Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26-01-2024

FRIDAY 26th January, 2024

No. 107335

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE

‘Guyana will not

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undermine judicial process’ - Minister Todd tells Venezuelan counterpart; says country remains committed to Argyle Declaration, peace in the region - expresses its willingness to partner with Bolivarian Republic in key areas of development

President Ali arrives in Ghana

President Dr. Irfaan has Ali arrived in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, for an official visit to the West African country.

During his visit, the Head of State will be bestowed with the prestigious Global Africa Leadership Award, at the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards and Presidential Gala Dinner, in recognition of his “strong and transformational leadership” since taking office in August 2020. The President is also expected to deliver the keynote address at the Presidential Dialogues session, and participate in panel discussions at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues Summit of Heads of State and Business Leaders.

Ghana has a population of over 32 million (Office of the President photos)

‘Hollowness’ of APNU+AFC’s analytical skills exposed during budget debate - Dr. Jagdeo says, calls out Opposition for ‘predictable rhetoric’, ‘lazy approach’

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‘Investments to enhance the Full force of the law to take lives of every Guyanese wil not stop’ effect in face of violence - Minister Edghill tells APNU+AFC in response to ‘factless’ rhetoric; points to continuous plans to modernise, transform and secure Guyana’s future

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- Dr. Jagdeo firmly states; condemns Norton’s ‘dangerous’ comments

Ram & McRae’s ‘sweeping conclusions’ on Budget 2024 lack rigorous analysis, facts

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

‘Hollowness’ of APNU+AFC’s analytical skills exposed during budget debate

- Dr. Jagdeo says, calls out Opposition for ‘predictable rhetoric’, ‘lazy approach’

By Trina Williams CRITICISING the Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), for its “lazy approach” to the ongoing debate on Budget 2024, the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, said that Guyanese could expect them to continue on this same “train.”

While expressing his profound disappointment with what is playing out in the Opposition benches, Dr Jagdeo, during a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, remarked that this is predictable, since most of APNU+AFC’s parliamentarians lack policy-making experience.

“I was expecting by today, that there would’ve been

PPP/C General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo (Delano Williams photo) more profound analyses of the budget and those pre-

liminary reactions from the Opposition after the budget

presentation would have evolved into a more studied approach,” he said.

Dr Jagdeo said that from the citizens’ perspective, they did not expect anything remotely different from the APNU+AFC. Addressing the inconsequential narratives that the Opposition has been peddling, the PPP General Secretary said that because of the repetitive rhetoric, it is difficult for him to put forth a technical defence.

“This is the usual sort of thing. It is a lazy approach to [the] budget; as I said before, it is predictable rhetoric and it represents the hollowness of the Opposition’s analytical capabilities and it also exposes their inexperience in terms of the budgetary process,” Dr Jagdeo firmly remarked.

Highlighting the Opposition’s “slogan” approach

to this year’s fiscal package, the PPP General Secretary said that none of them have participated in preparing a budget and most of them have never had any major policy experience.

He said: “So this doesn’t happen overnight. It comes with experience and it comes with understanding the nature of the economy, the dynamics of the international community and you have to craft a budget to address both variables; the country’s position in the world and its interaction with the rest of the world and the realities of the economy in Guyana, and ensuring that the measures in the budget live up to those realities “We can’t get that from the Opposition,” Dr Jagdeo said, adding that because of this, Guyana could expect the Opposition bench to sing

the same tune they have been singing since Monday.

Since the commencement of the budget debate on Monday, the government parliamentarians have been refuting the claims that the Opposition have been purporting.

Last week, President, Dr Irfaan Ali said the governing PPP/C will continue with its transformation agenda, as this year’s budget outlines several initiatives to provide disposable income to citizens.

He said: “All of these measures are aimed at increasing disposable income, putting more money in the pockets of people, bolstering income for vulnerable groups, and of course, improving the system of services, governance, and the provision of services for our country.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

‘Guyana will not undermine judicial process’

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- Minister Todd tells Venezuelan counterpart; says country remains committed to Argyle Declaration, peace in the region - expresses its willingness to partner with Bolivarian Republic in key areas of development

ON January 25, 2024, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Guyana and Venezuela held their first meeting of the Joint Commission in Brasilia, Brazil.

This meeting was in line with the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace that was agreed upon after the meeting of the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela on December 14, 2023.

According to paragraph seven of the declaration, the two states agreed to immediately establish a joint commission comprising the Foreign Ministers and technical persons from both countries. The commission was to address matters that were mutually agreed, and an

update was to be submitted to the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela within three months.

At the meeting, Guyana proposed an agenda, and Minister Hugh Todd, who was the head of Guyana's delegation, explained that Guyana's position regarding the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela had not changed.

Guyana maintained that the settlement of this controversy was properly before the International Court of Justice in accordance with the Geneva Agreement. Therefore, it must remain there until the court gives its final ruling on the merits of the case, which will be fully respected by Guyana.

Guyana will not under-

mine the judicial process or the Geneva Agreement by participating in any other means of settlement of the controversy as long as it is pending before the court.

Minister Todd suggested that regional and hemispheric statements on peace and security could be a means of moving forward in the discussions.

He also offered a number of areas that the two countries could discuss, including agreements already entered into between them on drugs, Jet A1 Fuel, and matters relating to food security.

Guyana reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the Argyle Declaration, particularly the maintenance

On January 25, 2024, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Guyana and Venezuela held their first meeting of the Joint Commission in Brasilia, Brazil of peace in Latin America and the Caribbean. The country looked forward to the next meeting to advance the relationship between Guyana and Venezuela.

Finally, Minister Todd

‘Total rubbish’

By Clestine Juan

MINISTER within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, has called out APNU+AFC Members of Parliament (MPs) for their “comical” information regarding the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)'s budgetary allocation for infrastructure.

In defence of her ministry’s $78 billion allocation, Rodrigues took to the podium during the 2024 National Budget debate in the National Assembly, to shed light on the intricacies of the PPP/C's approach to infrastructural development.

Firstly, she addressed the theatrics of Opposition speakers, noting: “It would be comical if it wasn't so serious, because it was laden with false information.”

She urged the House to focus on the content rather than the delivery, setting the tone for a meticulous breakdown of the government's strategy.

Rodrigues rebuked the recycled argument of slush funds and corruption, pointing to the IMF's commendation of the PPP/C administra-

tion in September 2023 for strengthening anti-corruption frameworks.

Rodrigues questioned the credibility of the Opposition, stating: "They have members on their side who are now before the court charged with fraud when they were in office… so, it's recycled argument, and they have reworked the argument now and say that this is going to result in a caste system.”

She responded to Opposition MP Sherod Duncan's concerns about constitutionality by highlighting the constitutional violations during the APNU+AFC's term.

Rodrigues pointed to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling that the APNU+AFC President David Granger violated the constitution, calling it a historic moment in the country's history.

As she delved into infrastructure, Rodrigues highlighted the lack of constructive criticism of Budget 2024.

She argued: “Not a single constructive criticism of our infrastructure programme.

None of these investments are consumption-based. All of our spending is on capital expenditure; building infrastructure for the future

for attending as observers.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation)

- Minister Rodrigues calls out Opposition MP for false information - defends PPP/C’s strategic infrastructure spending in trillion-dollar budget

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues -- sustainable infrastructure.”

The minister passionately countered allegations of Opposition MP, Roysdale Forde's “slush fund” comment, stating: “There's no slush fund lying around a place that can be used to facilitate corruption. It is patently false.”

Rodrigues stressed the efficiency of the housing programme, highlighting the reduction in costs for those constructing houses.

She presented a comprehensive overview of the housing sector's success under the PPP/C government, stating: “30,355 Guyanese are now landowners and homeowners; 13,834 women are empowered with ownership; 16,094 young people

expressed his sincere appreciation to the Foreign Minister of Brazil, Mauro Vieira, for facilitating the discussions. He also thanked the representatives of CELAC and the United Nations

are asset owners.”

Under the APNU+AFC government, 7,534 house lots were allocated from June 2015 to August 2020. Rodrigues pointed out a decline in the pattern of house lot allocations from 2016 to 2018, with numbers dropping annually.

She highlighted the lack of capital investment in infrastructural development for five years under the APNU+AFC government.

The PPP/C government, she said, in contrast, delivered 28,016 low-, moderate-, and middle-income house lots in three years, spanning 2020 to 2023.

She pointed out the acquisition of 51 new areas for housing development under

the PPP/C government.

In the realm of water supply, Rodrigues outlined the government's achievements in increasing access to potable water, especially in the hinterland regions. She presented per capita figures for water investments, comparing the PPP/C's initiatives to the previous administration's dismal record.

