retirements, in their 20s, of Tracy Austin, Martina Hingis and Marion Bartoli were predominantly caused by ailing bodies. Barty's departure makes you even more grateful for

the longevity of the Williams sisters - and concerned for the short-term future of the WTA Tour. The 2020 French Open champion Iga Swiatek is likely to take over as world number 1 after the Miami Open - but only if Barty asks for her name to be removed from the rankings. Maria Sakkari, Barbora Krejcikova and Aryna Sabalenka are the other current members of the top five - and their achievements are not yet widely celebrated outside the sport. Naomi Osaka is also playing sparingly, but there are plenty of reasons for long-term optimism in the shape of teenagers Emma Raducanu, Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez. To lose a player like Barty, who has won 25 of her last 26 matches on the tour and been world No. 1 for the past 114 weeks, leaves a gaping hole though. She has become the reference point for women's tennis, having carried herself with class and provided inspiration for indigenous communities. And Barty has charmed us with the grace of her truly beautiful game.

Osaka moves on from Indian Wells exit … wins in Miami Open

(BBC) - Japan's Naomi Osaka says she wants to move on from her traumatic early exit at Indian Wells after winning her opening match at the Miami Open. The former world number one beat Australia's Astra Sharma 6-3, 6-4, 10 days after heckling from the crowd reduced her to tears during a

second-round defeat by Veronika Kudermetova. "I didn't want to let anything bother me, no matter what happened," said 24-year-old Osaka, who added that "the last match I played was not the greatest memory for me". "I wanted to prove that I could come back out here

and compete, and no matter if I won or lost, to just know that I had the best attitude I could." Osaka's win was her 50th in WTA 1000 tournaments and sets up second-round meeting with 13th seed Angelique Kerber. TURN TO PAGE 22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Chelsea allowed to sell tickets again

(BBC) - Chelsea will be allowed to sell tickets to away games, cup matches and fixtures involving the women's team after the UK government made alterations to the club's special licence. The club had been unable to sell tickets since owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the government as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine Under the changed licence, proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the Premier League and then be distributed to the relevant party. The move means Chelsea will be able to sell tickets for their home Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on April 6 and the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on the weekend of April 16 against Crystal Palace. Away fans can buy tickets for Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, with revenue going to the Premier League. Chelsea's next Women's Super League game is on April 3 at Kings Meadow against Reading. Chelsea have requested that any

money generated by ticket sales, which the club would have usually received, be donated to victims of the war in Ukraine and the Premier League said that "beneficiary charities will be announced in due course after consultation with the club". Sports minister Nigel Hud-

dleston said: "I would like to thank fans for their patience while we have engaged with the football authorities to make this possible. "Since Roman Abramovich was added to the UK's sanctions list for his links to (Russian president) Vladimir Putin we

Usyk leaves Ukraine for rematch with Joshua

Usyk holds the Ukrainian flag aloft after his victory against Britain's Anthony Joshua at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September

(BBC) - Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has left his native Ukraine to prepare for his rematch with Anthony Joshua. Usyk, 35, has been helping to defend his country from the Russian invasion after enlisting in Ukraine's military. He beat Joshua in September to become the unified heavyweight champion and is set to face the Briton again in June. Usyk will now begin his training camp but, contrary to some reports, the BBC understands the camp is not in neighbouring Poland. April had initially been mentioned as a potential date for the rematch, but Joshua's search for a new trainer and prolonged talks with WBC champion Tyson Fury forced a delay.

After Joshua decided against stepping aside from the fight to face Fury, his promoter Eddie Hearn said May was a target. But Joshua's bid to win back the WBA (Super), IBF and WBO belts was pushed back further when Russian troops invaded Ukraine at the end of February. Usyk is one of several former and current Ukrainian boxers who have come to the defence of their homeland. Three-weight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, 34, has also taken up arms while brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, both former world heavyweight champions, are also in Kyiv. Vitali, 50, has been mayor of the city since 2014 while Wladimir, 45, joined the city's military reserve last month.

