Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 24-12-2023

24th DECEMBER, 2023

'

See Inside No.107304

‘Guyana must become a hub for financial services’ - President Ali says SEE PAGE

3

- prompts business-owners to always be innovative in order to attain success

Jingle all the way! Georgetown was a flurry of activities yesterday as scores of persons flocked Regent Street to do their last-minute shopping for the Christmas season (Delano Williams photos)

‘Cinderella County’ looking forward to safe holiday season SEE PAGE

4

- residents thank President Ali, VP Jagdeo for bringing peace

Japarts Construction pursues quarry project at Malali

SEE PAGE

15

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo interacted with business owners, shoppers and commuters during his customary walkabout of downtown Georgetown shopping areas on Friday

2

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

‘Guyana must become a hub for financial services’ - President Ali says - prompts business-owners to always be innovative in order to attain success

By Trina Williams AS the world continues to evolve, Guyana must become a major hub for financial services within the next two years, according to President Dr Irfaan Ali. The president made the remarks during his feature address at the commissioning of Demerara Bank’s $485 million branch at Leonora on the West Coast Demerara on Friday.

“Two years from now, with the modernisation of the financial sector, Guyana must become a major hub for financial services. Financial services are not only about cash… it's human assets to provide financial services,” Dr Ali stated.

Furthermore, the President shared the recipe to success - innovation, reorientation and integration.

The Head-of-State remarked: “There are three things I want to

President Dr Irfaan Ali

speak about in relation to the bank; innovation, reorientation and integration. These are three things that are elements of success in today's business. If you cannot innovate, you are going to fail.”

Reflecting on statistics from 2018, the President said: “Banks do not become successful by themselves.

It is the policy framework, it is the government, it is the fiscal planning and if you look at one indicator in September 2018, our non-preforming was almost 12 per cent; our non-performing loan now is just three per cent.”

Dr Ali noted that in the coming years, the buildings established to support the banking sector will be known as ‘back offices’ as the country pursues newer technologies. “ Tw o [ t o ] f i v e years from now, these buildings will be converted into what will be known as back offices. You’ll have

faceless banks, but you’ll have the people in there; you won’t see them, but they will be doing the important back-office work. But much more important than that, this building will be providing more jobs, because we will create the infrastructure for near-shoring a n d f i n a n c i a l s e rvices,” President Ali explained.

Since assuming office in 2020, more than 50,000 people have become employed under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government.

Wi t h t h i s g o a l coming sooner than expected, it marks a tremendous accomplishment for the PPP,

which, in its 20202025 manifesto, promised to provide 50,000 new jobs by the end of its first term in office.

Unemployment rates in Guyana have been on a downward trajectory since 2021, and the government’s efforts to uplift the workforce are bearing fruit, according to a recent report published by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), titled Regional Overview: Global and regional economies at a crossroads.

Meanwhile, Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said Demerara Bank’s franchise has been on the forefront of private response to the govern-

ment’s call in creating a booming economy for Guyana.

“You have partnered with this government on every major initiative, whether it be our low-income housing programme, whether it be our forestry revolving fund, whether it be encouraging you to roll out investments to bring banking services to communities that are underbanked,” Dr. Singh said, adding: “Demerara Bank has been at the forefront of the private sector response to the environment President Ali and his government are creating.”

4

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

‘Cinderella County’ looking forward to safe holiday season

- residents thank President Ali, VP Jagdeo for bringing peace

By Cindy Parkinson AMIDST the prevailing border controversy between Venezuela and Guyana, residents from the Cinderella County of Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon Supenaam), have

expressed their appreciation to President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo for their unwavering devotion and selflessness, deeming them instrumental in making the people feel safer and

more festive during the holiday season.

Anjanie Aroon, a senior sales representative of Best Bargain Hardware in Abram Zuil, revealed to the Sunday Chronicle that the majority of Essequibians were pleased with Dr Jagdeo and President Ali's visit to the region and, more i m p o r t a n t l y, a t h i s recent meeting with Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela in St. Vincent. Accord-

ing to her, prior to these events, the mood along the Essequibo Coast was one of uneasiness, tension, and uncertainty.

“As long as I can remember, Essequibo and the Essequibo Coast are where people come when they wanted to relax in peace and harmony. It is known for its quiet country life and way of life, and it is a region that everyone escapes to when they do not want to Senior sales representative of Best Bargain Hardware in Abram Zuil, Anjanie Aroon

deal with the hassle of Georgetown or life.

So, this type of unnecessary attention and uneasy feeling that was brought on to us by Venezuelans wasn’t sitting well with us. Customers were buying; the boss of my company wasn’t stocking up on products; everything was just at a standstill,” Anrood explained.

She continued, “I would like to thank Vice President Jagdeo, our President Dr. Ali, and their government for leading the way in making sure that we were at ease. Hearing from them that we would be okay and seeing that they are standing with us is very reassuring to all Guyanese, especially the people from my region and the regions that are directly affected. It is because

of them that we can actually enjoy Christmas with our families and friends in a more peaceful manner. We hope that this can continue going forward into the new year, and we can get back to living in a more free and comfortable way, the way we were always accustomed to."

Also speaking with the Sunday Chronicle, Vasante (only name given), who works at a financial institution in Anna Regina, explained that she was extremely concerned and scared after customers were withdrawing their money with the intention of moving to Georgetown. However, she said that after the Vice President’s visit to the Coast and President Ali’s meeting with TURN TO PAGE 5

5

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

‘Cinderella County’ looking forward...

FROM PAGE 4

Maduro in St. Vincent, people started to feel a sense of calmness.

"For a moment, it was becoming very tense and anxious.

Many of our customers came into the institution panicking and made significant withdrawals with the intent of moving and living in other parts of Guyana. It was an uneasy feeling, one that added a lot of stress and discomfort to people's lives. I am happy to say that after the VP’s visit to Essequibo and President Ali meeting in St. Vincent with the Venezuelan President, the calmness and comfortable feeling returned to us.”

She further stated that now people are more at ease, and it's “beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”

Businesses are booming, and people and children are enjoying their shopping in the markets and stores.

Vasante added, “We haven’t had the large quantity of withdrawals since, and we are thankful for that and for our president and

his government's role in keeping our lives safer. We are thankful to them, and on behalf of the people of Essequibo, we would also like to thank all Guyanese for standing in unity and fighting together to ensure that we live in a fearless and loving country. ” Additionally, Winston Marks of Zorg village explained that he and his family were “very concerned” about the tension that was in the atmosphere.

According to him, “It wasn’t a nice feeling; everyone was done, the children were scared, and we had to let them know that the government would take care of this, and I like that they did. I want to thank President Ali and the VP for giving us courage through their actions and bravery. I know how that made me feel, and I know that my fellow Essequibians felt the same way too.

“Listen, it is not easy to know that now we are developing as a country and people from somewhere else want to play like they own we; that cannot

work, and by the grace of God and good leaders, we wouldn’t have to face this ever again in this country.”

Marks also added that while they are celebrating with their families, they are thinking of the families of the brave soldiers who lost their lives to make sure that they were safe.

“To the families of our heroes, we want you to know that we are all thinking of you and your families, and we are sending love and prayers to you all, especially during these times,” he concluded.

A section of the crowd at Jaigobin’s Christmas tree light up last weekend

6

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

Our faithful five - Rest in eternal peace On this the last Sunday before Christmas Day, put yourself in the shoes of one of the family members of the five brave soldiers who died in that fateful helicopter crash last month.

Lieutenant Colonels Michael Charles and Michael Shahoud, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome and Warrant Officer Class II, Jason Khan died in a war that never was, but in the middle of the ongoing and never-ending battle of keeping Guyana’s borders safe and guarding the nation’s territorial sovereignty.