As it pertains to water, since assuming office, the PPP/C administration has increased hinterland water supply from 46 per cent in 2020 to 86 per cent in 2023.

The upgrading of the 12 existing water-treatment plants will also be completed in 2024, along with the substantial completion of seven new water-treatment plants. An amount of $22.5 billion has been earmarked for the purpose of upgrading and extending water-supply systems.

The minister argued that the government is investing significantly more per person in water infrastructure, dispelling claims that their focus was solely on projects such as roads.

Transitioning to the budget's financial aspects, Rodrigues tackled Opposition claims about the misuse of

oil money.

She said: “Your argument about oil money is null and void. You have to have sense to spend money.”

The minister backed her claim by referencing the APNU+AFC's budget execution in 2017, revealing that out of the earmarked $5.8 billion for housing development, only 12% was spent.

Rodrigues questioned the opposition's ability to manage an oil-producing economy, describing them as “clueless and incompetent.”

She urged caution against allowing the opposition near the seat of government, and warned of a rule marked by vengeance, claiming: “They will rule with vengeance. They have demonstrated their incompetence and are incapable of generating wealth for this country.”

The minister expressed full support for the passage of Budget 2024, endorsing the PPP/C's vision and plan which is set to continue the rapid development that is occurring in the sector.

The $78 billion allocation is set to support the advancement of housing infrastructure in 2024.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

‘Investments to enhance the lives of every Guyanese will not stop’

- Minister Edghill tells APNU+AFC in response to ‘factless’ rhetoric; points to continuous plans to modernise, transform and secure Guyana’s future

By Clestine Juan THE $1.146 trillion Budget 2024 is a “catalyst for growth” in Guyana, as it continues the process of modernising, transforming and securing the country’s future so that every citizen and their families have better lives.

This was according to Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill during his defence of the 2024 budget in the National Assembly, on Thursday.

The minister strongly defended the $236.1 billion which was allotted to his ministry.

In this sum, $ 204.1 billion is allocated to roads and bridges; $ 2.3 billion to air transport; $8.1 billion for river transport and $6.9 billion for sea and river defence.

“With the provisions made by Budget 2024, the latent potentials of our people are being discovered, organised and mobilised all across the country,” the minister said.

Aligning with the bud-

get's theme: “Staying the Course: Building Prosperity for All,” the minister highlighted investments to address the “new paradigm of accelerated development” Guyana is currently undergoing.

“We cannot continue to refer to ourselves as old Guyana. We are modernising and transforming Guyana,” the minister said.

He also addressed heckling from Opposition parliamentarians that the budget places an uneven emphasis on capital investments while neglecting the pressing needs of the nation.

In dismissing the “factless” claims, Edghill explained to the House that unlike the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), the goal and mission of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government is to “modernise and transform Guyana.”

According to Edghill, unlike the coalition administration which had no vision and no roadmap, the PPP/C

is only moving Guyana and the lives of every citizen forward.

Edghill highlighted the government's approach to formulating decisions and interventions based on the question, “Does this benefit the people?”

“In every region in every community, the president, the cabinet, and all of their officers can be seen engaging people. So, when we come to this house and present it’s because we listen, and we respond… Our actions and interventions are always people centred,” he said.

Minister Edghill stressed the importance of considering the impact on citizens when presenting projects, programmes, and policies.

Edghill responded to criticisms, specifically addressing claims about budget allocations favouring the contractor class.

He referenced the distribution of funds across various sectors, signalling benefits to ordinary citizens, including small business owners, mechanics, taxi drivers, and more.

In response to the Opposition’s claims of excessive spending on infrastructural

projects, Edghill defended the investments in infrastructure as a necessary step for overall development.

The minister also underscored the indispensable role of infrastructural development in national progress.

Contrary to claims of neglecting the immediate concerns of the people, he emphasised the administration’s commitment to improving both physical and social infrastructure.

WE ARE CAPITALISING “We are not splurging, we are capitalising,” he said as he responded to the heckling from the other side of the room.

Edghill also defended the emphasis on infrastructural development in the budget, asserting that it contributes to reducing the cost of living.

He used examples such as building bridges and improving transportation to argue for long-term economic benefits and increased opportunities for citizens.

In response to a concern about lacking Wi-Fi on transportation vessels, Edghill expressed a commitment to enhancing services.

He mentioned plans to

install Wi-Fi on other vessels,such as the ones the MV MA Lisha, a vessel serving Region One, showcasing the government's responsiveness to citizens' needs.

The minister discussed regional developments, including housing projects, road maintenance, along with sea and river defences.

He said that the Parika Stelling is set to undergo major rehabilitation works, while the building of the New Demerara Harbour Bridge connectivity from Regions Three and Four will be like never before.

“Look at what is happening in Georgetown,” the minister said as he drew attention to the Independence Boulevard, (which was also called, ‘Punt Trench Dam’), the Kingston Seawall and more.

“All those of you who say you are representatives of Georgetown must go through Independence Boulevard on a Saturday and Sunday to see how the people are enjoying the new development… thousands of people are there,” he said to loud applause from his fellow MPs. The 1.8 kilometres (km) project, which starts from Saffon Street to Cemetery Road, entails the construction of a three-lane carriageway with concrete drains and culverts, along with a threemetre-wide paved walkway, with lights, a garden and seats.

Edghill urged citizens to

witness the positive transformations in their regions for themselves and not to be misled by the Opposition, whom, he said, scrutinised the budget without adding any factual or substantive.

He also called out the APNU+AFC MP Devin Sears, whom, he said, was not “honest” during his presentation when he criticised the budget.

“If the APNU MP is honest about not liking the budget, he can take out the 62 concrete roads currently being built in Linden by the PPP/C government, and the several other asphaltic concrete roads being built in Linden because we are spending the budget money in Linden,” the minister said.

He added that the APNU+AFC MPs must not criticise the budget to halt the progress, which is being made, to do so, he said would be detrimental to the lives of Guyanese.

“If you do not want us to spend the people's money on navigational aids, if you do not want us to purchase new vessels, if you do not want us to maintain the existing Demerara Harbour Bridge while we are building the new river crossing- stand up and tell us now!,” he said.

Before he left the podium, the minister said that the PPP/C government will continue to deliver with efficiency and give the Guyanese people value for money.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

Full force of the law to take effect in face of violence - Dr. Jagdeo firmly states; condemns Norton’s ‘dangerous’ comments

By Trina Williams ANY act of violence will be met with the full force of the law, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said in response to Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton’s recent hints at possible violence during the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

During a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, Dr. Jagdeo referred to Norton’s hints as “dangerous”.

“This call for violence, you have to watch it seriously. And let Norton not delude himself, any act of violence will be met with the full force of the law,” Dr. Jagdeo firmly said.

The PPP General Secretary said that the People’s National Congress (PNC)/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has a history of resorting to violence whenever they lose elections.

Speaking more on the actual turnout at the PNC’s recent rally, he said: “It was a bad showing… And you notice the demographics there; there were hardly any young

people...”

The PPP General Secretary said the reason that the crowd, which braved the rainy conditions, lacked a youthful presence is because of the party’s “hate” rhetoric.

“Young people are intolerant to that; even if they had showed up there, the rhetoric of hate and the rhetoric of the past would not have resonated well with them,” he said.

Notwithstanding this, Dr. Jagdeo said that this did not deter Norton from continuing to head down his usual path.

During Norton’s speech to the crowd, the Opposition Leader hinted at underlying repercussions for those who exercised their democratic right and voted for the PPP/C. He said: “When we were in government, I remember David Granger saying, ‘We didn’t ask you which political party you support; We kept you to work. All we want you to do is to serve the people.’ Many of them sabotaged us; I’m saying to you that won’t happen again.”

Norton said, too, that persons who own land within the Co-op Society should

PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

“fight” the PPP/C administration.

“Anytime the PPP attempts to take it, we should fight them,” Norton said as he further remarked that there must be new forms of “struggle” which, according to him, could not be discussed at the rally, which was being aired live.

He said: “We have to get some new forms of struggle that we can’t discuss here; they [the government] must just feel it.”

Dr. Jagdeo said that Norton’s statements are a contradiction of the Opposition Leader’s claim of wanting to promote unity.

“But we know that it is difficult for Norton to hide his true feelings,” the PPP General Secretary remarked.

Despite the Opposition using this sort of narrative as a means to recruit political support, Dr. Jagdeo said that the PPP/C will continue to roll out equal opportunities for all Guyanese.

He also said: “We believe, contrary to what Norton believes in, that all the people of this country deserve an opportunity to enjoy this basic threshold; this minimum threshold and prosperity.”

