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WEDNESDAY 25th October, 2023

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‘We are all completely united’ VAT INCLUSIVE

No.107244

–– President Ali, Opposition Leader condemn flagrant violation of the rule of law by Venezuela

–– agree that no effort should be spared to resist that country’s persistent endeavours to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity

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PRESIDENT, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Mr Aubrey C. Norton, Leader of the Opposition met at the Office of the President on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, to discuss the existential threat by Venezuela to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Ali was accompanied by Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister; Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President; Gail Teixeira, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, and Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Leader of the Opposition was accompanied by Parliamentarians: Khemraj Ramrattan, Amanza Walton-Desir, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Tabitha J Sarabo-Halley, and Ambassador Ronald Austin, CCH, Adviser (Office of the President photos)

US$40M wastewater ‘Excuses will not PPP/C’s management CJIA records increase 18 treatment plant on the be accepted’ 13 of oil and gas in arrivals cards for Georgetown 19 sector lauded 12 PAGE

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–– Minister Edghill tells contractors, says nothing will stop Guyana’s progress

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–– processed over 545,000 passengers so far for this year

Largest ever batch of students to graduate from UG in November 15 PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

‘We are all completely united’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

–– President Ali, Opposition Leader condemn flagrant violation of the rule of law by Venezuela

–– agree that no effort should be spared to resist that country’s persistent endeavours to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity The following is a joint statement by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey C. Norton: “HIS Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Mr Aubrey C. Norton, MP., Leader of the Opposition met at the Office of the President on Tuesday October 24, 2023, to discuss the existential threat by Venezuela to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

MP; Honourable Tabitha J Sarabo Halley, MP., and Ambassador Ronald Austin CCH, Adviser. In discussing the latest actions by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in pursuit of its spurious claim to the Essequibo territory of Guyana, President Ali and Opposition Leader Mr. Norton from the outset,

state must be subserved by a vigorous and comprehensive public relations programme and a proactive and robust diplomatic effort aimed at blunting Venezuelan propaganda and misinformation as they relate to the territorial controversy generally, and the Geneva Agreement in particular. They reaffirmed the

as “a full, perfect, and final settlement” of the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela. In particular, between 1900 and 1905, Venezuela participated in a joint demarcation of the boundary, in strict adherence to the letter of the 1899 Arbitral Award, and emphatically refused to countenance even minor technical mod-

full effect to that Award, and never raised a concern as to its validity and binding legal effects. President Ali and Opposition Leader Mr Norton determined that the questions to be posed in the Referendum to be held by Venezuela on December 3, 2023 violated the sanctity of treaties. Moreover, they are in

card in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and international law.” This is a deliberate misinterpretation of the Geneva Agreement and a clear violation of International Law. They further underscored the fact that no government or the people of one country has the right in international law to seize,

President Ali was accompanied by Honourable Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, M.P., Prime Minister; Dr. the Honourable Bharrat Jagdeo, M.P., Vice President; Honourable Gail Teixeira, M.P., Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Honourable Hugh Hilton Todd, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Leader of the Opposition was accompanied by Honourable Khemraj Ramrattan, MP; Honourable Amanza Walton Desir, M.P.; Honourable Geeta Chandon-Edmond,

agreed that Guyana’s sovereignty is of paramount importance and is a matter on which the Guyanese people are all completely united. To this end, they condemned the flagrant violation of the rule of law by Venezuela and agreed that no effort should be spared to resist that country’s persistent endeavours to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Ali and the Leader of the Opposition agreed that the protection of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the

commitment to the current judicial process that is being conducted under the aegis of the International Court of Justice and are convinced that this would finally resolve the question raised by Venezuela over the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award. They recalled that for more than six decades after the 1899 Arbitral Award was delivered, Venezuela treated the Award as a final settlement of the border between the two countries. To this end, it consistently recognised, affirmed and relied upon the 1899 Arbitral Award

ifications of the boundary line described in the Award. Venezuela proceeded to formally ratify the demarcated boundary in its domestic law and thereafter published official maps, which depicted the boundary following the line described in the 1899 Award. In July 1931, Venezuela concluded a boundary agreement with Brazil that expressly confirmed the tri-junction point of the boundaries of British Guiana, Venezuela and Brazil as described in the 1899 Award. For more than sixty years, Venezuela gave

blatant disregard of the principles of international law. In particular, question three of the set of questions to be placed before the people of Venezuela speaks to the “historical position” of Venezuela “of not recognising the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the territorial controversy over Guayana Esequiba”; while question five seeks the approval of the Venezuelan people for the creation of a new Venezuelan State consisting of Guyana’s Essequibo Region, to include “the granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity

annexe or conquer the territory of another country. International law emphatically prohibits this. They acknowledged the support by the international community for the preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and urged that Venezuela’s actions be closely monitored as they pose a serious threat to the peace and security of the hemisphere. President Ali and Opposition Leader Mr Norton agreed to keep in close consultation on this matter of national importance.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

World leaders seek to suspend Israel-Hamas fighting for Gaza aid

(Reuters) - Countries including the United States, Canada, Russia and the Arab states pushed for either a pause or ceasefire in fighting between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip so that humanitarian aid could be delivered to besieged Palestinian civilians, and late on Tuesday eight trucks with water, food and medicine entered

the enclave from Egypt. Nearly three weeks after Hamas militants shocked Israel with an attack on southern Israeli towns in a rampage that killed 1,400 mostly civilians, world leaders sought to prevent the conflict from spreading. U.S. President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone

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on Tuesday and agreed on broader diplomacy “to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from expanding,” the White House said. Deadly clashes have intensified between the Israeli military and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, and resurged between Israel and Lebanon’s Iran-backed, heavily armed Hezbollah group along the Israeli-Lebanon border. Any wider conflict would jeopardise security in a region key to global energy supplies. The U.S. has advised Is-

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rael to hold off on a planned ground assault as Washington tries to free more of the 200-plus hostages Hamas is still holding captive in Gaza. Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the Security Council on Tuesday that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had attempted to wrongly blame Iran for the Israel-Hamas war. “Our commitment to regional peace and stability remains unwavering,” he said. “The U.S. has further exacerbated the conflict by overtly aligning itself with the aggressor at the expense

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of the innocent Palestinian population.” In a statement released on social media, the Palestinian health ministry said at least 5,791 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli bombardments since October 7, including 2,360 children. Reuters could not independently verify the ministry figures. US, RUSSIA OFFER RIVAL PROPOSALS At the United Nations, the United States and Russia put forward rival plans on humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians. Washington has called for pauses and Russia wants a humanitarian ceasefire. A pause is generally considered less formal and shorter than a ceasefire. “The whole world is expecting from the Security Council a call for a swift and unconditional ceasefire,” Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council. “This is precisely what is not in the American draft. Therefore, we don’t see any point in it, and we cannot support it.” Arab states firmly back a call for a humanitarian ceasefire amid widespread destruction of Gaza’s buildings in Israel’s aerial bombardment. “We followed with regret the inability of this council twice to adopt a resolution or even to call for a ceasefire to end this war,” Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told the council. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last week called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. “While we remain opposed to a ceasefire, we think humanitarian pauses linked to the delivery of aid that still allow Israel to conduct military operations to defend itself are worth consideration,” a senior U.S. official said. Eight trucks containing water, food and medicine entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt late on Tuesday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said. The first aid convoy

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crossed into Gaza from Egypt on Saturday, but U.N. agencies said more than 20 times current deliveries were needed for the narrow coastal strip’s 2.3 million people. “There are a lot of conversations going on now about the need for humanitarian pauses and I think that’s something Canada supports,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. HOSPITALS RUNNING OUT OF FUEL Doctors in Gaza say patients arriving at hospitals are showing signs of disease caused by overcrowding and poor sanitation after more than 1.4 million people fled their homes for temporary shelters. All hospitals say they are running out of fuel to power their electricity generators, leaving them increasingly unable to treat the injured and ill. More than 40 medical centres have halted operations, a health ministry spokesman said. UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, warned in a post on messaging platform X that it would halt operations in Gaza on Wednesday night because of the lack of fuel. However, the Israeli military on Tuesday reaffirmed it would bar the entry of fuel to prevent Hamas from seizing it. Qatari mediators are urging Hamas to quicken the pace of hostage releases to include women and children and to do so without expecting Israeli concessions, said three diplomats and a source in the region familiar with the talks. The Gulf state, in coordination with the U.S., is leading mediation talks with Hamas and Israel over the release of hostages captured in the group’s October 7 attack. Hamas has released four hostages - a mother and daughter with dual U.S.-Israel nationality on Friday and two Israeli civilian women on Monday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

