Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 24-06-2023

Foreign interviewer calls out Norton for exclusion, inequity in representation

- blasts him for only competing in predominantly Afro-Guyanese areas at LGEs

LEADER of the Opposition Aubrey Norton has recently come under fire after being accused of fostering racism within the multicultural society of Guyana.

While Norton has constantly adjusted his reason for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) not contesting in all 80 of the Local Authority Areas (LAAs) for the Local Government Elections (LGEs), he told a Ugandan interviewer that the party was focusing on maintaining its strongholds. This was, however, met with tremendous criticism, as it paints an image of the party excluding other races.

Although much of what

he said on the international programme were unjustified claims that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) does not govern for all, Norton faced backlash for his own party’s actions at the local government polls.

When asked by the interviewer why his party did not field candidates in places which were not predominately made up of Afro-Guyanese, Norton gave a vague response.

The interviewer said: "Because one would rather think this is an opportunity for you to front candidates there; pass on your message,” adding that even if APNU did not win in these areas, they had an opportuni-

ty to tell the people that they were interested in fostering betterment within the communities.

Moreover, Norton was put on the spot multiple times throughout the programme for some of his questionable responses, especially given his party’s track record.

When asked if the Opposition were in government, how it would utilise the resources, Norton failed to answer, and instead tried to accuse the government of squandering funds.

In particular, he said that the government misused funds to gain votes at the recent local government polls.

“What they do is use the

oil resources at their disposal, with the hope of obtaining votes; the last local government elections [has] shown them that failed...,” Norton said, completely ignoring the questions of whether his party would have used the oil wealth to invest in infrastructural projects or promote a “cash economy”.

Norton, however, went a step further to say that the PPP said that they had planned to win APNU’s three strongholds and failed, completely excluding the fact that the PPP made major inroads in Georgetown, Linden and New Amsterdam among other areas.

Moreover, after attacking the government, and even

claiming that the PPP building hospitals does not lean towards enhancing the health sector, the interviewer turned the tables and asked Norton why he did not execute some of his development plans when his party was in government. His response, according to analysts, was incoherent.

Regarding representation for all, and participation at the LGEs, Norton, on Elections Day, said that he never proclaimed that the party will contest in all LAAs. But on April 20, 2023, he had informed the media that APNU had submitted lists of candidates in all constituencies and towns, except for Lethem, where there were

issues.

He said: “We (APNU) have submitted lists of candidates across the country. We have submitted in virtually all the NDCs, all the constituencies, and all the towns, except, I think, for Lethem, where there is a problem; we might be shortened like three or four if so many.”

Announcement of final LGE results expected soon - says Commissioner Gunraj

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will soon declare the final results of the June 12 Local Government Elections (LGEs), according to People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), nominated commissioner, Sase Gunraj.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, Gunraj said all the results-the declarations from the returning officers- are available on GECOM’s website.

GECOM is yet to declare

the eventual results. However, Gunraj said that he expects GECOM to release the results “in a few days because there is a deadline”.

“What is also to be expected are the official results published in the Gazette which will include the names of the candidates, or the names of the elected persons extracted, either from the Proportional Representation (PR) components or the persons who won the seats,” the PPP/C commis-

sioner said.

The PPP/C had requested recounts in four separate Local Authority Areas (LAAs), where there was a high number of spoilt ballots, and a nominal margin of votes difference between constituency candidates, while the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) had requested a full recount of the township of Mahdia.

Gunraj however, explained that GECOM conducted all the recounts that

were requested. The APNU had requested a recount for the municipality of Mahdia after losing by one vote. However, Gunraj said that the recount request was later withdrawn. On Thursday, tiebreakers were required in two Local Authority Areas (LAAs), Seafield/Tempie –Constituency 4 and Plegt Anker/Kortberaadt – Constituency 4. they were completed by the drawing of lots in the presence of a Magistrate.

Ramdat Baitu of the PPP/C emerged victorious for the Seafield/Tempie – Constituency 4 and Odesh Tamberine, also of the PPP/C, won for the Plegt Anker/Kortberaadt –Constituency 4.

The completion of these declarations now paves the way for the ultimate declaration.

The PPP came out of LGE 2023 as the big winner since they won 66 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs), in-

cluding seven of 10 municipalities, and 906 of the 1,206 local government seats.

The PPP won 83 per cent of the LAAs, 75 per cent of all seats available and more than 70 per cent of all votes cast. The PPP not only strengthened its hold on its traditional strongholds, but it has massively made inroads in areas where the PNC usually celebrated almost 100 per cent votes in the past.

Opposition members fail to submit declarations to Integrity Commission

TEN Members of Parliament, including former Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon and Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan, have failed to submit their 2022 declarations to the Integrity Commission.

The list of defaulters also includes General Secretary of the People's National Congress Reform, Dawn Hastings-Williams, as well as Opposition MPs Sherod Duncan, Shurwayne Holder, Deonarine Ramsaroop, Vinceroy Jordan, Devin Sears, Former Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Karen Cummings.

In a gazetted notice issued by the Integrity Commission, these individuals are among 85 others, who were named as “specified persons" who failed to comply with the requirement to

submit their declarations for the period of July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.

The notice highlights that the continued failure to file now constitutes an offence under Section 22 of the Commission's Act No. 1997. If found guilty, the

offenders may face a fine of $25,000 and a prison term ranging from six months to one year.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharat Jagdeo, had previously expressed his concerns over

the opposition MPs’ failure to submit declarations to Integrity Commission

During a press conference, Dr Jagdeo emphasised that that was the highest number of delinquencies in the past five years.

In comparison, he point-

ed out that, during the previous three years under the former APNU+AFC government, no declarations were submitted at all.

“We are not here to defend any public officer who does not submit their returns to the Integrity Commission. That is a law of our country, and we fully support the publication of all the names of the people who are in default,” Dr Jagdeo said.

He related that the PPP/C Members of Parliament had already submitted their documents.

On February 21, 2021, the previous board of the Integrity Commission reached the end of its term.

Subsequently, a new board consisting Dr Kim Kyte-Thomas, Mohamed Ispahani Haniff, Hardesh Tewari, and Wayne Bowman, with Chandra Gajraj serving as the Chair of the Commission, was formed in May 2022.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Office of the President, located on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in Georgetown, officiated by Principal Magistrate, Judy Latchman.

The Integrity Commission recently issued a warning to public officers who have not submitted their 2022 declarations.

“As of February 2023, the commission has sent out notices to several specified public officers for failure to file their declarations. The next step is that defaulters will have their names published in the local press and the official gazette. If declarations are still not received, the final step would be to seek prosecution of the defaulters,” the commission said in a statement.

Last December, the commission extended the submission deadline for declarations by persons in public life.

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Aggressive development agenda being executed rapidly

- job creation, infrastructure, education, healthcare advancements, housing, among areas of top priority

By Trina Williams

AFTER a successful campaign for the Local Government Elections (LGEs), Vice-President of Guyana and the General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, affirmed, on Thursday, that the government will return to its aggressive development agenda.

Dr. Jagdeo, during a press conference at the Office of the President, said part of this development drive was being fuelled by efforts to enhance economic diplomacy with international partners.

According to the Vice-President: “The President [Dr. Irfaan Ali] has been engaged

in a major push internationally, not political diplomacy, but economic diplomacy. And so, what he has done is open up a lot of doors to the financial institutions that we have had traditional relations with and there are the new ones coming, appearing now, and we are developing relations with them.”

Guyana recently secured US$150 million from the Saudi Fund, at two per cent interest; this Dr. Jagdeo said is impressive because if one takes a look at the current market, most US-based loans attract an interest rate of fivesix per cent.

Those funds have enabled the government to accelerate its housing drive, as US$100 million will go immediately towards that sector.

“So this loan would allow us to accelerate our housing programme.... we’re about 30,000 now [out of the 50,000 housing solutions goal],” Dr. Jagdeo remarked, adding that in Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara) alone there are 14,000 applicants waiting on allocation.