Two colleagues survived - Corporal Dwayne

Jackson and Lieutenant Andio Crawford – but they too also sacrificed their lives to ensure Guyana’s borders are always safe from any external intervention, whether by land, air or sea.

None of the valiant Guyana Defense Force (GDF) soldiers on that fateful flight ever imagined what happened, but each was always aware that every flight in Guyana’s defense is part of a lifelong personal and boundless sacrifice.

None could have imagined not returning home safely, or not seeing Christmas, or not celebrating the New Year’s.

None of the brave soldiers’ families, on saying

goodbye that fateful day, could or would have imagined it would have been the final hug or kiss.

From the beginning of the latest threats of territorial aggression from next door, our valiant GDF’s Chief of Staff assured that Guyanese, at home and abroad, could count on Camp Ayanganna to monitor the situation on our borders and advise the nation accordingly.

The GDF, born partly out of the border controversy after 1966 when the new nation promised ‘Not a blade of grass’, has valiantly guarded our borders in the 57 years since; and it’s to the valiant soldiers

in uniform that the daily duty falls to ensure that the Golden Arrowhead continues to represent all of Guyana’s 83,000 square miles or 616,000 square kilometers.

We will never part with two-thirds or five-eighths of the One Guyana we’ve lived and grown with.

The five departed soldiers will not see tomorrow, but the ultimate contribution of their lives to the cause of protecting the Motherland will continue to ever light our way, and way beyond Christmas 2023 and the 2024 New Year’s celebrations.

Fortunately, the political directorates have lowered the heated temperature, but

it still remains the task of every soldier, in and out of uniform, to always be on guard, in all circumstances, which is what the GDF’s ultimate mission is all about.

Even on Christmas Day tomorrow and New Year’s Day next week, our men and women in fatigues will be guarding our borders and keeping them – and us all – safe and secure, while we eat and drink, sleep and awake, making merry.

But those who died, those who survived and those who serve in the land, sea and air units of the national defense force – and indeed all our men and women in our uniformed discipline services – can

rest assured that this Government of Guyana will leave no stone unturned in ensuring continued enhancement of our national defense capacity.

Our five faithfully departed soldiers have been nationally honoured and their families and friends -- and all Guyanese -- will forever remember and appreciate the ultimate sacrifice they made in the never-ending war of always ensuring Guyana can defend itself. Our faithful five will eternally rest in peace; and all external designs on Guyana will also always rest in peace!

President Ali did not jeopardise the judicial process

Dear Editor, Cognisant of the complexities, and more so, the sensitivities of the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela in the context of the recent dialogue between the two Heads of State, brokered by CELAC and CARICOM, this author opted to deliberately stay away from any public commentary, discussion, and analysis on this subject.

However, the undersigned is inclined to respond to a letter by Mr. Rawle Lucas which was published in the Kaieteur News edition of December 18, 2023, with the caption, “President Ali turns his back on the judicial process and disarms Guyana while doing so”.

In particular, this author strongly disagrees with the following contentions proffered by Mr. Lucas, that: i) “…The President restored Guyana’s territorial integrity to perpetual jeopardy. ii) “…this is an affront to the Granger administra-

tion, a betrayal of unity on the border controversy and a serious setback for the future of Guyanese, particularly since Maduro gave up nothing”. iii) … “from the language in in the Joint Declaration, particularly in paragraphs 2 and 4, President Ali revealed his naivety, poor negotiating skills and rendered the value of any judicial decision of the ICJ impotent. It is not clear what the urgency was to agree to such outcomes of the summit without the benefit of inputs from the Opposition and the Guyanese people. There was no harm in asking for a few hours to ensure that he protected the interests of the Guyanese people by properly preserving his position on the ICJ”. iv) … “together the words “any controversies,” along with the rest of the language in the paragraph, opened the opportunity to have the border controversy returned to bilateral talks”. v) …” that “the ne-

gotiating skill of President Maduro emerged again in paragraph 4, the contents of which he carefully distanced from paragraph 2, and subtly used to get President Ali, by his own doing, to render any ICJ decision against Venezuela impotent. President Maduro readily acknowledged that the matter was before the ICJ as Guyana wanted him to do. That did not cause President Maduro as much harm as Ali’s acceptance that Venezuela has the right to ignore the decision of the ICJ”.

With respect to Mr. Lucas’ contention at (I) above, it is Venezuela that has stirred up an unjustified, baseless claim over Guyana’s territory, a claim that Venezuela has failed to evidently corroborate for more than half of a century, and it is Venezuela that has said repeatedly that they do not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICJ. In this author’s view, the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) remains unjeopardized given that the ICJ is an organ of the

United Nations (U.N), which is the body that referred the matter to the ICJ, and that the dialogue between the two Heads of State was also observed by representatives from the U.N. As such, contrary to the flawed characterization by Lucas, the continuous non-recognition of the ICJ by Venezuela even after the ICJ will have ruled on the substantive matter.

Thus, would render Venezuela’s unjustified claims over Guyana’s territory a perpetual unresolved issue, with geopolitical ramifications―and―NOT a perpetual jeopardisation of Guyana’s territorial integrity.

Mr. Lucas’s assertion outlined at (ii) and (iii) above sought to sow some degree of division between the Government and the Opposition in respect of the border controversy. One would recall that the Opposition Leader (OL) admitted that he was invited to be part of the delegation, to which he (OL) declined. Therefore, it is unreasonable to assert that the

President did not consult with the Opposition on the joint declaration. Moreover, in the context of the “dialogue” and Venezuela’s claims over twothirds of Guyana’s territory, Maduro is not required to give up anything other than the withdrawal of threats and actions thereof, that Maduro’s Government has taken to give effect more or less to the annexation of Guyana’s territory.

His assertion at (iv) above is another dangerous mischaracterization on the part of Mr. Lucas. For the readers benefit, paragraphs (2) and (4) pursuant to the “Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela (hereinafter referred to as the Joint Declaration), state the following: Paragraph 2: “Agreed that any controversies between the two States will be resolved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement dated February 17, 1966”.

Paragraph 4: “Noted

Guyana’s assertion that it is committed to the process and procedures of the International Court of Justice for the resolution of the border controversy. Noted Venezuela’s assertion of its lack of consent and lack of recognition of the International Court of Justice and its jurisdiction in the border controversy”.

Contrary to Mr. Lucas’ argument, paragraph (2) is consistent with Guyana’s position―that is, the matter shall be settled in accordance with International Law, inter alia, the ICJ. In acknowledging Mr. Lucas’s interpretation that paragraph two opens up the matter to revert, once again, to a bilateral settlement, this view of his, is likely informed by the fact that reference was made to the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

Though it has been established that Venezuela has grossly misrepresented the 1966 Geneva Agreement, that Agreement provides for the settlement of the controversy at the ICJ. To this end, Article TURN TO PAGE 7

7

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

A Christmas tinged with sadness

AS I wish all Guyanese a Merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous new year, my greetings are tempered with sorrow.

I am saddened that I will not be celebrating this season with my twin son, Ishmael, who died in a car crash last August. And I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the five army officers who perished in the recent helicopter crash.

Our nation was shaken by the death

of these dedicated soldiers as we began to mourn their passing. It seems that they were ‘snatched away’ just as suddenly as my son.

However, against the spectre of death, we are yet drawn together giving each other encouragement and support.

For we know, ‘This too shall pass.’ Our intense grief will give way to smiles as happy memories surface and healing inevitably takes place in our indomitable human spirit.

On such a day as this

we can be grateful that we are alive, while we recognise the fragility of life. In this season of caring and sharing we can help each other by sharing mutual experiences of grief and how we coped, and by giving of our time to someone who may need it more than a wrapped gift.