UWI Mona campus embarks on transformative agenda

THE executive and senior management team of The University of West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, recently concluded an extensive retreat at The UWI’s Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory in St Ann, where several decisions were made to improve its financial viability. The retreat served as a platform for critical discussions, aiming to address challenges faced by the institution and identify opportunities for growth and advancement aligned with the university’s 2022-2027 Triple A strategic plan “The Revenue Revolution”. According to principal of The UWI Mona campus, Professor Densil Williams, the university is committed to securing a vibrant future by embarking on a transformative agenda that will pave the way for sustainable growth and development. “We are excited to launch this ambitious initiative as it aligns with our vision of a global activist academy producing graduates who will contribute to the advancement of our society,” said Williams. “This transformative agenda will not only enhance the quality of education and research at The UWI, Mona campus, but also drive innovation, encourage entrepreneurial activities, and foster partnerships for the betterment of our campus community and the wider society. “Over the course of two days, the management engaged in intense deliberations, ultimately agreeing on a series of key initiatives to pursue in the short to medium term. These endeavours focus on overcoming challenges and transforming the campus into a dynamic and globally active academic institution, serving the needs of the community,” added Williams. He said among the agreed agenda items to be pursued are a Liability Management Programme, which will see the introduction of a structured programme to stabilise cash flow, allowing for investment in transformational projects that will generate sustainable revenue in the long run. In addition, the team has decided to introduce several long-term profitable projects, including the establishment of a Global Health Portfolio operating from the The UWI Western Jamaica campus. This initiative will address the pressing need for health

workers globally by offering training, research, and innovation in collaboration with respected international academic institutions. The university is also to launch of a centre for the delivery of short-cycle courses which will provide people with an opportunity to enhance skills without pursuing degree programmes, this initiative will offer courses for lifelong learning with The UWI professional credit. The creation of Knowledge Process Outsourcing Centres which will offer students an ecosystem to earn while they learn, thereby reducing financial burdens while supporting their academic

studies, is also on the cards. Williams added that an in-depth programme will be implemented to streamline processes and optimise human resources to align skill sets with the organisation’s objectives. This includes a comprehensive overhaul of the campus’s human resources architecture, ensuring accountability and efficiency as well as effective deployment of personnel. He said a significant undertaking will involve the revitalisation of sports at Mona. This will encompass facility upgrades, curriculum development for academic purposes, and increased opportunities for recreational sports for stu-

dents and staff. According to Williams, each faculty presented exciting offerings aimed at revitalising the academic output of the campus. These include the establishment of new departments, the development of new programmes for short-cycle courses and degree offerings, increased engagement with the community through reasoning sessions and advocacy, and the creation of state-of-the-art laboratories for market-driven testing in the sports sector. The principal said the retreat has left The UWI, Mona campus team with renewed determination. (Jamaica Observer)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

A Provocative Act Editor

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has reacted sharply to a move by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to conduct a referendum on the issue of Venezuela’s outlandish claim to nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. And this, despite the fact that the matter is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). According to a recent statement issued by the Government of Guyana, such a move amounts to nothing less than the annexation of Guyana’s territory, in blatant violation of the most fundamental rules of the United Nations Charter, the OAS Charter and international law. Such seizure of Guyana’s territory constitutes ‘the International crime of aggression.’ The so-called ‘referendum’ comes at a time when Venezuela is grappling with a number of domestic issues including the holding of national elections and the ongoing efforts of the political opposition to come up with a consensus candidate to challenge President Nicholas Maduro’s 10-year grip on power. Whether or not the move by the Venezuelan government to hold a referendum on

Navendra Seoraj

the issue is influenced by domestic imperatives is in no way material to the issue of Guyana’s territorial integrity and complete sovereignty over the whole of Guyana. Guyana is currently experiencing an unprecedented growth momentum caused in large measure from the exploitation of its newly-found carbon resources. Several new discoveries are potentially on stream, all of which will impact positively on the country’s continued meteoric economic ascendancy. The Government of Guyana has rightly taken the intended referendum seriously. The National Electoral Council of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela solicited responses from its citizens from five questions in the December 3 referendum, all of which are intended to further Venezuela’s unlawful and unfounded claim to Guyana’s territory. Most alarmingly is question five which brazenly and dangerously seeks the approval of the Venezuelan people of the creation of a new Venezuelan state consisting of Guyana’s Essequibo region, which would be incorporated into the national territory of Venezuela and the granting of Venezuelan citizenship to the population.

In a strongly worded statement, the Government of Guyana categorically rejects any attempt to undermine the territorial integrity of the sovereign State of Guyana. The government finds abhorrent that the Essequibo region which forms part of the territory of Guyana in accordance with the 1899 Arbitral Award that demarcated the boundaries of the states of Venezuela and then British Guiana should be ‘created into a state within Venezuela. Further, the government rejects the internationally unlawful act to put forward the ‘granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity cards, in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and international law. Of interest to note is the fact that it was by way of the Geneva Agreement and the principles of international law that the question of the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899 has been put before the ICJ, which has ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear the case. President Ali must be commended for bringing the matter of Venezuela’s threats to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity before the international community. Guyana’s case before the ICJ is strong and

meritorious, which from all indications are not going down well in Caracas. The ‘referendum’, it must be stated, will in no shape or form influence the ICJ’s determination and ruling on the case brought before it by Guyana. Nor will it diminish Guyana’s resolve to see an end to this vexatious issue resulting from Venezuela’s unlawful claims to Guyana’s territory, which potentially threaten the peace and stability of Guyana and the Caribbean Region. Guyanese however are strong, united and resolute. As President Ali stated, Guyana will not tolerate Venezuela’s unlawful an unfounded claims, and remain confident that justice will prevail. As one people, with one united voice and a spirit that will not be broken, we will advance the validity of the 122-year-old award that fixed our boundaries. In our continuing struggle, we are not without friends. “We deeply appreciate all those from the Caribbean, from the Commonwealth, from the Americas and beyond, who have stood by our side, President Ali confidently assured Guyanese and the world.”

Work commences on 120 houses in Region Nine

THE government has begun construction of 120 houses in Region Nine under the Hinterland Housing Programme. This was disclosed by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal during the opening of the Lethem Town Week activities last Friday. Villages such as Crashwater, Yakarinta, Quatata, Nappi, Shiriri, Rupunau, Parabara, Shea, Yurong Paru, Tiger Pond, and Sand Creek are benefitting from the project. Each unit is estimated to cost $4 million. Minister Croal mentioned that all the materials for the construction of the homes will be sourced from the village. He stated: “More importantly is the support for the local village economy… and that is how this PPP/C

government works, ensuring that the resources are circulated right within the communities.” The homes are free of cost. The ministry will cover the wages of two skilled labourers, while the selected beneficiaries will supply the remaining labour required to complete their respective units. This programme is specifically aimed at vulnerable groups within Amerindian villages, including the elderly and single parents. The selection of beneficiaries was done through a transparent process involving the Village Councils and the villagers. Approximately 300 families of hinterland communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine are expected to benefit from the initiative.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal (extreme left) inspecting the semi-completed houses in Lethem earlier this year

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Republic Bank, Scotia Bank and St. Aquinas

I AM not a religious person at all. I chose philosophical explanations over theological arguments. But one theological position I admire because of how it is presented, though I don’t accept it, is that of the philosopher of the Holy Roman Empire, St. Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas posited that everything in life has explanation and that there is no illogical or random act among mankind. When you live in Guyana you wonder what Aquinas would have made of it. I have not done the research into the thousands of columns I would have written over the past 35 years and which subject I would have done a large amount of commentaries on, but I think the banking system has to be one of them. So here is yet another article on the banks in Guyana. Do the things the banks are doing in Guyana have explanations in logic, philosophy or theology? My wife and I went to Republic Bank to do a transaction only to be told the account is dormant. We were surprised because we know the bank sends you a notification of impending dormancy. No one wants to face a dormant account because the conditions to reactivate are nightmarish and harshly repressive and are completely asinine and irrelevant. I will explain as I go on. I explained that no notice was sent to me and the bank can verify that because there must be a paper trail. An apology was offered, but I still had to endure the repressive conditions. Why if an account is dormant one has to produce a set of documents when dormancy is the opposite to money-laundering? Money laundering is the suspicious movement of money using the financial house as conduit. Dormancy is no movement of money. It means the reactivation should not follow the requests to meet anti-laundering laws because you are not moving money. In fact, your money is static. Why then you cannot just produce your identification and have reactivation immediately? I have spoken with many important officials at the Bank of Guyana and in the commercial banks about this dormancy degeneracy. They all agree that dormancy is not related to money laundering for small savers. So why haven’t the Ministry of Finance and Bank of Guyana inform the commercial banks that this nightmare