have worked extensively to ensure the club can continue to play football while ensuring the sanctions regime continues to be enforced." While only Chelsea season-ticket holders and those fans who bought tickets before the sanctions

can attend Premier League home games, the government said an exception had been made for the WSL as "there is a risk of empty stands for these matches". Chelsea fans can purchase tickets for future Premier League away fixtures, with any revenue going to the host team. Ticket sales from FA Cup and Champions League matches will go "via the Premier League to the relevant competition organiser or home club rather than Chelsea FC in order to remain compliant with current sanctions". Chelsea face Arsenal away in the Women's FA Cup semi-final on April 17 and their ticket sales for that competition will go to the Football Association. The government's sanctions were intended to prevent Russian businessman Abramovich from making any money from Chelsea and his attempt to sell the Premier League club was halted when his assets were frozen. Abramovich put the club up for sale on March 2, five days after Russia invaded Ukraine.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Teams’ performances in Women’s World Cup show improvements – Mohammed (CMC) – West Indies Women bowler Anisa Mohammed says the performances of the teams participating in this year’s ICC Cricket World Cup demonstrate that women in the sport are improving their game. She also said that despite her side’s last few losses in the eightteam tournament, they had proved they were up to the challenge.

West Indies are in the middle of the standings, in fourth position on six points, having won three matches and lost three. “I think when you look at most of the games, they all came down to the wire. I think coming into this tournament a lot of teams thought, you know, West Indies would probably be a walk-over team, and to see that we were able

to put up a fight in so many of the games showed that we’re improving little by little and it’s just a matter of pulling out a big performance tomorrow (today),” she told the media yesterday, ahead of the West Indies Women’s final group stage match against South Africa today. “But in terms of women’s cricket as well, it goes to show

GMR&SC Quarter Mile Return …

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that all teams are improving. You know, usually, in a World Cup you will just see top three, top four teams just beating teams, but now we actually have a lot more teams competing. So I think that’s really good for women’s cricket going forward.” Australia Women, unbeaten in the tournament so far, lead the standings on 12 points, followed

by South Africa second on eight points, India third on the same six points as West Indies but with a superior net run rate (NRR), England and New Zealand in fifth and sixth, respectively, with four points each, Bangladesh in seventh with two points and Pakistan at the bottom, also with two points but last because of an inferior NRR.

Bravo signs for Worcestershire in T20 Blast

… Ticket sales begin

Moeen and Bravo catch up before a T20 World Cup game (ICC via Getty Images)

Drag-racing action returns on Sunday, March 27

THREE days remain before the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) ‘Quarter Mile Return’ drag race meet excites fans at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, and competitors are leaving nothing to chance with over 30 cars already registered. This meet is highly anticipated and Team Mohamed’s camp can make it even more special with two cars in their garage capable of resetting the current track record. Balram Auto Mechanic, along with S&D Performance’s garage, will provide the stiffest competition for the record-holders in the Unlimited, while the Surinamese will burn rubber with the locals for bragging rights in the slower classes. In a release to the media, head of the GMR&SC, Rameez Mohamed, revealed that tickets went on sale yesterday and already he projects that they may be sold out soon and encouraged patrons to visit ticketing locations to pick up their copies. Keen on having their brands be part of this premier motorsport event that has the 592

buzzing are Stag Beer, Unitech Solutions and E-Networks, which were announced as the latest sponsors of the event. Mohamed posited that “Stag Beer and E-Networks have been two of our (GMR&SC) oldest partners that are always ready to support any event that we have and we must express our heartfelt thanks to the entities”. Meanwhile, he welcomed Unitech Solutions and called for a long and fruitful partnership going forward. Tickets cost $2 000 for adults; $500 for kids, and are on sale at the club’s Albert Street & Thomas Lands venue, Mohamed’s Enterprise, 29 Lombard Street Georgetown; Motor Trend Service Centre, Area L Foulis Public Road E.C.D; West Coast Customs Wash Bay, Vreeden-Hoop, W.C.D; Massive Audio, Parika E.B.E; Homeline Furnishing, 592 New Amsterdam, Berbice; Sukhpaul’s Business Enterprise & Auto Sales, Lot 7-8 Strand New Amsterdam, Berbice and Sukhpaul’s Service Station, Corriverton, Berbice.

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Moeen Ali transformed from all-rounder into headhunter during the recent Bangladesh Premier League, using his time in the league to convince Dwayne Bravo to sign for Worcestershire for this summer's T20 Blast. Moeen and Bravo are Chennai Super Kings team-mates in the IPL and were both part of the BPL's bio-secure bubble last month, with Moeen's side Comilla Victorians beating Bravo's Fortune Barishal in the final. During the course of the tournament, Moeen, Worcestershire's T20 captain, approached Bravo to see if he would be interested in spending six weeks in England immediately after the IPL. Bravo, who retired from international cricket after last year's T20 World Cup, has since signed a contract that will see him play at least 10 of Worcestershire's group games, as well as the knockout stages if they qualify. The Blast runs from May 25, when Worcestershire play Yorkshire on the opening night, until Finals Day on July 16. "When Moeen mentioned the possibility of me coming over for the Blast whilst we were both at the BPL, it was an opportunity I wanted to seriously look at," Bravo said. "It's great that it has all come together. The Vitality Blast is one of the domestic T20 titles that I am yet to win and I will be working hard to help the team achieve success." Bravo, 38, is heading towards the end of his career but has huge pedigree in the format as a death-bowling all-rounder. He is the leading wicket-taker in T20 history with 571, more than 100 clear of Imran Tahir in second, and only his former West Indies team-mate Kieron Pollard has made more appearances. He has previously played county cricket for Kent, Essex, Middlesex and Surrey but is yet to win the Blast.