Dr. Jagdeo added: “We will work to ensure that

APNU Leader Aubrey Norton

every child; every person can have that opportunity…

We will never use the litmus test of politics in recruiting people in the public service.”

He also challenged the Opposition Leader’s call for Guyanese to tell their “neighbours” how bad life is under the PPP/C administration, and stated that this shows that many persons enjoy the current incentives being rolled out by the current government.

Norton said: “You can go and talk to your neighbour; talk to your friend, let them know that life under the People’s Progressive Party is worse than under

APNU+AFC.” In response, Dr. Jagdeo said: “Now if you have to tell your neighbour how things are bad… as though like your neighbours don’t have the capacity to make their own judgement,” adding that the measly turnout at the rally is because Guyanese do not share the view that “things are bad”.

From pension increase, the restoration of the ‘Because we Care’ grant to joint service bonuses, among other measures, the PPP General Secretary said Guyanese will tell the Opposition a “different story”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

Corn and Soya CONSIDERED global hunger eliminators and potential promoters of global food security, corn and soya bean have been getting a lot of attention in Guyana since the birth of CARICOM’s ‘25 by 2025’ initiative.

Designed as a long term social and economic partnership between member states, regional private sector bodies, civil society and other groupings to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent, this ambitious venture has listed these crops as two of the commodities to be targeted for increased production.

From all indications, Guyana has gotten the most success with the cultivation of corn and soya bean thus

far. In 2023, four major private producers were able to cultivate approximately 10,000 acres and this year, three more will together expand cultivation to 26,000 acres.

This good news has been complemented by the recent announcements that 3, 000 acres of land are currently being prepared for cultivation in Guyana’s savannahs and $967.8 million has been set aside in this year’s budget for the boosting of the capacity of the Tacama Savannah corn and soya bean facility and the completion of an access wharf.

So far, the Guyana Government has spent more than $1.4 billion to develop the infrastructure within the Tacama area to move a few steps

closer to the regional goal of being self-sufficient in the production of all livestock feed.

Given the interest and the amount of resources being expended, Guyanese officials are confident that production would reach 30,000 acres by the end of 2025.

Corn and soya bean have a wide range of health/nutritional benefits for both humans and livestock, are used in food production and have a number of industrial uses.

These super crops are ideal for food security and nutritional security in any nation and can be used as an alternative source of nutrition to feed the rising global population.

These crops are planted by the hundreds of hect-

ares in some countries. Guyana’s neighbour Brazil is the world’s largest cultivator of soybeans and is closely followed by the United States of America (USA).

This high-quality protein crop is in almost every kind of food produce we use and consume and the demand on the foreign market has contributed to the increase in Brazil’s production over the years. Argentina, China, India and Paraguay are among the top soybean producing nations.

While the amount that Guyana produces is just a tiny fraction of what the above-mentioned countries cultivate, Guyanese and all CARICOM nationals should be beaming with pride. Guyana is showing the world that

it has the potential to contribute to global food security and is serious about bringing down CARICOM’s annual food import bill.

The USA is the world’s top corn grower followed by China, Brazil and the European Union (EU).

The highest percentage of soybeans goes to the animal feed industry. From it, soy milk, soy flour, tofu and soy sauce are also produced and it’s the main feedstock for biodiesel production.

Soybean is also an ingredient used in the making of cheese, spreads, paints, fertilisers, adhesives and fire extinguisher fluids.

Similarly, corn is used in the production of many products such as ethanol, high fructose corn syrup,

cereals such as cornflakes, sweeteners, starch, for beverage/alcohol production, oil, livestock feed and biofuel.

Many of the mentioned products are manufactured right here in Guyana and eventually farmers, manufactures and consumers will reap the benefits.

In addition to the expansion of agriculture sector which now includes the cultivation of non-traditional crops and the rearing of high-quality livestock, Guyana deserves a lengthy round of applause for its dedication to the cultivation of corn and soya bean.

It is clear that the successes gained so far will be replicated a hundred times over well beyond 2025.

‘Our priorities are not just about wood and brick’ - Croal says in response to opposition criticisms, defends budgeted funds for infrastructural development, housing sector

By Naomi Parris BOASTING that the government has already achieved 70 per cent of its goals in providing housing and improving the lives of the Guyanese populace, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal on Thursday told the National Assembly that over 30,000 house lots have been distributed since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) assumed office in 2020.

Croal, during his presentation on Day Four of the 2024 budget debate, also disclosed that works have been completed in more than 50 new housing schemes, and 23 kilometers of highways were also constructed.

“Our housing priorities are not just about wood and brick buildings; we are investing in our people,” he

said.

He highlighted that new financial interventions were also developed to make the home ownership process easier and more accessible.

“We were aware of the hardships some allottees experienced trying to access loans to build their homes, and we were also acutely aware that many young professionals wanted to own their home but also had challenges, so we collaborated with the Ministry of Finance and the banking sector to make access to loans easier and faster,” Croal said.

These interventions and collaborations, he related, saw a reduction in residential mortgage interest rates at all lending institutions.

A review of the New Building Society Act saw the increase in the institutions mortgage ceiling from $12 million to $20 million, and

Housing and Water Minister Mr. Collin Croal offer lower interest rates are committed to the supon mortgages, while at the port of a more flexible Guyana Revenue Authority approach to the loan pro(GRA), the Mortgage Inter- cess. But we are not only est Relief ceiling was raised focused on allottees; we from $15 to $30 million. are also ensuring that alThere was also an inter- lottees can maximise their est rate reduction at com- investment,” Croal said. mercial banks, which has He further revealed that made low-income mort- some 7,000 house lots and gages more affordable. land titles were distributed, ENERGISED AND MO- and the government has TIVATED a target to deliver 5,000 “The sector is ener- more along with the congised, stakeholders are struction of more houses motivated, and the banks this year.

“Even as we are allocating house lots and building houses, we have introduced complementary interventions to help applicants,” Croal related.

According to the minister, these programmes include the core-home support programme, where some 50 houses are being built in communities across Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica). These homes, he said, will go to the poor and vulnerable.

SQUATTING As it relates to the issue of squatting, Croal maintained that the government has been keen on seeking out amicable solutions.

“Our approach is not piecemeal, we have devised a workable strategy to make the regularization of squatter settlements less

combative,” he said.

The minister referenced the recent debacle of the Mocha squatters, where persons were occupying lands that were earmarked for development.

He noted that citizens who were occupying those lands were informed that they would have to move and were offered house lots and other housing ownership options at the cost of the state.

Croal reiterated the government’s support to citizens through the continued investments of the sector.

“At the heart of this budget are the needs of our citizens and our government’s vision to make Guyana better,” he said while responding to the criticisms of the budget by several opposition members of parliament.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

OP-ED:

By Ambassador (Ret’d) Asoke Mukerji, former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in New York THE voices and concerns of developing countries in the UN, collectively referred to as the “Global South,” prioritise peace, security, and development.

These objectives require an integrated framework for international cooperation, with the Global South participating on an equal basis in its decision-making.

The collective identity of the Global South began to emerge at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in December 1963, when developing countries initiated two significant amendments to the UN Charter of June 1945 for greater representation in the organs of the UN. These amendments expanded the number of elected members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) from six to 10, and the number of elected members of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) from 18 to 27.

In 1971, the Charter was amended again to increase the ECOSOC members hip to 54, representing all geographical regions of the world.

In June 1964, the Global South created its platform in the UN, called the group

Voices and concerns of the Global South

of 77 developing countries (G-77). The G-77 sought structural reforms in the UN to support its priorities for socio-economic development. The UNGA responded by establishing the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in 1965.

Today, the UNDP is active in 170 countries, most of which are in the Global South. It is the “face of the UN” on the ground, supporting a range of national socio-economic activities carried out in coordination with specialised agencies of the UN, impacting on all aspects of human endeavour.

In October 1967, the Charter of Algiers was adopted by the first ministerial meeting of the G-77. It advocated the creation of a New International Economic Order to accelerate the development of the Global South.

In response, several developed countries expressed concern at the impact of rapid development on the environment. At the First UN Conference on the Human Environment in June 1972, Global South countries like India rejected these attempts to restrict development because of environmental protection, saying that “poverty is the biggest polluter”.

The UNGA recognised the “right to development” as an “inalienable human right” in 1986 through a voted resolution, opposed by some devel-

oped countries.

In 1987, the UN’s Brundtland Commission tabled its report on “Sustainable Development”, converging the Global South’s demand for accelerated socio-economic development with the globally accepted goal of protecting the environment. Almost three decades later, in September 2015, the UNGA unanimously adopted Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Agenda 2030 represents the consolidation of the Global South’s priorities. Two important “means of implementation” commitments to achieve the SDGs are an integral part of Agenda 2030.