should be removed for small savers? This is the first thing I am going to raise with Vice President Jagdeo when I see him. Republic Bank informed me and my wife that a saving account goes dormant after two years and constant ATM use within those two years does not prevent dormancy. Within those two years, you have to make at least one physical appearance in the bank and perform a transaction. But the machine is a bank service. If you put your paycheck every month into the ATM, the next day an official clears it. The next week, you withdraw from the ATM. That is activity in your account. Why do you have to go in person once within a two- year period when the machine of the bank facilitates you. Instead of you withdrawing money and banking your cheque in the building, a machine in the building acts as the teller. The Bank of Nova Scotia put a sixmonth expiration time limit on saving accounts. If there is no movement in the account within a six-month period, it becomes dormant. If a country where over 80 percent of the population is between one day old and fifty years, people then are busy with their lives. Why in that context, Scotia would expect you to have constant activities in your account for a six- month period? Scotia differs from Republic Bank in that they accept ATM use within the six-month period so within that period you don’t have to make a physical appearance in the building. It is impossible to complain to the CEOs of commercial banks because as a policy the CEOs do not facilitate complaints. The banks say that they have a customer complaint desk. The problem is there is no assurance that the complaints desk will forward your grievances to the CEO. The CEOs of commercial banks are the most invisible and elitist group in this country. It is virtually impossible for a customer to talk to them. A patient can talk to the busiest surgeon in Guyana. A citizen can get to talk to the President of Guyana. A citizen can get to talk to some of the richest business people in this country. A fan can get to talk to Guyana’s busiest cricket superstars. But a bank customer can never have a word with the CEO. It is forbidden by the banks.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Over 200 Leonora Secondary students benefit from cyber security training

OVER 200 students in grades 10 and 11 at the Leonora Secondary School, on Tuesday, benefitted from a cyber security awareness session hosted by the National Data Management

Authority (NDMA). The students were engaged in the various facets of online security, such as cyber bullying, creating strong passwords, virus protection, and software updates.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Information Technology (IT) and Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM) teacher at Leonora Secondary,

NDMA Assistant ICT Engineer within the Cyber Security Division, Melissa Vandeyar addressing students at the cybersecurity awareness session on Tuesday Dhankumarie Beepat, said that the session will prove beneficial to the students, not only in their academic pursuits but in everyday life as they navigate the digital world. “This is a very important session, because we have a lot of students that are on online platforms, and these students need to understand how and when to click on websites, and they need to be able to protect their identity and their privacy,” she said. This exercise forms part of the NDMA’s drive to bolster cyber security

across the country and to ensure that citizens are informed about safe online practices. These training sessions are being implemented in observance of Cyber Security Month, under the theme ‘Secure our World’. It is in keeping with the NDMA’s mandate to not only provide internet services to the public sector but to also facilitate training and awareness to promote a digital transformation. Similar exercises were hosted for public sector agencies. A combined 70

students from Tucville Secondary in Georgetown and Christianburg Secondary in Linden were recent beneficiaries. Among the schools still slated to benefit from these sessions are Richard Ishmael Secondary, Cotton Field Secondary, Anna Regina Multilateral, Hope Secondary, Fort Wellington Secondary, Skeldon Line Path Secondary, New Amsterdam Multilateral, Soesdyke Secondary, and VreedEn-Hoop Secondary schools.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Guyana, Cuban company to sign technical assistance agreement to enhance honey production

WITH the aim of boosting honey production, Guyana and Cuban Company, CATEC-Labiofam, will be signing a technical assistance agreement shortly. Guyana wants to increase production of honey by utilising Cuba’s extensive production experience, as the nation is recognised for this. This was revealed by Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Guyana and Cuba at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal on Saturday last. Guyana has several hectares of mostly undeveloped land for beekeeping, which offers enormous potential for the growth of the apiculture sector and will enable Guyana to become a CARICOM honey exporter. Ramraj underscored that while Guyana pushes forward with the rapid develop-

ment of its agriculture sector to achieve food security, the agreement will encompass a wide range of topics that will be advantageous to all parties. “These areas include develop training (technical assistance) for beekeeping producers, apiary management, advice on monitoring bee populations (management of Africanised bees) and to train veterinary technicians in the branch of beekeeping, identifying the main diseases of bees and the necessary treatment,” Ramraj explained. Additional areas of interest for which the agreement will allow co-operative projects include urban and suburban agriculture; horticulture; rice and other grain breeding and genetic development; training for producers on the control of pesticide use in agriculture; and guidance on plant health. This includes producing, conserving, and using biological products;

it also entails the safe and efficient use of pesticides, as well as integrated pest control. The demand for pure honey is rising worldwide due to its many health benefits, including its use as a natural sweetener and as a great source of vitamins, minerals, calcium, and antioxidants. Last Saturday, the Governments of Guyana and Cuba inked a MoU to provide technical assistance services in forestry and agriculture in Guyana. The MoU seeks to estab-

lish a general framework of collaboration between the Ministries of Agriculture in Cuba and Guyana with an emphasis on agriculture and vegetable products, livestock and animal products, beekeeping, forestry, and other areas of interest. In March of last year, Deputy Director, Felix Cordero Alvarez led a high-level delegation from APICUBA to the Guyana Embassy to discuss potential collaboration in the honey producing sector with Guyanese. (DPI)

Production of honey

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

GGDMA supports government’s call to stop unlawful gold trading The following is the full statement from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association:

“THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) stands in full solidarity with government’s statement of October 23, 2023, regarding the eradication of the unlawful trading of gold in our country. “Earlier this year, in August 2023, the GGDMA issued a statement calling for the complete removal of illegal buyers, sellers and illegal operators in the gold sector; for them to be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law and completely wiped out from the mining sector of Guyana. We are heartened at this statement as it is our hope that these public utterances are indeed followed by requisite action by the relevant agencies to bring violators to heel. “We wish to strongly advise our membership to follow the law and to ensure that you are not party to these illicit acts that are destroying the goodwill of the sector and miniaturizing the essential role the gold- and diamond-mining sector plays in national development. We will not defend any person or entity, member or not, found to be legally culpable for misconduct of this nature. “Extra money on an ounce of undeclared gold is not worth losing your ability to ply your trade or the serious damage it is doing to the industry. To our members and the mining community at large, we emphasize that regulations relating to the buying and selling of gold are in place to protect our livelihood, the legitimacy of our operations, the economy of our nation, and the reputation of our industry on a global scale. “Compliance should not be viewed as a burden but as a crucial responsibility we all share. We implore all miners to refrain from engaging with

entities that do not hold the necessary legal permits and credentials for gold trading. “When selling your gold, ensure that you get a receipt and continuously check with the Guyana Gold Board to reconcile your records to make certain that the gold you have sold to the relevant trader or dealer is correctly recorded at the Gold Board and that the correct amount of gold has been declared and the relevant royalties and taxes have been remitted on your behalf. “While we encourage strong action to be taken against operators who are selling to illicit buyers, particularly potent action must be taken against the multitude of illegal buyers of gold that [sic] are replete around the various mining districts, as well as even in Georgetown. “Not every location with a “we buy gold” sign in the front has the legal right to do so; this blatant and shameless illegality must be rooted out from our society and the sector. “As long as these illicit buyers exist, they will have an unfair advantage against legal buyers who follow the law and deduct the relevant taxes and royalties; removal of the illicit buyers means that more gold will go to the legal buyers and hence [be] reflected at the Gold Board. We implore the relevant agencies to do everything legally possible to curtail these illegal acts, whether perpetrated by local or foreign entities. “The GGDMA will continue to engage the government and other stakeholders to facilitate an open dialogue aimed at addressing systemic issues, proposing improvements, and ensuring transparent communication channels for the betterment of our industry.”

PPP/C’s management of oil and gas sector lauded

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

David L. Goldwyn, President of Goldwyn Global Strategies and former US State Department special envoy and coordinator for the Office of International Affairs holding his research paper on “Managing Resource Wealth -- What Have We Learned?” A RENOWNED policy innovator has applauded the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s management of the oil and gas sector. On Tuesday, David L. Goldwyn, President of Goldwyn Global Strategies and former US State Department’s special envoy and coordinator for the Office of International Affairs, lauded the “text-book” approach undertaken by the PPP/C. Guyana’s discovery, he

said, could not have occurred at a better moment, despite the unpleasant notions that continue to circulate about the country’s oil and gas sector. This is because the government now has the chance to learn from the mistakes made by other nations. He made those remarks at the Centre for Local Business Development, where he gave a briefing of his research paper and expertise on “Managing Resource Wealth -- What Have We Learned?” With Guyana being a hub for opportunities, especially with its massive oil boom, Goldwyn said that among other elements, it is vital that the government doesn’t only develop the oil and gas sector but the traditional ones too in order to achieve a sustainable future. “You have to be a country that is not just attractive for oil and gas investment, but that is attractive for all investment,” Goldwyn said. This approach has been one of the core stances of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who has continuously maintained the position that his government will not put all their eggs into the “oil and gas basket.” Owing to this commitment and dedication, Guyana’s economy saw a rapid growth sprout for the first half of 2023. The nation’s real Gross

Domestic Product (GDP) grew by an estimated 59.5 per cent, in the first half of 2023, while the non-oil economy grew by 12.3 per cent. “It is important to diversify and get things right. In Guyana, I think there are tremendous reasons for hope and that is [because] of the lessons learned on how to get resource management right,” Goldwyn said. With the PPP/C Government hitting this target, he further remarked that Guyana has already rolled out other measures to get resource management right. With the diversification of the economy, the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) to the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and investments in traditional sectors such as health and education, Goldwyn said the PPP/C Government is well on its way. He also said that President Ali is very receptive when he is receiving advice on how to manage the oil and gas sector. Even though Guyana is producing around 400,000 barrels of oil a day, Goldwyn said that the future is uncertain and thus, it is important to make sure that things are being done correctly and that is what this current PPP/C Government has acknowledged.

