Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26-01-2022

WEDNESDAY 26th JANUARY, 2022

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Budget 2022 tackles cost of living

No.106616

–– President Ali says

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President Dr Irfaan Ali

Staffers of the Ministry of Finance, on Wednesday night, working to put the finishing touches to Budget 2022, which will be presented in the National Assembly today at 14:00 hrs by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

Joe Vieira park to undergo multimillion-dollar transformation

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An artist’s impression of the China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park

Seven held for $18.5M Guyana gets new technology First-time author secures 04 Rose Hall robbery 11 for malaria sequencing 05 ‘best seller’ for prophetic novel PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

–– in the pipeline for Region Two, with plans to declare region a special development zone

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Budget tackles cost of living – Pres. Ali

COGNISANT of the challenges experienced globally as food prices and the general cost of living continue to rise resulting from the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday evening, raised the curtain on Budget 2022 which he said will include a sizeable allocation addressing the rising cost of living experienced

by Guyanese.

“I am aware of the impact that cost of living is having,” President Ali said during a virtual address to the nation, adding: “while we cannot address all of the issues surrounding cost of living, I have instructed that resources be set aside to address the issue.”

“This sizeable allocation will be used through consultation with communities across the country to identify specific ways and initiatives in which we can deploy this budgeted allocation to ease the burden on the population.”

President Ali said his government’s budget is about removing burdens to Guyanese citizens and “creating opportunities, reducing burdens, enhancing welfare, giving back more to the population, enhancing livelihood, improving living conditions,

and improving the quality of life of the Guyanese people.”

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Plugging the need for Guyanese to explore more business opportunities, the President said “resources will also be set aside to build specific entrepreneurial programmes, [to] reward innovations, and [to] expand our tourism through support for the private sector, enhanced local and international branding, training and development, small business support, and collaborating with major international chains who are investing to integrate closer with our local production system.”

Dr Ali was adamant that by doing this, there would be a positive incremental impact which would see “more investment in people, more allocation to the vulnerable, [and a] better quality of life for the Guyanese people.”

OIL AND GAS Turning his attention to creating space for Guyanese businesses in the country’s burgeoning oil and gas economy, President Ali said his govern-

ment will utilise the Local Content Act to “reduce any disparities that exist in the tax system that can undermine the competitiveness of local companies competing with foreign companies for business in the oil and gas sector under the local content framework.”

With this historic budget, Guyana’s Head of State plugged the framework’s role in increasing the disposable income of citizens, a point he maintained throughout his address.

LOW TAXES Conscious of the negative impact of the David Granger-led coalition government’s increased tax measures against the population, the President maintained that his government’s budget will focus on economic expansion and growth while maintaining a low-tax environment.

Impressing the importance of strong social services to a high standard of living, the President said his government will lay the foundation for a better health care system and educational services.

While not going into detail and taking the spot-

light from the customary budget speech of the minister for finance, President Ali said there will be “improvement in the disposable income for the old-aged pensioners, more resources for children, more opportunities for women, better healthcare and educational services, and an expanded scholarship programme.”

FUEL AND FREIGHT COSTS There is no divorcing the cost of living from the cost of transportation.

As such, the President said his government will “continue to implement measures to reduce the cost of fuel. We will extend measures to address the issues of the cost of freights.

“Specific measures will be announced [in the budget] that will reduce the cost of borrowing for home ownership; specific measures to address and support our school children, to support the elderly, supporting the vulnerable, [and] supporting dialysis patients.”

PERSONAL INCOME TAX Maintaining his focus on increasing household income as a means of sur-

President Dr Irfaan Ali viving the global challenge flation, the empty shelves, the of rising costs, Dr Ali said increase in food cost, [and] he has asked his finance the imported inflation, I have minister to “look at the made it very clear to the Minpersonal income tax of ister of Finance that we will taxpayers, and to make not, in any way, introduce necessary adjustments in any new burden or taxes on keeping with the budget- the Guyanese people. ary framework and the af“And we will make the fordability of the country investment to ensure that at this moment.” we keep the cost of energy “Notwithstanding what and fuel stable, essential is happening globally,” he and important to the decontinued, “[with] rising in- velopment of our country.”

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First-time author secures ‘best seller’ for prophetic novel

By Naomi Parris

WHEN Delon Aaron, a first-time author, decided to pen his thoughts, his only goal was to educate the Christian community and world at large about the prophetic ministry.

Soon after having his book “Covet to Prophesy - Activating the Prophetic DNA in You” published on Amazon - one of the world’s largest online retailer com-

panies - it was dubbed a best seller in Christian quotations and religion and spirituality short reads.

The book seeks to demystify the prophetic which is a ministry that has seen much abuse and misuse causing many to fall prey to exploitation and scams by false prophets.

In the book, Aaron highlights ways in which the narrative of the prophetic can be changed.

2022/1/22

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“The narrative of the prophetic must be changed.

People have a lot of misconceptions about the prophetic and prophecy and this is what this book tells us about,” he said.

Meanwhile, speaking on his journey to publishing, Aaron disclosed that his first option was to self-publish; however, as a first-time author and with very little knowledge of the grueling publishing world in Guyana, he was advised to seek publishing elsewhere.

This, he noted was one of his best decisions, since this saw his book being recognised internationally alongside other Christian writers.

“As a first-time author I decided to go through a publisher. One of my friends from the British Virgin Islands he connected me with a publisher that he used out of the US and I even had the

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option of having my book translated to other languages.”

While Aaron is an accountant, risk manager and toastmaster by profession, he is also an emerging cutting-edge prophetic voice.

He has a strong prophetic mantle for nations and has ministered prophetically throughout Guyana, across the Caribbean and in North America.

He was mentored and trained in the prophetic by Apostle Eulalee King-Bals, who is based in Germany with her husband. They are the founders of International House of Apostolic Reformation.

Aaron currently serves as Principal of Christ Prophetic Academy (Guyana), a non-denominational mobile prophetic academy that trains and activates persons in the prophetic from various denominations in Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Delon Aaron, author of “Covet to Prophesy - Activating the Prophetic DNA in You” CPA (Guyana) is an affiliate of Christ Prophetic Academy International under the leadership of Apostle James Duncan, Founder and Overseer of Christ Church International, Brooklyn, New York.

Regarding his future plans, Aaron hopes to continue his activism and train-

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ing in the prophetic field and will soon be penning another book.

“I have been doing training in the prophetic.

I’ve been doing activation sessions, so I will be doing more training and actitation in the prophetic and I will be doing more writing in that regard,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Guyana gets new technology for malaria sequencing

GUYANA has enhanced its capacity to combat malaria with the procurement of new technology that will facilitate the sequencing of genomes of parasites found in the blood of infected patients.

He said the project will help Guyana to completely eliminate malaria parasites and vectors. This will be done through the development of a molecular surveillance system, which will be used to monitor trends of the disease and

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

Professor at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard, Dr. Caroline Buckee The new advanced technology will also help researchers to determine the different genes and hotspot areas of the parasite here in the country.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, made this announcement, on Monday, at the launch of a fiveday workshop that focuses on medical professionals’ training.

“This project is intended to use new and innovative technologies to understand better the malaria parasite and the malaria vector responsible for the transmission of the disease,” Dr. Anthony said.

determine sources of the parasites.

Researchers will also be able to monitor the distribution of malaria and the spread of the disease across the country as well as monitor the resistance of antimalarial drugs, to possibly develop new technologies and medicines to treat those infected.

Dr. Anthony said: “Drug resistance is a complex and challenging public health problem. All known drugs for malaria, there have been established some level of clinical resistance.”

He said with the con-

tinuous resistance of these drugs, more persons have been hospitalised, diagnosed with anemia, having low birth weight, and even deaths.

Meanwhile, Professor at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard, Dr.

Caroline Buckee, said the project will help officials understand the malaria parasites and could also be used in the fight against COVID-19.

“We really believe that these two foundations can help, not only the malaria

programme, but also other vector-borne diseases and other infections including COVID… I think Guyana now has elimination in sights as part of regional and global initiatives to reduce the burdens,” Dr. Buckee said.

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The research project is supported and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and is a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Making Government Accountable

THE National Assembly recently approved a motion by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh which will allow for the Appointment Committee to recommend a parliamentary nominee to serve on the 2021 Natural Resource Fund’s (NRF) Board of Directors.

This is in keeping with the Act which also makes provision for another parliamentary nominee to serve on the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee.

This is a significant development in terms of transparency and accountability in the management and use of our oil revenues which have already been earmarked to facilitate developmental works in the 2022 Budget Estimates. The fact that Parliament will now have a representative in these two important bodies can only serve to enhance transparency and accountability and must therefore be seen as a welcome development.

The inclusion of the new Act (Board of Directors) was initiated by the PPP/C administration with a view to enhance transparency and at the same time remove the excessive powers of the minister as contained in the old Act. It also makes provision for the management of the Fund by a Board of Directors which is responsible for reviewing

and approving policies which effectively remove the management of the Fund from the Finance Minister.

The new Act also makes provision for suitable and qualified persons who ‘shall be selected from among persons who have wide experience and ability in legal, financial business or administrative matters, one of whom shall be nominated by the National Assembly and one of whom shall be a representative of the private sector.