These are for the flow of financial resources from multilateral financial institutions, and transfers of appropriate technologies, to the Global South.

The concerns of the Global South today are reflected in the assessment by world

leaders meeting at the UN’s SDG Summit in September 2023 that “the achievement of the SDGs in in peril” due to “numerous crises” facing the world.

At the top of the list of crises is the impact of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp escalation in violent conflicts, both of which have impacted adversely on huge numbers of people, particularly in the Global South.

When Agenda 2030 was adopted in 2015, 60 million people worldwide were affected by violent conflicts on the UNSC’s agenda.

That figure ballooned to 314 million people in 2022, mainly in the Global South. In October 2022, the World Bank reported that the COVID pandemic had pushed an additional 90 million people, mainly in Global South countries, into the ranks of the 670 million people worldwide living below the poverty line of $2.15 a day.

Ongoing conflicts across Africa, Asia,

and Europe, of which images of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza are visible on international media, have jeopardized Agenda 2030.

These conflicts are attributable to an increasingly ineffective UNSC. Its five permanent members (P5) seek to maintain their dominant status given by their veto power, despite the fact that the P5 were party to the UNGA’s unanimous mandate of September 2005 for early reforms of the UNSC including on the question of the veto.

An ineffective UNSC has created space for the emergence of aggressive protectionism and militarism in developed countries, as unilateralism seeks to replace multilateralism. Despite strong opposition from entrenched protectionist interests in developed countries, over 100 Global South countries supported a Vaccine Waiver Initiative at the World Trade Organization in June 2022 to mitigate the COVID pandemic.

In December 2023, 131 Global South countries voted to adopt a UNGA resolution condemning “the continued unilateral application and enforcement by certain Powers of unilateral, coercive measures,” and rejected those measures, “with all their extraterritorial effects,” India has coordinated the Global South’s

response to these ongoing challenges by convening two virtual Voice of the Global South Summits in January and November 2023 during its Presidency of the G-20.

Some 125 countries, including 47 from Africa, 31 from Asia, 29 from Latin America, 11 from Oceania, and seven from Europe participated to express their concerns and seek solutions through reforming multilateral structures.

At the New Delhi G-20 Summit on September 9, 2023, India announced the inclusion of the 55-nation African Union in the G-20 as its 21st member, dramatically expanding the composition and focus of the grouping in favour of the Global South.

The leaders of the Global South have sought to reform multilateral institutions to respond effectively to the challenges facing the world today. Their current focus is on the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024 in New York. The Global South’s objective will before this Summit to mandate the convening of a UN General Conference in 2025.

The outcomes of such a conference, based on dialogue and diplomacy, can revitalise the United Nations, restoring the integrity of an integrated international framework for achieving the priorities of the Global South.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

It is time the great India does some introspection

IF a Jamaican football team was coming to Guyana and one of the Jamaica-born players had Venezuelan parents and he was denied a visa, I would have sought an explanation from our government for two reasons and would have shut up if the explanation was that the footballer was a terror threat.

If he was not and he is a clean Jamaican citizen then his visa should not have been denied. You cannot blame people for having parents they did not choose.

You cannot blame people for having roots in a country they were not born into.

India has done something this week that the world of sports must nip in the bud before it destroys world cricket.

There is an important member of the Australian test team by the name of Us-

man Khawaja. He is of Pakistani heritage and was the only member of the squad that faced a visa delay when Australia went last March to India. In the World Cup last year in India, the entire Pakistani team was unable to acquire match practice when their visas were issued just 48 hours before the start of the tournament.

In 2019, England’s test player Saqib Mahmood had his visa delayed on the English tour to India and had to miss the series.

Shoaib Bashir was born in Surrey in the UK to Pakistani parents. He is 20 years old. He plays county cricket for Somerset and was picked for the English test team that will play five matches. The team arrived in Abu Dhabi to move on to India but had to move on without Bashir who had to return to London because,

after a delay of six weeks, his visa was still not granted.

The issue hit the British press with major newspapers and prominent sports journalists calling for a boycott of the tour. The English captain called for a boycott.

Then the controversy entered the Office of the British Prime Minister with the British PM saying: “We have previously raised the issues British citizens with Pakistani heritage have experienced. We’ve raised the issues about their experience of applying for visas with the Indian High Commissioner in London.”

Bashir was picked for his test debut but would have to miss the test because the visa was only granted on Wednesday and the test starts on Thursday (yesterday). It could easily be deduced that the reaction

of the press and the British Prime Minister caused the issuance of the visa.

The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma must be praised for the following words he said: “I feel for him, honestly. He is coming for the first time with the England set-up, and it’s not easy for anyone. It could be one of our guys, who comes to England and is denied or is not able to get the visa. I hope he can make it quickly, enjoy our country and play some cricket as well.”

Let me state what I have written long before Narendra Modi became Prime Minister of India. I printed my disapproval of the prospect of him becoming Prime Minister because I believe as Chief Minister of Gujarat, his approach led to the anti-Muslim riots getting

out of hand after a delay of almost a week of sending troops to stop murderous violence against Muslims.

The US had sanctioned him for that conduct and his visa was suspended.

When Trump entered the presidential election his rhetoric was openly racebased. His demagoguery was dangerously racist.

Mr. Trump won and his policies have created havoc in the US that it is uncertain where the US is going in the future with what Trump created. It is my inflexible position that Modi is slowly creating an anti-Muslim awareness in India. You have to be blind not to see the signs.

India is one of the world’s most beautiful civilizations in world history. It is perhaps the most demo-

cratic country in the world.

It is not only the most democratic, but, by international standards, it has been the most tolerant, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-religious country in the 20th century onwards.

Most countries with that kind of diversity would have imploded a long time ago It would be a loss to the world if India declines as a world power and is overrun with racial and religious turmoil, the kind we are seeing in the US. I end with my unshakeable position – Narendra Modi is not the best fit for India. There is a general election this year. I hope persons look in the other direction for leadership.

If not, India loses and so does the world.

‘We are on the verge of a healthcare revolution’ 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

- Health Minister says; affirms Budget 2024 will prioritise people and create opportunities

By Shamar Meusa GUYANA is currently on the verge of a healthcare revolution, with more significant investments imminent with Budget 2024.

This was according to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, during his contribution to the budget debate on Thursday.

He highlighted that when one is to look and compare what the current People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government is doing and what the previous APNU+AFC administration did, there is a total difference.

“We are on the verge of a healthcare revolution driven by strategic initiatives, innovation and a collective commitment to the well-being of the citizens of this country,” Dr Anthony said.

The Health Minister added that this level of transformation is unparalleled in the history of the country, and noted that the PPP/C administration’s objective is not only to build good healthcare, but to create a worldclass healthcare system as mandated by President, Dr Irfaan Ali. “This budget is not about empty talk; it is a budget that transforms talk into action.

This budget will revolutionise every sector and uplift the entire nation. It is a budget all about the people of this country, their health, their well-being and their prosperity,” Dr Anthony lamented.

He went on to debunk the repeated iterations by Opposition members who claim that the budget has nothing for the people of the country.

Dr Anthony emphasised the strategic approach towards addressing issues from the neonatal stage right up.

CHILDREN’S HEALTH To this end, he revealed that the sector is in need of specialised neonatal units so that neonates could receive the level of care they require all across the country.

Most of these units, the minister said, are in the Georgetown Public Hospital, with a few at some of the regional hospitals.

“However, this government decided that we want to expand neonatal care to all

$3.8 billion is set aside as part of this measure.

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE Meanwhile, in response to Opposition Member, Dr Karen Cummings, who praised the Ocean View infectious disease facility as part of the APNU+AFC administration’s legacy, he said that the facility was a “shell” and though commissioned, had nothing that a facility which was set to house COVID-19 patients at that time was supposed to have.

Against this backdrop, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony our regional hospitals. Start- ment also intends to expand ing from last year, we ex- and place significant imporpanded neonatal care at New tance on women’s health and Amsterdam, West Demer- tackling cancer which, he ara Public Hospital, Suddie, noted, was a major concern Linden Hospital Complex, for women in the populace.

Dr Anthony told the Mabaruma, Kumaka, Bartica, and the Lethem Hospital. House that the government And this year, we will do has set a goal to meet the another six sets of neonatal World Health Organisation’s units in the new six hospitals (WHO) targets by 2030 rethat we are building,” Dr garding the response to cerAnthony said. vical cancer. The goal, he Those facilities will sig- said, includes having some nificantly improve the chanc- 90 per cent of girls receiving es of survival for babies who full HPV vaccines by the age are at high risk of premature of 15. deaths, the minister said, The other aspect of the adding that this is what could target aims to have 70 per be called “transformation in cent of all women undergo action.” high-performance screening Dr Anthony said that just tests by the age of 35 and last year, the government again at 45. The third target started a school health pro- is to have 90 per cent of all gramme in collaboration with persons diagnosed with cerviMount Sinai and as a result, cal cancer receive appropriate preventative check-ups were treatment. done for over 12,000 children “This year, we will target across the country.