‘Excuses will not be accepted’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

–– Minister Edghill tells contractors, says nothing will stop Guyana’s progress

By Cindy Parkinson MINISTER of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Monday inspected several major projects which are behind schedule, with the aim of holding contractors accountable for the delays in infrastructural development. During an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Edghill said that while the Government of Guyana is steadfast in its commitment to the development of the country’s infrastructure, they will not be held responsible for the

“lackadaisical attitude” of some of the contractors. According to the minister, the impromptu visit to some of the project sites on Monday was a result of a recent project meeting that he had with the government engineers. “My visit to these sites today [Monday] is a result of the last project meeting that I had with my engineers in my office. All the projects in the Region Four area that had issues resolved where we needed clear directions on the way forward were listed, and we have visited all of them. So, we visited all the projects that had

issues, and we are seeking resolution so that we will be able to see accelerated work,” Edghill said. The minister also related that during his trip along the East Bank of Demerara, in the capital city, and along the East Coast of Demerara, he met with some of the residents of these areas who are affected or inconvenienced because of the ongoing works. “I spoke with the contractors and project engineers, along with some of the workers that were on the respective sites. See page 14

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on his site visit with the team working on the New Harbour Bridge (Delano Williams photo)

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, leading the way on the site inspection for Ogle/Eccles Road (Delano Williams photo)

‘Excuses will not ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

From page 13

Some of these projects are behind schedule; we were supposed to be cutting the ribbon to open a few of them already, but that is not the case, and I want to make this very clear,” Edghill said. And although he applauded some contractors for working towards accomplishing the task at hand effectively, he said: “I will not accept excuses from any contractor. For the longest while, we have had good weather, and the government went over and beyond to ensure that there were adequate sup-

plies of materials. That is the crush, run, and stones; we have that in stockpile, and that is why we could have accelerated the recent work that was done at Red Road. “No contractor should have to come to me or say to me now that they have a shortage of materials; people must be able to put in the resources and the manpower to get the work moving. We are in October, and we are on the ground saying that this year we have a programme, and we are going to finish this year’s

programme based upon our planning. We will not allow people to fall behind by doing their own thing.” Additionally, Minister Edghill said that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and his government are working assiduously to accelerate the infrastructural transformation as well as other developments in the various sectors by 2024 so that there could be “smoother sailing” from 2025. “A lot of the major projects that we are having are either late 2024 completion or early 2025 completion, but you do

Public Works Minister inspects the ongoing works at one of the sites on his visit to several sites, on Monday (Delano Williams photo) not wait until the last moment to deal with delays; you start addressing them now. That’s for the major projects in infrastructure development, as well as all the other sectors. “There is a lot of work to be done, and these are projects such as the Ogle/ Eccles project, the railway embankment, and the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, along with the Cemetery Road project, the Aubrey Barker road projects, which should have been completed already, and the Conversation Tree project, which should be completed in

November. These are some of the major projects that must be completed by 2024 or early 2025,” Minister Edghill said. Some of the sites visited were the Grove/ Diamond project, the new Demerara Harbour Bridge site, the Ogle/Eccles roads, Aubrey Barker Road, ‘Red Road’, Cemetery Road, Lamaha Street (between Vlissingen Road and Middleton Street), ‘Conversation Tree’, East Coast Railway Embankment, the bridge at Movie Towne and Industry (Orphanage Road).

Largest ever batch of students to graduate from UG in November

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

SOME 3,500 University of Guyana (UG) students are set to graduate on November 9 to 11 and 18, 2023, according to the university. This figure, according to UG, is the largest in its 60-year history. This year’s convocation ceremonies are extremely special, as the university is proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary under the theme, “Consistently We Rise, Changing the World in Infinite Ways.” According to a press release from the institution: “As Guyana’s state university, which turned 60 on October 2, 2023 preparations are in high gear as the premier tertiary educational institution, hosts its 57th Convocation Ceremonies from November 9 to 11 2023 for the Turkeyen Campus and November 18, 2023, for the Berbice Campus.” The National Cultural Centre (NCC) in Georgetown will host six ceremonies—two each day—for the graduates of the Turkeyen Campus from Thursday, November 9 to Saturday, November 11. On Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 15:00hrs, the UGBC ceremony will take place on the University Lawns, Berbice Campus, Tain Settlement. Turkeyen ceremonies for the different faculties will be held as follows: Thursday, November 9 will see the graduation of the Faculty/ School/College/Institute of: Engineering & Technology (FET), Natural Sciences (FNS). On Friday, November 10, the Faculty/School/ College/Institute of: Behavioural Sciences & Research (COBRES), Agriculture & Forestry (FAF),Earth & Environmental Sciences (FEES),Human Resilience, Strategic Security and the

Future (IHRSSF), the Institute Distance & Continuing Education (IDCE), Medical Sciences (CMS) and Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation (SEBI) will have their ceremonies. On Saturday, November 11, the Faculty/School/College/Institute of: Education and Humanities (FEH) and Social Sciences (FSS) will be graduating. It is said that the ceremonies will be blended with the large majority of the graduands attending faceto-face and the remaining participating virtually. “This year will see several new academic programmes producing graduates for the first time, these include; Bachelor of Science (Food Science) in the Faculty of Natural Sciences; from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering; from the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Masters in Communication; from the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Master of Education in Early Childhood Development; and the Institute for Human Resilience, Strategic Security, and The Future, the Masters in Strategic Development which has already won the 2023 Perry US Centre Award for Excellence in Security Studies,” the release said. The university will also confer several Honorary Doctoral Degrees during these special 60th anniversary ceremonies. It was said that it will also include the Chancellor’s Ball for graduands and special invitees on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, (18:30hrs) for the Turkeyen graduands and on Thursday, November 16, 2023, (19:00hrs) in Berbice for the Berbice graduands.

College of Medical Sciences graduates from last year’s convocation exercise

Special Prosecutor expected to deliver report on electoral fraud case progress today

TODAY, Special Prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani, KC, is expected to provide a report detailing the outcome of his discussions with key state judicial authorities regarding the assignment of a special court

to hear the electoral fraud case. This report which will be presented to Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court will likely outline whether progress has been

made in addressing the issue of assigning a dedicated magistrate to expedite the hearing of the case, which has been stagnant for three years due to its complexity and the volume of evidence involved. The electoral fraud case

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Top row, from left: Volda Lawrence, Keith Lowenfield, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller. Bottom row, from left: Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Clairmont Mingo, and Carol Smith-Joseph

Special Prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani, KC involves former District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; former People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Chairperson, Volda Lawrence; PNC/R activist Carol Smith-Joseph and four others. The trio along with Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb-Cummings and Michelle Miller, are before the court for allegedly defrauding the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the 2020 elections. During a case management conference (CMC) before Magistrate Daly on October 4, Ramdhani requested that all the matters be consolidated into one, as the underlying evidence stems from the same source. In response, the defendants’ attorney, Nigel Hughes, had expressed concerns about the extensive amount of evidence and the number of defendants involved, suggesting that the case might take several years to progress. Ramdhani acknowledged the complexity and potential duration of presenting the evidence and proposed a solution: dedicating a magistrate exclusively to the case to expedite the proceedings. Magistrate Daly noted

her existing caseload and expressed doubts about accommodating this request, as it might overburden the court further. “The court should not be put in such a position,” Ramdhani said in agreement. He offered to write to the Chancellor of Judiciary (ag) Yonette Cummings and the Chief Magistrate to discuss potential solutions and the appointment of a dedicated magistrate. Hughes argued that the prosecution was acting unconscionably by filing multiple matters, knowing the challenges it could create. He suggested that the prosecution drop some to expedite the proceedings. Ramdhani strongly objected to this proposal and reminded the court that the defendants’ lawyers had previously made such an application before the former Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan but it was rejected. In dismissing the application, the Chief Magistrate had ordered that the case be heard expeditiously given its national importance. Despite the back-andforth, both sides acknowledged that the case’s complexity meant it could take years to complete because of the volume of evidence. Ramdhani reiterated the need for a special court to address the matter effectively, as he had previously written to the magistrates sitting at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court about the same challenges in March 2021, with no resolution. To resolve the issue conclusively, Ramdhani had announced his intention to write to the Chancellor and Chief Magistrate, urging them to identify a special court for the case. Previously, Ramdhani had singled out the prosecution’s readiness to commence trial once the court was ready to proceed. It was disclosed that the See page 17

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Guyana records massive influx of visitors

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

–– CJIA processed over 545,000 passengers so far for this year

THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has processed over 545,000 passengers so far for this year, as the country continues to be an attractive destination for tourists and other categories of visitors. According to the airport, the amount of passengers reflects a 13 per cent increase when compared to the corresponding period last year. In February, the CJIA had reported that there have been significant increases in air travel to Guyana over the past two years. Increases in air travel to Guyana reflect the transformational work being undertaken by the government under the visionary leadership of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. The influx of visitors and investors coming to Guyana is attributed to the massive growth in the housing, tourism, transportation and agricultural sectors.