It is significant that both the National Assembly and the private sector are given representation in the NRF in which our oil revenues are being deposited. The Fund is expected to grow exponentially as more and more oil wells become operational in the coming years. As the highest and supreme law-making body in the country, it is important for Parliament to have a say on what is going on regarding the management of the oil money which could potentially run in the billions of dollars. The private sector, as the engine of growth also has a vested interest in how the billions of dollars will be utilised to generate wealth. Both are important stakeholders and the passing of this legislation would be highly instrumental in the creation of a new governance and management architecture based on the principles of openness, transparency and

accountability.

There can be no doubt that this amended legislation is superior to the one that was hastily put together by the previous APNU+AFC administration, which apart from the unconstitutionality of the regime following its defeat at a no-confidence vote had also vested enormous powers in the hands of the Finance Minister. The failure of the then Finance Minister to account for the US$18M signing bonus until that information was leaked into the public domain is enough justification for the creation of oversight entity as envisaged by the new Act. And as the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh correctly reminded, the PPP/C administration is on record as saying that under no circumstance would it proceed to withdraw monies from the Fund unless those fatal flaws as contained in the previous Act were fixed. This is exactly what the enactment of this amended NRF legislation seeks to do, namely, to remove the unlimited powers of the Minister of Finance and have those vested in a Board of Directors of which the National Assembly would have a representative.

Even more important from a governance perspective is the fact that transfers from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund will be fully scrutinised by the National Assembly

at every step of the way and as the Finance Minister explained during his address to the National Assembly. The fund belongs to the Guyanese people and it is only fair that they understand the basis on which the amount to be transferred from the fund is calculated.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali had earlier drawn attention to the deficiencies of the 2019 version of the NRF which he said was both unconstitutional and deficient and pledged to have it restructured to hold the government accountable.

“I want to assure you that the Natural Resource Fund will be managed in the interest of every Guyanese... We have outlined very clearly the type of expenditure: people-oriented, to add disposable income to people’s pocket, to give them the best possible social services, to enhance their livelihood, to improve their lives, to change the image of Guyana and to transform the country,” the President said.

It is significant that the passage of the legislation to create a NRF Board comes on the eve of the presentation of the 2022 Budget Estimates by the Finance Minister, all intended to realise the vision and commitment of President Ali and his PPP/C administration to create a socially just and prosperous society in which all Guyanese will benefit.

Budget 2022 is expected to further boost the housing sector

Dear editor,

JUST before taking office in August 2020, the government promised that it was going to work to provide at least 50,000 house lots to Guyanese, during this present term in office, and so far, it is more than on course to deliver.

With Budget 2022 set to be presented today, the word is that “… the Government of Guyana is aiming to accelerate an already robust housing plan that will include the distribution of 15,000 house lots for the year.” This commitment came from Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, when he detailed that “I’m pleased about what we’re doing so far.

We’ve done a lot and if you think we’ve done a lot, wait till you see what we have planned for 2022. So last year when we started, we had to take stock of what was

happening in the housing sector. And our examination showed nothing much was happening. We also had to re-examine our commitment and that is 50,000 allocations. And in addition to allocation, to construct houses.”

Collin Croal noted that work is not willy-nilly, as “Our initial budget focused on access roads and bridges to commence, even allocation exercises were done before, for which no infrastructure work was done. Then, in 2021, we had a number of allocations. In 16 months in office, we’ve allocated 10,000 house lots. This year, you will find we will allocate at least 15,000.”

Authenticating the input into the housing sector, one can see that there are more sand trucks traversing our roadways that what used to obtain during the pre-2020 era, between 2015 and 2018

specifically, and almost in every village housing projects are ongoing, and employment is rife for many who were put off when housing was quite dead.

Right now, there are 50 core homes being constructed, and a few of those are expected to be handed over in La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), shortly. Also, the minister detailed that core homes are being constructed in Sophia, ECD, as well as on the WBD. According to him, Budget 2022, which will be the third budget under the PPP Government in this current tenure, will be the largest budget of all and will outline development programmes and projects, both continuing and new, and housing the nation will be quite prominent -- and to this I say, ‘why not’. The record shows that the Government of

Guyana in 2021 processed close to 2000 titles and transports in its first year in office, while starting construction on 1,000 houses and conducting massive infrastructural work, all part of an over$14 billion investment in the housing sector, which has paid off well for the general citizenry.

Let me add that buying or building a home is indeed a great achievement, as the many benefits that come with owning a home make it all worthwhile.

Home owners, as we know, are building equity thereby and they possess better living security, as they contribute to the overall well-being of the nation.

Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

‘Letter from the Grave’: Addressed to Guyana?

A VERY interesting ‘Letter from the Grave’ was published by the Mauritius Times on April 9, 2021, purportedly from the late President Lee Kuan Yew, who led the island for 31 years and died 23 March 2015, aged 91.

Lee was an extraordinary leader who turned a little island like Saint Lucia into a proud Asian nation, thanks to the brave and firm decisions he took to turn his country around, not for himself but for his people.

The ‘Letter from the Grave’ was supposedly addressed to world leaders and the jury is still out as to whether Lee actually wrote it and arranged for it be published after he departed on his forever trip along the River of No Return.

The whole point of the letter – obviously a product of a fertile imagination -- was to underline the importance of Leadership, why leaders should not just follow the money, why good leadership breeds good following and why leaders of poor countries shouldn’t fly in private jets to international aid conferences.

But while some may be more interested in who penned it, every part of the 1,250-word letter is equally interesting.

I was indeed taken by the sections referencing how the country became a big player on the world’s oil platform – but, without a drop of oil…

Here’s Lee’s letter: We thought we were so poor it was impossible to survive on our own. We decided to go into a union with other countries to form Malaysia in 1963.

But because of ethnic riots, we were expelled from the union in 1965, and I broke down in tears because I did not see how we were going to survive as a country. It was so bad we had no potable water. We relied on other countries for water to drink!

We had no natural resources. No oil, no gold, no solid minerals, nothing. All we had were human beings — and ports…

Unlike Malaysia, we don’t have a single drop of crude oil on our land. But also, unlike Malaysia, we are one of the biggest exporters, not importers, of petroleum products.

Our country is in the top three of oil-refining centres in the world, yet we don’t have oil! We have some of the biggest refineries in the world.

Meanwhile, Malaysia, with all the oil it produces, has been importing petrol, diesel, kerosene, engine oil and other petroleum products for decades!

Let me shock you: we are the largest oilrig producers in the world!

The World Bank ranks us as the easiest place to do business in the world.

I’m blushing, even in death!

Now, fake or not, the words make good reading…

I don’t know how it sounds in Guyana, but even from a distance, they left a familiar ring...

Yes, Guyana has oil, but how many refineries?

The 83,000 square-mile Caribbean nation sits on the crust on the new global oil frontier in the Guiana Shield and the industry’s

goliaths are lining-up to extract, sell and pay royalties, but down-the-road Guyana has to think of refining its own oil at home, eventually adding this aspect to the Local Content law that preserves certain jobs for locals or ensures certain services are provided within the nation’s wide borders.

It would be foolish to think the nation’s planners today don’t know how much more sense it will make to locate and/or relocate refining of Guyana’s oil products within Guyana.

Saudi Arabia’s experience is pregnant with lessons for Guyana about the fact that, contrary to what Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams said back in the 1970s, oil can in fact ‘spoil’ -- as the Saudi Kingdom that was said to have the most oil in the world and more dollars than sand, but has lost that place to Venezuela and is now having to raise taxes to keep its economy oiled.

So, Guyana has all the lessons before it to have concluded long ago that just like water and eggs, it cannot put all its oil into one basket: the water will drain-out, the eggs can all break together – and oil too, albeit slower.

One of the biggest prospects is that Guyana’s oil wealth, managed properly by governments with the requisite skills and intent, can help oil those other natural resources that have remained in the ground because the country just couldn’t afford to extract.

The bauxite companies didn’t build a smelter in Guyana as it was more profitable to export the upgraded raw material at high prices with low taxes; Omai led the way

for big-time gold extraction; and Barama chopped into forestry – and in all three cases, as now, Guyana has had to lay the bed and make it possible for the oil companies to want to come and have guaranteed bigger Bed-and-Breakfast than Air B&B. That’s still how the world turns today, but with eyes on tomorrow, Guyana has to start looking too at the big projects that it can host like no other CARICOM member-state (except Suriname): an aerospace launchpad like the European Space Agency has next-door in French Guiana.

Guyana’s colonial-era railway infrastructure can be revisited with eyes on a highspeed railway system linking the Guianas; and a satellite city along the Soesdyke-Linden highway would have much promise for better and faster air and rail links to Suriname.

And if Guyana and Venezuela’s leaders can eventually kick the political roadblock obstacles out of their way (considering that everything and anything is always possible between neighbours) and work oil wonders together, what a wonderful thing that would be…

Before that, Guyana and China will, this year, observe 50 years of bilateral ties – and herein also lies new opportunities to set Guyana on that launchpad to prosperity for people being pursued by the current PPP/C administration.

And then there are the more immediate plans to improve people’s lives here and now – and not thereafter.

But first, today’s first real oil-and-gas budget.