So often we get caught up in the commercial trappings of Christmas – shopping, shopping and more shopping – that we forget the reason for the

means of peaceful settlement there contemplated have been exhausted”.

With this in mind, it was in accordance with the 1966 Geneva Agreement that the controversy was referred to the United Nations “Good Offices” process, which yielded no result after nearly three decades, then finally it was in accordance with the UN Charter that the Secretary General recommended that the controversy be settled, viz-á-viz, the ICJ. In relation to paragraph four of the “Joint Declaration”, President Maduro did not negotiate for anything, neither did President Ali accepted Maduro’s non-acceptance of the ICJ process, as interpreted by Mr. Lucas.

Paragraph (4) simply reflected Maduro’s position, which is that Venezuela does not recognize the ICJ. The obvious reason for this is premised on the view that Venezuela has no evidence to substantiate their claims over Guyana’s territory, because they have failed to produce any for the past 60+ years.

In reference to the use of the word “dispute” in the Joint Declaration, while Guyana has been careful not to describe the issue as a dispute, because as far as Guyana is concerned, the border has been settled since 1899…Guyana has always referred to same as a controversy. Moreover, a number of local attorneys even argued that it should

not be referred to as a controversy either because it is a baseless claim by Venezuela; Guyana has no issues with the border. Notwithstanding, it was observed that the ICJ used the word “dispute” in its rulings to describe the matter, hence, the transposition of the word “dispute”, following the ICJ’s use of same by the interlocutors, namely CELAC and CARICOM… that brokered the dialogue, should be viewed only in that premise.

Finally, this author would like to point out that the broad objectives of the dialogue was achieved, that is, to de-escalate tensions driven largely by Venezuela. This is important to understand within this framework; the importance of the dialogue between the two Heads of State. As a lesson for Guyana, there is a widely held, strong view by international academics and geopolitical experts that one of the main reasons the war between Russia and Ukraine started, is because the parties involved (including the proxies involved) refused to hold dialogue prior.

In the case of Guyana, the Government did extremely well in this regard, backed by its diligent work at the diplomatic level, which was visibly demonstrated in the wide range of strong international support from across the region and the globe.

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

President Ali did not...

FROM PAGE 6

IV (1) of the 1966 Agreement states that: “If, within a period of four years from the date of this Agreement, the Mixed Commission should not have arrived at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy it shall, in its final report, refer to the Government of Guyana and the Government of Venezuela any outstanding questions. Those Governments shall without delay choose one of the means of peaceful settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations.”

Article IV (2) goes on to state that… “If, within three months of receiving the final report, the Govern ment of Guyana and the Government of Venezuela should not have reached agreement regarding the choice of one of the means of settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, they shall refer the decision as to the means of settlement to an appropriate international organ upon which they both agree or, failing agreement on this point, to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. If the means so chosen do not lead to a solution of the controversy, the said organ or, as the case may be, the Secretary-General of the United Nations shall choose another of the means stipulated in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, and so on until the controversy has been resolved or until all the

season.

As a holiday celebrated across the globe

by Christians and non-Christians alike, the birth of Jesus, The Christ, has come to mean a time of ‘goodwill among men.’

It has come to signify a time when we not only share gifts with family and friends, but also give to those in need, as we are able.

It is also a time for us to consider the condition of our human family, especially those who cannot celebrate as we do because of hardship caused by natural disasters rocking the world, or the man-made kind in the form of war and violent conflict plaguing many countries.

While we eat, drink and make merry our

thoughts and prayers should also be directed to all of those who have little or nothing to eat or drink on this day and have no roof over their heads.

As we enjoy Christmas songs and carols let us be mindful of those whose only music right now is the discordant notes of guns and bombs. As we sing ‘Joy to the world,’ let us pray that it becomes a dawning reality and not a distant, unfulfilled wish.

The Salvation Army (International) summed it all up so well, saying, “Our lives, country and world are far from per-

fect. There are always challenges and struggles we face both personally and collectively.

“The good news of Christmas is that even when the world or our circumstances change, the message of Christmas is timeless, because Christmas is about the birth of God’s son – Jesus. It is about how he came to give us love, hope and joy. That message doesn’t change from year to year. When there is so much bad news and devastation in the world, this is good news worth celebrating.”

Bring the evidence, defend yourself

8

THIS week, we saw that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) travelled to the United States to summon Social and Political Commentator, if that is what he is, Rickford Burke back to this country to answer several serious charges before the local courts.

The force made sure that it was following the Foreign Judgements (Reciprocal Enforcement) Amendment Act, which is now law. It allows for judgments and court orders passed in Guyana to be enforceable in as many as 60 foreign countries. It is now widely reported that Burke, at his house while being served with the summons by a local senior officer, in the presence of a US officer, admitted that he had read and fully understood the documents.

After being served, Burke went on a ram-

page accusing the government of all kinds of things not limited to trying to muzzle him, breaching his constitutional right of free speech, and victimisation. He continued for several days to outright and unduly criticise the government on social media and in all sorts of opposition-dominated press encounters.

Finally, he has been allegedly begging the APNU+AFC to put out a statement condemning the entire episode.

When the Opposition Leader Aubery Norton finally agreed, the statement was put out in the public sphere.

Firstly, this is a first victory for the GPF against people who hide behind the safety of a keyboard and criticise other Guyanese and government agencies of corruption, a lack of transparency and accountability and good governance with seeming impunity.

This now means that the local police are not handicapped by the location of a person of interest, since they are empowered by the law to execute the summons and other legal documentation to allow them to secure justice for the wronged parties. Burke is educated enough to know that governments and security agencies are developing ways of bringing to justice people who commit these kinds of crimes and flee the penalty of being prosecuted in which they have to defend themselves locally.

The days of making people suffer because of lies, untruths, and misinformation that one publishes or utters or causes to be published or uttered about them politically, personally, or as a group are slowly coming to an end.

So, the police force is on the path of

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

modernisation in its crime-fighting tactics and must be commended by all right-thinking Guyanese for the organisation of this operation to summon Burke and hopefully others to the local jurisdiction where they allegedly commit their crimes without any proof, facts and wholesome information.

This is a laudable step in the right direction of legality and justice and it must never be confused or heaped into the same basket as political victimisation, discrimination and such like practices of any government that is not democratically elected or dictatorial in nature and form.

Secondly, we hope that Burke would stop his rantings like a madman and arm himself with the basic evidence to somehow prove that he is innocent of all the charges brought against him.

If he does that, he will

no doubt be vindicated and be a free man with a spotless reputation as he professes. We think that Burke understands the burden of proof and no doubt will retain the best possible legal representation for himself.

It will only get nasty, sticky and become a problem if he cannot prove the things he and his organisation have been saying and doing.

It would be an atrocity for Burke to cower under the pressure or weight of the case.

If either party proves that he was being malicious and untruthfully spreading lies about personalities, business people, and government entities for clicks, viewership, and the likes, then he is in for big trouble with the law.

Thirdly, the statement that Congress Place or APNU+AFC sent out to the media is utterly preposterous and wickedly insane.

To link the present government to the summons or Burke’s undue criticisms of them is wild, disingenuous, and much more than a stretch.

We think the government has better things it is focusing on than to run after Burke.

Though he unduly criticises the government, they are quite capable of debunking the narratives that he is putting out there with facts and the truth. We have to think that the framers of the statement would like us to have sympathy and empathy with Burke and his situation that he has found himself in, but we think it would be foolhardy and pre-emptive to do so.

Also, one must think of the pain and damage that Burke has caused a majority of Guyanese whom he cusses and berates daily because they either donate to his CIDG, Burke, or support in any financial way the view or tone of the opposition.