According to an airport document, Guyana recorded a 32 per cent increase in passenger arrivals for January 2023 compared to the previous year. It was also stated that during the month of January, the airport processed 25,005 arriving passengers compared to 18,874 in 2022. Based on the airport’s records, the country’s main port of entry continues to experience significant increases in passenger arrivals since the Cricket Carnival in September 2022. Earlier this year, President Ali, via a Facebook livestream, said that the number of people handled at three of Guyana’s major ports of entry – CJIA at Timehri, Ogle’s Eugene F. Correia Airport and Moleson Creek in Corentyne – saw a significant increase in travel with a total of 717,822 passengers in 2022, an increase of 82.6 per cent over 2021. President Ali also mentioned that Guyana has gained recognition as a result of the government’s investments in the tourism sector, which has catapulted the country into a position to showcase its ecotourism destinations, as well as an events-based destination. Currently, the capacity of the CJIA is being expanded by the government in preparation for future development. Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo had said, too, that a new computerised passport system will be implemented as part of the government’s plans to modernise and bolster security procedures at airports.

US$40M wastewater treatment plant on the cards for Georgetown

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

WITH efforts underway to not only improve sanitation services but also the management of wastewater, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, announced that the government is pursuing proposals for a wastewater treatment facility in Georgetown, which is estimated to be US$40 million. The minister made this announcement during the curtain raiser for the 32nd Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference and Exhibition, on Monday. “Currently, the estimated cost of constructing a wastewater treatment facility in Georgetown is approximately US $40 million and technical proposals are being pursued,” he related, adding that solid waste management is another area that needs more attention. “We need to improve… our consumption-driven society produces immense quantities of waste, but much of this ends up at landfills or pollutes the ocean,” Minister Croal said. Among a number of measures to tackle the management of wastewater and solid waste more effectively, Croal said that the introduction of environmental education is necessary. He said that a hand-washing programme for maintaining good hygiene was implemented in primary schools, in order to educate children. This programme was implemented in 10 primary schools and targeted 500 children. Waste receptacles were also distributed to primary schools in nine municipalities across the country. “Guyana has expended over $2.1 billion in financing to local government organs

to support their delivery of services to communities,” Croal said, adding that there were numerous measures undertaken by the ministry to enhance the water sector. He added too that the ongoing water conference is essential for Caribbean nations since the region is facing drought and extreme rainfall. “There must be improved monitoring, data sharing, cross border collaboration, an assessment of water resources and an accompanying increase in investments to facilitate [such],” Croal told stakeholders. Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, also recommended ways in which the region could improve its water management. He specifically mentioned investing in modern water infrastructure and technology. Prime Minister Phillips said too that this includes the updating and expansion of water-treatment facilities, pipelines, and distribution systems, in order to minimize losses due to leaks and ensure reliable access to clean water. Additionally, he remarked that sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling should be encouraged, as a means of reducing the strain on freshwater sources. The Prime Minister then proposed the promotion of public awareness and education campaigns. “Communities must understand the value of water and the impacts of wasteful practices. Public campaigns and educational programmes can foster a culture of water conservation,” he said.

GWI’s wastewater treatment plant at the Tucville sewer station (GWI Photo)

Money management programme for men launched

OUTLIERS Zone Caribbean, an organisation that helps companies to boost their employee productivity with their financial wellness training programmes, on Tuesday, launched its fourth annual mega money management movement under the theme, ‘Men on F.I.R.E (Financial Independence Retire Early)’. According to a press release, the initiative was created to help 1,000 self-empowered men who are business owners or senior executives, to design a 10-year financial independence exit strategy, so that they can gain a level of financial independence through income-producing assets that they can gift to their children as an inheritance by 2026. This movement further aims to bring together partnerships with corporate Guyana to provide awareness through all mediums of communication, on the need for financial exit strategy planning for men, and practical

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

CEO of Outliers Zone Caribbean, Athalyah Yisrael (centre seated) flanked by other officials at the launch (Photo courtesy of The Outliers Zone Caribbean) workshops to equip then with the tools necessary to design their fitness, family and financial independence exit plan, the organisation said. It added that this movement will address a key need in society for men to be selfempowered in taking owner-

ship of their financial future and by extension their family’s wealth creation journey. The first one-day workshop will be held on November 26, 2023, at the Regency Suite, Hadfield Street, Georgetown from 10:00 hours to 16:00 hours. Partic-

ipants of this workshop will focus on assessing and creating plans in three core areas: fitness, family and finance. According to the release, they will be shown how to design their 10-year financial exit strategy in order to achieve a greater level

of financial freedom, time freedom, health freedom and family freedom. For this session the target participants are selfempowered men who are business owners or senior executives generating $250,000-1 million monthly and are between

the ages of 20-45 years. The regular investment to attend this workshop is $29,999, while the early bird investment is $25,000 which expires on November 3 at midnight. Outliers Zone Caribbean is the only F.I.R.E (financial independence retire early) training institute in the Caribbean. They partner with companies to help up the level of their employees’ money management skills and plan a financial exit strategy through income producing asset so they can approach retirement with confidence and financial peace. Their F.I.R.E money management and retirement planning programmes have helped employees with high-paying careers and business owners get out of the ‘rat race’ by utilising their skills to accumulate assets so they can retire early and give an inheritance to their children to jumpstart life, the release added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Third Agri-Investment Forum and Expo deemed successful By Naomi Parris

THE third regional Agri-Investment Forum and Expo organised by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) took place in Guyana last weekend at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has declared it a success. The event, which was the second expo of its kind to be held in Guyana and saw attendance by several high-level delegations from Suriname, The Dominican Republic, Cuba, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Belize, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Mustapha, during a press conference on Monday, told reporters that this year’s event showcased products from just about 150 exhibitors, both locally and regionally, and over 80 agro-processors. The event also featured a farmers’ market, which allowed patrons to purchase a variety of fresh produce at unbeatable prices. “Overall, this year’s Agri-Investment Forum and Expo

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha was a success. Very soon we will begin preliminary plans for next year’s expo which promises to be even better,” Mustapha said. The forum was developed to create a platform for various areas that contribute to the development of the agriculture sector, both locally and regionally, to be discussed, as well as to give players in the sector an opportunity to network and showcase their products and services. During the first two days of the expo, several momentous projects were launched. On Friday, Presidenr Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, launched a US $4.5 M hydroponics programme for youths from Regions Two, Five and 10 that will form part of the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme. On Saturday, Prime Minister, Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips launched the country’s and CARICOM Region’s first Zinc-enriched bio-fortified rice variety – the GRDB-IICA-17. This is indeed a game changer as it will allow farmers to benefit from preferential prices while also allowing consumers to benefit from the required levels of zinc, a critical nutrient needed for effective immune health and metabolic functions. The Ministry of Agriculture also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Cuba for the provision of Agricultural and Forestry Technical Assistance Services. The objective of the MoU is to establish the general framework of co-operation between the Ministry of Agriculture of Cuba and the Ministry of Agriculture of Guyana in vegetable products, livestock and animal products, bee-keeping, forestry and other areas of interest. At the 33rd Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM held in Belize back in 2022, it was announced that Guyana would host the region’s first agriculture Regional Agri-Investment Forum and Expo. The second was held in Trinidad & Tobago later that same year. This year, in Guyana, the conference was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, from October 20-22. Already, CARICOM has achieved 57 per cent of its food production targets.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Community roads being constructed stronger –– Public Works PS tells PAC