“You've heard what we said on the campaign trail that APNU gave away all the lands at Wales. We're trying to take back some of those lands for housing,” the Vice-President said.

He also said that numerous road works are being done across the country, even in hinterland areas like Regions One and Nine.

“So, we’re just refocusing the entire government after the hiatus

of the campaign on the things that matter to people [like] job creation, healthcare,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He reaffirmed that the government is also moving ahead with the design for the four hospitals in the hinterland regions.

There is no shortage of funding for this and other projects, as more foreign institutions are expressing an active interest in making funds available to Guyana.

Dr. Jagdeo referenced the strengthened relationship with the Islamic Development Bank, which the Opposition had failed to create. He also made note of the US$350 million that Qatar loaned Guyana.

He related: “In Qatar, the President was there, met with the

mayor and others. We're looking at about $350 million line of credit from their agency.”

Additionally, regarding recent discussions, Dr. Jagdeo said the government is working with the United Arab Emirates’ two funding agencies, which have expressed interest in

funding a few developmental projects in Guyana.

He also said that EUR $300 million that will come from the UK Export Finance, will fund the pediatric and maternal facilities in Ogle and the New Amsterdam hospital.

GTUC mourns passing of former president Andrew Garnett

THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) mourns the passing of trade union stalwart Andrew Garnett.

Garnett served as President of the Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU) and Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and gave yeoman service to the trade union community. He also served as the Congress’ Principal Assistant Secretary.

“As GTUC reflects on Garnett’s numerous contributions to the trade union movement, we particularly remember his leading role in developing policies and programmes on

Occupational Safety and Health, and HIV/ AIDS,” a statement from GTUC said.

Garnett, who came out of the public health field, worked with the Caribbean Congress of Labour and the Commonwealth Trade Union Congress in developing a safety manual for trade unions in the Caribbean.

He served as founder member and chairman of the National Committee on Occupational Safety and Health. He also served as member of the Administrative Committee on the Caribbean Congress of Labour and represented the trade unions as a mem-

ber of the Guyana Local Government Commission.

GTUC said it also recalls Garnett’s passion for workers’ rights and access to education. “These were evident in him making himself available to lecture on the Industrial Relations programmes at the Critchlow Labour College, his work in organising workshops for cadres in the trade union movement, leading team on negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements, etc.,” the statement said.

GTUC said Garnett will forever be cherished and his contributions to the working

class will always be remembered. “He has left a legacy the trade union movement is

proud of.”

The GTUC and GLGOU will host a Night of Reflection

on Thursday, June 29, at the Critchlow Labour College from 7:00 p.m.

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Court orders GRDB to pay E’quibo miller US$308,000 over flawed Panama rice deal

THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has been ordered to pay Golden Fleece Rice Investment USD$308,620.03 ($65.2 million) for the supply of rice to the Panamanian market in 2018.

The ruling was handed down by Justice Gino Persaud at the Demerara High Court.

The applicants, Nazeemul Hakh, and Shareeda Hakh, of Golden Fleece Rice Investment, had sought to have the court appoint an arbitra -

tor to preside over their dispute.

The sum was owed for the supply of long grain white rice shipments under two contracts. The rice was supplied between August 1, 2018, and November 7, 2018.

Under the APNU+AFC administration, a trade agreement was made with the Panamanian government, encompassing the supply of approximately 9,000 tonnes of rice through the GRDB. However, this deal has proven to be deeply flawed, lead-

ing to financial turmoil and legal battles for the GRDB.

The key issue arising from the agreement was the failure to establish robust payment terms and safeguards. As the recent

court case highlighted, the GRDB contended that it could not pay Vilvoorden Investment Inc for the rice as it had not received payment from Panama. They cited a “pay-when-paid” clause in the contract as a justification for their non-payment.

However, the reason did not fly with Justice Persaud who granted judgment in favour of the applicant in the sum of USD USD$308,620.03 or its equivalent together with interest on that sum. Additionally, the GRDB was

directed to cover the costs of the legal proceedings, totalling $1 million.

Recently, Justice Persaud also ordered GRDB to pay Vilvoorden Investment Inc $US 77,000 ($16.2 million) for unpaid rice exports to Panama.

Justice Persaud, while delivering the verdict, highlighted the complex nature of the case, terming it a classic “Heller’s Catch-22 situation.”

He noted that the ongoing imbroglio had left Vilvoorden Investment Inc. unpaid due to GRDB’s

own non-payment predicament. The GRDB had received and exported the rice to Panama for sale, but unfortunately, payment was not received.

Currently, the Panamanian government owes the GRDB over $1 billion for rice purchases and there is uncertainty surrounding the outstanding payments. Guyana has already expressed its intention to seek recourse through the International Chamber of Arbitration in France to recover the money it is owed.

Stop paying for voice calls

ENet CEO says; calls using data are practically free

CHIEF Executive Officer

(CEO) of ENet, Vishok Persaud, on Friday, said that customers from all mobile providers should aim to no longer pay for

voice calls and avoid unnecessary top-ups solely for that purpose.

He emphasized the value of subscribing to data plans, which offer more

benefits as voice and video communication become practically free when using apps like Facetime and WhatsApp.

"Once you have subscribed to a data plan, your voice calls should be free. The costs and infrastructure associated with providing voice services in a modern telecommunications environment are minimal," said the CEO.

"I can assure you that ENet will never charge you for voice calls on our network once you have a data plan."

Elaborating further, Persaud stated, "Today, we have numerous apps that offer exceptional quality voice and video services for free. Why pay approximately $32 Guyana Dollars per minute (current market costs) for traditional calls?

“This is definitely amongst the highest rates for local calls worldwide. Consider this: if you speak for 30 minutes per day for 20 days a month, that adds up to $19,200, or $230,400 over a year. Instead, it's more advantageous to invest in a quality smartphone and opt for data plans, which will enable free voice calls, using small amounts of data.

“Frequent top-ups can lead to unnoticed monthly expenses, as the model is designed to make consumers spend more. We must shift our focus towards value and maximizing the use of our devices through apps and data-centric services. You should aim to budget for a weekly or monthly plan with no top-ups in between."

ENet hopes that regulators are taking note of

the rapid expansion of the industry and are adequately equipped to ensure that customers benefit from the Government's liberalization of the sector and tax waivers which should lead to lower rates and better value.

As the demand for faster and more reliable telecommunication services grows, ENet continues to heavily invest in the latest mobile, wireless, and fiber technologies to meet the needs of consumers and businesses in Guyana. The company is committed to rapidly rolling out stateof-the-art services across the nation, prioritizing service delivery across all its networks.

ENet operates the largest Fiber Backbone in Guyana, connecting more regions by fiber than any other provider.

Justice Gino Persaud

Leadership fault lines widen in the PNC-led APNU Linden camp

as is the case nationally

WHAT has been evolving into an ideological rift between the Linden and national leadership in the PNC over the past few years was exacerbated over the last few months, resulting in the Region 10 Party Chairman Jermaine Figueira being effectively relinquished of the local chairmanship.

The local government campaign in Linden got into a snails-pace start and suffered from a most unusual lack of traditional mobilisation and mass momentum, beginning with the humiliating showing of a mere 12 individuals representing the party on Nomination Day in the face of an unprecedented PPP/C red-wave that took the town, country and diaspora by storm.

Sources inside the PNC/ APNU have since laid the blame squarely at the feet of party leader and Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, who made the decision to begin sidelining the party’s Region 10 Chairman, Central Executive Member and star Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, who is also currently Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), arguably the most powerful structural creature of the National Assembly.

Credible sources inside the party’s national power structure revealed to this publication that the embarrassment the party suffered throughout the campaign nationally and particularly in Linden, with no more than two cars full of candidates and activists led by Sharma Solomon and Vanessa Kissoon showing up at all the campaign public meetings was solely of Norton’s making.

In Linden, the party’s campaigns culminated with a highly embarrassing paid taxi-filled motorcade of no more than 40 cars in the last lap, with Norton himself as the featured speaker, and a scant

showing of a few dozen party faithfuls at the highly publicised DJ Magnum final rally with Simona Brooms seemingly coming to the rescue.