Afterall, no disdain for the constitutional rights of citizens was shown by this government. No politicisation of the GPF is occurring in this matter. The government, it would appear, is not interested in silencing any critics. Much of the opposite has occurred with Burke and other personalities who use free speech to cause various citizens pain, political agony and moral distress. It is in poor political taste and almost criminal to come to his defence in the manner that the opposition has done.

Finally, we think as any reasonable Guyanese, let the chips fall where they will.

Let Burke bring the evidence to Guyana and be allowed to defend himself. The government too should stay clear of any clandestine involvement during the ordeal. It is a matter for Burke and the police. They must duel it out. Burke has no political value in or out of Guyana. He is a spent force moving forward and giving him any attention will not be in the government’s best interest.

Let the opposition continue to make that mistake. They will pay for their foolishness and madness closer to elections in 2025.

A blessed Christmas to all.

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

Rex McKay: People I know

ONE of my favourite Al Pacino movies is one that wasn’t a hit. It is titled, “People I know.” The sub-plot of the story is that you think you know people but do you really know them? Does Guyana know the people it thinks it knows? Whenever I compose a column that I have a little discomfort with because of the libel vultures this country has, I would consult at least two of my lawyer-friends; sometimes three but never one.

So, on May 23, 2021, I decided to pen a column (published on May 23, 2021

titled, “At the risk of angering my wife, I say I never did and will never like Rex McKay”) on attorney, Rex McKay during the controversy of the Donald Rodney appeal case where in the lower court, Mr. McKay was the prosecutor. To refresh your memory, in June 1980, as assassin, sergeant, Gregory Smith of the army planted a bomb in a transmission set and when Rodney pressed the on-button, it exploded killing him and severely injuring his brother, Donald, who was in the car.

Not satisfied with mur-

dering Rodney, the Burnham government did the unthinkable and morally horrendous thing – it charged Donald with possession of a bomb and other related charges.

President Burnham resorted to Rex McKay as the prosecutor as he did when Mr. Burnham tried to hang PPP activist Arnold Rampersaud for the trumped-up charge of murder in 1974.

Rampersaud faced three trials and was eventually acquitted. For a description of the conduct of Mr. McKay as prosecutor in that case, see the book by that great

Four innovative modes of banking on the cards for DBL

AIMING to provide hassle-free services, Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) has plans to begin offering checklist, cashless, paperless and faceless banking.

This is according to the bank’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pravinchandra Dave, who made brief remarks at the commissioning of DBL’s $485 million branch at Leonora, West Coast Demerara on Friday.

“We are a technological based bank. We want to improve the banking facility and we also want to promote easier access to banking to each and every one. For that, what we have to do, we are trying to have four things in line; we want to have a checklist banking, cashless banking, paperless banking and faceless banking,” Dave remarked.

Furthermore, he debunked the common misconception that banks are solely interested in making money and maintained that DBL wants to play a significant role in Guyana’s development.

“We want to work as a catalyst for development of the country, for development of our people, for development of our entrepreneurs,” the CEO said.

“Expansion of banking is one of the leading indicators of our growth. From just one bank, one branch… this is the ninth branch,” he boasted.

While reflecting on the obstacles that the bank faced when it initially opened, Dave lauded the progress that the institution has made.

“We are doubling the size of our assets every six years; we are doubling our

DBL’s current CEO, Pravinchandra Dave profits every 4-5 years…” he said.

Meanwhile, in his feature address at the commissioning ceremony, President Dr. Irfaan Ali noted that the government has been creating an enabling environment for the local banking sector to expand.

Reflecting on statistics from 2018, the President said: “Banks do not become successful by themselves. It is the policy framework, it is the government, it is the fiscal planning and if you look at one indicator in September 2018, our non-preforming was almost 12 per cent; our non-performing loan now is just three per cent.”

He noted that DBL has positioned itself as a part of the collective whole that will advance the economy.

“I want to congratulate the board and management of this bank for their responsiveness to national development. Every time I throw an idea to the management of this bank, the first response is, ‘We’re coming over.’ And my policy is very open. Once it’s

for development, the door is open,” President Ali said.

He further urged the bank’s management to continue advancements through innovation, reorientation and integration.

Turning his attention to integration, the president said: “With the modernisation of the financial sector, Guyana must become a major hub for financial services.”

Meanwhile, Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said Demerara Bank’s franchise has been on the forefront of private response to the government’s call in creating a booming economy for Guyana.

“You have partnered with this government on every major initiative, whether it be our low-income housing programme, whether it be our forestry revolving fund, whether it be encouraging you to roll out investments to bring banking services to communities that are underbanked,” Dr. Singh said, adding: “Demerara Bank has been at the forefront of the private sector response to the environment President Ali and his government are creating.”

Founded in 1992 and opened for business on November 12, 1994, DBL is the first indigenous private sector bank in Guyana.

At the moment, DBL has nine strategically placed branches around the nation, including a Corporate Office that serves the Bank’s corporate clientele. It also has nine ATM locations, and provides a comprehensive array of commercial banking services.

Guyanese democrat, Jesuit priest and editor of the Catholic Standard at the time, Father Andrew Morrison.

The book is titled, “Justice: The Struggle for Democracy in Guyana, 1952-1992.” I regard this as one of the best publications on contemporary Guyana.

Mr. McKay died at 95 a few days ago and right before the eyes of Guyanese, an interesting display of psychology will soon take place.

There will be panegyrics by lawyers on Mr. McKay’s legal skills. Those in politics who are not lawyers and know the non-legal side to Mr. McKay will compose a different melody.

One of the youngest populations of a nation in the entire world is Guyana. Today’s generation will know nothing about the use of the service of Mr. McKay by President Forbes Burnham.

Mr. McKay was a faithful servant of President Burnham who resorted to Mr. McKay to do all the court cases that served the power purpose of Mr. Burnham.

I do not think that Hamilton Green was more loyal to Mr. Burnham than McKay. McKay was a dye-in-the wool servant of the PNC and even when he had reached his nineties, still sought to help the PNC in both the no-confidence motion of 2018 and the

election court battles of 2020.

Mr. McKay died as the richest lawyer Guyana produced but those assets were suspiciously accumulated.

In my 55 years of political activism and 35 years of journalism, the sad complaints and the unnerving informative stories I got about Mr. McKay using his skills that ended up with him being in possession of his clients’ properties are unlimited.

I was a university freshman and would attend the Rampersaud murder trial each day. I believe human rights activism throughout Guyana by the PPP and WPA saved Rampersaud’s life because McKay, acting on instruction from Burnham, wanted Rampersaud to be hanged.

Mr. McKay introduced a ton of bogus evidence, including the fiction that UG physics specialist who was a witness for the defence, Father Malcolm Rodrigues was a PPP protestor outside the court during the trial.

McKay bullied his way in court and that was responsible for his many successes.

He tried it with Judge Donald Trotman in a libel writ against me by the then UG

Vice-Chancellor. McKay told the court that I stole books from the public library and in front of the judge stepped into my face and called me a thief.

The judge dressed him down but everyone in court was laughing when I told the court that in 1955, as an employee at Booker’s hardware store, McKay stole a packet of bicycle tube and was convicted before the courts.

The case was reported in the Graphic newspaper. So, it is print for anyone to read.

I never stole anything from anyone or robbed anyone of their property.

My next encounter with McKay’s penchant for bullying judges was when Justice Winston Moore awarded UG $500,000 in cost against me after I took UG to court as a Board member of the Faculty of Social Sciences for discrimination in law student applications.

My lawyer Anil Nandlall applied for reduction of cost in front of Court of Appeal judge, Lennox Perry. As usual, McKay tried to bully his way and was quickly dispatched. More on McKay later.

GNBS certifies 30 new companies in 2023

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) closed off 2023 with 30 new certifications under its Bed and Breakfast, Made in Guyana, Laboratory and Product Certification programmes, to promote quality in the local manufacturing and services sectors.