THE modus operandi for constructing community roads in Guyana has been updated since 2019, leading to increased road strength. This is according to Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Public Works, Vladim Persaud who made this revelation to the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee as they examined the Auditor General’s report for 2019 for the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure. As the committee examined the report and came upon issues surrounding the construction of community roads, members of the committee inquired about the width of those roads. It was at that point when the permanent secretary made the statement that community roads during that time differed in width from 10 to 14 feet, de-

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Works, Vladim Persaud and team before the public accounts committee. pending on the location. However, he noted that since then, the Ministry has changed the modus operandi in relation to determining the width of the road. As such, all community roads are now at a minimum 12 feet in width, and in areas where there may be deterioration to the shoulders of the road because of the weight of vehicles or vehicle parking, changes have been made to make these roads stronger. Some of these changes include the move to having these roads made with concrete and with a minimum of 3,500 to 4,500 pounds per square inch (PSI). “So, in areas where we may not be able to go to the end of where the drainage areas are, the concrete roads tend to be resolving a lot of those issues with regards to damage of the shoulder because of how it is being designed now,” he said. Moreover, he asserted that in expansive regions with primary access routes in localities, they employ asphaltic concrete and rigid pavement for secondary roads. This, according to his observation, has yielded much superior results compared to the previous method employed in 2019. Furthermore, Persaud informed the committee that the ministry is presently exploring technological solutions to reinforce drains during the construction of community roads.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

GTA increases focus on domestic tourism

IN an effort to ensure locals are able to enjoy and experience the country’s tourism products, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has brought on board several new tours which target domestic tourists. Kamrul Baksh, Director of the GTA, said that domestic tourism is at its highest, with several options for locals to participate in diverse touring experiences in each of Guyana’s regions. He stated that, over the past three years, both the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the GTA have established products targetting the domestic tourism market in Guyana. The aim of these products is to encourage locals to tour Guyana more. Since 2020, the GTA has launched 42 products with several being for the domestic tourism market. These products include kayaking, nature-based and adventure experiences and culinary experiences. In previous years, Guyanese have complained about the lack of options when it comes to domestic tourism and the lack of access to those that exist. The cost to experience the wonders of Guyana is also an area of

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has developed several products geared at boosting the domestic tourism market concern for locals. The GTA has rectified this and now offers domestic tour experiences with attractive and affordable products that can be accessed from anywhere. While a bulk of Guyana’s tourists are from regional and international countries, domestic tourism is at its highest yet as more locals bask in the beauty of Guyana’s rich biodiversity. Several tour operators have tailored their services to attract more locals. Notably, the GTA has been working with tour operators to establish new operations in different parts of the country. In 2019, Destination Guyana won six tourism awards for its outstanding work in ecotourism, sustainable tourism and other areas. Since then, Guyana has taken off in the tourism sector, making the top 30 list of Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2023’, for being one of the few places on the planet that offers ‘raw’ adventures. A 2023 mid-year report produced by the Ministry of Finance stated that a visitor-increase of 16.2 per cent in comparison with 2022 was recorded with the highest arrival period being in the months of March and April. Furthermore, the GTA will be launching a new product during Tourism Awareness Month 2023. This new product is the ‘Discover Guyana Passport’ initiative. This is one of several initiatives being developed by the GTA. This passport will make it easier for people to travel from one region to the next. The tourism authority continues to support the Tourism Hospitality Association Guyana (THAG), with the ‘Guyana Escapes’, which offers discounted packages to Guyanese who want to visit lodges and resorts. Information about the available tour packages can be found on the GTA’s Facebook page.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Windies Women A narrowly beaten in1st One-day match LAHORE, Pakistan, (CMC ) – West Indies Women A failed to ease concerns about the batting depth chart in the Caribbean, asd Pakistan Women A inspired by a resolute 62 from Gul Feroza clinched a tense, eight-run win in the first One-day match of their series on Tuesday. The Caribbean side were bowled out for 166 in 45.2 overs, replying to the Pakistanis’ 174 all out off 49.3 overs in the match contested at the Ghani Glass Ground, and trail 1-0 in the three-match series. Pakistan Women A wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz sees West Indies Women A batsman Shunelle Sawh drive through the off-side. (CWI Media)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday October 25, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbelville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Michael Clarke (AUST) (2) James Faulkner (AUST)

Today’s Quiz:

(1)Who led his team to victory in the 2019 World Cup? (2)Who was voted Man of the Match in the final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

AMERICAN RACING TIPS KEENLAND Race 1 Rockstar Red Race 2 My Good Fortune

Race 3 Up On The Edge Race 4 Symmer In Malibu Race 5 Snow Dance Race 6 Smooth Waves SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS GREYVILLE 08:40 hrs Agressive 09:20 hrs Quiz Master 09:55 hrs Global Secret 10:30 hrs English Primrose ENGLISH RACING TIPS NEWMARKET 08:50 hrs So Logical 09:25 hrs Point Sur 10:00 hrs Sea The Thunder 10:35 hrs Spanish Poet 11:10 hrs Karmology 11:45 hrs At Vimeiro 12:20 hrs Broadway Act FONTWELL 09:00 hrs Goodwin 09:35 hrs Pilot Show 10:10 hrs Rebel Intentions 10:45 hrs Mr Freedom 11:20 hrs Tamaris 11:50 hrs Gaye Legacy 11:25 hrs Fort De L’Oréal KEMPTON 11:58 hrs Cailin’s Lad 12:30 hrs Zoumoon 13:00 hrs Summer Of Love 13:30 hrs Urban Decay 14:00 hrs Trais Fluors 14:30 hrs Al Agaila 15:00 hrs Temporize 15:30 hrs Robert Walpole

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Stokes opts out as England confirm first ever multi-year contracts THE England Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed the list of 18 players who have signed England central contracts in the country’s first-ever example of multi-year deals, but England Test captain Ben Stokes has opted against signing the longer option. Stokes impressed with his all-round performance for England at the T20 World Cup 2022. The ECB has only ever previously offered annual contracts to England players, but have opted to introduce multi-year options in the face of the pull of franchise leagues, with the longest contracts lasting three years. Harry Brook, Joe Root and Mark Wood are the players who have signed those three-year contracts, while 15 players have signed two-year deals, including Jofra Archer, who England will hope to have fit for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and key future Test series. A further eight players have signed up to more traditional one-year deals, including England Test captain Ben Stokes, who chose not to sign a longer contract on this occasion. And 41-year-old James Anderson has also received another year’s deal to play for England. Details of the deals have not been released. “We are rewarding those players who we expect to make a significant impact over the coming years playing for England,” Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, explained. “It is great news and a credit to the players for demonstrating their commitment to English cricket in the ever-changing landscape of the sport. “I would like to congratulate all the players who have been offered contracts. They will play a pivotal role in England’s efforts over the next few years.” And Key also explained the thinking behind Stokes’ decision to sign only a one-year option. Stokes opts out “Ben Stokes, like people do when they have an offer of a long-term contract, it’s that trade-off of security over a stronger negotiating position. Ben feels that when the contract cycle changes he’ll be in a stronger position. Ben Stokes’ bold captaincy tactics has won praise from Australia great Ricky Ponting on the latest episode of The ICC Review “By no means is it Ben Stokes thinking I don’t want to play for England. He’s completely committed to playing for his country and also captaining the Test team. “He’s planning for India, planning for the Ashes, planning for Pakistan, planning for West Indies and Sri Lanka next summer. I don’t think it’s crossed his mind not playing for England for the next four, five or six years.” Full List of England Contracts England Three-Year Central Contracts: Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Mark Wood (Durham). England Two-Year Central Contracts: Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire – from 1 November), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire). England One-Year Central Contracts: Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey). England Development Contracts: Matthew Fisher (Yorkshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), John Turner (Hampshire).(ICC Media)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Bangladesh blown away by South Africa’s batting ammunition

SOUTH Africa’s enviable batting ammunition led the way once more as they coasted to a comfortable 149run win over Bangladesh in Mumbai on Tuesday. Quinton de Kock’s third century of the World Cup along with sparkling fifties from Heinrich Klaasen and stand-in skipper Aiden Markram were the highlights of South Africa’s batting performance that saw them post

an intimidating total. Bangladesh never got going in the chase and much like the England-South Africa game, the match was effectively over well before it was officially completed. The game was virtually done at the halfway mark and the Proteas pacers once again rocked the opposition under lights at the Wankhede to have Bangladesh reeling at 42/4 inside the 12th over. Senior

man Mahmudullah’s century meant that the margin of defeat was reduced considerably but it still ended as one of Bangladesh’s heaviest World Cup defeats. South Africa’s speedsters proved to be too hot to handle for Bangladesh’s top order who have shown vulnerability in recent times against the new ball. The magnitude of the target meant that a huge first PowerPlay had to come

Man-of-the-match Quinton de Kock struck a masterful 174. but instead, Bangladesh were gasping for survival with the regular fall of wickets. Under lights, the Wankhede surface had quickened up and South Africa’s pacers clearly relished the conditions, much like they did against England. Veterans Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim weren’t able to stem the rot as wickets kept falling like nine pins. At 81/6, it was only a

matter of how many runs South Africa would win by and Mahmudullah shepherded the tail quite well to reduce the deficit although it didn’t matter much to Bangladesh’s cause. The middle order batter started slowly but once he found his range, he was able to strike the ball cleanly all around the ground. His only blemish came well past fifty when Lizaad Williams spilled a skier at mid-off against Marco Jansen. Mahmudullah got good support from the tail as he added another World Cup century to his resume. It was the only bright spot in another forgettable game for Bangladesh. They had started the afternoon on a positive note with the early wickets of Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen but such is the form of South Africa’s batting unit that one partnership was all they needed to get back into groove. That was provided by de Kock who produced the second highest World Cup score by a South African batter to lead the team’s charge on another batting-friendly Wankhede surface. His 131run stand with Markram set the base for the explosive finishers to do their bit.