It is believed that this political travesty for the PNC-APNU in the heart of its base, had its genesis in the months prior to the election season.

The sources indicated that MP Figueira’s supposed growing impatience with the mediocre leadership from fellow countryman Norton over the past year, came to a head when Figuera defied his party leader with the shaking of the President’s hand during an impromptu visit to the synthetic track at Bayrock in Linden back in January.

The sources said that Norton became incensed at the public show of defiance when Figueira turned up at the Bayrock ground ahead of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s arrival there and proceeded to greet the President with a firm handshake when he entered the facility.

Immediately following the encounter which was being live streamed, it was reported that Norton placed a cussdown call to the local leader with threats of removal from his chairmanship post over what he believed to be a grossly disloyal gesture from his lieutenant.

Norton then followed through on the threats after summoning all MPs to Congress Place a few days later to read the riot act for a collective show of loyalty on his handshake posture, where it is reported by multiple sources that Figuera told Norton in no uncertain terms that he will not be part of any such infantile political tactics that are counterproductive to the quality of representation needed for the prevailing national dispensation.

The selection of Sharma

Solomon and Vanessa Kissoon as leading candidates on the Linden list for the Local Government Elections, with Solomon presumably tapped to become the next Mayor, and the current Regional Chairman Deron Adams becoming the de facto party chairman and campaign manager, were further points of irritation for Figuera, this newspaper has learnt.

It is believed that Figuera has held deep-seated and mixed views about the overly radical posture and course of action taken by Solomon and Kissoon during the eightmonth long electricity rates protest in 2012, which resulted in the unfortunate loss of life of three residents and no fruitful outcomes, save an agreement for Linden to get its own television station.

It is reported that this tension was further deepened when Solomon attempted to chorale the establishment of the community-owned television station agreed to in negotiations with the Donald Ramotar government, and which eventually became the sole material outcome of the negotiations as a personal reward.

It is reported that when the licensing materialised during the reign of the Coalition Government, Solomon purportedly attempted to convert the project into a private business operation for himself, resulting in the collapse of the entire process to operationalise the long fought after TV station. In both instances, there were clear indications that Figueira thought the overarching interests of the people were senselessly betrayed.

Prior to the start of the LGE campaign, the embattled MP who is still Chair of the PAC, began publishing a series of opinion editorials focusing on a slew of national development related topics and issues.

Chief among them to date was his championing of the transformational potential of the Gas-to-Energy project of

the Ali administration.

Our sources tell us that the relationship already at breaking point by this time between him and Norton became explosive on the publication of this particular Op Ed, with Norton orchestrating rumours of a possible switching of sides by Figuera, in an effort to discredit him.

This publication has spoken to several well-placed Lindeners who have expressed deep concerns about the fallout that the sidelining of the extremely popular Figuera will continue to have on the party’s Linden base, and the negative impact this decision has had on the party’s performance at the just concluded LGE polls, in effect a double-negative for the PNC-APNU.

Many shared the view that in the post Bynoe (former Member of Parliament Phillip Bynoe) era, Figueira emerged as the party’s most effective mobiliser and influencer, until his popularity was hijacked in Solomon’s premature and ill-advised bid through the deadly protest action, to propel himself into the coveted Comrade Leader chair of the PNC.

This contention vindicated the sources claims, when Solomon did indeed launch a brazen but short-lived challenge to Granger’s hegemony, alongside his fellow countryman Norton.

Those who seem to be reeling from what they see as both a strategic and tactical mistake in Norton’s pandering to Solomon and Kissoon, claim that their man Figueira is among a few in the party’s national leadership who have embraced a smarter, more matured and magnanimous kind of political disposition needed by the party, to ensure transformational development comes to the town of Linden to enable the party’s base supporters to benefit from equitable shares of empowerment from the country’s oil resources being employed in the national transformational

thrust of President Ali.

Those persons also pointed to the damage suffered from the absence of the MP from the LGE campaign altogether, with a single appearance only at the final rally, followed by a series of last-minute social media posts by him, as an interjection brokered through direct pleadings from some national executives for a rescue effort of sorts, as was also seen in the ninth hour appearance by former President Granger.

While the PNC-APNU candidates were able to hold on to all eight constituencies, the realities in the numbers reveal that more than half of the PNC base supporters stayed away from the polls, while the PPP/C’s manifesto-based messaging for municipal transformation after 53 years of one-party rule at the Linden M&TC, apparently resonated well with the electorate and allowed the national incumbent to make significant inroads into all of those geographic areas, increasing support by hundreds of valid votes over its 2016 and 2018 performances in those very areas.

The overall outcome in fact showed the governing party increasing its total votes by a whopping 512 per cent over its 2018 results, and gaining an additional seat at the Mayor and Town Council.

That party was only able

to walk away with a single PR seat in 2018, but now has two seats following the conclusion of the 2023 LGE.

Figueira’s political career now seems to be in the balance that Sharma Solomon and Deron Adams have consolidated some amount of grass-roots support through their radical race-based, dog-whistle campaign tactics deployed in the final days of the campaign in desperate attempts to bring out the vote; and have seemingly found favour with the party’s leader Norton.

Figuera is said to be contemplating a sabbatical of sorts from politics to concentrate on his highly impactful charity work with the international organisation, Caring for Others Inc, with a large following in tow.

Just this week, mere days after the local government elections, he was seen hosting the White House medal recipient founder and head of the organisation Ms. Eslene Richmond Shockley, at a series of charity outreaches in Linden.

It is left to be seen how Norton intends to mend the significant fracture in the Linden base of support, with Figueira’s tacit withdrawal into the background at the local level and with General and Regional elections a mere stone’s throw away.

Equipping and Empowering

DESPITE the proliferation of malicious rumours surrounding the government's part-time job initiative, government has unequivocally confirmed the programme's continuation and revealed plans for its expansion.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, at a recent press conference, acknowledged the misgivings expressed by some individuals regarding the initiative.

These doubts, he clarified, largely stemmed from the false claims that the programme was temporary and that workers would be laid off once the elections concluded.

Dr. Jagdeo vehemently denounced these "far-fetched theories" as baseless and reassured the public that the

programme would not only continue, but also witness significant expansion.

Emphasising the government's commitment to uplifting marginalised communities, special attention will be directed towards expanding the initiative in rural and hinterland areas. It is widely recognised that individuals residing in these regions often encounter challenges in finding regular employment and generating income. By extending the programme's reach, the government aims to alleviate these difficulties and provide valuable job opportunities.

While maintaining the initial focus of increasing female participation in the workforce, the job expansion would accommodate a larger number of individuals

empowering women through employment.

Earlier this year, the government introduced an additional 2,000 job opportunities through the part-time jobs initiative in the hinterland regions. Building upon the success of its launch in various coastal regions in 2022, the programme is now being implemented in Region One (Barima-Waini) and Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Dr. Jagdeo had expressed his hope that participants in the parttime programme would take advantage of the available scholarship opportunities.

During his campaign trail, Dr. Jagdeo received numerous inquiries about the scholarship application process. Although several scholarships are advertised,

the Vice President emphasised the government's opendoor policy, encouraging individuals to reach out for further information.

To foster diverse opportunities for Guyana's youth, Dr. Jagdeo has proactively engaged with community groups, urging them to assemble individuals interested in vocational training in various fields such as welding, plumbing, and carpentry. The Vice President expressed his intention to implement these training programmes nationwide and eagerly anticipated the response from community groups, particularly those interested in the tech vocational sector.

The government's unwavering commitment to the part-time job initiative and its expansion is evident

through Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo's resolute statements. By dispelling misconceptions and focusing on empowering marginalised communities, the programme aims to create a brighter future for Guyana's workforce. With an emphasis on women's participation, scholarship opportunities, and vocational training, the government endeavors to foster a society where all individuals can thrive and contribute to national development.