41,539 girls between the ages The Health Minister said of nine and 15 to ensure that that in this year’s budget, the they can get the HPV vacgovernment will ensure the cine. And if we accomplish continuation and expansion that, then we would accomof this programme at the plish the 90 per cent that we nursery and primary levels are going after,” he added.

The government, Dr so that children could benefit Anthony said, will not stop adequately from screening.

“Furthermore, it is our there, as they will target some government’s intention that 62,500 women in the 16 to 25 every school-aged child years age category, and have would be screened at least them offered two doses of the once in nursery, once in pri- vaccine and further approximary and once in secondary; mately 94,000 women in the meaning that they’ll get free 26 to 45 years age categories screening during their school for doses of the vaccine to life and any problem that we prevent cervical cancer. find we will be able to fix The budget, he added, it so that these children can also allocates resources so grow up healthy,” the Health that 52,000 women can beneMinister said. fit from VIA, pap smears and WOMEN’S HEALTH HPV tests. As presented by Added to this, the govern- the Finance Minister, some

the minister said that the government has set aside funds to improve the healthcare infrastructure all across the country.

Several new hospitals are catered for in this year’s budget, and eight are currently under construction and some others are expected to come on stream soon.

He then reminded Dr Cummings that it was her party while in government that got a loan for rehab works to the West Demerara, Suddie and Bartica Hospitals and nothing was done.

“When we came in and we went out, we recognised that from the design, when we did the design, that the money would not be enough to do all three hospitals and so we have decided that we are going to spend the money on fixing [the] Bartica Hospital. In addition to Bartica, we'll be doing the hospital at Lethem, Moruca, Kamarang and Kato and this will change the infrastructure landscape for our hospitals in this country,” Dr Anthony said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

Expansion of social services to continue with $48.1B budgetary allocation - new geriatric home, increased pension among significant plans, Minister Persaud says - challenges APNU+AFC’s claims about social welfare with facts about PPP/C’s prioritisation of vulnerable groups in Guyana

By Shamar Meusa MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, on Thursday said that the expansion of several critical social services to benefit senior citizens and the most vulnerable population in Guyana is expected to continue with this year’s allocation of some $48.1 billion in Budget 2024.

Dr Persaud made these remarks during her contributions to the National Budget debate during the 75th sitting of the 12th Parliament.

During her address, she questioned why people and the opposition would refuse to support a budget which includes measures and funding to bring relief to the people of the country, and alleviate many of the issues being faced the world over.

Addressing the $48.1 billion set aside for her ministry, she said that much of it revolves around measures to

impact senior citizens.

However, prior to her presentation, Opposition Member of Parliament Natasha Singh-Lewis said that the country’s geriatric home, the Palms, has been beset by persistent complaints and called for the facility to be restored and upgraded.

In response to this, the minister revealed that $172 million has been set aside in this year’s budget for a new senior citizen's home. Dr Persaud said that the government prioritises senior citizens across the country.

“It is important that the people of this country understand what the budget has to offer and it is not only a senior citizens’ home that we are doing for those who fall into that category. There are many other things: the senior citizens’ home will be based in Enmore and it is our vision that eventually those persons will move… and the Palms will be something to look back on as

where it all started, because it does absorb so much in the rehabilitation and repairs to it,” Dr Persaud said.

Setting the record straight on another issue mentioned by the Opposition MP, the Human Services Minister indicated that the pensioners across this country, over the tenure of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) thus far, have benefited from a 75 per cent increase in their pensions, which, she added, is much more than what was given in the five-year tenure of the APNU+AFC. Dr Persaud told the House that pensioners not only benefitted from an increase in their pension, but are also benefitting from improvements in the methods through which they receive their pensions.

“There are so many alternatives… pension is deposited in the bank account in the first five days of every month; pension is also available through MMG and pension can be paid to pensioners every day of

every month; a vast difference from what I inherited,” she added.

Dr Persaud said that the ministry has started and expanded its shut-in delivery, where pensioners who are bedridden or are unable to go to pick up their pensions could have same delivered to their homes.

She revealed that over 3,000 pensioners are benefiting from this, while there is also a direct delivery programme in the hinterland and remote areas.

As she spoke about the number of improvements that have occurred over the years since entering office, she indicated that this year a number of bills will be brought to the house.

These bills include the Family Violence Bill, which has benefitted from extensive consultation. It is expected to provide relief to those persons who seek protection under the justice system.

Additionally, the Harass-

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud ment Bill is also another one that will be brought to the National Assembly, and a draft Gender Violence Policy will be completed this year.

“There is also going to be a policy that will be done this year on gender inclusion, and there are many more policies and legislations that will be coming to the floor of the House, which I hope you will support honourable members,” Dr Persaud added.

Another project mentioned by the minister was the revamping of the Sophia Care Centre, where which she said a new kitchen and dining facility will be built.

Additionally, she indicated that the government is also

developing a model residential facility to the tune of $112 million for children living with disabilities, along with an entire facility for adults living with disabilities.

Further, the Mahaica Girls Home is also expected to undergo complete rehabilitation to the tune of $37 million, and the Juvenile Justice Processing Centre will be done at a cost of $63 million and will be based in Region Four to cater to the needs of juveniles.

The minister added: “The work that we do speaks for itself and I also believe that our young people should be very familiar with what this government is doing for them.”

Two million pounds of ginger to be harvested in Region One

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

11

- country sets sight on huge demand for cherries in fruit juice industry, Minister Mustapha says

By Naomi Parris SOME two million pounds of ginger, which is currently being cultivated in Region One (Barima-Waini), is scheduled to be harvested in February, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has said.

The minister made this announcement during his address at the recent launch of the $5.3 million Caribbean Agricultural Productivity Improvement Activity (CAPA), a project funded by the United States Agency for Development (USAID) to increase food productivity, and provide support to sever-

al farmers within the region.

Mustapha told stakeholders that significant investments have already been made to establish a production hub for spices here in Guyana.

“Region One has been designated as our spice region, and over 300 acres of ginger and 100 acres of turmeric are under cultivation in that region, and over $28 million of planting materials— 58,000 kilograms of planting materials— was distributed to support efforts in developing this sub-sector,” he said.

With the CAPA project coming on stream, farmers could receive even more sup-

port, Mustapha said. Aside from this, the project provides an avenue for the country to increase its production of citrus.

“There is a strong demand for cherries, especially for use in the fruit juice industry, and assisting smallholder farmers to increase production will help to meet

this need. Cherry is among the preferred fruit juices demanded.

“Information from a major processor suggests that the demand for cherry averages one million pounds per annum. Presently, we are supplying less than 50 per cent of that. So, there is a lot of work we have to do among

the cherry farmers to expand cultivation,” Mustapha said.

CAPA outlines an integrated value-chain strategy which aims to help farmers adapt to climate-smart practices, and improve farm-tomarket logistics.

During his year-end press conference, Minister Mustapha had said that while the agriculture sector is praised and recognised for the integral role it plays in the production of livestock, cash crops, rice and sugar, the production of spices in Guyana will be a game changer for the country as well as the region.

He related that although other farmers are cultivating

spices in the various regions, the residents of Region One have been significantly concentrating on the production of spices on a large-scale basis, which, according to him, has put the area in a position to be called the “spice region” of Guyana.

In 2023, there was a significant increase in the production of spices, and the delivery of approximately $30 million in planting materials to farmers from Regions One and Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who have invested in the cultivation of spices, specifically turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and nutmeg.

143 small business grants distributed in Region Three

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By Faith Greene

THE Small Business Bureau (SBB) on Thursday distributed 143 grants to small business owners in Region Three, at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground, West Coast Demerara. Thus far, nearly 1,500 small business grants have been distributed countrywide.

Not only is this ini-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

tiative a significant milestone for the recipients, but it serves as a testament to the incredible achievements of the government through the SBB. The bureau’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Ibrahim, re-emphasised that the government through the SBB has committed unwaveringly to fostering the growth and sustainability of Guyana’s small business owners.

Ibrahim remarked that Thursday’s distribution is a tangible representation of the SBB’s dedication to creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Each grant recipient here today is a success story… A testament to the opportunity to flourish and contribute to the resilience, creativity, and determination that define our small business community. Together, we

will build a future where every small business has the opportunity to flourish and contribute to the prosperity of our region and country,” the CEO stated.

