Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26-01-2023

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, met with a group of young professionals from the agriculture sector at State House. The team of five individuals, who

photo)

Teamwork integral to regional development

- PM tells leaders at CELAC summit

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, reiterated Guyana’s support for CELAC Member States while addressing issues of inequality and marginalisation.

During his address at the Seventh Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Prime Minister also spoke about finding solutions to ensure the sustainable and resilient development of people across the Region.

“Let me reiterate the continued commitment of the Government of Guyana to this regional integration process and to the efforts towards

the attainment of sustained economic advancement and growth of our respective states and the region as a whole,” he said.

Prime Minister Phillips added that “co-operation and unity” were necessary to advance growth and development in the region.

“It is important for the citizens of the region to enjoy peace, security and fundamental freedoms. This will be essential for democracy to flourish. Guyana remains committed to the common principles of democracy, good governance, respect for the rule of law and the protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. These are critical elements to the maintenance of peace and security across our

Region,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

The Prime Minister added that as the world begins to recover from the COVDI-19 pandemic and all of its socioeconomic effects, it is crucial to keep in mind that “Our survival as a Region demands a collective response through a comprehensive programme of action.”

He noted that CELAC provides the opportunity for “us to strengthen these partnerships not only within the region but through third-party engagements.”

Prime Minister Phillips added that climate change, food security, and managing debt remain priority issues to be collectively handled.

Speaking on climate

change, he said the crisis has worsened, with Small Island and LowLying Coastal Developing States like Guyana being particularly affected.

“It is imperative that a balanced and commensurate global response, addressing mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage, be realised; our very lives depend on it,” the Prime Minister said.

Guyana, he explained, has adopted a Low Carbon Development Strategy, which aims to combat climate change; emphasise services provided by forests and other ecosystems; promote future growth through clean energy and sustainable economic activities; and align economic and social policies with

global climate goals.

Food security measures were also highlighted along with CARICOM’s drive to reduce its food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

The Prime Minister had also signalled Guyana’s support for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, prior to them winning CELAC’s rotating presidency for 2023.

The islands were the first of the Englishspeaking Caribbean to present their candidature for this position.

THE SEVENTH SUMMIT OF CELAC

On Tuesday, representatives from 33 member states signed and released the “Bue-

nos Aires Declaration” (CELAC).

The declaration emphasises CELAC member states’ commitment to collaborate in order to safeguard the rights and interests of the regional populace and to accelerate the process of regional integration.

It called for the end of the US blockade against Cuba. The CELAC countries also expressed their support for dialogue between the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolas Maduro and the political opposition.

The Buenos Aires declaration also endorsed Argentina’s legitimate rights to the Falkland Islands, which are currently listed as a United Kingdom Overseas Territory.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, reiterated Guyana’s support for CELAC Member States while addressing issues of inequality and marginalisation

Feet on accelerator

- Minister Edghill outlines ‘modernisation and transformation’ agenda

By Clestine Juan

MINISTER of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, said Government would be “accelerating” the modernisation, transformation, and creation of sustainable development in the infrastructure sector, which seek to enhance the lives of Guyanese further.

Minister Edghill, during his presentation on Wednesday to the National Assembly on the 2023 National Budget debate, stated that the Government would be focused on the task, especially to pick up after the shortcomings of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition during its time in Government.

“I rise to support a strategic, purpose-driven and well-orchestrated budget to continue to promote Guyana’s development to bring about transformation, modernisation, and prosperity for all the people of Guyana,” the Minister said as he addressed the House.

Over a week ago, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh,

announced the $781.9 billion 2023 budget, with $136 billion specifically set aside for roads and bridges.

“Budget 2023 makes allocations for about $136 billion that will be spent on roads and bridges. But, Mr. Speaker, when I seek to tell you what we will do with the monies that have been appropriated, let me tell you about our scorecard of what has transpired since we are in office in 2020,” the Minister said.

Some of the projects that will commence and continue with funding from Budget 2023 include the New Demerara River Bridge, Corentyne River

Minister Edghill said that, in the October 2020 budget, the administration completed four coastal bridges; in 2021, 14 coastal bridges-moving them from wood to concrete were completed. In 2022, 13 coastal and 45 hinterland bridges are currently under construction, thus “moving from wood to concrete being built to international standards,” while maintaining 40 bridges.

“Are you seeing the magnitude of what is taking place as it relates to

Guyana’s development in terms of rehabilitation of main access roads?” the Minister said to the house.

Standing at the podium, Minister Edghill recalled standing before the National Assembly as an opposition member and criticising the project’s lack of progress.

“I’m happy to announce that, currently, the last report as of January 20, 144 Guyanese are employed working on the Linden to Mabura road. There’s a mobilisation of more than 176 pieces of equipment that is actively engaged in that role,” he said.

He further told the house that Budget 2023 will also cater for a new office complex for government offices with the possibility of accommodating some 6000 workers, consolidating old government offices into one place to ensure greater efficiency.

The minister said this would move away from the multiple buildings that must be maintained and the monies paid for office space rentals.

“Are you aware that we are advancing that 2.8 kilometres of that fourlane, high-span concrete bridge across the Demerara River? That contract

is advancing,” he told the House Speaker.

Additionally, he singled out the construction of the four-lane highway along the railroad embankment and the development of the continuation of the East Coast Road, which is also covered in the 2023 budget.

Turning to river transportation, Minister Edghill informed the House that the new Indian ferry, the MV Malisa, has already left Kolkata and will arrive in Georgetown in the first quarter of 2023.

With the ferry coming, the Minister said that two wharves would have to be built at Kingston and Port Kaituma to adequately cater for the “roll on- roll off “type of ferry. He added that further advancements would have to be made for Mabaruma and Morawhanna stellings.

“I would like to assure the people of Guyana that team PPP/C, under the guidance of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the other cabinet ministers guiding the Ministry of Public Works, will continue to do all that is necessary for the modernisation, transformation, and development of Guyana,”.

He continued: “Our

commitment is to serve all the people without discrimination. We will not be manipulated by criticisms to give preferential treatment to prove any point to anyone. We will continue to work with our objective criteria in ensuring that in the delivery of services, people who never had, people who never benefit, and people who didn’t benefit will now begin to benefit first while we bring benefit to all the people of Guyana.”

The Minister added that the PPP/C government has a “track record of implementation, and getting things done,” with the budget allocation “to ensure that Guyana’s development, transformation, and modernisation is not stymied, but rather accelerated.”

“Somebody wants us to mash brakes, but we mashing the accelerator. We know which peddle to put our foot on… We are mashing the accelerator because the people of Guyana are impatient. “They want development, they want Guyana to modernise and that’s what we are doing, and we will deliver to them.” Minister Edghill said to loud roars from his side of the House.

National housing drive reaches unprecedented levels

- Minister Rodrigues says

MINISTER within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, while defending the 2023 budget, said the administration is the most consultative and will lead Guyana into the future with clearly defined strategies to ensure the prosperity of all Guyanese.

In supporting Budget 2023 during the ongoing debates

on Wednesday, Minister Rodrigues said that, to date, no sound arguments have been advanced by the APNU and AFC Opposition against this year’s budget.

Minister Rodrigues reminded that, under the APNU+AFC’s tenure, no new housing schemes were developed for Guyanese.

“We are investing in infrastructure aimed

at improving lives, not infrastructure like D’Urban Park or arches which are useless and don’t add value to people’s lives. The evidence of our achievements is available for all to see,” the minister highlighted.

Addressing the issues of water and sanitation, the minister referred to the $1.8 billion spent on a chemical to treat water, which

Bridge, Linden to Mabura Road, Wismar Bridge, and Kurupukari River Crossing Bridge, among many more.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues

National housing drive reaches...

was a temporary solution to the water woes faced in various areas in the country.

Minister Rodrigues said, on average, it costs $1.2 billion to construct a permanent, large treatment plant that can give treated water to over 1,000 persons.

She noted that since

assuming office in August 2020, the government has embarked on a housing programme on a scale never seen before in Guyana.

The minister said all communities are part of Guyana’s transformative development agenda, highlighting there are ongoing infrastructure works in 54 new

housing schemes.

“All across this country people will have access to housing. We have increased our housing construction drive so that people can achieve homeownership faster because we are making it more affordable,” Rodrigues related.

To make home ownership easier for citizens, the government has also established a Home Construction Assistance Programme through financial organisations that will allow persons to access funds to build their

homes.

Since banks have significantly lowered their interest rates, many people are benefitting from the favourable investment environment.