Markram was a bit scratchy to begin with but it didn’t take long for him to join the party as he dished out his trademark strokes through the off-side. His silky strokeplay gelled well with de Kock’s brutality at the other end and by the time Markram fell, the stage was set perfectly for Klaasen. If one thought that his epic knock against England at the same venue may have emptied Klaasen’s appetite, they were in for a shock and the 32-yearold continued his reputation as one of the game’s feared finishers. None of the Bangladesh bowlers were spared and he was unfortunate not to get to successive World Cup tons. South Africa’s back end smashing saw them tally 144 off the final ten overs, a carnage quite similar to what they dished out to England previous game. After de Kock and Klaasen had gone full throttle in the slog overs, David Miller also played a handy cameo to realistically push the score beyond Bangladesh’s reach. It needed a miracle for Shakib’s men to even make a game of this from there on but their top order failure meant that it was only a matter of delaying the inevitable. (Cricbuzz)

Jesus helps Arsenal win in Sevilla GABRIEL Jesus scored a goal and grabbed an assist to help Arsenal get back to winning ways in the Champions League with victory at Sevilla. After losing 2-1 to Lens in their previous European outing, the Gunners came through a difficult test against the seven-time Europa League winners. Gabriel Martinelli got the visitors up and running by marking his Champions League debut with a goal, racing onto Jesus’ brilliant ball and rounding the goalkeeper in first-half stoppage time. Jesus then increased Arsenal’s lead early in the second half with a superb strike into the top corner. Sevilla, backed by a vocal home crowd, got back into the game when Nemanja Gudelj headed in from a set piece. From then on, Arsenal had to withstand some pressure as the hosts tried to find an equaliser, and David Raya tipped Mariano’s shot onto the crossbar, although it may not have counted because of a possible handball. Mikel Arteta’s side then suffered a late blow as Jesus went off with an injury, but they held firm despite that setback to secure a victory that moves them top of Group B.

Gabriel Jesus has scored in every Champions League game so far this season. JESUS MAKES HIS MARK The Gunners are back in the Champions League after a six-year absence but have a squad that is still finding its feet in the competition, with several players having never played in it until this season. That included the scorer of Arsenal’s opening goal, Martinelli, but he will be thankful for Jesus’ European experience, which showed in this performance. Facing a hostile atmosphere at The Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, the Gunners needed their big players to step up and Jesus did just that with a superb display. A Champions League runner-up with Manchester City in 2021, Jesus’ assist for the

opener was a thing of beauty as he brought the ball down and then spun to beat two players with one movement, before showing great vision to send Martinelli away with a perfect pass. His goal in the second half gave the visitors the breathing space they needed as Sevilla piled on the pressure as they looked to rescue something from the game. With three goals in three Champions League games this season, Jesus is a crucial player in Europe for the Gunners, who now face an anxious wait to discover the seriousness of the injury he suffered late on, although he was able to make his own way off the pitch with just a slight limp.(BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Sir Bobby Charlton: Emotional scenes as Old Trafford honours Manchester United icon

MANCHESTER United’s players wore black armbands while there was a minute’s silence before the Champions League game with FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford in honour of legend Sir Bobby Charlton. On an emotional night, a wreath was placed on Sir Bobby’s seat in the directors’ box as United played at home for the first time since his passing. United boss Erik ten Hag, led by a lone piper, laid a wreath on the pitch. Charlton was also remembered on the cover the match programme. Before kick-off, two black and white images of the England 1966 World Cup

away supporters unveiled a banner that read “Passion is what separates the good from the great. Rest in peace Sir Bobby Charlton.” Sir Bobby played alongside elder brother Jack against West Germany at Wembley in 1966 as one of

Tuesday’s match programme featured Sir Bobby on the front cover

A wreath was placed on Sir Bobby’s seat in the directors’ box at Old Trafford. winner looked down from the glass fronted main entrance at Old Trafford next to the words ‘Sir Bobby Charlton 1937-2023 Forever Loved’. Many United fans, who were advised to arrive early for 20:00 BST kick-off, laid floral tributes outside the ground.

Inside Old Trafford the stadium announcer urged supporters to take their seats well before kick-off as there would be a pre-match tribute to “one of the greatest players there has ever been”. A banner read “Sir Bobby. Born in Ashington. Made in Manchester”, while Copenhagen fans joined in

chants of “One Bobby Charlton”. Ten Hag walked onto the pitch with Alex Stepney, a former team-mate of Sir Bobby’s, and Under-21 captain Dan Gore, before laying a wreath and taking part in a minute’s silence. The trio had been led out by piper Terry Carr, while

A tribute for Sir Bobby Charlton on the glass fronted entrance at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

only 11 England players to win the World Cup, and also captained Manchester United to the game’s major honours, including the European Cup in 1968. The European Cup win, with Sir Bobby scoring twice in a 4-1 win against

Benfica at Wembley, carried great poignancy and emotion because he was a survivor of the Munich air disaster on 6 February 1958 which killed 23 people, including eight players and three members of the club’s staff.(BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

GSCL to stage three-day softball extravaganza in honour of Vice-president Jagdeo FRESH from the successful staging of the seventh edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 softball tournament, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc will end the 2023 season in grand style with the staging of a three-day softball extravaganza in honour of Vice-president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. According to GSCL president, Ian John, the tournament, which was originally slated to be held on the weekend of November 3, 4 and 5, has been rescheduled to November 17, 18 and 19 and will see participation from most of the top softball teams throughout Guyana at several venues in Demerara. Further details on the attractive cash prizes and other incentives are being worked out and will be disclosed shortly. John pointed out that softball cricket has always been part of the Guyanese culture and the GSCL Inc is determined to keep the grassroot sport alive. The GSCL president disclosed that as an organisation, the GSCL’s vision is not only about the promotion and playing of softball cricket, the GSCL, through one of its main sponsors, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, has been providing charitable donations to entities and individuals in need throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. “We are also endeavouring to achieve the goal of encouraging and fostering a sense of community among all cricket enthusi-

Vice-president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

GSCL President Ian John

asts, hence the staging of the annual Prime Minister’s T20 tournament, which saw the participation of women’s teams the last two years. We also anticipate that the Vice-President T20 tournament will follow suit,” John asserted. Meanwhile, John has expressed delight over the successful staging of the Prime Minister’s tournament which culminated under lights at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground on Sunday, October 1. Normally staged in October/November since its inception, the tournament was

brought forward this year to lure those overseas players attending the Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) last leg to stay on and, according to John, the “experiment’” paid great dividends. Despite a few minor hiccups, John deemed the tournament highly successful and was loud in praise for the several sponsors who came on board and the media for the excellent coverage. “On behalf of the GSCL Inc, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the sponsors for their generous contribution to

the staging of the tournament and also to the Office of the Prime Minister and Department of Youth and Sports for their contribution, John pointed out. A significant plus in their year’s tournament was a one hundred per cent increase in the number of women’s teams which rose from four to eight from last year. 4 R Lions, which carted off last year’s inaugural competition, came out tops once again, playing unbeaten in the knockout tournament which saw matches being played at the DCC and Lusignan Sports Club grounds. The Lionesses made light work of Highway Challengers after disposing of the highly touted Police team in the first round and Essequibo in the semi-finals. Two teams from Berbice – Number 69 and Crabwood Creek also participated, both failing to get past the first round. On a bright note, as far as the women’s category is concerned, John said he’s confident that more women teams will be attracted to future tournament and there’s every chance they will also feature in the upcoming tournament. The All Stars Open category saw Knight Riders Ariel All Stars reigning supreme for the third consecutive year while Regal Masters and Regal Legends retained supremacy in the Masters Over-40 and Legends Over-50 categories respectively. (Frederick Halley)