He expressed: “Our goal is to create positive, measurable impacts by providing expert guidance, effectively channeling resources, fostering comprehensive networking, and ensuring a supportive environment for maximized performance.”

ics in financial management and record keeping, small business management, business plan writing, digitizing your business through programmes like WhatsApp for business, and SBB marketplace where products are marketed for free.

The bureau mainly targets persons seeking to start-up or expand a small business, children and youth interested in developing and starting a

Ingrid Cozier

Donna Poliah Ingrid Cozier of Ingrid’s Indigenous Flavour also shared her thoughts.

She noted that the grant will aid in boosting her business a bit more. The entrepreneur stated that she is planning on purchasing more equipment for her business so that she can produce more

Junior Garnett

EO of SBB, Mohamed Ibrahim, hands over a grant to a business owner (Delano Williams photos) Additionally, he said their commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, alleviating poverty, and increasing standards of living of all Guyanese, is strongly embedded in the diverse range of services offered by the bureau.

These services include a wide range of training programmes covering top-

small business and those persons seeking to start or expand environmentally sustainable, innovative businesses.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries Donna Poliah told this publication that she is thankful for the grant which she will use to develop her aquaculture business.

products in Region Three.

Poultry farmer Junior Garnett stated that this grant will enable him to expand his business. He urged other business owners to get on board with the SBB so that they can benefit from the various services and grow their businesses as well.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

‘Numbers don’t lie’ - Minister Walrond says tourism sector on full rebound from pandemic, defends budgetary allocation to promote tourism industry

By Naomi Parris OWING to critical investments, Guyana’s tourism industry has made a full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond said Thursday.

The minister, during her contributions on Day Four of the ongoing budget debate in the National Assembly, disclosed that the country has seen a massive increase in visitor arrivals.

“If we consider the events of the pandemic, then we might be better able to appreciate the magnitude of our achievement as regards to visitor arrivals,” Walrond said.

Arrivals increased in 2021 by 83 per cent, moving from 86,000 to 158,000; in the following year, arrivals increased to 82 per cent to 288,000, and in 2023 arrivals increased to 319,056.

“When looked at in the context of the pandemic, visitor arrivals increased by close to 207 per cent in the three years we took office; in fact, we were in the upper half league tables in the Caribbean as regards the rate of recovery,” Walrond said.

In further debunking claims made by members of the opposition that the influx of travellers was due mainly to the expanding oil-and-gas sector, the minister provided the House with statistics which contradicted this.

“The reports I received from the Guyana Tourism Authority paints a far different picture… For the Year 2022, business visitors numbered 47,000, while those coming for holiday and leisure numbered 143,000,” the tourism minister said.

These figures, she said, tripled with business visitors numbering over 53,000, while those for holiday and leisure numbered 177,000 in 2023.

Having made her point,

she concluded, “Numbers speak for themselves.”

She said that Guyana was well over the world average as it relates to rebuilding its tourism industry.

“This recovery did not happen by accident, and it didn’t just happen naturally… In the early days of the pandemic, one of the measures that we took was to procure vaccines from wherever we could get them; our intention was to get our population as close as we could to full vaccination, so we could safely reopen,” Minister Walrond said.

It is expected that 2024 will be a historic year in relation to developments taking place in the tourism sector.

“We buckled down, did the work, and now we will let that work, and the results do the talking,” she said.

The minister related that the government is continuing to promote Guyana’s work on the international stage, referencing the recent works in 2023 which saw the country’s submission to the global platform placing third in the Caribbean’s tourism organisation.

Walrond said: “Our tourism product has been featured in prominent international publications, including Forbes, the Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail and World Adventure.”

In fact, she noted that Guyana was also ranked Number 13 out 35 best destinations for 2023 and beyond by National Geographic.

“We continue to work on infrastructure to support the tourism sector. Of course, one of the critical areas of which we have concentrated our efforts is airlift capacity,” Minister Walrond said.

She noted that the country has welcomed British Airways in the Guyana route, with direct flights to London, thereafter several

other major airline companies came on stream.

These included Jet Blue and American Airlines, which have expanded their operations, thereby adding another daily

route from Georgetown to Miami, while United Airlines will be introducing a new route with four flights weekly. Regional flights have also been extended.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ms. Oneidge Walrond

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

Ram & McRae’s ‘sweeping conclusions’ on Budget 2024 lack rigorous analysis, facts - Finance Minister says

The following is the full text of a statement from the Ministry of Finance in response to Ram & Mc Rae’s conclusions about Budget 2024: “THE attention of the Ministry of Finance has been drawn to a number of pronouncements made

by Ram & Mc Rae in its Budget Focus 2024, dated January 15, 2024.

In customary style, it draws sweeping conclusions that are unsupported by any rigorous analysis and the facts on the ground.

It is only designed to excite sound bites and attempt to obscure what is pellucid, that this budget builds on a strong foundation of responsible fiscal management by the PPP/C Government as we: “Stay the Course and Build Prosperity for All.”

PLANNING AND APPROPRIATE POLICY MIX In the introduction on page four, Ram & McRae claims, “The Government is clearly on a spending extravaganza, building without thinking, executing without planning and acting without analysis.”

This statement exposes the deliberate, baseless and disingenuous foundations of the entire report, since this government has clearly articulated its steadfast vision, strategy and plans for the broad-based and sustainable development of Guyana.

The overwhelming priorities of the government’s strategy have long been identified through extensive consultative processes going back as far as the National Development Strategy, Pov-

erty Reduction Strategy Plan and PPP/C Manifesto.

Exhaustive efforts have been made in identifying projects including the New Demerara Harbour Bridge, Linden to Mabura Road, the Corentyne River Bridge and the list goes on. These projects will transform the lives of the citizens, and with the improved access to resources, are now being implemented.

Further Ram and Mc Rae noted that “If only 10% of this Budget is consumed in inefficiencies, that would be more than one hundred billion dollars”.

What is the basis on which this is arrived at, other than soliciting sound bites? If one were to contrast this with the APNU+AFC, whose pre-occupation was the preparation of plans and studies and not actually executing projects, it is clear

that the PPP/C government is action driven and has been actively delivering benefits to the citizens in this and all of its Budgets.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its 2023 Article IV Consultation report published in December 2023, commended the Government of Guyana on the progress made on many fronts, including the implementation of policies and initiatives geared at transforming Guyana’s economy.

The IMF in its report stated: “Staff assess the 2023 policy mix to be appropriate, with fiscal policy increasing public investment to address the large development needs, and broad money growing in line with non-oil GDP.” DEBT MANAGEMENT In the area of Public Debt on page 12, Ram & Mc Rae highlighted:

“The debt profile of Guyana is fast changing.

The Charts show a stable debt exposure under the APNU+AFC Coalition from 2015 – 2020 during which time the law setting a ceiling on borrowing was not amended once. The current Administration has already increased the ceiling twice since coming to power. The Minister has promised a further increase in 2024.”

The PPP/C government has demonstrated its sterling track record of transparent, accountable, and prudent debt management. Over the years, Guyana has been able to sustainably manage its public debt. The government’s effective debt management practices have contributed to a large decline in the country’s debt ratios over a sustained period.

Guyana’s debt-to-GDP ratio has declined from about 600 percent in 1991 to about 27 percent in 2023.

Additionally, in 1992 about 90 cents of every dollar of revenue earned was used to make debt service payments and today this has been drastically reduced to about 6 cents of every dollar.

Further, Ram & Mc Rae have conveniently failed to highlight that the APNU+AFC, in its last term of office illegally racked up on an overdraft of the Consolidated Fund, which they never reported as Public Debt and instead concealed in order to avoid reporting the breach in the debt ceiling.

It is also a matter of public record that it is this PPP/C government that has regularised that overdraft, securitising it with appropriate debt instruments, and putting in place arrangements to ensure that the fiscal operations of government are adequately financed without recourse to re-accumulation of the overdraft.

NATURAL RESOURCE FUND Ram & Mc Rae, on the subject of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), states

that “The Fund is already structured to allow substantial sums to be withdrawn before sums are retained as intergenerational savings.”

The PPP/C remains guided by the principles of transparency and accountability in the management of the NRF and importantly has distinguished itself from the APNU+AFC administration through prudent and sound financial management while making the necessary investment for the development of our country.