The government continues to assist persons who have the means to construct their homes, through the cement and steel subsidy programme, which was launched in July 2022.

Additionally, some 1,355 areas have been regularised.

To date, the ministry has allocated some 20,500 house lots

which form part of its manifesto’s promise to allocate 50,000 by 2025.

Minister Rodrigues told the National Assembly, that with a budgetary allocation of $54.4 billion in housing and $17.4 billion for water, the ministry will continue its work which commenced in August 2020, to attain all its objectives in its carefully outlined fiveyear plan.

In 2022, 14,974 new applications were submitted by young people, which shows tremendous confidence

in the housing programme.

Government has also seen tremendous success in the hinterland housing programme which has recorded improved access from 46 per cent in 2020 to 75 per cent by the end of 2022.

“By the end of 2023, after we have executed this budget and implemented the programmes in this year’s budget, we will be at 85 per cent access across our hinterland communities,” Minister Rodrigues added. (DPI)

Hinterland communities will benefit fully from Guyana’s resources

- Minister Sukhai affirms

AMERINDIANS will see their lives being improved as the government has allocated $4.7 billion towards their development and millions more in the health, education, infrastructure and social services sectors.

This assurance was given by Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, during day three of the budget debates at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, on Wednesday.

Minister Sukhai told the National Assembly that the government has a vested interest in ensuring that hinterland and Amerindian communities benefit from all resources and programmes that will improve their lives.

Among the many initiatives in the 2023 budget is $500 million that will go towards advancing land titling in Amerindian communities.

This will ensure Amerindian communities have absolute ownership of their lands.

In 2022, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry delivered seven village extensions and five Certificates of Title to Amerindian communities.

“The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will be pursuing 19 demarcations and 11 land extensions, far more than the zero which the APNU+AFC delivered to the Amerindians,” minister Sukhai pointed out.

An additional $500 million is earmarked to continue construction and equipping of ICT hubs in the various Amerindian communities in 2023.

Also, $205 million has been allocated for women, culture and preservation of Amerindian languages.

To support Amerindian leaders, a sum of $147 million has been earmarked for the completion of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) Secretariat and to also furnish the facility.

Minister Sukhai highlighted that the $781.9 billion budget will not only benefit hinterland and Amerindian communities, but

all Guyanese.

“This budget will meet the immediate needs of our nation while securing the future of the Guyanese people. It cements the gaps to realising a ‘One Guyana,” the minister stated.

During her speech, the minister also reminded of the APNU+AFC administration’s failures with regards to Amerindian development from the period 2015 to 2020.

“Upon return to office, the PPP/C government met a plethora of issues that affected our Indigenous people. These range from indiscriminate neglect and stagnant village economies, all the way to the pause of land titling for our first people,” she revealed.

Some 1,972 Community Service Officers (CSOs) were dismissed by the APNU+AFC, denying $700 million from the pockets of Amerindian youths.

“Today, 2,500 young people are fully engaged again, and are receiving an income so they can

help put food on their tables,” minister Sukhai posited.

The programme was not only reinstated but the number is expected to increase to 3,000 in 2023, creating 500 more jobs for Amerindian youths.

Also, no training was conducted with Amerindian leaders, and no land titling activities were conducted by the APNU+AFC government.

Minister Sukhai pointed out that since assuming office, the PPP/C Administration has reinstated several programmes that seek to improve the lives of Amerindians. (DPI)

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai

Engaging People

GOVERNANCE of a country is a challenging and demanding task, especially when it comes to dealing with people with different and competing interests; but most of these challenges could be solved by maintaining connection with the people, and importantly, delivering on promises made.

The importance of the latter two points cannot be underestimated as the consequences in recent years have been laid bare for all to see. Many would recall the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coming

to power in 2015 after selling a long list of promises to the populace and winning the hearts of many nontraditional supporters, who at the time believed that a change in government was needed.

Even though their election to office was deemed questionable in some quarters, the fact at the end of the day was that they managed to wrestle political power from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

But having gained power they failed miserably in their efforts to legitimately maintain it and this may largely be due to the

nature of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), which was the dominant force in the coalition.

The PNC is notorious for rigging elections and through this means held on to power for 28 years. So where did the Coalition fail after passing step one, that is, winning political power? The answer is simple. The leaders of the Coalition on gaining political power began to rule the country from the proverbial ivory tower.

And by virtue of this, the connection with its base prior to the elections waned significantly as their years went by in office.

This was made worse when supporters, both traditional and nontraditional, began to see the promises made by the Coalition as giving ‘false hopes’ and ‘selling dreams’ to win votes with the sole objective of occupying the seat of power and to enjoy the concomitant benefits of such offices.

Of course, they were other internal reasons for the coalition’s failures, such as a breakdown in communication among parties and unilateral decisions by the dominant player in the coalition, but neglect of their base and their failure to deliver on prom -

ises made to the people were the primary reasons they lost power.

As one of the oldest political parties in Guyana, the PPP/C has demonstrated that it is on a mission to correct its missteps, while at the same time building a Guyana that is modern, inclusive and prosperous for all.

Its strategy is a simple one. From the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and ministers, right down to senior government officials are required to meet with the people, listen and provide solutions to their concerns.

This approach has seen government out-

reaches being held throughout Guyana and regular interfacing between government ministers and members of the public on a daily basis, dealing with issues from fixing of roads, alleviating floods and making education more accessible, to bringing people together for the greater good of Guyana.

Based on the outcomes, these engagements are genuine and designed to minimise if not solve issues affecting residents. There are many examples here, but space will not permit the listing of all of them in this editorial.

Too chilling to contemplate

Dear Editor, THE recent decision by NATO to supply Ukraine with more sophisticated military hardware is fraught with danger and could potentially result in a nuclear war, the consequences of which are too chilling to contemplate.

In a matter of days, the war will complete a full year. In what was projected by Russia as

“a special military operation” aimed at disarming and de-nazifying the Zelensky administration, the war has now degenerated to a situation of horrifying proportions, especially in Ukraine, where millions of people were forced to flee the comfort of their homes and live as refugees in neighbouring Poland and several other European countries.

Tens of thousands of

lives were lost on both sides, not to mention the billions of dollars in damage to property and infrastructure.

There is only one way to end the war, and that is by way of diplomacy and negotiations. Any other means will only result in a further escalation of the war and continuing human misery.

What has become clear so far is that the

war cannot be won on the battlefield and with the supply of heavy military hardware to Ukraine by NATO, the chance of an early resolution seems increasingly remote.

I believe there is a role for China and the other BRIC countries such as India and Brazil in bringing about a peaceful resolution, and the sooner the better.

The United Nations

and its Security Council have so far proved to be incapable of ending the war, which calls into question its efficacy and relevance from the standpoint of conflict resolution among member states.

The composition of the Security Council and the veto powers enjoyed by some of the bigger powers need to be reviewed.

As a first step to

ending the war, both sides to the war should end all hostilities. Russia should begin a phased withdrawal from all occupied territories in Ukraine since the commencement of the war a year ago. This could possibly form the basis for any serious and meaningful engagement among the parties to the war.

Yours respectfully, Hydar Ally

Coalition was adept at giving less and taking more

Dear Editor,

I FELT utterly bemused when I read an article in the Kaieteur News captioned, “Dead Meat Budget…Norton says.”

The first thing which flashed across my mind was Ramjattan’s “dead meat” prophecy which came to pass and then a question popped up in my mind: Is the PNC next in line?

It would seem that Norton has become fixated on that term since the no-confidence motion brought against him by the Florida Chapter of the PNC/R.

It would seem that Mr Norton and his crew were in hibernation when the PNC-led Coalition presented its Budget from 2015 to 2019. According to him, the 2023 Budget is “void of crucial measures to grow the economy outside of the oil and gas sector.”

This is a baffling statement since it would appear that the Opposition members simply had to condemn the budget on the basis of appealing to the

emotions of the people and deceitfully misguiding them by regurgitating “high cost of living and poverty” as the bait.

Ramjattan is fixated on the imaginary “kickbacks” from the huge number of contracts which would be awarded.

Many measures were stated by the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, which will alleviate poverty and indirectly increase the disposable income of the people.

These numerous measures to combat the high cost of living, which is a global phenomenon, were repeated again and again by all the Government Ministers and MPs in the Budget Debate so far, especially Ministers Deodat Indar and Priya Manickchand whilst the Opposition MPs contributions were vacuous and without any real substance, just cheap politicking.

Imagine what would have happened if the Coalition had their hands on the oil funds. During its tenure, the Coalition cared less about the cost of living and the livelihood

of the poor Guyanese, as they greatly increased the various taxes year after year, closing down the sugar estates and placing over 7,000 workers on the breadline.