Recently, the final two certifications were awarded to Atlantic Suites Luxury Apart-

The certificate was handed over to Manager Sharay McKenzie by GNBS Technical Officer Latchman Mootoosammi.

During a simple ceremony at the facility, McKenzie expressed gratitude to the GNBS team for working with the management of the business to meet the requirements of the standard.

She explained that the facility has two ful-

in Guyana Standards Mark on their locally manufactured packaged products.

These products include Fresh Packagers’ Geerah, Ground Mix Massala, Achar Massala and Black Pepper, Chinese Spice, Ginger Powder, Cinnamon (Ground and Stick), Clove (Ground and Stick), Nutmeg (Ground and Stick), Ground Turmeric, Barley (Ground and Whole),

(L-R) Owners of Fresh Packagers, Radesh Paul and his mother Sursattie Paul receive the certificate from GNBS Technical Officer Yan Yi Zhu and Head of Certification Keon Rankin of Certification Services, Keon Rankin, who extended congratulations to the recipients and urged them to work towards maintaining the requirements of the certification programme and pursuing continuous improvement.

The certifications are valid for one year pending renewal. Several companies were recertified in 2023 with companies such as Sterling

Products Limited and Roopan Ramotar Investment receiving their certificates this week under the Made in Guyana Programme.

Through its Laboratory Certification Programme, the GNBS certified nine new laboratories to the National Standard GYS 170 “General requirements for the operation of a laboratory,” while two hollow blocks

manufacturers and one new gold jeweller were certified under the Product Certification Scheme.

To learn more about the GNBS certification and other programmes, please visit the gnbsgy. org website or contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-006466, the GNBS hotline number 219-0069 or WhatsApp 692-4627.

Products certified for Fresh Packagers ments under the Bed and Breakfast Certification programme and Fresh Packagers under the Permit to use the Made in Guyana Certification Mark programme.

Atlantic Suites Luxury Apartments located at Lot 30 Henrietta Public Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was certified on Thursday, December 21, 2023, as a Category A Bed and Breakfast (B&B) provider after fulfilling the requirements of the Guyana Standard GYS 514:2016 requirements for bed and breakfast facilities.

ly furnished two-bedroom apartments for short-term and long-term rental and is currently working on three others.

In accordance with the standard, the apartments are equipped with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, blackout curtains, distilled water and other necessities. There is also convenient parking, security, a caretaker and provisions for pest control.

Meanwhile, the GNBS certified Fresh Packagers of Lot 6 First Street, Kaneville Grove, East Bank Demerara on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, to use the Made

Plantain Flour, Split Peas Flour, Sago (Whole), Hot Sauce, Chinese Sauces and Mango Achar.

Proprietress of the company, Sursattie Paul was elated to achieve this milestone. She said: “I am honoured and overwhelmed by this presentation. I have waited very long, and this is long overdue. I cannot describe how happy I am.”

The certificate was handed over in the boardroom of the GNBS Head Office, National Exhibition Complex, Sophia, Georgetown by GNBS Technical Officer, Yan Yi Zhu and GNBS Head

One of the apartments at the Atlantic Suites Luxury Apartments

VP connects with patrons, business community in Georgetown walkabout

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

11

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo interacted with business owners, shoppers and commuters during his customary walkabout of downtown Georgetown shopping areas on Friday. Dr. Jagdeo navigated the bustling streets, forging connections and understanding the diverse needs of the people. He was actively involved in the heartbeat of the city, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

TURN TO PAGE 12

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

VP connects with patrons...

FROM PAGE 11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

13

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

First screenwriters’ database launched THE Guyana Animation Network Inc (GAN) is inviting talented screenwriters and scriptwriters from Guyana and the Caribbean to register and be a part of its first screenwriters’ database which is geared at enabling these writers in animation, film and television to gain access to screenwriting opportunities, locally and internationally.

This initiative is spearheaded and led by Amelia Clover and Xarielle Gittens, who are screenwriters and both past students of GAN’s scriptwriting and animation workshops in 2022 and 2023.

It is also supported by the founder of GAN, Jubilante Cutting.

Gittens explained that, “We also aim to create a source, or a database pool/a talent pool of Caribbean and Guyanese talent, or writers, storytellers, and creatives, for hire on international projects.”

This opportunity is open to eligible candidates who are past students of GAN Inc,, and GAN Studios; Scriptwriting Workshops or are screenwriters within existing partnering organisations, studios and companies of GAN. Candidates must also be 18 years or older.

Although this opportunity is open to candidates of

legal working age, they do invite younger screenwriters to join their writing workshops and classes offered at GAN Inc and Studios. Because this is their first cohort for the database, it will be conducted in English.

To register, Gittens stated that persons are invited to thoroughly read through the information available on their website, and express interest in being a part of the database by contacting either her or Amelia Clover (via email) where they will share the link to the form with them.

The registration period is opened from December 01- 31, 2023; however, there is some consideration being made to extend this.

It should be noted that once selected to join the database, whether independently or through a respective company/ studio or organisation, persons will be notified to

provide (in addition to their names, contact information and preferred means of communication), their social media platforms, portfolio links/ websites/ existing work, types and genres of work preferred and GAN Programme/ Partnering Institution.

The Guyana Animation Network (Inc.) is a non-profit organisation based in Guyana with a focus on leading, contributing and activating change in Guyana’s animation and new media industries. Their current aims are to provide upskilling and workforce development opportunities for creators in Guyana and the Caribbean.

To read more about their screenwriters database initiative, persons can visit GAN on Facebook at Guyana Animation Network Inc. or their website, https://animateguyana. com/ganwritersdatabase/

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

Over 1,600 persons trained in ICT in 2023 OVER 1,600 persons have been instructed in various facets of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) this year through the Office of the Prime Minister’s Industry and Innovations Unit.

This includes basic community-level ICT training, which has been conducted in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and 10, the Hinterland Train the Trainers initiative, ICT innovation camps, Guyanese Girls Code and Computer Literacy Skills training for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Recognising that ICT forms an integral part of everyday life on a global scale, the unit consistently innovates platforms and programmes meant to strengthen its usage to contribute to Guyana’s socioeconomic development.

In the first half of the year, the government invested a total of $1.6 billion for the advancement of the ICT sector.

This amount encompassed several other flagship initiatives, such as the implementation of the

national electronic identification system, and the Guyana Coders Initiative, in partnership with the United Arab Emirates.

Additionally, with the necessary training, the government has also prioritised the building of resilient infrastructure to support the expansion of internet access.

The ICT Access and E-Services for Hinterland, Poor & Remote Communities Project continues to live up to its mandate of providing ICT access and electronic services to these communities, throughout the country.

ICT hubs are being erected in every region, complete with photovoltaic equipment. Addition-

ally, the project sees the training of local residents, to manage these hubs.

The project has this year completed 110 ICT hubs in the 10 administrative regions; 110, 98 hubs have been operationalised. >>>>Over 1,600 persons have been instructed in various facets of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) this year through the Office of the Prime Minister’s Industry and Innovations Unit This includes basic community-level ICT training, which has been conducted in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and 10, the Hinterland Train the Trainers initiative, ICT innovation

to establish a local quarry that meets international standards.

A formal application has been submitted to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for the establishment of a quarry within the Malali village.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali visited the area and expressed support for the investment in the project.

Japarts Construction has promised that the quarry will also supply aggregates to the government’s overall

projects. President Ali has suggested that the license be issued under the local company, Japarts Construction, as the quarry represents a long-term investment in Guyana.

The quarry license has been resubmitted under Japarts Construction, and as of December 2023, the company is waiting for formal approval from the respective government agencies. The project is expected to generate over 100 direct and indirect jobs in the region and require an immediate capital investment of US$5-US$6 million.