Worcestershire also announced the signing of Colin Munro yesterday, who will be their other overseas player in the Blast and effectively replaces Matthew Wade as a left-handed top-order option. Wade, who was due to spend the full season at New Road, pulled out of his deal after he was signed by Gujarat Titans for the IPL, and Worcestershire have already confirmed the signing of Azhar Ali to replace him in their County Championship side. Munro previously spent two seasons with Worcestershire when they were losing quarter-finalists in 2014 and 2015, and is available for the entire competition with his international career effectively over. Worcestershire won the Blast for the first time in 2018 and were losing finalists the following season, but their performances have tailed off and they have failed to get out of the group in the last two years. They have lost Riki Wessels (released), Daryl Mitchell (retired) and Ross Whiteley (Hampshire) over the off-season but are confident they can challenge for the title again after adding Bravo, Munro and Ed Pollock (Warwickshire) to their squad. Paul Pridgeon, the chair of their cricket steering group, said: "To put Dwayne Bravo and Colin Munro in the mix with the players we already have in the squad is excellent news. Moeen has been playing in the Bangladesh Premier League with Dwayne Bravo this winter, has been talking to him and said 'come and play for us' - and he agreed. "Dwayne is available for us at least the final ten group games plus the quarter-finals and final, but that number will increase if Chennai don't make the knockout stages… to have Colin for the entire tournament and Dwayne for a major proportion of it is great news."

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022

Strong partnerships, wickets key as West Indies look to third Test (CMC) – A minimum 100-run partnership between opening batters and early wickets are what head coach Phil Simmons believes will give West Indies a fighting chance to win the crucial third and final Test against England which begins today. With the first two matches of the series ending in draws, the two sides will be battling at the Grenada National Stadium to lift the newly-minted Richards-Botham Trophy in the Apex Test series. Simmons said both batters and bowlers will need to play key roles with the series on the line. “In the first Test match we got a couple of good starts from the opening pair and I would like to see another couple of good starts, or one good start leading to a 100150-run partnership. I think that it’s important for us as a team to be able to start getting those sorts

of starts and giving the batters a little leeway to play with going down the order,” he said at a press conference yesterday. “The second thing I would love is for us to be able to get early wickets like we did in the first match in Antigua …. If we can do that and stick to our discipline then we can maybe get England out for a small score and then work from there.” In a separate interview, West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, who has been an inspiration in the series with a monumental performance on home soil in Barbados – scores of 160 and 56 not out as he batted a marathon 16 hours and faced a whopping 673 balls – said he was confident in his squad’s ability to clinch the series. “It all comes down to this last match here in Grenada and we are ready. We have worked very hard

in the series so far and we want to end on a high. This is the decider, and we believe we have the quality in the team to win. From the start, we said we would like to win the Richards-Botham trophy and celebrate with our fans, so here is the chance to do it,” he said. “It won’t be easy. England have also been playing some good cricket so this promises to be a great finale.” Responding to questions about the low scoring rate in the preceding matches at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and Kensington Oval, Simmons said once the pitch here allows and the situation dictates it is time to lift the scoring rate, the batters would work to suit. “I think it’s a case that the situation would dictate how we up the tempo,” he said, adding that the pitch at the National Stadium looks “like a good cricket wicket”.

West Indies are going into the series-decider with an unchanged squad. Simmons said he agreed with the selectors’ decision to stick with the same team for the entire tour. “I think the squad has done well and when you do that you kinda give them the confidence to go out there and keep doing what they’ve been doing. A couple guys haven’t gotten off, which doesn’t take away from how good the squad has done so far. So it is good to keep the same squad,” he said, although not disclosing whether the final 11 would also be unchanged. In the only change to the England lineup as the visitors chase their first Test win in nine attempts, Craig Overton, who missed the second Test at Kensington Oval because of illness, replaces Matthew Fisher.