Budget 2022 will be transformational

Dear Editor,

THE PPP/C is lauded as a miracle-worker of transformative growth and developmental trajectories in the nation; especially after ensuing socio-economic and infrastructural devastation by the PNC tsunami and its satellites in its Coalition partners and supporting NGOs and media enclaves.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh has asserted that the 2022 national fiscal plan is “historic” and “transformational”.

PPP/C manifestos have always outlined plans, policies and programmes that target growth and developmental paradigms projected to enhance and enrich the lives of Guyanese, individually, and the nation at large. Minister Singh, who was part of the-then President Jagdeo’s visionary team that created a synergy of escalating social development and economic growth, which led to Guyana being ranked as a middle-income economy, is once again the financial whizz who has been tasked with the responsibility of charting the nation’s economic journey into upward mobility. Budget 2022

is promising to be one of superlative plans and programmes intended to catalyse, at individual, community and national levels, a paradisiacal landscape in existential dynamics.

Minister Singh iterated, in an NCN interview, that the government intends to accelerate, with relentless dynamism, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s transformational agenda. This year’s budget promises much, and one can foresee that, within the five-year timespan of the Irfaan Ali-led Government, incremental ingenious and innovative projects and programmes that will eventually streamline this nation into a first-world status; despite the naysayers, gloom and doom prognosticators, hate-mongers and race-baiters; not to mention the arsonists, anarchists, et al, poverty and deprivation would no longer be part of the lexicon describing Guyana.

The negative synergies, hate-fests, unpatriotic, destructive, obstructive actions and rhetoric of the current Coalition cabal, in all the PNC political constructs, have caused severe hardships on Guyanese, such as their forcing economic sanctions on this country that ensued in severe hardship on ordinary Guyanese to undertake simple banking

transactions because of their recalcitrant, anti-national positions on the AML/AFT Bill, the Amaila Falls hydro-project, among a multiplicity of others.

Their negative, obstructionist actions to Guyanese enrichment/empowerment facilitators were again on full display – in the hallowed sanctorum of the National Assembly, no less, on December 29th last, as they attempted to impede the passing of the NRF Bill.

In the area of health, for instance, the projections for an organ transplant initiative was highlighted in an edition of Parliamentary Agenda with Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, where she elucidated that many lives could be saved through the introduction of this ground-breaking, hope-engendering scheme.

As she explained, this will take Guyana into an entirely new arena of medicine. The enactment of the Organ Donor Bill will open avenues for research into tissue transplant to enable saving lives through affordable, life-saving organ transplant operations. Currently, many lives could have been saved if Guyana had the culture of organ donation/ transplant, and government plans to develop many modern hospitals throughout the coun-

try to arrest the preventable loss of lives; as well as to create an organ donor register for those willing to donate their organs to anyone whose lifespan, or reduction in the quality of their lives is threatened by the dysfunction of an organ, or organs.

Modernisation of Guyana has always been a focus of successive PPP/C budgets, as outlined in all its manifestos. How far would we have come if not for the destructive and obstructive PNC and its various satellites?

The enactment of the local content legislation was an enabler to creating opportunities for both Guyanese businesses and individuals, of creating opportunities for Guyanese businesses and citizens to be prioritised in provisioning the oil and gas companies with goods and services.

The myopic trouble-makers in the land would not prevail, and Budget 2022 will fulfil PPP/C Manifesto promises and beyond; unlike the PNC in all its constructs, which always promises “a good life”, but always deliver instead a life devoid of hope, of a life free from poverty, want, and crime.

Yours sincerely, Anson Paul

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Norton replaces Granger as APNU Chairman –– Harmon resigns as General-Secretary

ONE month after he was elected Leader of the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R), Aubrey Norton was, on Tuesday, elected Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Coalition.

The PNC/R is the largest party in the Coalition.

Norton’s appointment to the leadership came during a meeting of the APNU Executive Council, moments after his predecessor, former President David Granger officially reported his decision to demit office as Chair.

During that meeting, APNU General-Secretary, Joseph Harmon, who is also the current Leader of the Opposition (LoO), also demitted office as the

APNU General-Secretary.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle shortly after his appointment, Norton noted that he was glad that the party was moving forward with rectifying issues with the leadership.

“I have always said we will work it out in the party and with the APNU and we are doing that so I am comfortable with what we are doing. The Executive Council met and they elected me and I will meet with them and as we charter the course forward I will stay in contact with the press on where we are heading,” Norton commented in a telephone interview.

Though Granger’s resignation as the APNU Chair

was with immediate effect so as to pave the way for Norton to be elected in the position, Harmon’s exit will not be immediate.

The Executive Council has requested that he continues as General-Secretary for another seven days to facilitate the smooth transition to a new General-Secretary, according to a statement from APNU. APNU made no mention as to who would fill that position.

According to the APNU statement, Tuesday’s Committee meeting was attended by representatives of all five of the constituting members of the Coalition.

Aside from Norton, Granger and Harmon, also

present at the meeting were Jaipaul Sharma from the Equal Rights and Justice Party (ERJP); Vincent Henry from the Guyana Action Party; Tabitha Sarabo-Halley from the Guyana Nation Builders (GNB); and Keith Scott of the National Front Alliance (NFA).

“Members of the Executive thanked the outgoing Chair and General Secretary for their role in advancing the idea of the APNU to what it is today,” the statement said.

Norton’s rise to the APNU leadership comes days after he was criticised by members of the media over his avoidance of the media and refusal to respond to questions over

what is going on with the various leadership positions in the main opposition party.

There had been many questions surrounding the uncertainty over the leadership of the APNU+AFC, the Leader of the Opposition (LoO) post, and the Representative of the List of APNU+AFC, since Norton became leader of the PNC/R in December.

It is customary for the leader of the PNC/R party to also simultaneously hold the position of Leader of the Opposition (LoO), Leader of the APNU+AFC coalition, and Representative of the List for the APNU+AFC. Despite Norton being leader of the PNC/R par-

PNC/R Leader and APNU Chair, Aubrey Norton ty, he is not a Member of Parliament (MP). Harmon, who is currently the LoO, however, is not even an executive member of the PNC/R. In his first press conference as leader of the PNC/R, Norton had indicated that the PNC/R Central Executive Committee (CEC) had made the decision that he should also be the LoO. However, only the Representative of the List can make that decision. Granger is currently the Representative of the List.

Though the party has now cleared up the issue of Leader of the APNU, the confusion over the LoO and Representative of the List still remains.

Much-needed assistance provided to persons with disabilities –– through efforts of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons With Disabilities

In response to the difficulties faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs), especially due to the COVID pandemic, the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) started its food-hamper programme in May 2020.

GCOPD is a non-governmental organisation that represents the majority of PWDs across Guyana, working in areas of advocacy and capacity-building.

“GCOPD recognises PWDs financial challenges and poverty situations. The majority of PWDs are unemployed with limited sources of a stable income. Because of these factors, GCOPD decided to continue the programme of distributing food hampers periodically to the most vulnerable PWDs,” programme co-ordinator, Ganesh Singh, said.

He added that the programme has been extremely helpful to PWDs since it contributes to the reduction of financial burden and the worry of source of funds to purchase basic necessities. Notably, with the help of the hampers, PWDs can utilise their limited funds for other expenses.

Hampers mainly include food, cooking and cleaning supplies. In addition to these, Christmas hampers spread cheer for PWDs with edible goodies enjoyed during the season.

“The programme is mainly funded by members of the private sector and private citizens. The Government of Guyana through

Programme co-ordinator, Ganesh Singh, (left) handing out hampers to Guyana Society for the Blind President, Cecil Morris

the Office of the Prime Minister and the Civil Defence Commission have also been a significant partner in this programme. The Guyana Logistics and Support Services Company (GLASS) has been the largest private sector donor to the programme over the years without any fanfare,” Singh pointed out.

Hampers are distributed to the most vulnerable PWDs in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and 10. The number of bags depends on the level of support received for each hamper drive. Basically, an increase in funding equals more hampers. Usually, 100 hampers are distributed. For the Christmas season, a total of 180 hampers were handed out across the aforementioned regions.

“The overarching goal of the programme is to help subsidise the limited income of PWDs, thereby enhancing their standard of living and providing some level of food security to this vulnerable group,” Singh expressed.

The programme co-ordinator is hopeful that GCOPD can get more support so that the organisation can distribute hampers on a monthly basis.

Also, companies and individuals can “sponsor” a family by contributing in whatever way they can.

GCOPD welcomes donation of grocery items or financial support.

Persons can contact GCOPD on 2317976 or 652-8975 or visit Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities on Facebook.

Hampers distributed to PWDs were made possible by the kind donations from government and private sectors

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Construction commences on five model shade houses

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–– as President’s youth ‘agri’ initiative gets underway

CONSTRUCTION has started on five model shade houses, which form part of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme that was launched on January 11.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, subject minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, visited the project site at the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to assess the progress made thus far.

The facilities under construction, once completed, will be used to guide beneficiaries of the programme on how to properly cultivate high-value crops. The project targets both current and past students of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the University of Guyana (UG), and other budding agriculture entrepreneurs.

The programme, which forms part of the government’s vision for empowering youths while further developing Guyana’s agriculture sector, will see the construction of 25 shade houses in its first phase.

Those shade houses will be used to cultivate high-value crops such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. Each model shade house will have six beds with the capacity to cultivate approximately 500 roots of broccoli or cauliflower.