All withdrawals from the NRF will continue to be subject to the enhanced oversight enacted under this Government and are transparently used for sound and impactful investments that will be to the direct benefit of present and future generations. These positive actions of the PPP/C government in management of the NRF are also recognised and commended by the IMF in its Article IV December 2023 report, which states: “The governance of the NRF was strengthened through the appointment of three critical entities in 2022: the NRF Board of Directors, the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, and the Investment Committee. Furthermore, to ensure full transparency and accountability, notifications of receipts of petroleum revenues have been published in the Official Gazette…”

Budget 2024 presented by Dr. Ashni Singh, under the theme “Staying the Course: Building Prosperity for All”, underscores and builds on this Government’s commitment to maintaining a policy framework aimed at achieving the objectives outlined in the Budget, and at delivering the promises made in the PPP/C Manifesto, in the interest of ensuring that the country’s potential for lasting prosperity is realised and secured for the improved wellbeing of every single Guyanese.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

UG, Canadian organisation partner to build capacity in climate, land, energy, water resources management THE University of Guyana (UG) in collaboration with Catalyste+, a Canadian development partner, recently hosted a weeklong modelling workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of students, researchers, and government technical staff working on climate change, land, energy, and water resources management.

The workshop was held under the theme: “Enhancing policy coherence for the SDGs through integrated climate, land, energy and water (CLEWs) assessments and institutional strengthening in Guyana” and facilitated by Canadian expert, Dr. Taco Niet, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, School of Sustainable Energy Engineering, Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.

The workshop was held at the University’s Turkeyen Campus and ran from January 15 to 19 and saw over 15 participants benefitting.

The initiative was supported by the Canada-Caribbean Expert Deployment Mechanism, a Canada-funded project.

This Caribbean-specific mechanism, managed

by Catalyste+ (formerly CESO), is a partnership between Canada and national government entities to provide Canadian expertise to help build capacity in identified priority areas.

The workshop was aimed at providing participants with the skills to assess the interlinkages between resource systems in order to understand how production and use of food, energy and water resources contribute to climate change and how climate change affects these resource systems.

It was also intended to equip participants with the knowledge that will allow them to more efficiently manage Guyana’s resources and mitigate climate change while growing the economy and working to achieve the sustainable development

University of Guyana’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin (extreme left); Deputy ViceChancellor (Institutional Advancement), Dr Melissa Ifill (back row -second from right), facilitators and participants at the opening ceremony last Monday goals.

In her remarks, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin said that the University was extremely delighted to be partnering with Canadian High Commission and its partner agencies in planning and executing the workshop.

The VC thanked the government and people of Canada for their support and noted that the initiative will serve as a massive boost to the efforts being made by the University and the country as a whole to understand and efficiently manage Guyana’s land and marine resources.

The VC added that waterways and oceans are important to Guyana and noted that, in a few days’ time, the University will launch the Institute of Marine Ecology and River Economics which will be housed at the institution’s Tain Campus in Berbice.

Head of Cooperation at the Canadian High Commission in Georgetown, Mr Adam Loyer, noted that the importance of comprehensive, climate smart policies and integrated planning have become a global focus as the economic, human,

and ecological costs to respond to and recover from climate-related disasters increase in frequency and severity.

Mr Loyer said: “Canada is committed to improving climate resilience strategies by supporting efforts to enhance research and innovation, strengthen inclusive and coherent policy making

and channels for mutual cooperation to improve sustainable resource management and development.

This commitment aligns with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy to effectively address climate-related challenges in the pursuit of sustainable development. Specifically, it aligns with the

government’s commitment to stimulating low-carbon growth through investment in clean energy transition.”

Mr Loyer said that he was very delighted to see another partnership between Canada and Guyana that supports these efforts and commended the University for leading in the initiative.

Among those present at the opening ceremony were Second Secretary (Development), Ms Caitlin Sievert, of the Canadian High Commission and Dr. Mellissa Ifill, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Institutional Advancement, whose office facilitated the UG-Catalyste+ collaboration and supported the training workshop.

Dr Dawn Fox, Head of UG’s Department of Chemistry and local coordinator for the CLEWs training, in her remarks at the closure of the workshop last Friday, noted that the training has yielded immediate benefits in the formation of a UG modelling group and their ability to share their newly acquired skills with our students.

She noted the workshop has also set in motion the initiative to support building a CLEWs model for Guyana which will in turn support a national, cross-sectoral approach in addressing the complex issues in relation to climate change and management of energy and other natural resources.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

Company undertaking gas-to-energy project to hire 100+ local contractors, employees

LINDSAYCA + CH4 (LNDCH4 Guyana) has announced the successful hiring of over 10 Guyanese contractors and employees in Guyana, and are currently conducting interviews to hire more personnel in the upcoming weeks.

LNDCH4 is the company undertaking the groundbreaking gas-to-energy project, which will strengthen Guyana's energy capacity and also generate a multitude of employment opportunities to foster robust economic growth in the country.

“This milestone highlights our steadfast commitment to supporting the local workforce and fostering regional growth through meaningful employment opportunities,” the compa-

ny said, adding: “As part of our ongoing expansion and sustainability initiatives, LNDCH4 along with its subcontractors - aims to hire 100 more employees in 2024. We are proactively recruiting skilled professionals, contractors, and personnel who share our passion for driving positive change and con-

tributing to a greener future,” the company said in a press release.

By employing talent from Guyana, LNDCH4 reaffirmed its dedication to promote economic development, while reducing its environmental impact.

Shameeza Alfred, a member of the company’s team who is cur-

rently employed as Environmental Supervisor, said: “Being involved in a project like this one, which will impact the country in the most beneficial way has been exciting. Not only does it allow me to learn but also be listened to. I am respected for my ideas and pushed forward to develop my skills. This

project supports the integration of my own personal mission into the organisation’s mission.”

The company said: “As we continue to expand our operations, LNDCH4 remains dedicated to creating additional job opportunities and supporting local businesses in the process.”

"We are thrilled to have welcomed a diverse range of talented individuals into the LNDCH4 family. We are tapping into the wealth of expertise within our community and creating lasting partnerships that will benefit both the company and the country," Mr. Humberto Lopez, the General Manager of LNDCH4 Guyana, said.

The company said it is thankful to the local community for the overwhelming support and cooperation received throughout the hiring process.

“We remain committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and are excited about the prospects of working together,” LNDCH4 said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

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The Diaspora Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation continues to collaborate with stakeholders in advancing Guyana’s development

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

Diaspora Unit partners with THAG, GTA to boost local tourism

THE Diaspora Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation continues to collaborate with stakeholders in advancing Guyana’s development.

On Tuesday January 23, 2024, the Diaspora Unit met with the executives of The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) to discuss ways to advance tourism within the Guyanese Diaspora.

In attendance were Head of the Diaspora Unit, Rosalinda Rasul; President of THAG, Mrs. Omadele George; Director of GTA, Kamrul Baksh and other executives of THAG including Mr. Salvador DeCaries (Baganara), Carla Vantull (Wilderness Explorers), Abigial Ally (Bimichi Eco Lodge) and Oslyn Kirton (Executive Director of THAG).

The discussion focused on the different ways the Diaspora Unit and the tourism bodies can collaborate in enhancing the knowledge of Guyana's overseas missions on tourism, promote Guyana as a tourist destination to both the Diaspora and non-Diaspora, and share information on the country’s unique tourism product and offerings.

According to THAG’s executives: “They recognised the pivotal role

Guyana’s diplomatic missions play in representing Guyana on the global stage; therefore it is imperative that their staff possesses a comprehensive understanding of Guyana's tourism product.”

This meeting aimed to establish a collaborative framework that will empower diplomatic missions to effectively promote Guyana as an appealing tourist destination.

The outcome of this collaboration has the potential to significantly boost the promotion of Guyana's tourism sector internationally, leveraging the expertise and influence of diplomatic missions in showcasing the country's diverse and attractive tourism offerings.

Head of the Diaspora, Rosalinda Rasul, outlined for the executives the different ways the Unit has been promoting tourism to the Diaspora and shared with them upcoming programmes to be undertaken in 2024 to further promote tourism.

She committed to sharing all necessary information with the tourism bodies that will support their work, achieve their objectives and to include them even more in those programmes. The stakeholders set out some tasks they can undertake almost immediately.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

GWI restarts ‘H20 Kidz in Action’ school programme

THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) recently restarted its H2O Kidz In Action School Education Programme, which focuses on the promotion of water conservation and water-wise decisions through education.

As part of this initiative, a team from the Communication Department visited the Sophia Primary School in Georgetown on Thursday, where pupils were engaged and topics such as water conservation and the importance

of water for the body were discussed.

The pupils showed great interest in the presentations and gained knowledge about the GWI. At the end of the session, pupils received prizes after answering questions.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, 1 0 pupils were selected to become GWI water ambassadors.

The programme was first introduced in 2009 and was meant to be a permanent feature of GWI’s education and awareness function. The

Labourer pleads guilty to felonious wounding

Kevin Perry (GPF photo) A 26-year-old labourer of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, was, on Tuesday, arrested for felonious wounding committed on 30-year-old Lexroy Rigby, a miner of Mahdia Airstrip, Potaro.