Japarts Construction pursues quarry project at Malali

THE Guyana Chronicle apologises for any inconvenience caused by the errors in our previous article regarding the quarry project at Malali. Please disregard the previous information and refer to the corrected version below: Japarts Construction, owned by Terry Singh, has clarified that his company is a partner to the international company Alya, which is the contractor for the Linden to Mabura Hill project. To support the project with stone and overall aggregates, Singh’s other company, Source One Supplies, has joined forces with Alya

Camps, Guyanese Girls Code and Computer Literacy Skills training for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Recognising that ICT forms an integral part of everyday life on a global

scale, the unit consistently innovates platforms and programmes meant to strengthen its usage to contribute to Guyana’s socioeconomic development.

In the first half of the year, the government invested a total of $1.6 billion for the advancement of the ICT sector.

This amount encompassed several other flagship initiatives, such as the implementation of the national electronic identification system, and the Guyana Coders Initiative, in partnership with the United Arab Emirates.

Additionally, with the necessary training, the government has also prioritised the building of

resilient infrastructure to support the expansion of internet access.

The ICT Access and E-Services for Hinterland, Poor & Remote Communities Project continues to live up to its mandate of providing ICT access and electronic services to these communities, throughout the country.

ICT hubs are being erected in every region, complete with photovoltaic equipment. Additionally, the project sees the training of local residents to manage these hubs.

The project has this year completed 110 ICT hubs in the 10 administrative regions; 110, 98 hubs have been operationalised. (DPI)

16

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

17

18

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday December 23, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Alzarri Joseph (2) Matthew Forde Today’s Quiz: (1) Which ENG players were in the third but not the fourth T20 Int’l in the recent WI series?

(2) Who were there replacements?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

Bangladesh seamers rout New Zealand for 98 in consolation win Tanzim, Shoriful and Sarkar powered Bangladesh to their ODI win over New Zealand in their backyard

Bangladesh's seamers skittled New Zealand for 98 in a thumping nine-wicket win in the third ODI in Napier to help the visitors avoid a series whitewash. This was New Zealand's lowest total against Bangladesh.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead had

the gate with a nip-backer to spark a slide which saw New Zealand lose four wickets in the space of five overs and 12 runs. Shoriful had Young edging one to gully before castling Mark Chapman with another good delivery. Tanzim then had Tom Blundell caught at backward point to leave New Zealand 70 for 6.

Shoriful Islam ran through New Zealand’s middle order • (Getty Images)

warned about Bangladesh's improved pace attack in away conditions, and the visitors showed their worth on Saturday as Bangladesh produced their first ODI victory against New Zealand in their own backyard.

(Scores :Bangladesh 99 for 1 (Shanto 51*, Anamul 37) beat New Zealand 98 (Tanzim 3-14, Sarkar 3-18, Shoriful 3-22) by nine wickets Only four New Zealand batters reached double-figures as Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Soumya Sarkar picked three wickets each.

Tanzim got the party started for Bangladesh, squaring Rachin Ravindra up to have him nick behind in the fourth over. He then got the better of Henry Nicholls in the eighth with a short ball.

Will Young, who finished as the top-scorer in the series, then provid ed some resistance along with Tom Latham, as the two added 36 runs for the third wicket. But Shoriful bowled Latham through

Sarkar then took over, knocking Josh Clarkson and Adam Milne over and getting Adithya Ashok to nick off. Mustafizur Rahman picked up the final wicket to complete the rout.

Bangladesh's openers started watchfully until Sarkar had to retire hurt after something went into his right eye. He tried applying water and even an eye drop but could not carry on.

Anamul Haque hit Jacob Duffy for two boundaries in the next over as Bangladesh shifted gears. Clarkson and Will O'Rourke conceded three boundaries each in the 10th and 11th overs as Anamul and Najmul Hossain Shanto raced towards the paltry target. O'Rourke had Anamul edging behind for a 33-ball 37, but it was much too little and much too late as Shanto sealed the win two overs later, bringing up a 42-ball half-century in the process. (Cricinfo).

19

20

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

Pollard takes up stint as England’s batting consultant ahead of their T20 W’Cup defence

FORMER West Indies captain Kieron Pollard is set to start a new chapter in his decorated cricketing career, as he is expected to join reigning Twenty20 World champions England as a batting consultant ahead of their title defence in the Caribbean and the United States, next year.

According to media reports, Pollard, 36, is expected to impart knowledge of Caribbean

conditions and pitches to the England, for the showpiece tournament scheduled for June 4-30.

With the region notorious in recent years for its low, slow pitches, conditions are expected to play a key role in the tournament, and, as such, Pollard's experience of same, will be an asset for England.

The Trinidadian's appointment is expected to be flawless, as he is already acquainted with

Former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard

current England captain Jos Buttler with whom he played during a couple of stints with Somerset,

and others, who he would have rubbed shoulders with, in franchise tournaments.

Pollard, who retired from international cricket last year, after a T20 series away to India two months prior. Still, the powerfully built player continues to feature in the global short-format franchise leagues, recently leading New York Strikers to victory in the Abu Dhabi T10.

His vast experience in the T20 format, will also be of value to England, as Pollard has 123 OneDay International and

101 T20 International appearances under his belt.

Overall, he has featured in 537 T20s, scoring over 12,000 runs, with 300 wickets from his parttime bowling.

Pollard was at the helm when West Indies copped the T20 World Cup title in 2021, to go along with the 2016 title won by a Darren Sammy-led team which he was a part of. (Sportsmax)

Panko Steel Fabrication and Construction golf tournament tees off today Today, Panko Steel Fabrication and Construction will be hosting a golf tournament and village day at the Lusignan Golf Club. The event is being sponsored for $3 million and will be played over nine holes.

The tournament will feature many of Guyana's top golfers turning out in large numbers as they compete in the inaugural event. The tournament, which will become a regular event on the LGC calendar, is a pairs competition where participants can either choose their own partner or have one provided for them.

The event coordinator and experienced golfer, Ayube Subhan, stated, "It is not a golf tournament per se, but it is being held to celebrate the Christmas period by aiming to bring smiles and absolute happiness to the children and the less fortunate in the community through the provision of good food and beverages for everyone in attendance."

According to Subhan, the initiative is Mr. Ramsundar's (Panko) way of fulfilling his corporate social responsibilities.

"Panko himself is a passionate golfer who developed his love for the sport as a caddy. Today,

he has honed his skills and is an accomplished player." "He feels that this is the least he can do to contribute to the growth and improvement of the game of golf in Guyana," Subhan shared.

In a fabulous show of rewarding the top place winners, Panko will be awarding the first 6 placed winners with the following cash prizes: ·

1st - $100 000

·

2nd - $75 000

·

3rd - $60 000

·

4th - $40 000

·

5th - $20000

·

6th - $10000

Individual trophies will also be awarded for the following achievements: nearest to the pin, nearest to the rope, nearest chip to the hole on a designated hole, and longest drive.

The action will commence at 09:00 hours, and lunch will be served at noon. A bouncy castle and trampoline will be available for the children to enjoy.

Coordinator of the event and experienced golfer Ayube Subhan

Russell’s 2024 T20 World Cup prep: ‘I’ll be looking like a UFC fighter’

ANDRE Russell pledged to arrive at next year’s T20 World Cup “looking like a UFC fighter” after his comeback series for West Indies culminated in a four-wicket win over England in Thursday’s decider in Trinidad.

Russell returned to international cricket after a two-year absence, having last represented West Indies at the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE. He was not in their plans for last year’s T20 World Cup in Australia, when selector Desmond Haynes said that West Indies had “moved on” from him, but won a recall after confirming his availability.