President Ali, who is also leading the AgriFood Systems Agenda in CARICOM, as part of the implementation and execution phases of the programme, instituted a Special Advisory Committee which comprises ministers of government as well as private sector representatives and other stakeholders to monitor and guide the process.

During Tuesday’s visit,

Minister Mustapha, who is a member of the Special Advisory Committee, said the response to the programme thus far has been astonishing.

“This project will be replicated across the country. We are launching it to help young people get involved in agriculture and also to promote the cultivation of these high-value crops. You’ve heard the amount of imports we have annually for these types of crops.

“We want to enable our youths to tap into that market. When persons graduate from GSA and UG with diplomas and degrees in agriculture, they end up doing office jobs.

We want to give them an opportunity to not only continue in the fields but also earn high incomes,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also said that once the shade houses are complete, NAREI will work with the group for the cultivation stage.

Construction of the first model shade house is expected to be completed by Monday, after which, NAREI will be working with the group to ensure seedlings and seeds for the three identified high-value crops are planted.

MASSIVE PROJECT During the launch, President Ali has said that the initiative, which he described as massive, will, in phase one, see the establishment of a company named “One Guyana” that will be set up by the Special Advisory Committee and managed by the young agriculturalists.

Existing figures state that shade house production per cycle could yield as much as 3,000 pounds, with an annual production yield of 9,000 pounds.

Highlighting that

this initiative cannot be seen as an experiment since those crops are currently being cultivated in See page 10

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha engages some of the persons who are set to benefit from the initiative

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Construction commences on five model...

From page 9

Guyana, President Ali said the consumption pattern of Guyanese shows that those three products are necessary and that with the tourism boost and influx of visitors, there is an economic indication those foods are on demand.

“We are also going to link into the regional food security system. The regional food security system is even more import-

ant. We are the agriculture seat of the region and we have to lead by example.

“Whilst we are working, on one hand, to expand local production in the local market, we are already eliminating the barriers to the regional markets so that we are going to expand this progressively until we are able to reach into the regional market,” the Head of State added.

President Ali also said

One of the model shade houses being constructed at NAREI’s Mon Repos facility that the project will be expanded to include approximately 300 shade houses across the country.

Several youths from Regions Three and Four, who will benefit from the project, were also present at the facility.

Teesha Mangrasingh, who is one of the beneficiaries, said that she was

happy to be a part of the initiative and plans to participate in every aspect of cultivation.

Crystal Charles, who is also integrally involved in the project, said that it gives youths like herself the opportunity to work in the fields and make a difference in the sector.

“I am happy to be a part

of this project so that I can make a difference in the sector. Many agriculture graduates usually prefer to have office jobs.

We are now given the opportunity to work practically in the field and give back to our country and I am very happy to be a part of that,” the youth said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Teen among seven held for $18.5M Rose Hall robbery –– getaway motorcycle recovered

FOLLOWING intense investigations by the police, seven persons were arrested in connection with Monday’s $18.5 million armed robbery committed on a Corentyne businesswoman while the getaway motorcycle has been recovered.

This is according to Region Six Commander, Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud, who provided members of the media with an update on Tuesday.

He said ranks were able to recover the motorcycle and an identification card on Monday evening in a trench in Toopoo Village. The motorcycle is suspected to have

been used by the perpetrators to flee the scene after the robbery.

The media was told that a 17-year-old is among those in custody.

Further, the commander explained that detectives are pursuing different leads and are hopeful for a breakthrough soon.

He explained that in addition to the cash, the gunman also escaped with several cheques. This publication understands that the cheques are together valued in excess of $30 million and were in the bag with the cash.

At around 10:25 hrs on Monday, a gunman pounced

on Nalini Mangali, 43, of Permaul’s Trading and Distribution and her employee as they arrived at the bank.

As the businesswoman exited the vehicle, the bandit placed the female employee, who was sitting in the backseat of the vehicle, on the ground and grabbed a black bag containing the cash and cheques; he then escaped on foot in the northern direction.

He subsequently joined an accomplice who was waiting on the motorcycle.

Meanwhile, this publication was told that this is the third occasion that the business has lost millions of dollars due to robbery.

Commander of Region Six, Boodnarine Persaud

In 2014, Mangali’s husband, Subramani, was about to make a deposit at the bank when he was pounced on and robbed of $10 million in cash; while in 2016 he was robbed of $2million.

Commander Persaud emphasised that it is unsafe for persons to transport large sums of cash by themselves.

As such, he is urging members of the region’s business community to be more alert and to have security accompany them in such situations.

On that note, he expressed

the police’s availability to assist in such circumstances.

“You should have a security maybe from private company. You could even go to the police …We are here to serve and protect, we are here to provide assistance free of charge . We will do that because we want our citizens safe … just for the safety, for the people of Berbice.”

He further advised business owners to invest in high definition cameras as they would assist investigators in their evidence-gathering efforts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Amendments to Powers of Attorney Act will prevent fraud –– Attorney-General says

AS the National Assembly, on Monday evening, passed the Powers of Attorney (Amendment Bill 2021), Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall S.C, said that the deep and far-reaching amendments will prevent miscreants from perpetuating fraud.

For context, a power of attorney or letter of attorney is a written authorisation to represent or act on another’s behalf in private affairs, business, or some other legal matter. The person authorising the other to act is the principal, grantor, or donor.

In his presentation to the 35th sitting of the National Assembly, the Attorney-General highlighted

that the power of attorney in Guyana is unfortunately and often abused by the donee.

To fortify his point, he noted a few cases as evidence.

How is this authority abused? The Legal Affairs Minister outlined this in two ways: one, persons forging the power of attorney document with malintent to secure, for example property; and two, those in control of the power vested in them, abusing it to secure the donor’s savings and/or other assets that they were not given privileges to access.

“Powers of attorney are given too carelessly in this country,” Minister Nandlall said, adding: “This Bill would do the donor better.

Donors’ interest will be pro-

tected. It is intended to protect society, private property and all of us who intend to authorise someone to conduct a transaction, better achieve the purposes of the Act. It seeks to stamp out fraud.”

To weed out the fraud, the amendments to the Bill propose that a power of attorney will only be vested with the donor of the power and the donee of the power appearing personally together before a public notary or magistrate, and the two parties shall provide to the notary or judge, two photograph identification documents that establish their identity and a photocopy of each of the documents.

In the case when the donor is out of the country and the donee is in Guyana, the two parties shall each appear personally before a

public notary or magistrate in the country in which he/ she is and execute the power of attorney, providing the notary and judge with two identification documents that establish his identify and a photocopy of each of the documents.

The Principal Act was also amended, and it speaks to the sections of offences to dishonestly obtain and use power of attorney. It states that a person shall not dishonestly obtain a power of attorney to obtain financial advantage for the person or another person, or to cause loss to the principal or another person. Like the previous offence, the Bill outlines that an attorney shall not commit the same.

Importantly, an attorney who fails to comply with the requirements commits

an offence and is liable on a summary conviction of five years and $5 million fine, and in the case of a corporate body, $10 million.

Other offences include that if any public notary who has been suspended or removed from practice, or whose name is not on the register exercises their power of that office, commits an offence.

In addition, a person who willfully certifies or propounds any false statement or document, or who fraudulently with intent to deceive, conceals, withholds or perverts any fact or document pertinent to the subject of the power of an attorney, commits an offence. These are just a few of the offences listed in the Bill.

“The compendium of measures will go a long [way]

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. to prevent miscreants from perpetrating fraud small in size, but deep and reaching ratifications. The two forms of identification were not inserted into this bill lightly.

It was deliberately drafted this way,” Minister Nandlall said. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

House throws out Opposition motion to ‘stall’ gas-to-energy project

MINISTER of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, has reaffirmed that the US$900 million gas-to-energy project, which is expected to cut energy costs by 50 per cent, will be Guyana’s most transformational project.

Defending the government’s development plan, the Natural Resources Minister said the highly anticipated gas-to-energy project will provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy to the grid.

ect,” Minister Bharrat said.

Further, the project will catalyse growth in other productive sectors, particularly manufacturing and agro-processing. Importantly too, the project will create hundreds of jobs for Guyanese.

Responding to the motion, Minister Bharrat said: “[It] sounds like a lot of questions that could have been asked different and a lot of wild assertions. It sounds as though there was a plan to misrepresent the truth.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat The natural gas from the Liza developments in the Stabroek Block will serve as the catalyst and transition fuel for Guyana, as the world looks to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2050.

Opposition Member of Parliament, David Patterson, brought a formal proposal to the House, asking that the National Assembly put the transformational project on hold and instead send it to a Special Select Committee.

That motion was, however, voted down following intense debates in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

One of several ministers to defend the project, Minister Bharrat said every Guyanese will benefit from the massive infrastructural development.

“This project is probably the most critical, most transformational project that we will witness in the history of this country. Every Guyanese will benefit, cost of living will be reduced and improve the standard of living. We cannot stall such an important and critical proj-

“The coalition’s aim is to slow down the gas-to-energy project, the Corentyne River Bridge, the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, new highways, the energy mix development of hydro and solar, modern and international healthcare and education services, as well as the distribution of house lots to people who need them.”