It was tax galore, as the backs of the poor people were broken by excessive taxation and ever increasing costs.

I could recall the great Sir Winston had once said that to try to tax a nation into prosperity is like standing in a bucket and try to lift it by the handle. This was exactly what the Coalition did.

The sugar industry is still reeling from the negative impact of this unconscionable closure which destroyed not only livelihoods but billions of dollars in fixed assets such a machinery and equipment and standing canes. The Coalition created the “black hole,” a term they have coined to describe GUYSUCO.

They should never argue about budgetary allocations to the entity. Many workers in other sectors were also dismissed because they were

perceived to be supporters of the PPP.

I could recall that during the Coalition’s tenure, Mr. Lincoln Lewis, the TUC General Secretary in a Plain Talk Programme, told television host Christopher Ram (see chrisram.net) that the TUC had taken to the Minister (Jordan) a novel approach, one that eschewed the usual list of tax reductions and increases in the personal allowance, asking instead for measures to help both the employed and the unemployed by greater placing emphasis on public health and the environment.

In its wide ranging paper, the TUC asked that attention be paid to communities, the village economy, the cooperative movement, Sports, Social Dialogue, etc.

What wrong was committed in the 2023 budget, Mr Lewis? You have been given more than what you wanted and your Coalition Government failed miserably.

Citizen GHK Lall, in a letter to the press, called for job

creation projects to ameliorate the high and troubling levels of unemployment, funds to deal with the mentally ill and the addicted, a new jail, and a push for ecotourism.

Are jobs not being created almost on a daily basis? Since the PPP/C took office in 2020, job creation has been a top priority. How many jobs did the Coalition create when in government?

They did the opposite. The 2023 budget ensures that all the ailments, both social and economic are dealt with condignly.

This government has had to deal with and is still dealing with the pandemic and floods, which have now become a regular feature and deserved to be applauded for dealing with the negative impacts of both.

The high cost of living and inflation is global and this government has been buffering these impacts to ensure that the standard of living is not eroded. What would have been the action of the Coalition apart from squandering

the oil money?

We have seen them squandering and looting the taxpayers’ dollars as if there was no tomorrow. They were adept at giving less and taking more from Guyanese.

They had nothing to offer this nation when in government, and they have nothing to offer now as an opposition.

No doubt they will be permanently ensconced in their new office incessantly regurgitating marginaliation, racial discrimination, imaginary deprivations and the misguided utterances of corruption. The Guyanese people know better, the Coalition cannot fool all the people all the time.

Congratulations to the Finance Minister for preparing and presenting the 2023 budget, which has indeed set “the framework for Guyana’s continued growth and development, even amid a challenging global economic climate.”

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

APNU+AFC references to apartheid are disrespectful to the victims of racial domination

Dear Editor,

THE current debates in parliament around Budget 2023 are allowing us to witness, live and direct, the dynamics of racialisation and de-racialisation of Guyana’s politics.

The term “racialisation” as used here, refers to the unnecessary insertion of race and racism into political discourse.

“De-racialisation,” on the other hand, is part of a process of anti-racism whereby speakers refuse to allow political discourse to be infected with racial-political utterances.

Readers may already know that, for some time now, the APNU and AFC have been trying to paint Guyana in the language of an apartheid society.

These political parties have been supported by local and diaspora intellectuals who produce dystopian narratives that find ready expression in local outlets, as well as on various social media platforms.

The highly inflammatory charge, racial discrimination, found its way into Guyana’s

2023 budget debate when APNU Member of Parliament, Vinceroy H. Jordan, ventured into a near uncontrollable performance laced with innuendos of racial discrimination, and in at least one instance, use of the term apartheid.

It appears that Mr. Jordan is not aware of what constitutes apartheid, either in law and history, or in the practice of that dastardly form of power politics as practiced in Southern Africa.

For his sake, and those who support his project of racialisation in Guyana, the definition of apartheid by the African Union Human Rights Project should be instructive.

It reads as follows: “The Apartheid (1948 to 1994) in South Africa was the racial segregation under the allwhite government of South Africa which dictated that non-white South Africans (a majority of the population), were required to live in separate areas from whites and use separate public facilities, and contact between the two groups would be limited. The different racial group were

physically separated according to their location, public facilities, and social life.” (AUHRM Project Focus Area: The Apartheid)

South African History Online offers the following on apartheid: “Apartheidmade laws forced the different racial groups to live separately and develop separately, and grossly unequally too. It tried to stop all intermarriage and social integration between racial groups. During apartheid, to have a friendship with someone of a different race generally brought suspicion upon you, or worse.

“More than this, apartheid was a social system which severely disadvantaged the majority of the population, simply because they did not share the skin colour of the rulers. Many were kept just above destitution because they were non-white.” (https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/historyapartheid-south-africa)

Mr. Jordan, as well as Mr. Roysdale Forde who bellowed charges of discrimination, must know now that there is nothing remotely

resembling apartheid in Guyana. A quick check of the Guyana parliament shows that there are approximately 25 Africans, 25 Indians, and 15 persons of Amerindian, Portuguese, and/or of ‘mixed-race background. Where is the separation? Who is dominating whom? All of the parties have mixed representation beyond tokenism.

Let us go back to the South African parliament for comparison. The Britannica historical archive describes the situation well.

Here is what they observe: “After its victory [1948] the National Party rapidly consolidated its control over the state and in subsequent years, won a series of elections with increased majorities. Parliament removed coloured voters from the common voters’ rolls in 1956.

“By 1969, the electorate was exclusively white: Indians never had any parliamentary representation, and the seats for white representatives of Blacks and coloureds had been abolished.” (https:// www.britannica.com/place/

South-Africa/The-NationalParty-and-apartheid)

Editor, Mr. Jordan’s allegations, though unfounded, were subjected to an informed and impassioned critique from Bishop Juan Edghill.

The Minister of Public Works also noted three key elements of apartheid, namely, political parties are of one “race,” there is a subjugated population based upon race, and there are laws that regulate the spatial dynamics of the society. Specifically, apartheid laws prohibit persons of different “races” from being in the same place.

Edghill went on to charge that the real issue is anyone who does not support the APNU+AFC is considered a racist. He went on to say that if you are Afro-Guyanese and you do not support the PNC, you are not considered “Black.”

What makes you “Black” in other words, is to join a party or support a party that has the longest streak of authoritarian tendencies in the history of the Caribbean.

In a moment of veritable pride, Juan Anthony Edghill

turned to the PPP/C’s side of the House and challenged the Opposition to say that it was of “one race.”

Juan Edghill disallowed Mr. Vinceroy Jordan’s play of racialisation to ground itself in the National Assembly.

Minister Kwame McCoy also played a significant role in pushing back against the epistemology of racism offered by the young and cantankerous MP, Mr. Jordon.

Editor, the efforts at refuting charges of apartheid in Guyana is not only for our national good, but also in defence of the noble and courageous people of Southern Africa who know what apartheid was, and who mounted one of the great fights for human rights in all of modern history.

Anything less would amount to disrespect for the victims of apartheid, something that Guyana, including the PNC fought against. Let us have some decency, at least where references to apartheid are concerned.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Randolph Persaud

‘We have transformed the agriculture sector’

EVEN with the oil and gas sector contributing significantly to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the traditional sectors remain paramount to the country’s development and advancement.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, during his presentation on day three of the budget debates, said that the agriculture sector accounts for nine per cent of the 11.5 per cent increase of the non- traditional sectors.

“Although we have the oil and gas sector that is bringing revenue, we recognise the importance of food security and we will diversify starting with our young people,” Mustapha told the National Assembly.

He added: “We have brought back credibility and we are now leading agriculture in the Caribbean.”

Mustapha said that Guyana is actively pursuing agricultural diversification and the government will continue to expand non-traditional agriculture, with particular focus on research and development, and the production of highvalue commodities.

To this end, the sums of $150 million, $153 million, and $200 million have been allocated for advancing the corn and soya bean project, citrus and spices project and the agriculture and innovative entrepreneurship programme, respectively.

Further, he related that the new horticulture pro-

ject will see single parents and young people earning $20 million annually with the country already producing 400 fresh roses weekly.

Mustapha further pointed out that Guyana was the first country in CARICOM to host the first successful agri-expo and investment forum, generating foreign and regional investments into various sub-sectors of agriculture.

“We have turmeric, we have nutmeg, Region One has been the area that we declared will have all our spices and we will have export going from region one to Trinidad and Tobago and the eastern Caribbean countries,” he said.