The government in 2022, launched a part time jobs initiative and employed thousands of people across the country. This initiative was expanded in 2023, with a total of $10 billion allocated.

In 2022, the government launched this initiative to help cushion the rising cost

of living. Through this, one person per household was employed to work in public offices in close proximity to their homes for 10 days per month and earn $40,000. This programme saw 11,000 people becoming employed in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six, Nine and 10. Some $2.3 billion was injected into the households. This is in keeping with the PPP/C’s manifesto promise to provide 50,000 jobs within its first term in office.

Additionally, the government is encouraging beneficiaries of the programme to upskill themselves, so that they can eventually take up full-time employment as the labour market is confronted with a shortage of skills in certain areas.

An expression of confidence to Hess cannot be equated to assurance

Dear Editor, Reference is made to a Kaieteur News article dated June 23, 2023, with the caption, “Hess boss tells US conference

President Ali assured him of stay in Justice Kissoon’s ruling before Court of Appeal handed down decision.”

This prompted me to immediately refer to the source to verify verbatim John Hess’s exact words at the forum. I have lis-

tened to the presentation by John Hess and can confirm unequivocally that he never said that the President gave him assurance.

Those who have been following this matter closely would know that the government’s position on the issue is very clear, and there has been no attempt by the government to influence the court case in any way.

Having publicly ex -

pressed my views on the subject matter, I can understand where the President was coming from.

That is to say, based on the merit of the case, I did not see any reason for the court not granting a stay to allow for the appeal to go through. I, too, was confident, as the President would have been, and I believe that it is this confidence in the merit of the case that the President expressed to Mr. Hess.

It is understandable why he more than likely may have paraphrased and/or exaggerated what the President conveyed to him because of the audience whom he (Hess) was speaking to.

That audience was none other than JP Morgan Chase, a group of global bankers and from an investor’s standpoint, they would want their bankers to feel safe about the security of their in -

vestments in Guyana.

With this in mind, one can only conclude that the media entity that published this story deliberately intended to mischievously mislead the nation. Suffice to say, it is unprofessional journalism by the media entity.

A professional journalist or a professionally managed media entity would have first sought clarification from the Office of the President to

confirm if Hess is indeed quoting the President correctly.

In this regard, soliciting a statement from the Office of the President would have been well in order before going to the press with this story. Unfortunately, this basic protocol was not followed.

Yours sincerely,

Joel Bhagwandin Public Policy and Financial Analyst

Our former Foreign Minister wrote baloney

WHEN you were educated in a third world (TW) university, and I mean any TW university including the developed TW nations, you get a cultural shock when you sit for the first time in a Canadian, American and European university to study international relations.

You have to live in this ambience to experience it. It is two diametrically opposed worldviews. TW professors in global affairs tend to situate super-power rivalry in the context of the search for domination to protect national interests.

TW professors have a perspective that the TW nations are not important to superpowers that see them as geopolitical pawns to be used and be discarded given the success of power rivalry.

One example from the past and one from the present are instructive. The Americans invaded Grenada in 1983 to remove a pro-Cuba state. Once that was completed, Grenada became an infinitesimal footnote in American diplomacy and did not receive any significant form of American aid and that continues up to this day.

The present day example is from Saudi Arabia. This Middle East bigwig the past two months is consolidating its rapprochement overtures to its arch enemy, Iran. The kingdoms know that, with the changing oil sources, the US does not need Saudi oil as it did since the end of World War 2. TW professors teach international relations using theories, perspectives, paradigms and examples that are profoundly different from their counterparts in the US.

In the US, particularly at places like Harvard, international relations is taught with the US as the agent for global change whose messianic mission is to rid the world of global instabilities. The competitors of the US are always seen as actors whose intentions are to destabilise the US for geopolitical reasons. I know this because professors taught me at McMaster University and the University of Toronto and they were absolutely and completely biased against the USSR and the Third World. In India and South Africa, it would be unthinkable for a professor to teach global studies the way it is taught

in the US and Canada.

After this long preamble we come now to an article written yesterday by Guyana’s former Foreign Minister, Mr. Rudy Insanally. Strangely, for a Foreign Minister of a third world state, Mr. Insanally takes a Eurocentric/Americanized approach to international affairs and in the process distorts the facts and saturates his essay with shameless pro-American bias.

I will quote Mr. Insanally to highlight his flaws. He wrote: “Now that Russia been found guilty in the eyes of the majority of states.”

Mr. Insanally’s use of the word “guilty” has a purpose that I believe was deliberate. A majority of the world’s countries has voted to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Let’s quote Mr. Insanally again: “(Russia should) be sanctioned with the withdrawal of Russia’s permanent status (at the UN) as well as its right to exercise the veto.”

I can only assume that Mr. Insanally did not know that the UK and US invaded Iraq and they still hold veto powers at the UN. I assume that Mr. Insanally does not know that the US and the UK invaded Afghanistan and occupied it for over 20 years, withdrawing only last year and the US and UK still hold veto power at the UN.

To argue that Russia is right to invade Ukraine is wrong. Russia’s invasion of a sovereign country must be condemned. But to use distortions the way Mr. Insanally did is unacceptable and unbecoming of a former Foreign Minister of Guyana.

Let’s quote Insanally for the third time: “Putin has suffered from (sic) many grievances against the West but since he has not specified these, we cannot understand his decision to invade.”

It is now accepted in international relations scholarship that the gen-

esis of the invasion lies in the presidency of Bill Clinton and subsequent US presidents including Obama who violated an agreement with Russia not to shift NATO borders right up to Russia.

I will ask Mr. Insanally to research that topic. A Google search will be helpful. But he can start with the thoughts of Jeffry Sachs on that topic. Mr. Sachs is a globally respected scholar whose books are highly admired.

Mr. Insanally ends his essay not with a call for mediation of the conflict as China, Brazil and a number of African leaders have suggested.

Mr. Insanally seems to want more confrontation with Russia from NATO and the US. Let’s quote him for the last time: “An end to the violence can only happen… if NATO, (particularly the US), is willing to do more to frustrate Putin’s strategy.” Insanally did not spell it out but by those words, he wants more war.

Cuba-trained neurologist to return home

- completes post-graduate studies in Havana

DR. ALEX Allan Persaud, who was trained in Cuba, has finished his post-graduate studies in Neurology at the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Havana, Cuba, and will

Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

In 2013, he secured his Medical Degree in Cuba - thanks to a Government scholarship. Upon completion of his MD, he returned

where, under the guidance of some of the best professors in the field, he has graduated with honours.

Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of diseases involving the nervous system. Commonly seen conditions in neurology are headaches, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, motor neuron diseases, and neuromuscular disorders, among others.

Dr. Persaud hopes that Guyana could offer world class treatment for associated illnesses that would require patients to travel abroad. He shows a keen interest in electrophysiology, which entails the study of the electrical phenomena of the nervous system.

be coming back to Guyana this weekend.

Dr. Persaud, who hails from New Hope, East Bank Demerara, comes from humble beginnings.

He first worked as a farmer and market vendor, then as a Pharmacy Assistant at the Georgetown

to Guyana and worked at GPHC, then later at the Buxton Health Centre in Region Four.

In 2019, Dr. Persaud returned to Cuba to pursue post-graduate studies in Neurology at the prestigious Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Havana

Dr. Persaud has expressed his deep gratitude to the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Embassy in Havana for their continued support over the past three years.

In a message to Cuba he said, “Your country is my second home. And because of you and your Government I have this opportunity to serve my people in Guyana.”

GPL testing laboratory certified to national standard

THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated Testing Laboratory became the 25th laboratory to be certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

The facility was certified to the National Standard GYS 170:2021 – General requirements for the operations

of a laboratory.

During the ceremony on Friday, hosted at GPL’s Lot 5-6 Water Street, Kingston, Georgetown location, the certificate was presented to Divisional Director of GPL Gary Hall by GNBS Technical Officer Keon Rankin.