He added: “We as a country, need to move forward with development and our developmental agenda and we want to say to the coalition that if you are serious about development and you want to get onboard on the development train, then our arms are open.”

The gas-to-energy project which is expected to come on stream by late 2024, is expected to reduce Guyana’s energy sector emissions. The project will also cut electricity costs by more than half. The cost has long been regarded by the private sector as prohibitive to investments. Hence, the government expects the gas-to-energy project to rev-

olutionise and significantly improve the ease of doing business in Guyana.

Just last week, the government through the Ministry of Natural Resources, received bids for the pre-qualification for the gas-to-energy project under the natural gas fired power plant and natural gas liquids (NGL) plant. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Joe Vieira park to undergo multimillion-dollar transformation –– as Guyana, China sign implementation agreement for friendship initiative

A China-Guyana Friendship Monument, amphitheater, picnic lawn, a stand canopy over a pond, twin pavilions, and grounds for football, tennis and basketball, are among major attractions

earmarked for the Joe Vieira Park on the West Bank of Demerara.

Guyana and China signed an implementation agreement for this initiative at the Office of the President, on Tuesday.

Signing on Guyana’s behalf was Commissioner (ag) of the Protected Areas Commission and National Parks Commission, Jason Fraser.

Early estimates place the cost of this initiative

between US$8 million and US$12 million.

“This project is a transformational project and it brings benefits to the health and wellbeing of Guyanese, in particular those that live in West

[from left] Commissioner (ag) of the Protected Areas Commission, Jason Fraser, and Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, Hanming Hu Demerara. saud said.

“The Joe Vieira Park He said the friendship has always provided a park reflects this partnerspace for recreation, espe- ship. Ambassador of China cially during our national to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, holidays, more specifical- noted that though Guyana ly, the Easter holiday – a is rich in green spaces lot of people go there to fly which serve as tourist attheir kites – and generally tractions, many of them provides a space for relax- are in remote areas. ation throughout the year,” “So, I believe this new Fraser said. park will provide the local He said the project will people a modern public enhance the park and pro- place near their home, vide the equivalent of what where they can enjoy the the National Park is for lakeside views, picnic residents of Georgetown, times, fitness exercise, to the people of the West cultural events and recreBank of Demerara. ational activities,” Haiyan Foreign Secretary at related. the Ministry of Foreign Persaud said that PresiAffairs and International dent Dr. Irfaan Ali intends Cooperation, Robert Per- to have similar parks essaud, lauded the deep and tablished around the City abiding relations between of Georgetown, and that Guyana and China since those plans will be unthey established diplomat- veiled in the future. ic ties on June 27, 1972.

June 2022 will mark “Since then, those re- the 50th anniversary of lationships have grown, diplomatic ties. they have blossomed and Looking back to have seen not only people previous cooperation, to people contact, but also the Chinese AmbassaGuyana and China work- dor said: “The governing together on the inter- ments of both countries national stage, in pursuing adhere to a people-cena common international tred philosophy of deagenda, especially in terms velopment. So, in the of peace, food security and past 50 years, all the creating a world order in projects China assisted which we are all respected Guyana with reflected and all have a space in the principle of serving which our voice and our See page 17 positions are known,” Per-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Police, prison officers get training in human rights –– more than a dozen training opportunities scheduled for this year, says US Embassy

OFFICERS of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service are now equipped with more knowledge on human

rights issues, following a recent training session organised by the US State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights

Cop on corruption charge granted $100,000 bail A POLICE constable was, on Tuesday, charged for attempting to pervert the course of justice and was released on $100,000 bail by City Magistrate Rhondell Weever Mario Parasram, 28, of ‘B’ Field, South Sophia, Georgetown was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

He denied that, between June 9 and July 6, 2021, at Georgetown, he willfully attempted to obstruct or pervert the course of justice by demanding the sum of $200,000, from Patris Petrie to prevent the institution of a criminal charge.

Parasram’s attorney, Bernard DaSilva, made an application for bail on Mario Parasram the grounds that his client is the father of two and is the sole breadwinner for his family.

With no objection raised by the court prosecutor, the magistrate granted the accused $100,000 bail and adjourned the case until February 22, 2022.

Man denies killing drinking buddy LEVOY LaCruz called “Jagan”, on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty to fatally stabbing his friend, Reafeal Orin Danns, during a drinking spree in the Lower Pomeroon, just over seven years ago.

LaCruz, 29, of Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two, was indicted for manslaughter at the Essequibo High Court before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.

He denied that, on September 8, 2014, in the county of Essequibo, he unlawfully killed Danns.

A 12-member jury was empanelled to hear the trial, which will begin on February 1, 2022.

The state will be represented by prosecutor Tiffini Lyken while attorney-at-law Latchmi Levoy LaCruz Dindayal is on record for called ‘Jagan’ the accused.

According to reports, on the day in question, around 22:00 hrs, Danns and LaCruz were imbibing when they got into an argument.

LaCruz allegedly armed himself with a kitchen knife and stabbed Danns to his chest. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Charity Hospital.

and Labour.

The session focused on the Department of State’s Leahy Law, which prohibits state assistance to foreign security forces if there is credible information that a security force unit has committed a gross violation of human rights (GVHR), to include extrajudicial killings, torture, forced disappearance, or rape under the color of law.

The training reviewed definitions of GVHR types, the conse-

quences of committing GVHRs, and the pathways to remediating units whose members have committed these actions, so they may once again receive assistance.

Through the United States’ Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), the US Embassy has facilitated the training of 889 police officers in various law enforcement areas, including

major case management, forensic video analysis, narcotics investigations, and intelligence gathering, and is poised to facilitate more than a dozen training opportunities in 2022.

This most recent training is an example of the US government’s commitment to working with Guyanese security forces in promoting respect and protection of human rights in policing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Mottley announces Cabinet

(Nation News) PRIME Minister Mia Amor Mottley, on Monday, announced a smaller Cabinet that featured shifts and new faces.

Santia Bradshaw was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister with coordinating responsibility for infrastructure. She will also be Minister of Transport, Works and Water Resources and Leader of

Government Business in the House of Assembly.

In addition to announcement of ministers, Mottley made a proposal which will require a constitutional amendment to allow an 18-year-old Barbados Scholar, Khalil Kothdiwala, to serve as a senator, if it is accepted.

With regard to other ministries, Dale Marshall will be Attorney-General

and Minister of Legal Affairs. He will also be senior minister coordinating for governance.

Marshall was sworn in on Thursday, along with Mottley, following the Barbados Labour Party 30-0 sweep of the General Election last Wednesday.

The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott will be Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

and Senior Minister coordinating for all social and environmental matters.

Ian Gooding-Edghill will take over the reins of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Kerrie Symmonds’ duties will include Senior Minister coordinating the productive sectors. He will also head the Ministry of Energy and Business Development.

Lisa Cummins is re-

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley taining the portfolio of Tourism and International Business but will also assume responsibility for the Port of Bridgetown.

Cummins was also named as Leader of Government Business in The Senate.

Kay McConney assumes responsibility for Education, Technological and Vocational Training, which was previously held by Bradshaw; while Dwight Sutherland will take over the Ministry of Housing and Lands.

Kirk Humphrey was shifted to the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, while Adrian Forde has responsibility for the Environment and National Beautification. This will include the Blue and Green Economy, with the exception of the Bridgetown Port.

First-timer Davidson Ishmael will head the Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, while Ryan Straughn will remain in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs.

Dr. Shantal Munroe-Knight, who previously headed the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority, will assume duties as a Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Also in the office of the Prime Minister, Sandra Husbands is Minister of State, in both the Ministry of Foreign Trade and The Ministry of Business Development.

Dr. Sonia Browne was named as Minister of State in the Ministry of Health

and Wellness with responsibility for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Non Communicable Diseases.

Another first time Parliamentarian, Dr. Romel Springer, who successfully contested the General Election in St Andrew, will have responsibility for water resources as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Water Resources. He was previously attached to the Ministry of Education.

Corey Lane, a firsttime candidate with a background in social work who won in the city, will assume the position of Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs.

Arthur Holder retains the position of Speaker of the House with Neil Rowe as deputy. Peter Phillips has been nominated as the Chairman of Committees.

I n a n o t h e r ground-breaking move, Mottley announced that Jonathan Reid will assume duties as Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Absent from the new Cabinet are Dr. William Duguid, Marsha Caddle and Cynthia Forde.

Duguid formerly held the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Maintenance; Caddle was Minister in The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment and Forde headed the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

CPA, Director slapped with $25M lawsuit over police detention of teen girl

THE sister of a 14-year-old girl, has filed a $25 million lawsuit against the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) and its Director Ann Greene for negligence and breach of the laws governing child rights.

Attorney-at-law Eusi Anderson filed a statement of claim on the woman’s behalf at the Demerara High Court on Monday. The Attorney General of Guyana is also listed as a respondent.

The AG was named nominally because the CPA is not a statutory body corporate in the statute creating it. As a consequence, liability falls under the AG, as representative of the state.

The family is seeking a declaration from the court that the CPA and its director between December 3-4,2020, breached the statutory duty of care to the child, imposed on them by, inter alia, the Childcare and Protection Agency Act 2009 and the Juvenile Offenders Act, Chap-

ter 10:03.