He was West Indies’ leading wicket-taker in the series, largely bowling at the death,

Andre Russell scored at a strike rate of 169.35 in the series against England (Photo: Getty Images) and scored at a strike rate of 169.35 with the bat.

“It means a lot, to be honest, getting the call-up to come back and to join the West Indies team,” he told TNT Sports. “I’ve been working for the last two years, waiting on a call-up.

“I’m just excited to be

back and have a win,” Russell said, highlighting the role that Daren Sammy has played in his return. “The coach has been backing me a lot. I’m so happy. I feel like I’ve won a big, big championship with just a series win, that’s how much it means to me.”

Russell arrived in the Caribbean immediately after playing in the Abu Dhabi T10, and said that the longhaul flight across the world had affected his performance after impressing in the series opener.

“I was coming from Abu Dhabi where it’s a big time difference,” he said. “Flying back into Barbados I tried to stay up as late as possible to make sure that I get enough sleep so that I can [be] fresh for the game.

“I have a lot of cricket to play and that’s good. When you’re playing cricket and in competition, your body is active and you’re not just sat at home waiting for the World Cup” “When I got to Grenada, I just couldn’t sleep. I start feeling sleepy at 6am in the

morning, which would be the time that I would sleep in Abu Dhabi. Fans won’t know that, but I still get the pressure and the backlash and all of that. It just makes me stronger. I love my Caribbean fans and I know they are passionate about the game, and when we’re messing up, they will be on our backs.

“I want to make sure that I do the necessary recoveries, drink a lot of coconut water and get my body right – massages, and all of that. That’s what I did to really be able to come in the last game, bowl three overs for 30-odd runs [37] – and then today was exceptional from all the bowlers.”

Russell hopes to be part of West Indies’ squad for the T20 World Cup in June, when they will attempt to

become the first men’s team to win the trophy for a third time.

“I’ll be in better shape, to be honest: I’ll be looking like a UFC fighter,” he said. “This series win means so much. It [makes me] want to push myself to the limit.”

He is due to play in the ILT20 and the IPL early next year, and said: “I have a lot of cricket to play and that’s good.

When you’re playing cricket and in competition, your body is active and you’re not just sat at home waiting for the World Cup. We are definitely going to give some teams a good, good run for their money in the World Cup.” (ESPNcricinfo)

21

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

Jamaica Tallawahs to be replaced in CPL by Antigua-based franchise Tallawahs’ franchise owner says ‘there was no way to operate the team sustainably’

JAMAICA Tallawahs, the 2022 Caribbean Premier League champions, will not feature in the tournament's 2024 season and will be replaced by a new franchise based in Antigua and Barbuda.

Kris Persaud, a Guyanese businessman based in Florida, owned the Tallawahs franchise but has sold it back to the CPL. "The owners were left with no option but to sell the Tallawahs back to CPL as they could not find a way to operate the team sustainably," a CPL spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo.

They will be replaced by an Antigua-based franchise in 2024, which does not yet have a name. The island hosted a franchise named Antigua Hawksbills in the first two CPL seasons, but they won only three matches and were replaced by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2015.

Daryll Matthew, the minister of sports in the Antigua and Barbuda Senate, revealed plans to host a franchise in 2024 earlier this week. "We can expect very easily and conservatively to generate approximately US$6 million per year by simply having a CPL franchise based in Antigua and Barbuda," Matthew said, as reported by the Antigua Observer.

The CPL intends to relaunch a Jamaica-based franchise in years to come.

"The CPL remains committed to having a team based in Jamaica, but this will be in 2025 at the earliest," a spokesperson said. "In 2024, there will be six teams taking part in the CPL with franchises based in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago."

West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell, who led

Tallawahs to their second CPL title in 2022, said that it was "disappointing" for his home island to leave their franchise. "Jamaica is the biggest island in the Caribbean, a proud nation, a proud cricketing nation," he said. "For those things to be happening is a little bit disappointing."

Sabina Park, the main stadium in Jamaica's capital city Kingston, will not host any games in next year's T20 World Cup and last staged international cricket in August 2022. "Obviously I'm a Jamaican and I want to play in front of my home crowd, but for the last few years, I haven't," Powell said. "The West Indies Cricket Board and the Jamaican government really have to sit down and have a conversation about that."

The island has not hosted any CPL games since 2019.

Jamaica Tallawahs won the CPL title in 2022 • (CPL T20 via Getty Images) The league's chief executive Pete Russell told the Jamaica Observer last year that he found the government's reluctance to engage with

cricket "baffling", saying: "It's always disappointed me that we've never been able to break through in terms of with our discussions."

The 2024 CPL season is expected to start in mid-August and will run into September.(Cricinfo).

McGrath leads Australia’s fight but India still in command AUSTRALIA fought hard on Day 3 of the oneoff Test against India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai but India were still in a position of strength at stumps yesterday.

Australia picked up early wickets to bowl India out for 406 and then Tahlia McGrath came up with a tenacious display with the bat, scoring 73 off 177.

But on a slow pitch that wasn't really misbehaving, Australia ended the day at 231/5 having batted for 90 overs, extending their lead to 44, with India still calling the shots.

India started the day at 376/7 but could add only 30 runs to their overnight total as Annabel Sutherland and Kim Garth combined to limit the damage.

A 122-run stand for the eighth-wicket came to an end when Pooja Vas-

Tahlia McGrath scored an unbeaten 73 trakar fell to a short ball from Sutherland, departing three short of a half-century.

Deepti Sharma, batting on 78, looked to play across the line to a Garth delivery but the ball deflected from the pad onto the stumps.

Renuka Singh also fell to a short ball from Sutherland as India's first innings came to an end in 7.3 overs in the opening session.

Starting their second essay with a deficit of 187 runs, Australia were off to a brisk start thanks to Beth Mooney who struck regular boundaries while Phoebe Litchfield, at the other end, was a bit more watchful.

The opening stand, however, came to an end one short of the half-century mark when Mooney was run out for 33, stepping outside the

crease after defending the ball to silly point where Richa Ghosh was quick to react. Litchfield fell soon after, bowled by Sneh Rana attempting a reverse sweep.

At 56/2, Australia were in a spot of bother but Ellyse Perry and McGrath combined forces to keep the Indian bowlers at bay for more than 25 overs. They added 84 for the third wicket, with Perry scoring 44 of those runs and McGrath managing 38. There were a couple of missed chances as well, as Richa put down Perry at short leg and Rana missed a catch at slip to give McGrath a reprieve. The partnership, though, came to an abrupt halt a few overs before Tea as Perry was out for 45, caught down the legside off Rana. McGrath was unbeaten at Tea, four away from her second half-century in the game.

Australia's No.4 con-

tinued her dogged batting display in the final session as she went past fifty and even used the DRS successfully to overturn a couple of leg-before decisions.

Apart from a hat-trick of fours off Renuka Singh that took Australia into the lead, McGrath was happy to wear the Indian bowlers down, as was Alyssa Healy, as they put on 66 for the fourth wicket, taking nearly 30 overs for that. Harmanpreet Kaur ended the resistance as McGrath's attempt to defend resulted in the ball slowly rolling onto the stumps.

Healy and Sutherland weren't in any hurry to score runs in their association either, with the Australia skipper also being reprieved twice in the 79th over, bowled by Rajeshwari Gayakwad, with Jemimah Rodrigues failing to hold on to tough chances at silly point. India also appealed

for obstructing the field when Healy was shielding herself from a Harmanpreet throw, but the umpires ruled in favour of the Australia captain. Healy, however, fell soon after missing a sweep to be trapped in front by the Indian captain, and also burnt a review in the process.

Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner batted for 62 deliveries for their unbeaten 12-run stand, seeing off the second new ball that was used for the last over and a half, to take Australia into Stumps without further damage.