Upon receiving the certificate, Hall expressed grat-

itude to the GNBS Technical Officers who worked with the laboratory to meet the requirements of the National Standard, noting that “this is a very proud moment for all of us; we will wear this certification proudly and use it as a stepping stone for continuous improvement.”

Dr. Alex Allan Persaud is seen with Ambassador Halim Majeed (left), and Ms. Mayté Perdomo Maldonado, Confidential Secretary to the Ambassador (right)

GPL staff pose with the certificate, plaque and stickers issued by the GNBS during the certification ceremony

Job creation: Part-time employment in Matarkai begins in July

By Cindy Parkinson

THE government’s parttime job initiative is employing residents from various communities in Matarkai sub-district of Barima-Waini (Region One) who were briefed at the Port Kaituma Community Centre on Friday morning before starting work next month.

Minister Croal told Guyana Chronicle: “I had an engagement with the residents, and we had meaningful discussions. They had the opportunity to express what their expectations were, and they were also free to ask any question that they wanted to in connection with the government’s initiative, which they did.”

According to Minister

to enhance and grow for yourself and your family,” said Minister Croal.

In her remarks, Peters explained to the gathering that the main objective of the initiative is to improve the lives of children and other disadvantaged groups, as well as promote inclusive development. She also advised the employees to make full use of the opportunity that is

The activity was led by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, who also holds parliamentary responsibility for the region.

The Regional Vice Chairperson Annansha Peters; Deputy Regional Executive Officer Shem Cuffy; Chairman of the Matarkai NDC Orlando Thorne; and Prime Ministerial representative Margaret Lambert were also present.

The engagement was hosted at the Port Kaituma Community Centre on Friday and served as a pre-employment training session for over 200 prospective employments under the government’s parttime job programme.

This came shortly after the official launch of the programme by Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, which was held last month.

In an invited comment,

Croal, the first phase of the programme in Matarkai will benefit at least 200 individuals, who will be assigned to various institutions. He also added that each worker will receive a payment of $40,000 for 10 days of work.

In his remarks to the beneficiaries, Minister Croal underlined the value of personal development, and he urged them to look into further business opportunities and educational initiatives, such as the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships.

He also stated that he is very pleased that the residents are “very much” receptive to the initiative, which stretches across from Matthews Ridge to Port Kaituma and is also inclusive of Arakaka.

“This is to help serve your community and to provide you with an opportunity

given to them, to work hard and with dedication.

The recipients are expected to work part time during the first week of July 2023. Just last week, residents of Mabaruma, Region One, were assigned to their places of employment, as well as several other areas that successfully adopted the programme.

The government started this part-time job initiative in 2022 and resulted in the employment of thousands of individuals nationwide. In 2023, the effort was expanded, with a total of $10 billion funded, according to Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh.

This tactical choice is a component of the government’s resolve to deliver on its pledge to provide 50,000 job opportunities for Guyanese.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal addressed ‘part time’ workers from several communities in the Matarkai sub-district of Barima-Waini

- over 200 residents to benefit

Guyanese welcome easier, faster payment of pensions

SOME Guyanese have welcomed the move by the Government of Guy-

ana for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS)’s and old-age pensions to

be paid on the first business day of every month.

Vivette Bunbury, 69,

during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said this initiative will be of much convenience to citizens like herself.

She said: “For me, it’s convenient, because now I don’t have to wait till month-end to collect both my NIS and pension.”

Earlier this week, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, in keeping with an announcement made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on June 21, instructed that with effect from July 2023, NIS pension payments will be paid from the first working day of every month to align with old-age pension payments. Previously, NIS pension payments were made from the first Monday of every month.

This, Dr. Singh said, is part of the government’s

broader agenda to improve, modernise and streamline its service-delivery to citizens.

Other measures taken thus far by the administration have been the NIS Online Contribution Checking System (OCCS), which is expected to reduce the incidence of inaccuracies, the WhatsApp life certificate hotline, WhatsApp Queries Textbook Service and NIS Live Chat.

NIS payments are paid via the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), commercial banks, and at NIS local offices, countrywide, and other payment options are currently being considered by the government.

Recently, the government expanded the payment options for old-age pensions to include Mobile Money Guyana (MMG). This adds to the existing options of the GPOC,

MoneyGram, Western Union, Sure Pay and commercial banks.

A priority of the government when it assumed office in 2020 was to address the complaints received from contributors to the NIS, with pending claims at the time amounting to 14,000 as at November 2020.

In support of this effort, the government undertook a series of nationwide outreach sessions that took the services of the NIS to the citizens. Persons across the country, many of whom are now in receipt of old-age pension after waiting for a number of years, have benefitted from these sessions. Of the 14,000 pending claims inherited in 2020, over 12,000 have been addressed.

Guyana secures seat on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

GUYANESE National

Dr. Christopher Arif Bulkan was on Friday elected a Commissioner on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) for a four-year period, from 2024-2027.

The Government of Guyana had nominated Dr Bulkan’s candidature, on the basis of his extensive experience in human rights, as an advocate, jurist, academic, and policy adviser.

He had previously served as an expert member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee during the period 20192022, where he authored and co-authored several individual opinions. He was elected to serve as Vice-Chair of that Committee for the 2021-2022 period.

Dr. Bulkan’s work has been recognised as a model of independence, integrity and competence.

His election represents the first time that a Guyanese national will serve on the IACHR since its creation in 1959. He secured the highest number of votes, 27 out of 32.

The elections took place on Friday, in Washington D.C., at the 53rd Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organisation of American States (OAS), where the Honourable Hugh Hilton Todd Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is leading Guyana’s delegation.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous organ of the OAS, and is mandated to promote and protect human rights in the Americas. The Commission comprises seven experts who serve in their personal capacity.

The Government of Guyana is confident that Dr. Bulkan will make a signal contribution to the work of the IACHR.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)

Dr. Christopher Arif Bulkan

Scholarships available to study in Argentina, Malaysia

Applicants must have obtained their Bachelor’s Degree within the last five years and be a holder of a valid Guyanese Passport. They must also be fluent in Spanish and have work experience in the human rights sector after earning a Bachelor’s Degree.

Additionally, scholarships are available in Malaysia to study:

• Biochemistry –MSc.

• Crop Protection –MSc.

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant field of study with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 and obtained their Bachelor’s

Degree within the last five years.

Importantly, they must also be a holder of a valid Guyanese Passport.

Applicants are required to register and complete the Ministry of Public Service’s online application form via the Ministry’s website at

http://mps.gov.gy/.

The closing date for submission of applications is Monday, June 26, 2023. The public service ministry plans to award some 1,221 Guyanese with scholarships to study abroad in 2023.

ELIGIBLE persons have the opportunity to pursue their studies abroad, as the government, through the Ministry of Public Service, has limited scholarships available through collaboration with the Governments of Argentina and Malaysia.

This is integral to the government’s vision of modernising and training public servants to be effective, especially since

Guyana is experiencing a massive economic transformation.

Applicants have the chance to pursue a Master Degree for the academic year 2023/2024 in Human Rights and Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean in Argentina.

They must be holders of a Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant field of study with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.

• Architecture –MEng.

• Built Environment – MSc.

• Civil Engineering –MEng.

• Structural Engineering – MEng.

• Biochemical Engineering – MEng.

• Chemical Engineering – MEng.

• Biomedical Engineering – MEng.

• Biotechnology –MSc.

at Arakaka

MORE than 100 households of Arakaka, Region One, are set to benefit from improved access to potable water, with the drilling of a $15 million well there.

To facilitate the water system improvement project in the community, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has invited bidders to execute the project.

Bids must be deposited into the tender box at GWI Shelterbelt, Vlissengen Road and Church Street, Bel Air

Park, Georgetown, no later than 11:00 hrs on Friday, June 30, 2023.

Some 17 wells are expected to be completed as part of the government’s target for Region One in 2023, and $250 million is earmarked to carry out the construction works.

Additionally, bids are also invited to drill a $15 million well at Karawab, Region Two for residents to receive first-time access to potable water.

The government is

making significant investments to guarantee that, by 2025, hinterland and riverine communities have access to potable water.