INFRASTRUCTURRAL UPGRADES

Minister Mustapha re-

lated that major upgrades have been done to the infrastructural landscape of the sector.

“We have revolutionised the infrastructure in this country, we have changed the landscape in this country. Over the last two years, Mr Speaker, a number of critical D&I works were executed,” the minister said.

The Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government in its first year, completed 12 pump stations in 2021. This year’s budgetary allocation will see another eight being constructed.

The construction and rehabilitation of those pump stations will cost approximately $600 million.

Pump stations will be constructed at Met -

en-Meer-Zorg and Bell Vue, Region Three; Jimbo Grove, Region Four; and Letter Kenny/Bloomfield, Region Six, while rehabiltation will be done on the pumps at Anchorville, Region Six and Pouderoyen, Region Three.

Mustapha noted that this project will utilise over 10,000 acres of farmlands and benefit over 5,000 farmers.

The sum $19.7 billion has also been allocated for the upgrade of drainage and irrigation networks across the country.

Minister Mustapha said the 2023 budget will address the socio-economic transformation of Guyana and continue to fortify the country as the breadbasket and leading agriculture hub in the Caribbean re-

gion.

To ensure that Guyana is self-sufficient, some 9,000 acres of soya bean will be cultivated in the Tacama Savannahs, and by 2025, some 30,000 acres will be cultivated.

“If CARICOM has to acheive the 25 by 25 goal, we Guyana have to play that leading role,” Minister Mustapha said.

To support the growth of the industry, over $1.2 billion was allocated to advance the infrastructural development in the Tacama area.

In 2023, the government will invest $150 million to construct a wharf in the Tacama area. The wharf, Mustapha said, will provide critical riverain access to the area under cultivation.

- Minister Mustapha tells National Assembly; says introduction of new, high valued crops and spices to increase

‘Get your facts straight’

-‘Agri’ Minister tells opposition MPs; defends budget allocations to sugar, rice industries

By Naomi Parris

IN a heated rebuttal to opposition parliamentarians, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday, said that Guyana’s sugar and rice industries will continue to thrive with investments being made in existing sugar estates, new lands for cultivation and improvements to agriculture infrastructure.

The minister, during his presentation on day three of the 2023 budget debates, said the agriculture sector remains the bedrock of Guyana’s economy, with a large percentage of its revenues contributing to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Mustapha noted that, in 2023, much emphasis will be placed on in -

creasing rice production with the investments being made in farm to market roads, the opening of new lands, construction of drying floors and the exploration of high-value yielding varieties.

However, A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU / AFC) Opposi-

tion Parliamentarian, Vinceroy Jordan, accused the government of neglecting the sector and rice farmers.

He said: “Hundreds of acres of rice lands abandoned, left uncultivated because of the high cost of production. Yet, in Budget 2023, there is no measure to

cushion this and to assist the hundreds of rice farmers to return to their daily living,”

Responding to the opposition MP’s statements, Mustapha said that some 170,000 hectares of rice will be planted in 2023, contributing further to the eight per cent increase that was recorded in 2022.

“When coming to this honourable House, come with facts, don’t come with baseless accusations,” Mustapha stated.

He said: “In the largest rice producing region, Region Five, the MMA/ADA [Mahaica

Mahaicony Abary - Agricultural Development Authority] scheme, the first crop and the first term in government we planted 100,000 hectares of rice in that area.”

However, Mustapha said that an additional 80,000 hectares of rice will be cultivated in Region Five, while 75,000 will cultivated in Region Six.

“We had the most devastating floods in the history of the country, where all the 10 regions were affected, but we persevered and this crop will rebound and plant another 80,000 acres in that area…Region Six,

we will plant 75,000 acres and I am hoping by the end of this month we will cultivate approximately 200,000 of acres of rice.”

The increase in production, he said, will see the rice industry growing by 29.2 per cent in 2023.

Further responding to the heckling of opposition members, Mustapha reminded that it was the APNU+AFC regime that had closed four sugar estates, putting roughly 7,000 Guyanese citizens out of a job.

“In 2014, when we left government, the

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

‘Get your facts...

FROM

[sugar] industry was producing 216,352 metric tonnes; it moved from 216,352 to 92,256 metric tonnes in 2019…. the former AFC leader went to the parliament boasted that they were turning around the industry and that

sugar will prosper. In 2019, production fell to 14,000 metric tonnes,” Minister Mustapha said.

According to the minster, some 1,500 sugar workers have since been rehired and the Rose Hall sugar estate that was shut down will soon be reopened.

“I want to inform the APNU+AFC later on this year Rose Hall, one of the estates that they closed and after they tried to suffer that area, will be reopened and smoke will be coming out of that chimney,” He affirmed.

A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition Parliamentarian, Vinceroy Jordan

Ramson exposes APNU+AFC’s failure to complete

Linden’s synthetic track - says former administration never paid for synthetic material

MINISTER of Culture

Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, on Wednesday, exposed the former A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration for failing the people of Linden by never delivering a synthetic track despite several promises to have the project completed.

The minister made those remarks in response to questions from the opposition about the recommencement of works at the synthetic track at Linden during the ongoing budget debates.

Ramson gave detailed background about the project utilising several news reports. In January 2018, he quoted an article in which the then Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sports, Dr. George Norton, had said that synthetic tracks will be constructed by the

end of 2018.

He then brought up another article published in May 2018, which stated that the track was on target for completion in October of that year. This article again, he said quoted the former minister.

However, fast forward to October 26, 2018, and $320 million in contracts were signed for the Berbice and Linden synthetic tracks.

Ramson said: “This is when the contracts were actually signed in October of 2018, keeping in mind that the original statements are saying that it would be concluded or on target for October 2018.”

At that time, he noted works were scheduled to begin in one week after the date of signing and will take three to six months to be completed.

Ramson, however, cited another article published in April 2019, when Norton said he was impressed with the ongoing works at the Linden synthetic track; this being some six months after the contract was signed.

He added that another report in June 2019, stated that the Norton received a status update on the construction and reportedly mentioned that the construction was “shaping up nicely.”

Subsequently, in September 2019, another article published by the state media said that the track was nearing completion.

In that same article, it was noted that the layering of the synthetic material would be done by an overseas firm and was expected to commence at the end of September 2019.

Additionally, Ramson brought to the House another

article published in December 2019, when Norton was quoted as saying that by the end of that year, the layering of asphalt will be done so the synthetic material could be done in 2020.

“That was December 2019, none of that was completed and here’s the kicker they promised that the track would be completed… by the end of 2018, then they said it would be assured by the end of 2019… they never even paid for the synthetic material,” Ramson said.

It was not until May 31, 2021, that a contract was awarded under the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government for the synthetic material and the installation.

Adding clarity, he said that the PPP/C administration also had to complete a number of projects to get to the stage of laying asphalt at

the site. This, Ramson said, was completed at the end of October last year.

He said that the synthetic material purchased by this government is safely in storage even as the installation was delayed by the early rainy season which came last year.

As such, the completion of same is scheduled for April of this year as long as the weather conditions permit.

“What I consider to be repugnant is that members of the APNU and AFC have been going around telling the country, holding press conferences etc and saying that the PPP/C government had stopped the project which was a complete falsehood,” Ramson said.

However, he stated what the opposition should do is tell the people of Linden that they failed them.

Three secondary schools get new steel pans

THE Three Miles Secondary School in Region Seven, the New Amsterdam Secondary School in Region Six and the Tutorial High School in Georgetown, on Wednesday, received new sets of steel pans to boost and enhance their music programmes.

The instruments were handed over at the Unit of Allied Arts located in the Queen’s College compound.

Administrator (ag) of the Unit of Allied Arts, Kurt Braithwaite, said that each school will be receiving a pair of double second pans, a pair of double guitar pans, one set of triple cello guitar pans, one set of four bass pans and one set of six bass pans.

He said that the schools can also expect a drum set to be handed over shortly to complement the pans.

Braithwaite said that the three sets of pans for the schools were procured at a total cost of $19.6 million.

According to Braithwaite, the objective is to have steelpan music back in schools. He said that this initiative is fully supported by the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand.

Braithwaite related that with the three new sets handed over on Wednesday, there are now 34 secondary schools in the country equipped with steel pans.

Additionally, he said that training was done with some teachers across the country in the area of music which encompassed other instruments.

Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr. Ritesh Tularam said that the Ministry of Education is on the move

to put programmes in place to produce rounded citizens.