Seamer Ollie Robinson, who had been expected to play a key role in the squad after senior bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad were omitted, has been ruled out after failing to recover from a back injury, which means he has made no appearances in this tour. Today’s match bowls off at 10:00hrs. Eastern Caribbean Time/09:00hrs. Jamaica Time. Brathwaite has called on the fans to come out and show their support for the home team. “We want to urge the Grenadian fans to come out in their numbers and support us from start to finish. I played here a few years ago and got a hundred, so the ground has great memories for me. We hope to have some more great moments this week,” he said.

Bangladesh race to maiden ODI series win in South Africa

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Bangladesh raced to their maiden ODI series win in South Africa, sealing it 2-1 when they beat the home side by nine wickets yesterday. The match ended before sunset in Centurion with Taskin Ahmed's first five-wicket haul in eight years overpowering South Africa and bowling them out for 154. Captain Tamim Iqbal's unbeaten 87 then ensured Bangladesh's biggest overseas win in terms of balls remaining. For the record, it was 141. Before this tour, South Africa had never lost to Bangladesh at home in 20 years. They would rue a lot of their decisions in this game, particularly Temba Bavuma choosing to bat on a SuperSport Park pitch that seemed to be quite tacky. They got off to a strong start, but several of their batters were guilty of looking for boundaries and boundaries alone, which led them into making a considerable amount of mistakes. Still, very few would have expected Bangladesh to bowl out South Africa in their backyard in 37 overs in such an important game. The score of 154 is their lowest total against Bangladesh. The 2-1 series loss also dents South Africa's progress towards automatic qualification to the 2023 World Cup, given they are down in ninth place on the ODI Super League points table. Bangladesh played like the table-toppers

they are. They rode on Taskin's 5 for 35 to put on their strongest bowling performance against a higher-ranked side in overseas conditions. Mehidy Hasan Miraz set them on their way with Quinton de Kock's wicket in the seventh over at a time when South Africa were motoring along at seven runs an over. de Kock's wicket sucked the life out of the home side and Taskin used the opening to get the big wickets. He quickly removed Kyle Verreynne, who made a fifty in the second game. Malan, who eventually top scored with 39, also fell to Taskin's clever thinking. Seeing Malan advance down the wicket, Taskin bowled a quicker, shorter delivery that Malan could only edge and Mushfiqur Rahim took a smart catch moving to his right. South Africa slid further during Taskin's third spell with Dwaine Pretorius nicking a wide one and danger-man David Miller trapped down the leg-side. Both wickets came as a result of a string of dot balls that frustrated the batters into playing low-percentage shots. Kagiso Rabada was Taskin's fifth wicket but the moment was soured slightly when Mushfiqur, who took the edge, sprained his shoulder by throwing the ball up in celebration. The Bangladesh wicketkeeper had to leave the field but he returned not too long

Taskin Ahmed was a force to reckon with all through the tour (Getty Images)

after, sporting a rather sheepish smile. South Africa's innings ended in shambles when Keshav Maharaj, who made a fighting 28, was run-out after No.11 Tabraiz Shamsi refused a single off the last ball of the 37th over. If there was any unease about the SuperSport Park pitch, it evaporated as soon as Tamim and Litton Das started to play their shots. Litton though got an early break. He wasn't even off the mark when Maharaj dropped him at point. The Bangladesh openers batted conservatively for the first seven overs before Tamim struck a pair of boundaries off Lungi Ngidi. When he struck Rabada for four consecutive fours in the tenth over, the fear that Bangladesh might mess up the chase, especially on March 23, just vanished. A streaky boundary in the 18th over

brought up the 100-run opening stand - Bangladesh's seventh in an overseas ODI, and the second one against South Africa. Maharaj finally broke the partnership when Litton popped one to cover in the 21st over. Litton's 48 included eight boundaries, mostly hit through square on the off-side. He allowed Tamim to do the bulk of the scoring in their 127-run stand. Tamim, who hadn't scored an ODI fifty since his century against Zimbabwe in July last year, batted with intent. He cracked 14 fours in his 82-ball 87, and was particularly severe on South Africa's quicks. He was relentless against Maharaj and Shamsi too. Tamim's knock embodied Bangladesh's mindset before and during this ODI series.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 24, 2022 FLASHBACK! Veerasammy Permaul took two quick wickets on the fifth morning vs England, 2nd Test, Kensington Oval, Barbados, 5th day, March 20, 2022 (Getty Images)

Strong partnerships, wickets key as West Indies look to third Test 27 PAGE

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