This year, hinterland communities in Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight, and Nine will receive an additional $1.4 billion in funding to improve access to clean, safe water. The 2023 National Budget included $17.7 billion for the expansion of water systems. (DPI)

Hess CEO rejects ‘misleading’ Kaieteur News article

- says contents of the article does not reflect discussion he had with President Ali

Statement by John Hess, CEO, Hess Corporation, June 23, 2023:

"The headline in today’s Kaieteur News is misleading and does not reflect the discussion I

had with President Ali.

I called the President about concerns expressed by investors about the recent court ruling, and the President—based on the advice of his Attorney General—

conveyed to me that the State’s case in favor of its application was strong, and based on the merits of the case, there was no reason why a stay could not be granted."

A well being drilled in a hinterland region

100 households to benefit from $15M well

Guterres: Financial system must evolve in ‘giant leap towards global justice

DEVELOPING countries are buckling under high debt and exorbitant borrowing costs that prevent them from reviving their economies, UN Secretary General, António Guterres, said on Thursday.

Addressing the Paris Finance Summit, Mr. Guterres said many African States were spending more on debt repayments than on desperately needed healthcare, and that over 50 countries were either in default or “dangerously” close to it.

The UN chief called for a debt relief mechanism that supports payment suspensions, longer lending terms and lower rates to make borrowing more affordable for poorer nations, as well as increased access to liquidity for developing coun-

tries via the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights.

Mr. Guterres also repeated his urgent call to end fossil fuel subsidies and increase climate adaptation funding for vulnerable countries.

STEPS TO BEAT POVERTY, HUNGER

“Taken together, these steps would help to beat poverty and hunger, uplift developing and emerging economies, and support investments in health, education and climate action,” he said, stressing that the measures would enable a “giant leap” towards global justice.

Doing nothing is simply not an option and at the halfway point to reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) they are “drifting further away by the day”, he warned delegates to the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact.

He said it was clear the international financial architecture built in the aftermath of World War Two “has failed in its mission to provide a global safety net for developing countries.

“It essentially reflects, even with some changes, the political and economic power dynamics of that time”, when three quarters of today’s nations weren’t around the table at Bretton Woods.

‘OUTDATED,

DYSFUNCTIONAL, UNJUST’

“Nearly 80 years later, the global financial architecture is outdated, dysfunctional, and unjust. It is no longer capable of meeting the needs of the 21st century world: a multipolar world characterized by

deeply integrated economies and financial markets. But also marked by geopolitical tensions and growing systemic risks.”

He warned the current global financial system exacerbates inequalities, denying the poorest countries the credit and debt support they need and deserve.

European citizens received nearly 13 times more than African citizens under current rules for Special Drawing Rights to weather recent crises, a situation that is “profoundly immoral” said Mr. Guterres.

“A financial architecture which does not represent today’s world is at risk of leading to its own fragmentation in a world where geopolitics is in itself a factor for fragmentation.

NO SOLUTION WITHOUT REFORM

“There will be no serious solution to this crisis without serious reforms.”

He said change would not happen fast and was a question of power and political will.

“But as we work for the deep reforms that are needed, we can take urgent action today to meet the urgent needs of developing and emerging economies.”

He said richer nations could establish “a really effective and time effective debt relief mechanism that supports payment suspensions, longer lending terms and lower rates, including for middle income countries with particular vulnerabilities, namely in relation to climate.”

Development and climate finance can be better capitalised, and development banks reformed, allowing better coor-

dination. He said credit rating agencies had become “deeply biased” and contributed to many of the recent financial crises, rather than helping avoid them.

He said taking immediate action towards wholesale reform could curb hunger, “uplift developing and emerging economies, and support investments in health, education and climate action.”

“We can take steps right now – and take a giant leap towards global justice.”

The UN chief said he was aware of the scale of the challenges the international community now faces.

‘URGENT ACTION’

“Power dynamics and constraints on global cooperation in today’s world make problems more difficult to solve. But solutions are not impossible. And we can start now.”

He said the following two days of discussion could yield results for millions of people in need.

“I urge you to make this meeting not just a cri du cœur for change, but a cri de guerre – a rallying cry for urgent action”, the Secretary-General told the Summit.

“We are at a moment of truth and reckoning. Together, we can make it a moment of hope.”

TOP PARIS SCHOOL WELCOMES GUTERRES

The UN chief shared his perspective on the state of world affairs overall later in the day in the French capital, receiving a warm welcome at the celebrated Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po. (UN News)

GPL testing laboratory...

FROM PAGE 8

The scope of the certification covers the testing of Oil and Water for internal quality control. The compounds which are vital to the power generation process, are tested for various parameters including pH, viscosity, iron content and other general requirements.

Hall added, “When it comes to fuel and lubricants entering our ports for use by our plants and other equipment, this certification allows stricter quality control and ensures operational efficiency of our equipment.”

Rankin encouraged the company to maintain the standard and to continue to

improve its systems. The GNBS officer added that highlighting this certification assures customers that the company is competent and is in conformance to the National Standard.

“Customers will always want the best quality, and for a testing laboratory, much like the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard, the GYS 170:2021 Standard sets the foundation for building towards achieving International Accreditation if so desired. The GNBS is happy to have you on board”, he added

The certificate issued is valid for two years and expires on June 22, 2025,

after which the company can apply for recertification. During the certification period, surveillance audits will be conducted to ensure conformance with the national standard is maintained.

Certification provides formal recognition that a lab has implemented a laboratory management system, thus enhancing confidence in the testing, measurement and calibration services provided.

The GNBS encourages uncertified medical and testing laboratories to implement the national standard to join the growing list of certified laboratories in Guyana.

UN Secretary General, António Guterres

Public-private agro-processing facilities could boost hinterland ‘agri’ production

THE government has expressed an interest in co-investing with private sector enterprises to develop agro-processing facilities in hinterland areas, in order to boost agriculture production and attain food security.

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, at a press conference on Thursday, said that it was difficult for residents in the hinterland areas to participate in the oil and gas industry, which is why the government is pushing to develop the agriculture sector in those communities.

“The government is prepared to put the

investment in, even co-investing in processing facilities with businesses. So, if they produce the stuff, we can co-invest with someone to get this done,” Dr Jagdeo said.

Additionally, a major nursery will be established in Region One to deal with the issue of the lack of planting materials for plantain production.

Dr Jagdeo said the Ministry of Agriculture is tasked with upgrading certification for agro-processors in the hinterland so that, “our products can sail directly into the Caribbean from these areas, without having to come to the coast, because

the coast cannot be a market for their plantains. They would face serious competition from growers who are producing on the coast already.”

He said that programme was being worked upon in all areas that have experienced challenges in the agriculture sector, including Matthew’s Ridge, Aranka, Four Miles and Mabaruma.

It also aims to expand the range of products that Guyana is currently producing and exporting. This forms part of a wider aggressive food security agenda that is being led by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali in the Carib-

bean Community.

Meanwhile, the government has recommenced engagements with India to develop the local spice industry.

“We have resumed all the discussions we have had with India …. On greater productivity in the rice sector and cane by maybe even doubling the output in these sectors with just a

change in the variety of the plants that we use,”

Dr Jagdeo added.

Guyana is leading the Caribbean region

APPROXIMATELY

900 students of Anna Regina Secondary School, Region Two, will soon benefit from a spacious environment conducive to learning, with the signing of a $227.9 million contract to rehabilitate and extend the school.

To guarantee that children nationwide have access to the resources required for a top-notch education, the government has made strategic investments in the equitable distribution of educational resources.

The upgrading of the approximately 50-year-old building is part of the government’s mission of en-

suring students are comfortably housed countrywide to receive a quality education.

The contract to rehabilitate the learning facility was awarded to Gurdev Mahadeo Contracting Services by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board and stipulates nine months for completion.

Anna Regina Secondary School was the first in the region to offer the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) subjects, with the launching of the programme in 2021.