He said that with the guidance of the Education Minister, the ministry is on the path to ensure students leave the school system knowing how to play a musical instrument, a sport,

equipped with knowledge in a TVET subject, exposed to a foreign language and having an appreciation and spirit for volunteerism.

Dr. Tularam said that the intention is to ensure students are exposed to and understand the basics related

to the subject areas.

He said that the Unit of Allied Arts will be repurposed and will reimagine its position to align with the national agenda of Guyana.

Dr. Tularam commended the staff of the unit for making the instruments available to

the schools.

Dr. Tularam noted that Wednesday marked the beginning of expanding the services and functions of the Unit of Allied Arts to better serve Guyana and the education system.

(Ministry of Education)

Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr. Ritesh Tularam handing over the instruments to representatives of the schools

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson

ExxonMobil strikes more oil at Fangtooth well offshore Guyana

FANGTOOTH is the reservoir that keeps on giving, as Stabroek Block operator ExxonMobil hit pay once again, early this month.

The announcement was made by its partner Hess Corp on Wednesday.

According to Hess, Exxon made a “significant” oil discovery at the Fangtooth SE-1 well, located approximately eight miles southeast of the original Fangtooth-1 discovery.

The drilling was un-

dertaken by the Stena Carron rig.

“The Fangtooth SE-1 well encountered approximately 200 feet of oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs,” Hess announced, noting that the discovery now adds to the block’s gross discovered recoverable resource estimate of more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe).

Earlier this month, Hess announced that the co-venturers are targeting Fangtooth as its seventh Stabroek Block development.

In the initial discovery in January 2022, Exxon encountered approximately 164 feet (50 metres) of highquality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs at the prospect. The well was drilled in 6,030 feet (1,838 metres) of water and is located approximately 11 miles (18 kilometres) northwest of the Liza field.

Fangtooth-1 was the first test of the deep-water horizon of the Lower Campanian and Santonian plays. (OilNOW)

NIS, PAYE, union dues were not paid in almost five years

By Clestine Juan

MINISTER of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, harshly criticised the governing A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition administration for failing to pay the workers’ taxes and union dues of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) employees as well as for failing to repair ships while in office.

During his presentation on Day Three of the 2023 Budget Debate, Minster Edghill said that, for 2015–2020, the T&DH was struggling, but the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has been able to fix the damage done.

Out of the $781.9 billion budgeted in 2023, Guyana’s largest ever, $4.7B, was allocated to the T&HD.

“When we came to government the Trans-

port and Harbours Department was one of the departments that was struggling. For the period 2015 to 2020, no NIS contributions were made for the staff of the Transport and Harbours Department,” the Minister said.

However, he pointed out that the arrears of $470 million is now paid off, and the staff can now uplift their benefits.

He further disclosed that Pay As You Earn (PAYE) was not paid over to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), nor were the deducted union dues paid to the T&HD union.

“I am happy to announce that we’ve been paying the backlog. We are current and up to date. The people of the Transport and Harbours Department could now get their records in order. That is what we have been doing,” he said.

He said that his ministry has managed to

dry dock every single vessel of T&HD and rehabilitate them, which was not done under the last regime.

Minster Edghill told the House that they instituted an additional daily trip to the ParikaSupenaam route, which had long been called for by citizens from both sides of the river.

He said this unearthed a “miracle” at T&HD since, based on its calculation, 80,000 gallons less fuel was utilised.

“How could you be operating a boat, with more trips and less fuel? The hustle of the fuel hustlers has come to an end,” the Minister said.

“Mr. Speaker while I’m hearing the heckling, it’s the same engineers, it’s the same people that were there for 56 months, are there for 28 months, but are delivering.

“You know why? Because they have visionary leadership. They are delivering be-

cause they understand where Guyana needs to go. They understand that it is a government that is looking after people and not looking after themselves. That’s the difference,” the Minister said.

He further highlighted that the PPP/C also instituted a ‘ferry pass’, which ended the alleged corruption that occurred before.

People can now book online and get to their destination knowing that their travel arrangements are secure.

“Mr. Speaker, we are happy to announce and let the House know that the MV Lisha has already departed Kolkata. It’s on a submersible

barge en route to Port of Spain, from where she will sail into port Georgetown in the first quarter of 2023,” he said.

Regarding the Maritime Administration Department, Minister Edghill said that it’s the regulatory body tasked with bringing about improvements and even making interventions as they pertain to Guyana’s new oil and gas sector, which primarily exists more than 270 kilometres offshore.

He maintained that the government would continue to establish safety and navigational aids in Guyana’s rivers.

“...Recently, we signed a contract for the

removal of 17 wrecks in our various rivers so as to ensure safety while people are traversing these rivers,” he said as he disclosed to the House that the government has expended another $293M for the docking and rehabilitation of the administration’s vessels

“I’m sure even members of the opposition will be pleased about this initiative. We have purchased and distributed life jackets to people in the riverine communities, all of the operators of boats and their sailors because we want safety on our waterways,” he said.

CNOOC Petroleum Guyana launches $10M UG scholarship fund

THE CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL) presented a financial contribution to the University of Guyana (UG), to support education for primarily indigenous and other students needing assistance.

The contribution amounts to $10,000,000, and provides support for at least three undergraduate scholars for five years each.

The contribution would be administered by UG and caters for scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEM).

UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, received the gift, on Wednesday, on behalf

of the university from Mr. Liu Xiaoxiang, President of CPGL.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that CPGL already has an existing coopera -

tion programme with UG to fund tuition for 18 students, nine of whom must be drawn from hinterland communities.

She said it was a worth-

while contribution towards the education of underprivileged students and towards the university’s aspirational goal of one graduate per household.

Professor Mohamed Martin noted that CPGL has consistently sought ways of partnering with UG to promote tertiary education, particularly for less fortunate Guyanese students.

The Vice-Chancellor recalled that CPGL is also a partner in the Greater Guyana Initiative under which UG is benefitting from a range of additional initiatives.

Xiaoxiang thanked the Vice-Chancellor for her cooperation, which has enabled CPGL to fulfil its Corporate Social Responsibility.

He observed that, notwithstanding the rapid pace of development in Guyana, there is ample room for his

company to support the nation’s development.

The company’s president remarked that, based on experiences in China, education is the best way to transform the lives of underprivileged families.

It is the company’s hope to assist students in need to complete their studies and pursue their dreams.

Xiaoxiang said that this latest gift to the university coincides with the 170th Anniversary of the Arrival of Chinese to Guyana as well as the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit.

“This support comes from the bottom of our heart,” the CPGL President said.

President of CPGL, Liu Xiaoxiang, presents the sponsorship cheque to UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

Fallen Heroes Foundation assists grieving wife of Corporal McPherson

Mrs. Denita McPherson, the widow of Detective Corporal Dwayne McPherson, who was shot and died on New Year’s Day while responding to a complaint of an attack, received monetary gifts, on Wednesday, from the Guyana Police Force’s Fallen Heroes Foundation.

Dwayne McPherson, 31, joined the Guyana Police Force on December 14, 2009, and was attached to the Mahaicony Police Station. He was shot and killed during a shooting incident around 00:30 hrs on New Year’s Day, at Huntley Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

The Fallen Heroes Foundation’s purpose is to provide financial assistance for the education and welfare of the beneficiaries of the fallen heroes.

Mrs Denita McPherson, her father, brother, and sister-in-law, as well as Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, Bishop Raphael Massiah, Pastor Winston Assanah, Mohamed Qualander, Pastor Victor Grim -

mond of the Fallen Heroes Foundation, Force Chaplain Reverend Patrick Doolichand and the Force’s Welfare Officer W/Superintendent Allison Moore, were on hand for the special presentation.

Commissioner Clifton Hicken also presented a monetary gift to Mrs McPherson on behalf of his family.

“We are going to support you and the children’s upbringing,” the Top Cop assured.

He also reassured the grieving widow that the Guyana Police Force would maintain transparency in the ongoing investigation and, based on the recommendations of the DPP, charges would be instituted accordingly.

Bishop Massiah, President of the Fallen Heroes Foundation, noted that the donation made was in no way an attempt to repay the loss.

Bishop Massiah assured Mrs McPherson of the commitment of the Guyana Police Force Fallen Heroes Foundation by declaring: “We want you to

know that we are standing with you at every step of the way”.

Alluding to grief as a natural response to loss, Bishop Massiah noted that the grieving process takes time.

On this note, he encouraged Mrs McPherson to grieve with dignity while alluding that healing happens gradually and cannot be forced or hurried.

“There is no ‘normal’ timetable for grieving,” Bishop Massiah posited.