But India still have the upper hand in the game and Australia will need their lower middle order batters to defy the home team bowlers and set up a challenging target on a pitch that is expected to deteriorate. (Cricbuzz)

22

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

Rebecca Welch becomes first woman to referee in Premier League

Rebecca Welch made history on Saturday when she became the first woman to referee a Premier League fixture.

The 40-year-old took charge of Burnley's 2-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Welch became a referee in 2010 when she combined it with a job in the NHS, before becoming a full-time official in 2019.

In January, Welch be-

came the first woman to referee a men's fixture in the Championship.

She returned to Craven Cottage a month on from serving as the fourth official during Fulham's 1-0 Premier League defeat by Manchester United.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, who spoke to Welch at full-time, said: "I wanted to congratulate her because it's a big moment.

"After the game it's fair

to say that it's a milestone moment and may there be more, and the best thing will always be when someone is judged on merit.

"But you have to have a first and this is it, so well done [to her] and I'm happy to be part of this moment."

Welch was the first woman to take charge of an FA Cup third-round tie in 2022 after being added to the EFL's national list for men's football, which over-

Rebecca Welch also refereed at the Women’s World Cup this summer sees both League One and League Two fixtures.

The referee, from Washington in Tyne and Wear, has been a leading light for English officials in the

Women's Super League.

Her work has been recognised on the international stage too as she was added to Fifa's elite list of international match officials

in December 2020, before refereeing at the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in the summer.(BBC Sport)

Powell urges talks between CWI, government for return of int’l cricket to Sabina Park

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – West Indies Twenty20 Captain Rovman Powell says he wants to see international cricket at Sabina Park again soon and has urged talks between Cricket West Indies and the Jamaica government, in order to have the situation rectified.

The storied venue in the country’s capital last hosted an international 18 months ago in a three-match T20 series against New Zealand, and has not staged a Test

match in two-and-a-half years.

Further, Jamaica has not featured on the roster of the Caribbean Premier League for four years.

“Obviously I’m a Jamaican. I want to play in front of my home crowd but for the last few years I haven’t,” Powell said after leading West Indies to a 3-2 series win over England last Thursday in Trinidad.

“West Indies Cricket Board and the Jamaican government really have to sit

West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell down and have a conversation about that.

“I’m definitely [worried].

Cricket hasn’t played there in a long time. As much as there are quite a few Jamaicans

playing for West Indies now, there is no cricket there.

“Even if you look on the CPL team, I’ve heard reports they’re looking to move the CPL team from Jamaica.”

Earlier this year, Jamaica’s government also opted not to bid for matches in next year’s Twenty20 World Cup which will be co-hosted

by United States, from June 4-30.

Organisers the International Cricket Council subsequently announced Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados,

Dominica, Guyana, St Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago as host venues.

Dominica subsequently pulled out.

And while Jamaica’s government said its decision not to bid for matches was based on a sound “cost-and-benefit analysis”, Powell said the country not hosting international cricket was “a little bit disappointing”.

Curry outduels former team-mate Poole to help Warriors beat Wizards

STEPHEN Curry made a season-high eight 3 points and had 30 points and seven assists, outdueling Jordan Poole in the Washington guard's return to Chase Center, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Wizards 129-118 on Friday night.

Poole, traded to the nation's capital on draft day for Chris Paul, made the first basket of the game following a video tribute with highlights on the big screen and finished with 25 points on 7-for-21 shooting but just 3 of 12 on 3s.

Curry and Poole shared a hug before the game, when Poole made the rounds of

embraces, hellos and greetings with former teammates, Warriors security, staff members and other friends.

Poole hit the first basket of the game on an 18-foot jumper then missed his next five attempts before a driving layup at the 9:39 mark of the second quarter. He went 0 of 5 from from deep before connecting.

The two-time MVP began 1 for 6 but had five assists in the opening quarter.

He warmed up and connected on three straight 3s in the second and 11 consecutive points overall. Curry thought he got fouled on a short jumper that ended that stretch

and clapped asking for a call and was hit with a technical.

It's his second this season and 27th during his 15-year career.

Curry has scored 30 or more points in three of his last four games.

Jonathan Kuminga connected on his first six from the field and finished with 22 points on 9-for-11 shooting as Golden State won its eighth straight home game.

Klay Thompson had 20 points with four 3s.

Corey Kispert scored 18 points off the bench and Daniel Gafford added 15 points as the Wizards wrapped up a four-game West Coast trip.

They dropped to 3-15 on the road.

Rookie Brandin Podziemski returned to the lineup and had 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Golden State after sitting out the second half against Boston on Tuesday night with lower back soreness.

But the Warriors without forward Andrew Wiggins because of an illness.

Another Golden State rookie, Trayce Jackson-Davis, shined again. He hit his first three shots and contributed 10 points and season-best 14 rebounds.

(Yahoo Sports)

Stephen Curry made a season-high eight 3 points and had 30 points and seven assists

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

23

Jamaica’s Clarendon College storms to KFC Football title

24

AS many expected, Clarendon College of Jamaica defeated St. Benedict’s College of Trinidad and Tobago to win the fourth KFC International School Football tournament on Friday evening.

Clarendon extended their unbeaten form to win 2-1 at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Daniel Clark (32nd) and Justin Hyles (53rd) were the men with the winning goals for Clarendon, while the Trinidadians got a consolation goal from Jeremiah Niles in the 80th.

The Jamaicans coped US$2,500 while St. Benedict’s won US$1,500.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 24, 2023

donated both of the prizes.

In the third-place playoff, Guyana’s Chase Academic Foundation hammered Voorgezet Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs Four (VWO-4) of Suriname 7-0.

Bryan Wharton continued his goal-scoring spree with a helmet trick while Justin Alcindor had two, and Omar Sam scored the other.

Third and fourth were rewarded with US$1,000 and US$500, respectively.

Former champions D.C Caesar Fox Secondary (Waramadong), St. Ignatius Secondary, Bartica Secondary, and Carmel Secondary were the other participating teams in the tournament.

Clarendon College celebrates their title triumph

Thambaran and James to represent Guyana at Youth Boxing World Cup

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) remains committed to international competition, a significant aspect evident in 2023, and this focus will persist in the upcoming year.

Two fighters, Joshua Thambaran from Rosehall Town Jammers Gym and Shakquain James from Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym, have been chosen to represent Guyana at the prestigious Youth World Boxing Cup in Budva, Montenegro, from March 3 to 11.

The event will take place at the Hotel Splen-

Joshua Thambaran (left) and Shakquain James

did Conference and Spa Resort, and Guyana will be represented by these pugilists, accompanied by technical officer and national coach Lennox

Daniels.

In preparation for the tournament, a pre-tournament camp is scheduled to run from February 17 to March 3. The

competition, conducted in accordance with IBA rules and regulations, will consist of 13 weight categories for men and 12 weight divi-

sions for women. Male weight divisions range from 48kg to +92kg, while female weight divisions range from 48kg to +81kg. Eligibility is restricted to fighters born between 2006 and 2007.

Winners in each division will receive gold medals, with second and third-place finishers awarded silver and two bronze medals, respectively. Special recognition will also be given to the outstanding boxers as determined by the judges.

Steve Ninvalle, President of the GBA, emphasised the organization's ongoing devel-

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

opmental efforts. He expressed the importance of building on the achievements of 2023 in the coming year to further enhance Guyana's standing on the international stage.

Ninvalle highlighted the strength of the Youth World Boxing Cup, noting its reputation as the most formidable youth championship globally, attracting top-caliber opponents. He stressed the need for Guyana to embrace such challenges to continue evolving on the international scene and not be limited to regional dominance.

| SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2023