It was awarded the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC) School of

the Year 2022 by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

The government has allocated $94.4 billion for the education sector this year. Some $12.4 billion of that total has been set aside for the building, rehabilitation, expansion, and maintenance of educational facilities nationwide.

Similarly, a $23.7 million contract was signed recently for the construction of Mashabo Nursery School in the region.

Additionally, the region will benefit from capital works, with the signing of $53.4 million in contracts. (DPI)

in reducing the US$5 billion food-import bill to 25 per cent by the year 2025.

- gov’t stands ready to co-invest, Dr Jagdeo says

900 students to benefit from rehabilitated Anna Regina Secondary

Gold for Ramotar as Guyana take four medals at Special Olympics

GUYANA ’ S Special Olympics team delivered on its promise to bring ‘hardware’ back to Guyana.

Competing at the Berlin 2023 Special Olympics in Bocce, Guyana’s Stephanie Ramotar delivered gold medal after overcoming Faroe Island, Benin and Greece

Faroe Islands and Chinese Taipei completed the podium places Ramotar , along with

partner Rachel Mortley , grabbed silver in the women doubles category. The duo put on a good show to take second but could not overcome winners, Canada Bahrain finished third

While in the men ’ s singles on day two, Guyana’s Daniel Samsundar

copped a bronze medal in his class after losing to Switzerland in the final round Mortley , competing on day one, was second in her women singles category behind Germany with Zimbabwe taking bronze. (NCNsport)

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

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09:30 hrs Pwarls And Rubies

10:05 hrs The Antartic

10:40 hrs Artorius

11:20 hrs Pyledriver

12:00 hrs Orazio

12:35

14:40 hrs Magical Mile

Princess

7 One True

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday June 24, 2023)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Jim Laker-19/90 (9/37 & 10/53, Manchester, 1956)

(2) Bob Massie - 16/137 (8/84 & 8/53) Lord’s, 1972

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who has played most Test matches for ENG against AUST to date?

(2) Who has contested most Test matches for AUST against ENG to date?

Answers in yesterday’s issue

India drop Pujara from West Indies touring squad

CMC – India boldly dropped batting stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara on Fri-

day from their Test squad for the Tour of the Caribbean, starting in July.

Instead, the men’s selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in

India turned to the uncapped pair of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal in

the 16-member squad to audition for the crucial No. 3 role that Pujara occupied for most of his 103 Tests, especially if Shubman Gill continues to open the batting.

The selection panel announced big changes to the Test squad on Friday when they also announced the squad for three One- day Internationals that will also form part of the Tour.

Pujara and pacer Umesh Yadav, both 35, are the most visible omissions from the squad after a poor show in the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia a couple weeks ago in England, and uncapped pacer Mukesh Kumar also gets a chance.

Though Gaikwad and Jaiswal have strong records at the first-class, they appeared to have gained their places ahead of more suitable contenders for India’s first series of the 2023-25 WTC cycle after strong performances in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 tournament.

Jaiswal scored the fastest 50 in the IPL from 13 balls this season and finished the tournament among the top five run- getters with 625 runs, while Gaikwad accumulated 590.

Jaiswal has a first-class average of 80.21 in 26 innings, and in his most recent match – the Irani Cup – he made 213 and 144 for Rest of India against Madhya Pradesh, a record for any batsman in the tournament.

Gaikwad has a firstclass average of 42.19 from 28 matches with six hundreds, and he made headlines last November when he struck seven sixes in an over in a match for his team Maharashtra.

Kumar, 30, has taken 149 wickets in 39 first-class match for Bengal, helping them reach two Ranji Trophy finals in the past three season, and has a strong reputation for being a tidy line-and-length bowler and featured in every India A tour over the past two years.

The rest of the squad, led by Rohit Sharma, includes most of the players that played in the WTC final with Ajinkya Rahane regaining the role of vice-captain after he returned for that match, and he was India’s top scorer in the one-off contest at The Oval in London.

Established pacer Mohammed Shami has been rested and fellow Navdeep Saini steps in to replace him, while pacer Jasprit Bumrah, as well as batsmen K. L. Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are

still recovering from surgery or injury.

Dashing wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is undergoing rehab after surviving a car crash last December, and K.S. Bharat and Ishan Kishan have been picked to wear the gloves for the Tests. Bharat has played all five Tests since Pant’s injury, but he will be under pressure from Kishan, having scored only 129 runs at an average of 18.42.

The first Test against West Indies starts on July 12 in Dominica, and the second Test in Trinidad starts on July 20.

On the ODI front, Sanju Samson earned a recall, and he is one of two wicketkeepers in the 17-member squad alongside Kishan with Pant and Rahul still on the mend. Gaikwad, whose only ODI against South Africa was in October last year, is also part of the squad along with the uncapped Kuamr. The rest of the squad, also led by Sharma, are regulars in the frame for the ODI World Cup that India hosts later this year with Hardik Pandya named vice-captain.

Washington Sundar played in the home ODI series against the Australians in March, but he is the most notable omission, and Surya Kumar Yadav gets another chance though he ended the series against the same opponents with three first-ball ducks.

The Indians play ODIs on July 27 and 29 in Barbados, and August 1 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

The squad for the subsequent five Twenty20 Internationals on the Tour will be announced at a later date.

Squads:

TEST: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), KS Bharat (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini.

ODI: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.

Cariah remains with West Indies after nose surgery

WEST Indies all - rounder

Yannic Cariah underwent a surgical procedure to repair a fracture to his nose.

The leg - spinner and left-handed batter suffered a nasal fracture when he was struck in the face during a training session last Saturday while preparing for the ICC Men ’ s Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament in Zimbabwe

The procedure was performed in Harare on Thursday evening Cariah will remain with the squad under the care of the CWI Medical Team whilst he recovers A decision on when he can return to play will be made in the coming days, as the medical team support his recovery

Assistant Coach , Floyd Reifer, was also struck in the face during a training session on Wednesday and has also undergone a similar procedure Reifer will continue his coaching duties under the supervision of the CWI Medical Team

West Indies have so far

played two ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier matches in the group stages, defeating United States on Sunday and Nepal on Thursday, to sit top of Group A with two group stage fixtures to play West Indies will face Zimbabwe on Saturday June 24 and Netherlands on Monday June 27

In the group stage , each side plays the other group teams once with the top three from each group progressing to the Super Six stage Each team carries over to the Super Six

Neil Danns drops curtain on international career

stage any points won against the other two qualifying teams from their group Each team in the Super Six will then play three further matches against the qualifying teams from the opposite group

The Super Six stage will be played from Thursday 29 June to Friday 7 July and the top two teams in the final Super Six table will qualify for the ICC 2023 Cricket World Cup to be played in India later this year

West Indies ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Group Stage Match Schedule

All matches start at 9:00am local time (3:00am Eastern Caribbean/2:00am Jamaica)

Sunday 18 June: West Indies beat USA by 39 runs at Takashinga Cricket Club

Thursday 22 June : West Indies beat Nepal by 101 runs at Harare Sports Club

Saturday 24 June: v Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club

Monday 26 June: v Netherlands at Takashinga Cricket Club

GOLDEN Jaguars midfielder, Neil Danns, yesterday announced his retirement from international duty. In a post on his facebook page, he paid homage to the fans, players and all the stakeholders that supported him.

“Today, I am filled with a mixture of emotions: gratitude, nostalgia, and a touch of sadness The time has come for me to bid farewell to my international football career, a journey that has been nothing short of extraordinary It is an honour to share this moment with all of you -- my friends, family, teammates, coaches , and supporters who have been there for me every step of the way Reflecting on my international career, I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride and accomplishment

Representing my country on the football pitch has been a dream come true, a privilege I have cherished with every fiber of my being From the very first time I donned that national jersey, I knew I was part of something greater than myself an opportunity to inspire, to unite, and to make a difference.”