Bishop Massiah further told Mrs McPherson that during yesterday morning’s devotion with members of his church, one family (who is based overseas) felt encouraged to donate after hearing about Mrs McPherson’s story and asked him to make the presentation on its behalf.

Mohamed Qualander, the Treasurer of the Fallen Heroes Foundation, donated on behalf of the foundation while also expressing his sympathy and commitment to supporting the family.

Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken, presents a monetary gift to Mrs McPherson on behalf of his family

U.S. Embassy commemorates PEPFAR twentieth anniversary

TO mark the 20th anniversary of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the American Embassy in Guyana will hold a number of events.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Caribbean Regional Office Director Dr. Emily Kainne Dokubo will join U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch and Guyana’s Ministry of Health (MoH) officials to conduct site visits at key government and private health facilities supported by CDC/PEPFAR and participate in speaking engagements.

According to the US Embassy, President George W. Bush launched the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief on January 28, 2003, with the vision to create a response to

a burgeoning global epidemic of HIV.

From the time of its inception to present, the U.S. government through PEPFAR has invested over $100 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response, the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history, saving 25 million lives, preventing millions of HIV infections, and accelerating progress toward controlling the global HIV/AIDS pandemic in more than 50 countries.

Since 2004, PEPFAR has provided Guyana with over GY$37,800,000,000 for HIV prevention, care, treatment, and laboratory services, including approximately GY$14,000,000,00 through CDC to fund construction of the National Public Health Refer-

ence Laboratory in 2008 along with increased HIV testing capacity, and staff engagement.

Improvement of data management systems for MoH and provision of data protection and storage was also supported.

CDC has also provided Guyana with over $95,000,000 Guyanese dollars to enhance capacity to respond to COVID-19 and other health threats.

“The United States is committed to supporting Guyana to strengthen its health systems and improve health outcomes. Through PEPFAR, CDC is working in partnership with the Ministry of Health to achieve HIV epidemic control in Guyana and the Caribbean region,” the US Embassy noted.

Living her childhood dream via BIT certification

of Industrial Training’s (BIT) Heavy-Duty Equipment Operation (HDEO) course.

Ms Duggin has always been intrigued by the Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator profession, which her father and older brother both hold.

According to the Board of Industrial Training, after completing her secondary education only a few weeks earlier, her fascination prompted her to investigate the HDEO course.

She made what she believed to be a “no-brainer” decision, which became clear when she started the gruelling programme and quickly rose to the top student rank, even among the boys.

“I knew this would be my profession the moment I sat in that 236D skid steer loader and cranked that key. The device had ignited a spark within me and made me willing to get my hands filthy, if necessary,” according to Ms. Duggin.

However, this was shortlived because her male classmate was intimidated by her presence.

She added that a challenge was mistakenly issued, and she soon became the object of some disappointing words in which they believed she should be at home doing chores. Another was that no woman should operate machinery.

Nevertheless, she said that these words did not make her feel wounded or discouraged but instead gave her the deter-

mination to prove them wrong. And she did precisely that by graduating first in her class.

The semi-easy portion, according to Ms. Duggin, was finally finished. Soon after, she began looking for work at a high-quality company that deserves her hard work.

“I applied at numerous companies and received responses from all of them, but I chose Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc. because it would be advantageous to me in the long term,” she explained.

However, this is not the conclusion of her story, rather, it is only the beginning. She thanked the Board of Industrial Training for allowing her the opportunity to realize a childhood aspiration.

Ambassador Lynch and U.S. CDC Caribbean Regional Director engages with Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

ALICIA Duggin, a resident of Region Six, was able to fulfil her aspirations by enrolling in the Board

Alicia Duggin sits on a front loader backhoe, heavy-duty equipment that she is qualified to operate

GOG’s 2023 Budget caters for building Cricket Academy

By Sean Devers

Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, Charles Ramson alluded to the work that the PPP/C Government has done during the last year in office, pointing directly the budgetary allocation for a cricket academy.

The Minister began his presentation with a bit of humou during Tuesday budget debate, citing a quote from Mark Twain in response to presentations from the other side of the house.

“He (Twain) said, ‘let’s be thankful for fools because without them the rest of us won’t be able to succeed.

“When I came to the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports, we had 2.4 Billion and now our Ministry is getting 7.1 billion dollars,” informed Minister Ramson.

MP Ramson noted that for the first time in any Budget presentation the words ‘Cricket Academy’ were included, adding that, “For all these years we were a leader in World cricket and our players were among the best in the World but now Cricket is on a decline in the Region.”

“It is the first time we are taking hold of this as a part of the Government’s

program to improve the talent and performance of our cricketers by building a Cricket Academy,” said Minister Ramson.

He began his presentation by providing an overview of the bigger picture of what he said has been a tremendous year of achiement for the Government in growth and development.

According to the Sports Minister, 2022 has been another phenomenal year for his Ministry.

“We secured for the first time, the CPL semi-finals and Final, launched the Sports Academy and have started construction of the Mini-Stadiums

We commenced the construction of the Mini Stadiums at Anna Regina and McKenzie.

We commenced the transformation of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, commenced construction of modern stands at the athletic tracks in New Amsterdam and Linden and completed construction of a new stand at the Leonora Track and Field Stadium” added Ramson.

The Minister informed that that the GOG has completed the procurement of quality International lights for the Syntactic Track in

New Amsterdam.

Ramson stated that there were major renovation works at the National Stadium, procurement of lights for the Uitvlugt ground, commencement of construction of a new Doubles Squash Court and a new Squash Hall at the National Racket Centre were done last year.

“We commenced construction on an all-weather cricket training facility at the National Stadium, completed the Asphalt work at the Linden Track and are about to lay the Syntactic material with the supervision of BSW from Germany.

As for Community grounds, which is very close to my heart, we completed and supported 55 grounds last year and 92 since coming into office while 21 of those grounds have lights

When we are doing these community grounds we have an integrated approach to what we are doing.

it’s not just about doing the grounds, but offering opportunities and connecting with the communities so that we can know how we can provide opportunities in the areas to the young people so that they can be a part of the program of development and training” continued the Minister.

“Guyana was the first Country in CONCAF to secure the FIFA for Schools program.

We hosted the IGG Games after five years and for the first time had nine disciplines. We expanded our sports Academy by hiring certified Coaches to run the

nurseries

Our ‘Teach then Young’ swim camp had over 1,600 kids and the program was successfully implemented without a single incident.

We held the President’s Cup ‘One Guyana’ football tournament and I was told that two of the players from Region nine, who their first opportunity to participate because of the new structure, were selected in the Guyana pool of players. Had it not been for that tournament, those two players would not have gotten that opportunity

We also held the Junior CASA tournament last year and this year and this year we are once again heavy on building the infrastructure for facilities and training” Minister Ramson said

“Those who want to compare the records of the Governments must remember that PNC/APNU have been in Government for 33 years (PNC 28 & Apnu 5) while the PPP have been in Government for 25 years,” He said

“Under this Government, the National Stadium, the Aquatic Centre, the National Racket Centre, the Gymnasium and Leonora Track & Field Stadium have been built and all of that was done without Oil money.”

In 33 years the only Sporting facilities the PNC or APNU have built is the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and the Durban Park project of with 1.4 billion was spent and six hundred Million cannot be accounted for” concluded Ramson.

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Vs AUST, Melbourne, 1975-76

Clive Lloyd

Today’s Quiz: (1) Where and when did Clive Lloyd make his Test debut? (2) Who was the then West Indies captain?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana…

Fourteen year old Allrounder is latest beneficiary

cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients with talent spotting being done across the country.

West Indies go down to South Africa

The left hander who hails from Adelphi Settlement, East Canje, Berbice was handed one pair of cricket shoes, one pair of batting gloves and one pair of batting pads from the joint initiative of Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana.

The Canje Secondary School student represents the fast rising Rose Hall Community Center Cricket Club and is currently participating in the Berbice Under 15 trials.

Based on recent performances, Singh has a very good chance of representing Berbice in the upcoming GCB Inter County Tournament.

Singh, expressed thanks to the initiative and promised to work hard on his game so as to maximize his results.

A cash contribution of $20,000 was donated by a friend of cricket (name withheld as per request) with the funds used to assist to purchase the gear.

So far, the initiative has garnered $310,000 in cash, two trophies, thirteen cricket boots, twenty one pairs of batting pads, twenty five bats, eighteen pairs of batting gloves, twenty thigh pads, one pair of wicket keeping pad, three arm guards, two boxes, six cricket bags and three

helmets.