Also, being sought is a second declaration that the CPA and its director, breached the duty of care to the teen imposed on them by virtue of Guyana’s accession to and ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Resolution No. 44/25 of 20 No. 1989).

As such, the family is seeking damages in excess of $25M against the CPA and Greene for negligence, in so far as they breached the duty of care owed to the teen, which is imposed on them in Guyana’s laws.

The court is also being asked to award exemplary and punitive damages for negligence since the CPA failed to remove the teen from police custody and place her in their care after visiting her at the East La Penitence Police Station where she was detained as part of a narcotics investigation.

According to the court

Joe Vieira park to undergo ...

From page 14 the people.”

She also reflected on the history of Chinese in Guyana, noting that they arrived as early as 1853 and have been hardworking contributors to the country’s economic and social development.

Haiyan also expressed a desire to see more fruitful cooperation in promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s global transport infrastructure initiative, and Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy. (DPI)

An artist’s impression of the China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park

Director of Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ann Greene documents seen by this publication, the teen, who was 14 years, 11 months old at the time, was held against her

will and kept under arrest at the East La Penitence Police station following her arrest on December 3, 2020.

On December 7, 2020, the minor’s family filed habeas corpus proceedings in the High Court and during the hearing of the application, Chief Justice Roxane George ordered that the teen be released into the custody of the CPA. During the hearing, the court documents said, the CPA indicated to the Chief Justice that they were aware of the teen’s detention since December 3,2020 and claimed that efforts were being made to persuade the Police Commander for the Georgetown District to release her into their custody.

While in custody at the police station, the teen was in a lockup with adult female prisoners contrary to provisions of law and duties imposed on the CPA. “ During that time of 3 7 December, 2020, she was subjected to sleeping in an upright position on a wooden chair, sleeping on a mattress and cardboard on cold concrete, sexual predatory advances by other prisoners, being foot cuffed to a wooden chair by her ankles for hours and infinite pain and trauma,” the court documents said.

According to the teen’s family, the CPA agents, during their visit to the police station, were aware of all the transgressions, except the sexual advances from the

other prisoners but did not remove her.

The family is arguing that the CPA neglected its duties when they did not object to the arrest and continued detention of the teen.

Also, the CPA failed to take the teen from the custody of the police station to suitable, minor-friendly and appropriate detention facilities during the course of the police investigation including but not limited to the Sophia Holding Facility.

It is also being claimed that the CPA failed to investigate reports by the teen of sexual harassment, physical abuse and child neglect after she complained of same on December 4, 2020 to their agents.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Indian High Commission to celebrate India’s 73rd Republic Day

WITH COVID-19 causing the cancellation of celebrations in 2021, the Indian High Commission in Guyana intends to hold two events this year in observance of India’s 73rd Republic Day. Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, spoke to the Guyana Chronicle on Monday about the plans for Wednesday’s celebrations.

He said that approximately 600 Indian nationals are expected to gather at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Bel Air, Georgetown, during the morning hours for the

first event.

He assured that all COVID-19 precautions and measures will be followed.

During that event, there will be a short formal ceremony and flag raising for those not able to celebrate India’s Republic Day in their homeland.

The main event will be held at the same venue from 18:00 hours and will be live on several local television channels as well as the commission’s Facebook page.

Dr. Srinivasa told this publication that President Irfaan Ali and members of

his cabinet will be in attendance at the gala event which will include several cultural performances from both Indian and Guyanese nationals.

He noted that being given the opportunity to share this celebration with Guyana is important.

“For us, linkage is very strong. The Indian culture, religion, customs, tradition and language are held dearly,” he said.

Republic Day marks the day when the Indian Constitution took effect.

The constitution was enacted on January 26, 1950, initiating a new era in the history of India.

A performance during the 2020 celebrations

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 26, 2022

Spots up for grabs as Harpy Eagles play final four-day practice match TODAY will mark the start of the Guyana Harpy Eagles’ practice match in preparation for next month’s Regional Four-Day Championship, and players will be eyeing solid performances to stake a claim for selection.

Former Guyana Cricket Board Senior Chairman of Selectors, Ramnaresh Sarwan, had stated that players who produce standout performances would be under consideration for selection as the Guyanese franchise looks to regain its hold on the title.

In the two matches at Al-

bion between Leon Johnson’s XI and Keemo Paul’s XI, there were several notable performances.

Shimron Hetmyer made 149, wicketkeeper/batter Tevin Imlach scored 106, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Trevon Griffith and Kemol Savory scored fifties, Antony Adams took five-wicket haul and Junior Sinclair took an 11-wicket match-haul.

According to a release from the GCB yesterday, the Best v Best match commences today at Guyana National Stadium, Providence and the scheduled time is 09:30hrs -

‘Intent’ required to counter England... (From back page) clinical and consistent then we can make our lives a lot easier when we go to bat.”

He added: “Having said that, the challenge is out there for every individual to bring consistency. I think consistency is something we have spoken about for years and I just think it’s time we start heading in the right direction.

“We just want to see some progression and development consistently.”

SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain), Fa-

American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Cagua Race 2 Pretty Rachel Race 3 Bayou Melody Race 4 Chacalosa Race 5 Spooky Spice Race 6 Blushing Keylen Race 7 Leviosa South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:10 hrs Chelsea Flower 08:50 hrs Name Of The Game 09:25 hrs Shavout 09:58 hrs Irish Belle 10:35 hrs Two Of Us English Racing Tips Lingfield 09:00 hrs Eagle’s Realm

bian Allen, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Jason Holder, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr. ENGLAND – Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Liam Dawson, George Garton, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Tymal Mills, David Payne, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, James Vince, Harry Brook.

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16:30hrs.

Leon Johnson’s XI: Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Leon Johnson, Vishaul Singh, Anthony Bramble, Sachin Singh, Clinton Pestano, Junior Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Antony Adams, Ronaldo Ali Mohamed, Joshua Jones, Demetri Cameron, Qumar

Torrington Keemo Paul’s XI: Trevon Griffith, Raymond Perez, Marvin Dindyal, Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savory, Akshaya Persaud, Joshua Persaud, Keemo Paul, Nial Smith, Keon Joseph, Ronsford Beaton, Kevin Sinclair, Veerasammy Permaul, Steven Sankar, Ashmead Nedd.

Places are potentially up for grabs in the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for next month’s Regional four-day competition

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 26, 2022

Mane suffers concussion, scores then leaves field as Senegal reach AFCON last eight SADIO Mane scored as Senegal beat nine-man Cape Verde 2-0 in the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations, but was immediately forced off with concussion.

Mane curled in off the underside of the crossbar

soon after keeper Vozinha had been dismissed over a nasty clash of heads with the Liverpool forward.

Mane continued despite appearing to be briefly knocked out in the incident.

After celebrating his goal

he lay down and before the game restarted he was led off the field.

Cape Verde midfielder Patrick Andrade had been shown a straight red card midway the first half, while Bamba Dieng added Sene-

gal's second in second-half injury time.

The match in Bafoussam was preceded by a minute's silence for the victims of the crush at the Olembe Stadium on Monday.

Senegal will face either

Vozinha and Sadio Mane both needed treatment after their clash of heads in the second half

Mali or Equatorial Guinea in the last eight on Sunday.

CONCERN FOR MANE AFTER CLASH Tournament organisers, the Confederation of African Football, may have questions to answer about their concussion protocols after Vozinha and Liverpool striker Mane were both floored in the 53rd minute.

The Cape Verde keeper rushed out of his box in an attempt to intercept a long kick downfield by Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy and collided head-first at pace with Mane, who had got to the ball first and headed

forward.

After a lengthy stoppage a clearly groggy Vozinha was about to be substituted but, following a video assistant referee (VAR) review, deserved to receive Cape Verde's second red card for his reckless challenge.

Somehow Mane was deemed fit to continue and, after having a shot saved by substitute keeper Marcio Rosa, the forward then broke the deadlock from the resulting corner.

With further medical assessments to follow, Mane will surely be a doubt for Senegal's quarter-final tie. (BBC Sport)

UCCA benefits from donation of $340,000 worth of pitch covers … BCB also hands over funds to Chesney CC

BCB president Hilbert Foster hands over the covers to UCCA treasurer Victor Thakurdeen in presence of UCCA and BCB officials

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) recently handed over $340 000 worth of pitch covers to the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) for clubs in the area.

Foster, in handing over the covers to representatives of the UCCA, made it quite clear that the covers were to be used for BCB and UCCA

tournaments, especially semifinals and finals.

He urged the association to take proper care of the covers. Foster further noted that the covers were the third set to be obtained by the proactive board, with the other two being kept at the Albion ground and the Cotton Tree ground in West Berbice.

(Turn to page 34)

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 26, 2022

Nadal defeats Shapovalov to reach semi-finals in Melbourne RAFAEL Nadal overcame an abdominal injury and Denis Shapovalov to win in five sets as he reached his 36th Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open yesterday.

The Spaniard, who is gunning for a record 21st Grand Slam title, appeared to be cruising with a two-set lead before the Canadian mounted a fightback.

But Nadal, who had called the trainer for an abdominal issue during the fourth set, made his experience count to move ahead early in the fifth and hold on for a 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3 victory.

A relieved Nadal said: "I was completely destroyed.

Very tough day, very warm.