Memorial Service for late Sports Editor Brent Chapman tomorrow at Praise Tabernacle Church in Linden A Memorial Service for former Sports Editor of the Guyana Chronicle, Norman Brent Chapman, who died in New York at the age of 73 following a prolonged illness on December 26, 2022 (Boxing Day) will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at the Praise Tabernacle Assembly of God Church in Watooka, Mackenzie, Linden. To celebrate the life of Brent Chapman, the Thanksgiving Service will start at 13.00hrs and this will be followed by the interment at the Bamia Cemetery on the Linden Highway. Chapman entered the field of journalism in 1975 as a general news reporter attached to the Guyana Graphic and stayed on when the Chronicle and Graphic merged. Chapman later joined the Guyana Broadcasting Service (GBS) where he rose to the position of Sports Producer. In 1982, he returned to the Guyana Chronicle as Senior Sportswriter and later, Sports Editor. The former Sportscaster at one time hosted a ground-

breaking radio series featuring outstanding Guyanese sportspersons on Radio Demerara and was known for his forthrightness in his popular column “On The Ball” in the Guyana Chronicle. He covered several international sporting events at home and abroad for radio and newspapers, notably the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the 1985 International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title fight in Atlantic City, New Jersey, between Guyana’s Terrence Alli and IBF lightweight champion Harry Arroyo. Brent Chapman also served as sports correspondent for the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) and Radio Antilles. Migrating to the United States in the late 1980’s, he pivoted and carved out a successful career as an editor in New York publishing and advertising. Norman Brent Chapman is survived by his daughter Angelique and a large extended family. For further information call 701-4917.

Late Sports Editor, Brent Chapman

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 25, 2023

One Guyana basketball premier league

Stabroek Eagles stay unbeaten, UG continues purple patch

ANOTHER amazing turnout at the newly constructed National Gymnasium basketball court on Princes Street & Mandela Avenue, last Saturday, saw them being rewarded with three exciting matches under lights in which Stabroek Eagles, UG Trojans, and Wortmanville Ravens secured wins.

In the opening game, Stabroek Eagles dominated the Lamaha Park/Springs Pepsi Sonics in their 87-45 win. The Eagles surged ahead in the first quarter, racking up 23 points, while their opponents struggled to reach double digits, managing only four points. This trend continued into the second quarter, with the Eagles adding 20 more

Eagles’ Kwesi Thompson put up 15 points to help his team maintain its unbeaten run last Saturday. (Shaniece Bamfield photos)

Simona Halep appeals to Cas over doping ban & Jenson Brooskby receives suspension

Simona Halep has not played in a Grand Slam tournament since a firstround exit at the 2022 US Open.

Eagles’ Michael Richards (with ball) top scored with 26 points on Saturday to help his team beat Pepsi Sonics 87-45 points to their total while the Sonics struggled, putting up only 12 points. The third quarter also favored the Eagles, as they scored 25 points, while the Sonics managed just 11, mirroring their second-quarter performance. The Eagles sealed their victory in the final quarter, scoring 19 points. Micheal Richards top scored for Eagles with a game-high 26 points while Denzel Ross netted 18 points, Kwesi Thompson and Travis Belgrave each netted 15 points, and Sherland Gillis posted up 11. In game two, the UG Trojans continued their purple patch with 81-31 thumping of Leonora D-Up Rising Stars. They took an early lead in the first quarter, outscoring Rising Stars 22-8. The Trojans maintained their dominance in the second quarter, scoring 16 more points, bringing their total to 38, while the Stars struggled to put the ball in the hoop, managing only 4 points. Although the Stars made an effort to fight back, the Trojans’ solid defence held them to 8 points in the second quarter, resulting in a total of 20 points at halftime. The Trojans continued their steady performance, concluding the game with 23 more points in the third quarter and securing a victory with a total of

TWO-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against her four-year doping ban. An independent tribunal determined the Romanian, 32, had committed “intentional” anti-doping violations. Halep said at the time she would “do everything in my power to clear my name of these false allegations”. The former world number one has been suspended since 7 October 2022 after testing positive for Roxadustat. “In her appeal to the CAS, the athlete requests that the challenged decision be set aside and that her sanction be reduced,” a statement from the Swiss court read. If her ban is upheld she will be able to play again on 7 October 2026, by which time she will be 35. Cas, sport’s highest court, said the matter will be decided by a panel of arbitrators after a hearing and it was not yet possible to indicate a time frame for the decision. Former world number one Halep tested positive for the use of Roxadustat at last year’s US Open, and was also found guilty of using an unspecified prohibited substance or method in 2022 after irregularities were found in her biological passport. The tribunal accepted Halep’s argument she had taken a contaminated supplement, but decided

16 points in the final quarter. Sheron Savory scored a game high 30 points for UG Trojans. In what would be described as a surprising upset, the Ravens defeated the Pacesetters 60-41, handing them their first loss of the tournament. The Pacesetters had a decent start, leading 13-9 at the end of the first quarter. However, Ravens clawed back in the second quarter, scoring 18 points in that period of play, while the Pacesetters were limited to 11 points. The Ravens continued with their momentum in the second half, scoring 15 more points in the third quarter and 18 points in the final quarter, while keeping the opposition’s attack in check. Ryan Stephney top scored for Ravens with 13 points. The tournament-winning team will receive a prize of $1 million, along with trophies, while the runners-up will be awarded $500,000 and trophies. This successful tournament was made possible through the sponsorship of the Culture, Youth, and Sport Ministry, G-Boats Guyana, the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Basketball Federation, and the Georgetown Basketball Federation.

that would not have resulted in the concentration of Roxadustat found in her urine sample. Roxadustat is an anti-anaemia drug which stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body. “I take the rules that govern our sport very seriously and take pride in the fact I have never knowingly or intentionally used any prohibited substance,” Halep said in September. “I refused to accept their decision of a fouryear ban.” Halep, who won the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon the following year, is the highest-profile tennis player to fail a drugs test since Maria Sharapova in 2016. She has won 24 WTA tour singles titles and earned £32.2m in prize money and was ranked number one in the world in 2017 and 2018. Meanwhile, highly-rated American player Jenson Brooksby has been given an 18-month suspension after missing three doping tests in a 12-month period. Brooksby, 22, reached a career-high ranking of 33rd in the world last year and received praise from Britain’s three-time major champion Andy Murray for his playing style. Having not played since the Australian Open in January because of a wrist injury, Brooksby accepted a voluntary provisional suspension in July when he was told about the sanction and will be banned until January 2025 as a result.

From L-R GFF competitions director Troy Peters stands with LIMACOL marketing manager, Elizabeth Ram, who presented the sponsorship Cheque to PETRAs Troy Mendonca in the presence of Ministry of Education Deputy Chief Education Officer, Marty DeSouza, and Deputy Director of Sports, Franklyn Wilson

LIMACOL Schools Football League to begin on Sunday ... Eight school teams to do battle

THE fourth edition of the Schools Football League, sponsored by LIMACOL, is set to begin on Sunday with eight teams vying for top honors. The tournament, which will be for a first prize of 300,000 dollars towards a project for the winning school, will also see the top three teams advancing to the end-of-year goodwill tournament. This is according to Troy Mendonca, co-director of the Petra organization, which is the organisers of the 2023 edition of the league tournament as well as its successor, the goodwill series. He said “Eight teams advanced from

the MILO schools football tournament which we used as a qualification tournament for this league. We also want to thank the new GPC who came onboard through the Limacol brand to sponsor this tournament.” $150,000 dollars is on offer for the second-place team with $100,000 for third and $50,000 for fourth, as well as prizes for the MVP, leading goal scorer and others. Competitions Director of the Guyana Football Federation, Troy Peters, hailed the progress of the Petra organization, saying “Petra continues to be a trail blazer

in the development of schools’ football.” He added the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) continues to laud agencies that are investing in schools’ football. Deputy Chief Education Officer, Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development, Marti DeSouza contended that, “Looking at the teams, we see that it is indeed the best of the best. It simply tells us that we are not only focusing on the schools on the coast but in the hinterland as well.” Deputy Director of Sport, Franklyn Wilson, drew examples from then work that the Petra organization had done, citing one of the feeder programmes’ stars in Omari Glasgow. He added that programmes, like the

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LIMACOL league, are important in the development of the sport. Carmel Secondary, East Ruimveldt, Ann’s Grove, Santa Rosa, Mc Kenzie High, Christianburg/Wismar Secondary, Chases Academy and Bartica Secondary are the teams in the tournament. Games are set to begin on October 29 beginning with Christianburg and Bartica from 12:00 at the Ministry of Education ground. From 13:30 hours, Carmel Secondary plays Mackenzie High school, East Ruimveldt and Chases Academy battle from 15:00hrs and Ann’s Grove and Santa Rosa oppose each other at 16:30hrs. Each team will face each other once in the competition.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023