“To the Guyanese, I am eternally thankful. Your unwavering support, cheers, and chants have fueled my passion and inspired me to give my all on the field Whether in moments of triumph or adversity , your presence and support Your unwavering dedication and love for the sport have made every game an unforgettable experience

As I close this chapter of my life, I do so with a deep sense of satisfaction I am proud of the milestones we achieved together , the victories we celebrated , and the incredible mark we left on the sport But beyond the goals and accolades, it is the great moments that will forever stay with me -- the roar of the crowd, the unity of the team, and the shared sense of purpose as we qualified for the 2019 Gold Cup for the first time in history

It was a true honour to score the first ever gold cup goal during the journey, a true moment that will sit right at the top of my footballing achievements.”

Beaumont’s century leads England fightback in women’s ashes

(BBC) - Tammy Beaumont’s maiden Test century led England’s emphatic fightback with the bat on day two of the one-off Ashes Test match at Trent Bridge Beaumont was 100 not out as England finished the day on 218-2 in response to Australia’s 473

The opener joins Heather Knight, Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan as the England players to score centuries in all three formats of the game.

The visitors, who resumed on 328-7 overnight, were propelled by number eight Annabel Sutherland’s brilliant 137 as Sophie Ecclestone took a Test career-best 5-129 for England England were frustrated by a ninth-wicket partnership of 95 between Sutherland and Kim Garth, who made 22, as Knight’s seamers struggled to create chances on a flat pitch in the morning session

Australia’s 473 is the highest first-innings total in women’s Test match history but England started aggressively and did not take a step back, even after the loss of Emma Lamb for 10 in the 10th over

Knight scored 57 in a stand of 115 with Beaumont as Australia’s bowlers, boasting two more spinners than England, suffered the same fate as the hosts

Beaumont was reprieved on 61 as Australia opted against reviewing a catch, with replays showing she had hit the ball on to her boot before being caught at short leg

She will be joined by all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, who added an entertaining 41 from 44 balls, when England resume on day three

Classy Beaumont piles pressure on world’s best

All of the pre-Ashes talk from England and their coach, Jon Lewis, has been about their approach, promising aggression and taking the attack to Australia - especially with the bat

And at the first opportunity, Beaumont proved England’s commitment to the cause, reaching her century from 152 balls, including 16 fours, as the pitch continued to favour batters and Australia’s bowlers also struggled to find much seam or swing with the ball

It was Beaumont who dropped Ellyse Perry on 10 on day one before the all-rounder went on to make 99, perhaps adding fuel to her desire to make Healy and Australia rue their missed review opportunity

It is rare to see Australia on the back foot, as they offered Beaumont and Knight plenty of scoring opportunities with their inconsistency - though their fielding remained sublime throughout, one of the hallmarks of their recent success

Yannic Cariah

Ravi Latif is lone Guyanese CWI-trained Cricket analyst

By Sean Devers

ESSEQUIBIAN Ravishwar Latif is the only Cricket West Indies ( CWI )trained analyst in Guyana after successfully attending training held by CWI in Antigua in 2017.

The one - week training was done, virtually, by India ’ s technology software company, Sports Mechanic

CWI ’ s head of technology, Richard Berridge, West Indies Woman’s team analyst , Gary Belle , and West Indies senior Men’s analyst at that time, Dinesh Mahabir, were the facilitators.

Latif , who is also a cricket umpire , has used his training to facilitate live streaming , primarily when the COVID - 19 Pandemic struck.

His work was also requested by various head coaches as well as analysts

and franchise owners around the world to analyse and provide video footage and analyses of some players in Guyana

New statistical information and video analysis were requested in the past for the likes of Kevlon Anderson , Mavindra Dindyal, Romario

Shepherd , Kevin Sinclair , Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, among others

“

I became interested in being an analyst by watching cricket and scoring I not only watched cricket, I watched and scored from the age of eight,” said Latif, who

2023 Digicel Schools

Football Championship

Georgetown leg kicks off tomorrow

THE 2023 edition of the Digicel Schools Football tournament commences today with the Georgetown & East Coast legs at two venues.

The fixtures for the eighth edition of the tournament were revealed on Friday following a press conference at the Brandsville Hotel

Yesterday, Co-Director of Petra – the organising team, Troy Mendonca, officially released the fixtures, which will see matches being played every weekend until the date of culmination (July 21), and also unveiled the Championship trophy

was on the reserve for the Essequibo U - 19 team and played club cricket for South Essequibo

“ My goal is to be a professional international cricket analyst” stated Latif, who hails from Huis’t Dieren on the Essequibo Coast

GFF doles out over $12M for Regional Association tournaments

A total of 25 secondary schools are registered to contest Georgetown zone while 12 schools are lined up for the East Coast zone and nine schools will compete in the East Coast zone, under the Region 4 leg of the Regional Championship

The zone formats feature a must-win system that will demand clinical football from the teams that want to make it to the finals For Georgetown - the top 13 will advance while for East Coast and East Bank – the Regional winner and runner-up in both zones will qualify for the National Championship

Today at the Moe Ground, the first match between Tucville and Queenstown gets underway at 11:00hrs then East Ruimveldt and South Ruimveldt clash at 12:45hrs, Marian Academy face Ascension at 14:30hrs and the Institute of Academic Excellence goes up against West Ruimveldt at 16:15hrs

At the NIS Ground, Bladen Hall and Plaisance will collide while La Bonne Intention and Beterverwagting tangle in the two East Coast zone showdowns at 11:00hrs and 12:45hrs and Freeburg will tackle Richard Ishmael at 14:30hrs and Christ Church tangles with Queen’s College at 16:15hrs in the Georgetown zone

At the unveiling ceremony at Spice Garden, Mendonca disclosed that all systems are in place to get the highly anticipated tournament off the ground and also thanked the sponsor, Digicel, for choosing Petra to administer the countrywide tournament

He added that the Championship will put an extra boost in the development of grassroots football throughout the country , which is where Petra ’ s directive is placed Digicel’s Chief Commercial Officer, Simone Pierre, who was also at the simple ceremony stated that her company is profoundly ecstatic to once again be able to stage the tournament. Pierre believes the resumption of the tournament is a step in the right direction and Digicel is happy to be able to give youngsters this profound chance

Over 130 schools throughout Guyana are expected to compete in this season of the Tournament

Following the regional rounds, a round-of-32 teams will make up a national championship, of which 13 schools will come from Georgetown

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president, Wayne Forde, on Thursday presented a cheque totalling twelve million and four hundred thousand dollars ($12.4M) to the GFF’s nine Regional Associations (RAs) for the staging of the 2023 Senior Men’s Leagues across Guyana.

Over the next few weeks, each RA will organise and kick off their Senior Men’s League, which is funded under the GFF’s Member Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP), with a total of 104 football clubs across Guyana benefitting from this investment

In a release to the media, the GFF noted that Mr Forde has been working closely with the RAs over the past four months to support their readiness for the 2023 season and build on the suc-

cess of last year ’ s historic post COVID - 19 return to play league commencement.

It added that , “ M - FAP is important to the entire football fraternity We have already seen the impact M - FAP has had on football in Guyana over the last three years We recognised during the course of last year ’ s Regional Associations League that additional resources and funding were required, so this year we have answered that call by allocating more funds to each RA.”

Also present at the simple handing-over ceremony, which was held at the GFF Georgetown Secretariat , was Senior Men ’ s National Team Head Coach, Jamaal Shabazz, and GFF General Secretary, Ian Alves

The National Champions will receive $1,000,000 and the championship trophy with second, third, and fourth place finishers getting $500,000, $300,000, and $200,000, respectively

All incentives will go towards a school project with prizes also expected for the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper and Most Valuable Player Chase’s Academic Foundation are the two-time defending champion, after claiming the title in 2016 and 2017, before the six-year hiatus arose.

This tournament was dominated by Christianburg/Wismar Secondary, who won the title consecutively from 2012 to 2015 when they dethroned the inaugural champion, Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI).

Ravi Latif (bottom) at work at the Providence Stadium during a game

GFF boss, Wayne Forde (centre), along with some Regional Association representatives and GFF General Secretary, Ian Alves (extreme right)