I didn't practise for it.

"I was a little bit lucky at the beginning of the fifth. At the beginning of the match, I was playing great but I know how difficult it is to play against a player like Denis.

lucky that I was serving great in the fifth. It was a great test and I really believe I'm going to be ready for that semi-final.”

Shapovalov was unable to find his best form in the opening set, though, and then showed his frustration by getting into a row with umpire Carlos Bernardes over the time Nadal was taking between points.

Rafael Nadal is gunning for a record 21st Grand Slam title

"For me, it's amazing to be in the semi-finals."

The 35-year-old has two days off to try to recover physically before his semi-final against Matteo Berrettini, who beat Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 6-2.

"I started to feel not very well in my stomach," said the sixth seed. "I think I was

Guyanese Campbelle, Fraser impress for West Indies Women in South Africa WEST Indies Women opened their tour to South Africa on a winning note when they defeated a South Africa Women's XI by 53 runs in a warm-up match at the Imperial Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday.

Batting first, West Indies Women posted 202 all out from 46.5 overs, as Guyanese Shemaine Campbelle topscored with 42 off 48 deliveries, which included five fours, followed by Rashada Williams with 30 off 73, inclusive of three fours.

Nadine de Klerk returned the best bowling figures for South Africa Women's XI with 3-27 from seven overs followed by Tumi Sekhukhune with 2-20 from five overs.

Tazmin Brits and Delmari Tucker top-scored for South Africa Women's XI with 32 and 24 respectively.

Bowling for West Indies Women, Guyanese Cherry Ann Fraser caused a middle-order collapse in her spell, finishing with 3-11 from four overs while Shamilia Connell wrapped up the innings with 2-13 and a direct-hit run-out.

West Indies Women's head coach Courtney Walsh was pleased with the performance but says the preparations are not complete with

a win.

Walsh said, "I thought the girls did well; it was good to get out in the middle and play today. We haven't played a lot of cricket of late so even though it was a practice match, the atmosphere and execution went pretty well. Most of the girls had decent knocks and a decent bowl as well.

“What I was most impressed with was the two Super-Over practice scenarios we had as well, with how precise and good the execution was.

This win will give us confidence going into the series but also for the World Cup." West Indies will return to the Imperial Wanderers Stadium on Friday, January 28 for the first of four One Day Internationals against South Africa Women. It is a day/ night fixture with the first ball at 14:00hrs (08:00hrs Eastern Caribbean/07:00hrs Jamaica).

FULL SQUAD: Stafanie Taylor (captain), Anisa Mohammed (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Jannillea Glasgow, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Mandy Mangru, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Kaysia Schultz, Shakera Selman, Rashada Williams.

It did not distract Nadal, who moved into a two-set lead, but Shapovalov began to turn the tide in the third set and clinched it with a backhand winner after his opponent was given a time violation.

Nadal began to look weary and troubled in the fourth set, leaving the court for six and a half minutes at the end

of it for a medical examination and a toilet break.

Two double faults - he served 11 during the match - put him in trouble in the opening game of the decider but Shapovalov could not take advantage and then dropped serve himself to give Nadal a lifeline.

The Spaniard seized it, finding more conviction in

his shots again and exploiting costly errors from his opponent, who felt he had the match in his grasp.

When a final backhand volley drifted wide, Shapovalov smashed his racquet angrily on the court while Nadal celebrated reaching his 36th Grand Slam semi-final.

(Sky Sports)

38

GCF membership has tripled over the last three months ‒ Raghunauth

First-ever U12 female champion, Kristin Xavier, (fourth from left) and other winners of the Girls’ U12, U10 and U8 divisions

VICE-president of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), Anand Raghunauth, said this week that the membership of the GCF has tripled in the last three months, due to the expansion of the Chess in Schools Programme.

The GCF executive member made the comment during the presentation ceremony for the winners of the National Under-12 Rapid Chess Championships, which was held on Sunday at the Grand Coastal Hotel.

This increase is not only growing the overall junior numbers but is seeing an increase in young female chess players, hence the inaugural female U12 championships two Saturdays ago.

“The federation has over 50 players in the beginners and the advanced beginners levels. We also have over 50 children set to begin learning the game, including 25 from Essequibo and two from Linden. We have also seen a significant increase in females and the proliferation of chess enthusiasts in the targeted schools for this initial phase.”

Stephen Francis is the point person in Linden and according to Raghunauth he is doing the legwork to get children interested in the game.

He said Francis has a history of working with youth development and was keen on getting the federation into the region.

“The federation is look-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday January 26, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) WI won by 9 wickets (2) Jason Holder (WI) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the second T20 International of the current WI/ENG series?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ing to spread the game to all the regions, with the help of people like Stephen Francis.

The aim is to give all Guyanese students a chance to learn and play this beautiful game.”

The GCF vice-president also announced that systems are being streamlined to host the Junior National Qualifiers and Senior Blitz Championships in the coming months.

President of the GCF, Frankie Farley, said that with the improvement in technology, it is now easier to teach the game to hundreds of youths across the country and noted that GCF would continue to expand its numbers.

Meanwhile, DeSinco’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Alicia DeAbreu, expressed her gratitude to the parents of the players in the tournament, thanking them for their active encouragement and support.

She also praised their initiative and forward-thinking approach in recognising the value of learning chess and all the benefits it brings to young minds.

DeSinco has also given its commitment to sponsor more chess tournaments in 2022.

At last Sunday’s presentation ceremony, the respective U12, U10 and U8 winners were presented with their prizes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 26, 2022

UAE, Ireland into Plate semi-finals UNITED Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ireland booked their places in the Plate semi-finals as the next stage of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup got off to a thrilling start in Trinidad and Tobago.

UAE survived a dramatic batting collapse to edge past Uganda by one wicket and set up a clash with either host nation West Indies or Papua New Guinea in the next round. And Philippus le Roux was Ireland’s hero, digging in for a vital unbeaten 83 to help his side post a total which proved comfortably beyond Canada’s ability.

Ireland will now meet the winners of tomorrow’s clash between Zimbabwe and Scotland while Canada join Uganda in the Plate play-off semi-finals.

Adhitya Shetty shone with the ball and held his nerve with the bat as UAE recovered from a collapse to overcome Uganda by one wicket.

Shetty took four wickets to help dismiss the Baby Cricket Cranes for 123 and later saw his side home with the bat during a nail-biting finish in Port of Spain.

Uganda opted to bat upon winning the toss and started cautiously, adding 30 for the opening wicket before Ronald Opio was trapped in front

by Shetty in the 11th over.

The leg-spinner went on to claim Uganda skipper Pascal Murungi (23) among his other scalps, finishing with four for 29 from his 10 overs, to keep the batting side in check. Ronald Lutaaya displayed resistance in his 25 but when he was runout, Uganda lost their final five wickets for the addition of just 38 runs – Aayan Afzal Khan mopping up the tail with two for seven.

UAE made a strong start to their pursuit of 124, Kai Smith hitting five boundaries in a fluent 25, and were almost halfway to their target in the 15th over for the loss of just Smith. But the pendulum swung in Uganda’s direction in the space of 14 balls as UAE fell from 61 for

one to 62 for five.

Matthew Musinguzi and Joseph Baguma were the destroyers-in-chief and finished with three wickets apiece to set up a thrilling finish.

Khan’s 22 and a patient 63ball 15 from Soorya Sathish gave UAE hope but both fell to Edwin Nuwagaba to put Uganda back in the driving seat.

Enter Shetty, whose two boundaries included a superb drive over extra cover which brought the scores level – number 11 Jash Giyanani then swept to the mid-wicket fence to complete the job with 9.3 overs to spare..

A fine unbeaten 83 from le Roux set Ireland on their way to a 94-run victory over Canada, who remain in search of their first victory of the competition.

Canada started well with the ball, Ethan Gibson taking two early wickets – including danger man Joshua Cox, who struck a century against Uganda in the group stage – to reduce Ireland to 34 for three. le Roux arrived at the

crease to begin the rebuilding job but soon lost the company of his captain Tim Tector (15) as Canada continued to apply pressure.

When Gibson (three for 36) returned to clean-bowl Matthew Humphreys for a duck, Ireland were in trouble at 90 for seven but le Roux continued to stand firm. He added 48 with Jamie Forbes (25) and struck 12 boundaries in all as he carried Ireland to 179, at which point he ran out of partners 17 short of a century.

Canada were quickly on the back foot in reply, falling to 12 for three as Reuben Wilson removed both openers. Kairav Sharma (19) and Gurnek Johal Singh (15) were the only batters to reach double figures as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with all the bowlers chipping in.

Wilson was the pick of the attack, finishing with three for 18, while Forbes claimed two for two as Canada were bowled out for 85 with 20.4 overs unused. (ICC Media)

UCCA benefits from donation of $340,000... (From page 32) The board has also paid for another two covers which would be collected shortly, bringing the total to five covers across the county, an investment of close to $1.7M. Foster expressed thanks to Minister Susan Rodrigues and the management of Vitality Inc for their investment into Berbice cricket.

Meanwhile, BCB also handed over funds to Chesney CC after the club had sought sponsorship to purchase two 30ft by 40ft tarpaulins that would be used to cover their pitch in the event of rain.