In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket keeper/ batsman.

To date, forty nine young players from all three counties of Guyana have already benefited from three junior gear bags, two trophies, three arm guards, nineteen bats, two boxes, three helmets, seventeen pairs of cricket shoes, eleven pairs of batting pads, one thigh pad, one bat rubber and sixteen pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, two clubs in the

Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats.

Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees as well as Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each.

The RHCCCC received two boxes, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails.

The Essequibo Cricket Board and the Town of Lethem also benefited.

Cricket related items, used or new, can distributed free of

Progressive and well managed clubs with youth programs will also benefit.

The program has received support from Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Dennis Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo, Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies and Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh, Denesh Chandrapaul, Dr Cecil Beharry, Davo Naraine of UK and Latch Mohabir and family, Raj Mathura and Raj Bharrat. Thanks to the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture. Distribution will continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

‘I had no say in selection’ – Guyana Harpy Eagles’ captain

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), on January 20, released the 13-man squad to represent the Guyana Harpy Eagles at the first two rounds of the Regional four-day Championship set to start on February 1.

Since that squad was made public, many persons within the cricket fraternity have expressed outrage over the non-selection of Antony Adams given the absence of Gudakesh Motie, who got recalled to the Test squad.

Appearing on a Barbadian radio programme, Mason and Guest, on Tuesday evening, Harpy Eagles’ captain, Leon Johnson, made a shocking revelation that he had no input in the selection of that squad.

“No, I have not been [part of selection] for the last two tournaments…I am not part of the selection,” he stated when directly questioned on

the matter.

However, Johnson clarified that “it has not always been that way…I used to have an input, my opinion was valued.”

In March 2021, a new GCB executive took office and they overlooked the preparation of the four-day and Super50 squads in 2022.

The current senior selection panel, appointed by the GCB, comprises Ravindranauth Seeram (Chairman), Albert Clements (Berbice), Peter Persaud (Demerara) and Elroy Stephany (Essequibo).

Overwhelming efforts have been made by media operatives to gather comments from the members of the selection panel but up to Wednesday afternoon, none was forthcoming thus far.

Johnson, who will be leading the franchise for the eighth season since the Professional

Cricket League for the 201415 season, and was bestowed with the Golden Arrowhead of Achievement award in 2019 for winning five consecutive titles, further revealed that he only learnt he was selected via a post on Facebook, and not through the selection panel.

“I saw the team on Facebook!” the long-standing

skipper stated in response to a question on whether he was informed of the squad selected.

“…captains should have an input, if not being a selector directly, being able to make a decision saying I want this player or I want that player, at least some input if you have been playing the game for the better part of 15 years.”

More so, though opting not to directly comment on the non-selection of Adams, Johnson, believed that the Essequibian, who played one First-Class match in 2017, was “close to selection.”

Harpy Eagles depart on January 29 for Antigua to face defending champions, Barbados Pride, from February 1, then Windward Volcanoes from February 8th in Grenada.

CMC – West Indies Women’s depressing losing streak showed no signs of ending as the luckless Caribbean side crashed to a 10-wicket defeat to South Africa Women in their third match of the Twenty20 International Tri-Series here Wednesday.

Not for the first time, West Indies Women’s batting lacked verve and they could only muster an inadequate 97 for six off their 20 overs, after choosing to bat first at Buffalo Park.

Captain Hayley Matthews top-scored with 34 from 26 balls while Shabika Gajnabi struck 33 from 34 deliveries in support.

South Africa Women hardly broke a sweat in reply, chasing down their target in the 14th over with Player-of-the-Match, Tazmin Brits top-scoring with an unbeaten 50 from 43 deliveries and Laura Wolvaardt stroking 42 not out from 39 balls.

The defeat was the eighth on the trot in T20 Internationals for West Indies dating back to their 5-0 whitewash at the hands of England Women in the Caribbean last month.

“It wasn’t a good performance. We didn’t bat well when we batted the first time, not getting what would’ve been a target we were aiming for,” said a dejected head coach Courtney Walsh.

“[We] had a very, very slow start and didn’t pick up any momentum from there until the captain, Hayley, and Gajnabi put together a partnership. This wasn’t good enough.

“It started a bit too , so that tone was set and then South Africa knocked the runs off without losing a wicket. [We were] completely outplayed today.”

Seamer Tumi Sekhukhune (2-24) struck twice to reduce West Indies Women to 29 for four in the 11th over, giving South Africa Women early control of the encounter.

Rashada Williams holed out to mid-off for one with as many on the board in the second over from 22-year-old left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba while Shemaine Campbelle was run out for one by Chloe Tryon’s direct hit at the striker’s end in the fifth over.

When Sekhukhune knocked over Sheneta Grimmond (5) and Britney Cooper (10) in successive overs, West Indies Women were faltering but Matthews and Gajnabi combined in a 61-run, fifth wicket stand to rescue the innings.

Matthews, again batting down the order at number six, counted five fours while Gajnabi, at number five, struck four fours.

They both perished in the final over, however, as West Indies Women’s innings limped to a tame end.

There were no upsets in the making as the 32-yearold Brits lashed seven four and a six and the elegant 23-year-old right-hander, half-dozen fours, as South Africa Women coasted.

West Indies Women will play their final game of the Tri-Series against India Women next Monday.

Lakeram Singh, a fourteen year old all-rounder from Berbice is the latest youth to recently benefit from Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana project

Antonio DeFreitas left, Singh, center and Manoj Beharry, right at the presentation.

Guyana Harpy Eagles captain, Leon Johnson

Shabika Gajnabi struck 33

Brathwaite rates ‘Tage’ as ‘worldclass’ ahead of Zimbabwe tour

THOUGH just two Tests with Tagenarine Chanderpaul as his opening partner, West Indies Test captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, has voiced positive words over the young Chanderpaul’s ability.

Brathwaite, who is the lone West Indian on the ICC Test team of the year, expressed a view that the 26-year-old has the ingredients that can pilot him to world success after a superb start to his Test career against a highly-rated Australian bowling attack.

Brathwaite recently stated in a recent press briefing, “Tage, I think he is WorldClass”.

After racking up 439 runs at 73.16, only second to Brathwaite in the preceding First-Class season, Chander-

paul went to Australia, and against the menacing likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon, produced scores of 51, 45, 47 and 17 in the two Tests.

In the warm-up match

against the Prime Minister’s XI, he cracked 119 and 56.

“When you look at the simple leave-alone that he has, he is going to be a world-class Test batsman. Obviously, he has the patience, and he still has the shots on some good Austra-

lian pitches, where his strike rate was higher than normal. I really think he has a very bright future and he is a very focused and determined guy, and for sure he will make many West Indians proud”, Brathwaite went on to express with confidence.

The son of legendary West Indies cricketer, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, he likely will justify the glaring compliments when the tour of Zimbabwe gets underway on January 28 with a four-day warm-up match followed by the two Tests from February 4.

It will be conditions ‘Tage’, as he is commonly called, would be more at home to and a chance to ‘cash-in’ big ahead of two Tests in South Africa in March, this year.

Rocks Auto Trans and Spares Legendary Futsal Championship kicks off from February 4 — Over

By Clifton Ross

SOME of Guyana’s best Futsal teams will be on show from February 4, when the inaugural Rocks Auto Trans and Spares Parts ‘Legendary Cup’ Futsal Championship kicks off at the National Gymnasium.

The indoor soccer tourney was officially launched yesterday at the company’s Charlotte Street location, where Manager of Rocks Auto, Mrs. Yolandia Ross, said her company was eager to hop aboard as she sees soccer as one of the most important sports in Guyana and one which continuously adds to the development and inevitable guidance of youths, while keeping Guyana as a breadbasket for the sport

West Indies Rising Stars end world cup with loss

in cash prizes up for grabs

locally and internationally.

The National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue will host games kicking off from February 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, with the finals being held on the 25th.

Ross added that the CEO of the business was also heavily involved in the sport as a youth and as such, saw it fit to give back to the sport which played an integral role in his life.

Referees co-ordinator Wayne Griffith, most commonly known as "Harry" around the local soccer fraternity, who is the co-ordinator of the tournament, said he was pleased to have introduced this new format of the game, having seen its success upon trips overseas.

Griffith noted that the competition will target

Guyana's best soccer players with the aim of developing young players for a possible future in the sport, while keeping the excitement alive as indoor and street soccer has become one of the most popular versions of the game.

The winners of this tournament will walk away with GY$500,000 and the championship trophy. Second, 3rd and 4th place winners will receive $250,000, $150,000 and $100,000 respectively.