Funds were also approved to assist the Whim, Kildonan and Port Mourant cricket clubs along with the Berbice Cricket Association (BCA), with tarpaulins, as great ef-

fort is being made to prevent the weather from affecting matches.

Delegates also authorised the executives of the BCB to consider an application from the Tucber Park Cricket Club for full membership of the BCB. The executives will set up a five-man committee to look into the request before taking it back to the full membership for final say .

Also, BCB updated its membership on a wide range of developments including the upcoming visit of Sir Curtly Ambrose, the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Countywide coaching programme, gear for youths, 2022 Award Ceremony and preparation of inter-county teams.

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 26, 2022

Three GFF technical staff pass new CONCACAF B Licence Course THREE senior members of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Department have passed the recently-launched CONCACAF B coaching licence course, which is the highest coaching qualification currently offered by the regional governing body.

GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood, who also holds the UEFA A Licence, GFF Assistant Technical Director Bryan Joseph and GFF Coaching Mentor Linsworth Gilbert, achieved the qualification aimed at CONCACAF member-association’s technical directors and senior coach educators via the inaugural 2021 course.

The qualification, open only to coaches with a current CONCACAF C licence qualification, empowers coaches to deliver CONCACAF C licence courses at the local level, which had previously required the involvement of non-domestic CONCACAF coach educators.

“We are delighted to be able to facilitate these essential training opportunities for our staff with the support of CONCACAF as we upskill our coaches and coach educators to improve standards in our programmes and competitions,” said Technical Director Greenwood.

“The course, which is the highest level of qualification currently offered by CONCACAF, is vital for the development of football across the region, and we look forward to enabling more of our

From left: Bryan Joseph, Ian Greenwood and Linsworth Gilbert with their CONCACAF B Licence Certificates (Photo: GFF)

coaches to graduate through the coaching education pathway in the near future.”

The new course is part of CONCACAF’s ‘Train the Trainer’ programme, which currently offers qualification at D, C and B licence levels that are recognised across the CONCACAF region.

A record 14 GFF-affiliated coaches are also currently on their way to achieving the C licence.

“I’m very honoured to have received my CONCACAF B licence certificate. I believe it’s proof of, and a fitting reward for, the hard work that I’ve put towards the development of myself as a coach and as an administrator of football,” said Assistant Technical Director Joseph.

“I’m overjoyed to know that I am among the first group of coaches that would have received the official

CON CACAF B licence certification. Now we are equipped, we are able to contribute heavily to the development of football in Guyana and to deliver CONCACAF C licence course to our local coaches.

“We want to encourage all the coaches out there to push towards upskilling themselves and trying to attain the highest licences that are available, so we can all contribute to the growth of the game in Guyana.”

In order to maintain the validity of a qualification, coaches must undergo regular refresher courses and assessment. The failure to refresh qualifications in the past led to a situation where no GFF-affiliated coaches had valid certification when the current administration took over in November 2015.

Since then, with the support of CONCACAF, GFF

has facilitated training and certification for 72 CONCACAF D licensed and CONCACAF C licensed coaches as part of its long-term strategy to sustainably grow and maintain a professionally qualified pool of coaches in Guyana.

“Aspiring to achieve the B licence has been a personal and national objective for me,” said coach Gilbert, who is also the president of the Guyana Football Coaches Association.

“The GFF’s national coaching education programme has reflected ambition in the coaches across the country. The support we are now getting from the GFF is

great and it shows that our football is improving both from a coaching perspective and from a player development perspective.”

“It’s very important for us to continue to aspire to greater heights and to achieve higher levels of coaching licences,” Gilbert continued.

“As a nation, being able to be involved in higher licensing programmes gives our national programme a boost, and it also gives us the confidence that we have the level of education to be able to compete not only in CONCACAF, but more generally at an international level.”

Active football coaches who are interested in pursuing official coaching qualifications should contact their local GFF regional association or the GFF Technical Department for further information about introductory courses that act as the first step on the journey through the graded stages of CONCACAF certification.

“The GFF Executive Committee, under my leadership, has been steadfast in its commitment to investing in and facilitating the professionalisation and development of our coaches with the vital support of our close partners in CONCACAF,

FIFA and UEFA,” said GFF president Wayne Forde.

“We still have some way to go to reach the levels of certification we would like to see across the board, but I am very pleased to say we are rapidly making up for the previous, long-term absence of a sustained coaching education strategy in Guyana, which held back the professional development of our coaches and players for decades.”

“I want to commend our technical staff, under the leadership of Ian Greenwood, for overseeing this turnaround in the last few years,” Forde added.

“I would also like to congratulate these three individuals for their dedication and hard work in achieving these new qualifications, which mean we can now accelerate GFF-delivered coaching education up to and including the CONCACAF C licence.

I want to encourage all budding and existing coaches to come forward and begin or continue their own development through this structured coaching programme, so that we continue to build stronger foundations for the future of football together.” (GFF release)

‘On the money’! This was the shot that put Guyana’s Ijaz Cave on the canvas during the first round of his light heavyweight quarterfinals clash with Sweden’s Robin Enontekio

A dejected Ijaz Cave watches as Sweden’s Robin Enontekio is officially declared the winner of their light heavyweight quarterfinals bout

Unfortunate ‘KO’ defeat for Cave at IMMAF World Championships

By Rawle Toney in Abu Dhabi (Compliments: Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation/National Sports Commission) IJAZ Cave's first-round knockout defeat yesterday ended Guyana's participation at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

Cave, making his Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) debut, faced off against Sweden’s Robin Enontekio in quar-

terfinals of Men’s Light Heavyweight division at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Jiu-Jitsu Arena.

Both fighters received a firstround ‘bye’ and were just one win away from earning a medal.

Just like boxing, fighters are guaranteed a bronze medal if they reach the semi-finals.

Following a scouting report, coach Bruce Fraser told Cave to keep his guards up, since the Swedish fighter’s style is similar to that of the Guyanese and at any time, it can

be ‘lights out’.

Before being the recipient of a timely and 'on the money' left hook, Cave was the aggressor and was winning the round.

With a solid foundation in boxing, Cave connected to Enontekio at the start of the fight. Unfortunately, he dropped his guards, just like coach Fraser haad warned and Enontekio 'checked him'.

Doctors rushed into the cage after Cave was unresponsive for a few seconds. He came to himself

after being helped to his feet As per tournament protocols, Cave was escorted to the nearby hospital to undergo medical examination.

Dr Sarwan Jagnarain, head of the Guyanese delegation, accompanied the fighter to the hospital and reported that he's kept for observation under the tournament's concussion protocols.

With the win, the Swedish fighter picked up his second victory in the Octagon in eight outings. He was

‘Intent’ required to counter England spinners, says Holder BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Jason Holder wants to see more conviction in the approach from West Indies’ batters, as the home side chase a series lead in today’s third Twenty20 International against England.

West Indies dominated last Saturday’s opener to win by nine wickets but a top-order batting collapse cost them dearly in the second game on Sunday, and they slipped to an agonising one-run defeat at Kensington Oval.

The Caribbean side’s batters struggled against off-spinner Moeen Ali (3-24) and leg-spinner Adil Rashid (2-24) during the loss and Holder said adjustments must be made, especially against the spin duo.

“I think we’ve just got to show more intent and intent does mean hitting the ball in the air or being reckless,” all-rounder Holder told yesterday’s media conference.

“I just think we need to be more precise in our footwork and committing to certain things – not being tentative.

“For me personally when you look at West Indies cricket and playing slow bowling over the last decade, a lot of it has been tentative. And that’s because you’re unsure sometimes, yes, but you can be unsure and still show intent and have a bowler guessing.

“I think we’ve got to impose ourselves a little bit more and just show more intent with our footwork and just commit to more stroke-play.”

He continued: “It all boils down to intent. I think intent goes a very, very long way and it’s a funny word for a lot,

because a lot of people tend to believe intent means swiping and being aggressive, but you could be showing that intent with your footwork and that’s how batting works.”

The two games so far have been a tale of opposites for West Indies. In the opener, they blasted England out for 103 with Holder leading an outstanding bowling effort with a career-best haul of four for seven.

Opener Brandon King then hit an unbeaten half-century as the hosts easily overhauled their target.

Sunday’s encounter, however, saw West Indies wobbling on 98 for eight in the 17th over in pursuit of 171, representing a massive batting failure.

A record, unbroken ninth-wicket stand of 72 between Akeal Hosein (44 not out) and Romario Shepherd (44) nearly turned the tables towards the end.

On the back of those performances, Holder said it was important West Indies produced a “complete” performance,

coming off a four-fight consecutive defeat.

The Guyana Police Force Lance Corporal, along with fellow fighter, Corwin D’Anjou, became the first Guyanese to participate at an International Mixed Martial Arts Federation World Championships.

This edition of the IMMAF World Championships is touted as the largest in the tournament's 10-year history, with over 450 athletes from 57 countries participating.

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder

especially in the fielding department.

“We’ve just got to keep challenging ourselves to play a complete game,” said the 30-year-old.

“To be honest, I don’t think we were good enough in the field for the last encounter, and that probably hurt us at the end of the game.

“I think if we’re a lot more TURN TO PAGE 31 ►

Mane suffers concussion, scores then leaves 32 field as Senegal reach AFCON last eight PAGE

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2022