Two brand new scooters will also be given to the most valuable player (MVP), while the other goes to the lucky Patron attending the match. Fixtures Day – 1

Leopold Street vs Campbellville - 19:45hrs

Berbice All-Stars vs Tiger Bay - 20:30hrs

BV vs Tiger Bay - 21:15h Pike Street vs Linden AllStars - 22:00hrs

Back Circle vs Melanie22:45hrs

Sparta vs Upsetters23:30hrs

Day - 2

Stabroek Ballers vs West Side - 19:45hrs

Future Stars vs Mocha Family - 20:30hrs

Gold is Money vs Albouystown - 21:15hrs

Conquerors vs Avocado Ballers - 22:00hrs

Showstoppers vs Alexander Village - 22:45hrs Bent Street vs Vryheid's Lust - 23:30hrs

CMC – West Indies Women Rising Stars finished their campaign at the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T/20 World Cup with a heavy defeat, when England whipped them by 95 runs.

In their final Super6 game at Senwes Park here Wednesday, the Caribbean unit found a target of 180 a mountain too high to climb, and stuttered to 84 for eight off their 20 overs.

Middle order batter Djenaba Joseph was the standout, punching an unbeaten 44 from 42 deliveries with half-dozen fours but she was the only one to pass 20 as Player-of-the-Match, fast bowler Ellie Anderson, scythed through the innings to finish with five for 12.

The defeat was the third on the trot for the Rising Stars, coming on the back of a strong start to the group stage when they won their opening two matches.

“It definitely didn’t end how we wanted it to but I definitely enjoyed South Africa and the tournament was exceptional,” said West Indies Women Under-19 captain, Ashmini Munisar.

“For me and my teammates, we thought that it was an invaluable experience coming here to the first ever [Under-19 Women’s] World Cup and being pioneers.”

Choosing to bat first, England benefitted from a top score of 53 from their captain Grace Scrivens, the left-hander punching five fours and two sixes in a 44run opening stand with Liberty Heap (13) and then in a 56-run, second wicket stand with Niamh Holland (21).

West Indies’ finest period came when they snatched three wickets for 31 runs in the space of 23 balls to reduce the English to 131 for four in the 16th over with Munisar (2-32) striking twice with her off-spin.

However, Charis Pavely smacked a 16-ball unbeaten 29 and Seren Smale, a 19-ball unbeaten 28, in a robust unbroken 48-run, sixth wicket stand to revive the innings.

Left-arm seamer Alexa Stonehouse (2-15) then struck twice early on to reduce West Indies to 23 for four at the end of the seventh over, effectively crushing their hopes of a serious challenge.

Joseph propped up the innings in a 47-run, fifth wicket stand with Asabi Callender (17) but by the time the latter perished at the end of the 16th over, the required run rate had climbed to 27 and an English victory was assured.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul has made a strong start to what is hoped to be a long Test career

England players celebrate the fall of Asabi Callender during West Indies Rising Stars’ final Super6 game on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy ICC Media)

Mohamed’s Enterprise pumps $1M into GMMAF ahead of World Championship in Serbia

— Entity says development of combat sports in Guyana crucial

By Clifton Ross

Mohamed’s Enterprise continued their overwhelming support towards sports in Guyana, this time injecting a whopping $1M into the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF) ahead of the upcoming World Championships which is set for Belgrade, Serbia from February 9-19.

During Wednesday's presentation at the business's Lombard Street location, Gavin Singh, President of the GMMAF; Federation executive Dr. Sawan Jagnarain; PanAm Bronze medalist Carl Ramsay, and others were present during the handing over of the check by Mo-

hamed’s Enterprise boss, Mr. Nazar Mohamed.

The Serbian meet is expected to feature roughly 500 athletes from across 60 countries, breaking ground as the biggest tournament to date.

Guyana was first represented during the IMMAF Amateur World Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) last January. Speaking on the significance of this year's representation, Singh thanked Mr. Mohammed for his gesture towards ensuring the team/ players were well equipped ahead of their trip.

Singh further stated that the competition will greatly add to the experience and structure of Guyana’s current foundation, opening a pathway for further development

and expansion of the sport going forward.

Dr. Jagnarain, who echoed similar sentiments, added that the fighters have been in great shape and keenly monitored ahead of the championships.

He said with the International Federation being extremely strict about anti-doping regulations, all participants will be closely monitored with select rules and regulations being applied come competition time.

Flagship sponsor of the Guyana National team, Mr. Mohamed, during his speech, lauded the GMMAF for its vigorous approach in its bid to make Mixed Martial Arts bigger locally and thus internationally recognized as another sport which Guyanese

Kevin Sinclair joins RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour team to pay it forward

can soon dominate.

He revealed that he was a huge fan of the sport and respected it for its discipline and training which is required, hailing legendary boxer Mohammed Ali as one of his favorite sports figures; simply for his approach to life, boxing and family.

Mohamed encouraged the fighters to not just fight for themselves, but for their families and country, preaching a strong sense of solid family ties and teamwork as keys to collective success. He wrapped up by telling the team to remain ambassadors of their country and always remember to give their best efforts during the upcoming Championships.

Georgetown Dominoes Association eyes further support from Sport Ministry

THE Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA), through former club president, Lyndon Boston, has expressed immense gratitude for the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport throughout 2022.

According to Boston, two of their competitions in 2022 were “adequately sponsored by the Ministry”, which also gave them access to the National Gymnasium.

"It would be remiss of me, as the ex-president of the Georgetown Dominoes Association, to not say thank you to the Government of Guyana, for its input into dominoes in 2022, through the auspices of the energetic Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport."

“Albeit, these sponsorships were in central Georgetown, I wish to take this opportunity to urge the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport to make an allocation from the $4.3 billion dollars allocation to sports in Budget 2023 to the resus-

Dominoes

citation and structuring of dominoes as a calendared event in Guyana”, Boston added.

He added, “ Although unheralded as a major sport in Guyana, playing dominoes is the most widely played game in Guyana. This game is played by the entire strata of our popu -

lation and perhaps, at one time or another, in every household in Guyana, even negating gender bias.”

“My team and I stand ready to assist in building the bridge between the resurging Guyana National Dominoes Federation and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to make this

aspiration - playing competitive dominoes, nationally, a reality.

The former club president further indicated that the World Council of Dominoes Competition is slated for Guyana in August 2023 and hopes there could be a ‘One Guyana’ competition prior to that event.

"This

of

less fortunate,

We are taught to assist others to climb mountains when we have reached our summit. Today, I would like to pay it forward to some of my younger teammates by giving two of them a cricket bat each while I would like to

Those were the words of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club all-rounder, Kevin Sinclair, as he joined his team-mates in making a positive difference of three club-mates.

Sinclair, who has been a member of the RHTYSC for over six years, donated a cricket bat each to two of the club's most promising players. Those benefitting were Romesh Bharrat and Tamehwar Deonandan of the club’s under-17 and under-13 teams respectively.

Bharrat, in 2023, will captain the under-17 and has already represented Berbice at the under-15, 17 and 19 levels. Deonandan is the captain of the RHTYSC Poonai Pharmacy under-13 team and has also represented Guyana and Berbice at the same level.

Sinclair, who has to date represented the West Indies in three One-Day international matches and six 20/20 matches, also joined his Namilco Thunderbolt teamates to assist a female member with several pieces of household and kitchen items.

The presentation assisted the female cricketer to move into a new home with her family. RHTYSC Organising Secretary, Robby Kissoonlall stated that the different cricket teams of the RHTYSC are mandated to assist youths.

Also benefitting from this were the elderly and less fortunate via a wide range of activities under the subheadings of culture, sports, charity, education, social, youth development, community development and anti-drugs, among others.

Members who have gone on to the highest levels are also encouraged to pay it forward by assisting upcoming promising members.

has a large following in Guyana and the Georgetown Dominoes Association is hoping for continued support to make it grow

GUYANA Harpy Eagles and West Indies player, Kevin Sinclair alongside the Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour team, recently joined forces as they lent towards the future development of the club's young generation.

club teaches each one

its cricketers the importance of giving back to those

to believe in the God we serve and to remember that the best way to serve God is to serve humanity.

support the Namilco Thunderbolt team to assist another member to move into a new home".

Kevin Sinclair poses with the two youths after handing over the bats

Nazar Mohamed, CEO of Mohamed’s Enterprise presents the GY$1M sponsorship cheque to Mixed Martial artist, Carl Ramsay, flocked by club president and other executives of the GMMAF (Clifton Ross photo)