According to a police report, Kevin Perry was charged on Wednesday for the offence contrary to Section 57(a) of the Criminal

Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01and appeared at the Mahdia Magistrate's Court before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

The police report disclosed that Perry pleaded guilty with an explanation and was later remanded to prison.

M a g i s t r a t e S c a rc e adjourned the matter to April 16, 2024.

programme involved workshops on water conservation, water and the body, and the hydrological cycle.

GWI Assistant Public Relations Officer, Lavern Fredericks (GWI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

Coming soon!

Poonam Singh’s new music video ‘Hold On’

THE sensational Poonam Singh has dropped the lyrics for her latest song “Hold On” which she describes as her gift to anyone who is feeling down, demotivated, or simply having a bad day.

Even though she has completed writing the lyrics, there is still more work to be done. She is currently working on the music video for it.

“Usually, I don’t share the song before it’s officially released but tonight I want to take a different step and do things differently because this specific song is very dear to me and it means a lot to me,” Poonam expressed when she released the lyrics on her social media page a few nights ago.

“I’ve been quiet for

Poonam has recently released the lyrics of her new song, ‘Hold On’

The lyrics...

Hold On Open your eyes, another day, you’re still alive with the same worries You wear a smile to hide your pain Trying to stay clear when it’s so blurry And you’re fighting battlefields inside Questioning your mind “is this real” And we got our demons deep inside Telling our sweet minds how to feel

Guyanese singer Poonam Singh

a moment, silent for a moment, and it’s only because I was mentally going through my own thing and I wrote this song when I was going through my own thing and it really helped me,” she further shared with her fans.

While everyone has their own way

of dealing with their issues, Poonam takes to her pen and paper when she is having a rough time. “For me, I write music whenever I am going through something that’s taking a toll on me mentally.”

Sharing a sneak peak, Poonam sang a little of her new song

for her fans, which of course sounded phenomenal as usual.

“It is my gift to you because I want you to be able to listen to my music when you feel down or demotivated or just having a bad day and be uplifted...happy, calm and change your mood.”

Hold on Life still have so much to offer, my dear Hold on Life’s so precious don’t you take it away Hold on Life still have so much to offer, my dear Hold on Life’s so precious don’t you take it away You have to know darkness before You know the light’s true worthy Your beating heart wants to beat more So don’t lose hope, please stay right here And you’re fighting battlefields inside Questioning your mind “is this real” And we got our demons deep inside Telling our sweet minds how to feel but Hold on Life still have so much to offer, my dear Hold on Life’s so precious don’t you take it away

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

‘Olatunji’ and ’Problem Child’ to headline ‘Splashamani’

WITH Mashramani season fast approaching, the stage is set for the highly-anticipated Soca and wet fete, ‘Spashamani’, on February 22 at the National Stadium, Providence.

The event is being organised by Hits and Jams Entertainment, with sponsorship from the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Cricket Carnival, Hits and

Jams, 94.1 Boom FM, HJX, and 104.3 BOOM FM. Hits and Jams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rawle Ferguson, recently said that Splashamani is expected to be an ‘impressive experience’, where attendees can enjoy Mashramani through the things they love the most Soca and a wet fete.

Attendees can look forward to being

drenched in water, and their own sweat, as the popular BOOM DJs play all the biggest hits and jams on that night and performances by Olatunji who is known for his energetic stage presence and chart-topping hits, and Problem Child.

Organisers are anticipating a large gathering of Soca lovers from different countries.

Hits and Jams plans

to ‘pull out all the stops’ to ensure that the event which is being dubbed as “a night you don’t want to miss”, is a safe and secure one.

Tickets are available at an early bird price of $3,000 for general, and $10,000 for stage front.

Ferguson is urging those interested in sharing in the experience, to secure their tickets early.

Splashamani expected to make a huge ‘splash’ come February 22

Region Nine to come alive with ‘Rodeo 2024’ in March AS Region Nine gets ready for Rodeo 2024 in March, the Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo committee is looking to expand the body to help make the yearly event more attention-grabbing and appealing.

“We are looking for Lethem and Rupununi residents who can join the rodeo committee to share fresh ideas, bring enthusiasm to the team, and assist with making Rodeo 2024 better than ever!” the committee expressed.

If persons would like to join, they can contact the event coordinator, Rayson O’Connell, with a short sentence or two about why they would like to join and which sub-committee that they’d like to work with.

Some of these sub-committees focus on entertainment events and animals and the rodeo events. There is also a sub-committee for the History and Artisan booth and infrastructure-related matters.

The committee is looking for five applicants to be shortlisted per committee and will do a short interview to make sure the person is right for the job;

Even though the rodeo is generally about riding animals, there are other enjoyable activities for everyone

Rodeo has always been a big deal for folks in the Region Nine communities

only two or three persons may be chosen.

Meanwhile, the committee announced that it is opening Rodeo 2024 celebrations with a

spectator photo competition for its Digicel Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo.

Rodeo has always been a big deal for folks in the Region Nine

communities ever since it got started in the early 1960s when ranchers would get together to do a big roundup once a year, assisting each other in identifying, branding and separating their personal herds from other ranch herds.

It was from this system of ‘self-help,’ starting south of the Kanukus towards the central and northern ranches and ending in a final big roundup at Pirara, that a friendly competition was born.

Not too long after, as the ‘60s’ progressed, the rodeo became

an organised event and moved to Stock Farm in St. Ignatius.

The event continued to gain popularity with ranchers from neighbouring Brazil and cowboys joining in for a chance at the title of ‘Rodeo King’, even as the beauties of the Rupununi participated in pageants for the ‘Rodeo Queen’ title.

Residents of the Rupununi really get to enjoy the arts and the skills showcased. It causes a “big excitement” in the Rupununi and people are often sad when it’s over, having been able

to meet and enjoy the company of friends they haven’t seen in a long time.

Even as the rodeo is generally about riding animals (bull riding, bareback bronc and saddle bronc), there are other activities like calf roping, wild cow milking, the barrel race, horse racing, watermelon eating competition, dirt bike racing, tug of war, dance off on country music, a rodeo pageant, and prizes for bestdressed adults and children.

The Marley biopic, due to open in cinemas worldwide on February 14, made its debut for a Jamaican audience, with the film’s director Reinaldo Marcus Green, lead star Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Paramount Pictures president and chief executive officer, Brian Robbins, among the bigwigs in the island for the glitzy premiere.

An impressive turnout of the who’s who in Jamaican entertainment, political, business and social circles

made the guest list for the buzzed about affair, which sees scions of the late music superstar Ziggy and Cedella Marley as the film’s co-producers, bringing their father’s well-documented life to celluloid posterity.

Speaking to Loop Entertainment on the premiere’s press line, Ziggy relayed his satisfaction with the road taken for ‘One Love’ from story concept to movie reality.

‘Bob Marley: One Love’ premiere creates major buzz in Kingston

WITH the surprise appearance by the Duke of Sussex Prince Harry and his wife Meghan on the red carpet leaving the mouths of nattily attired guests agape, the imposing legacy of reggae legend Bob Marley registered anew with the highly anticipated bigscreen biography of his life, ‘One Love’, making its world premiere at the Carib 5 cinema in Cross Roads, Kingston, on Tuesday night.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness (second left), greets Kingsley Ben-Adir, lead in the Bob Marley: One Love movie at the worldwide premiere, at Carib cinema. The legend’s son Ziggy and Minister of Entertainment and Culture, Olivia Grange, share a moment in the background (Garfield Robinson/Jamaica Observer photo)

Continued on page 23

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It’s a numbers, hits game — veteran music executive encourages dancehall acts to remain viable

ON the heels of controversy concerning comments he made under a post by producer Rvssian, veteran music executive, Murray Elias, has started a larger conversation about the state of dancehall commercially on the world stage.

In this, the second installment of a two-part interview with the Jamaica Observer, the founder and CEO of Mill Rock Music Publishing charged that dancehall acts need to do more to secure their place in the North American market.

“Afrobeats is just far more viable. And I thought I made that very clear in my comments when I said, even if unity in the dancehall were

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

to happen, the Afrobeats artistes are better songwriters, better singers, better artistes, than what’s coming out of Jamaica. And being better, I mean more commercial on an international crossover level.

I was specifically talking about the crossover music in America,” said Elias.

He continued: “Well with the exception of the two current records that are on the radio [Byron Messia’s Talibans and Teejay’s Drift] in America, none of these artistes are signed to major labels and none of these records/songs coming out of Jamaica have gotten on the radio. Talibans and Drift have crossed over to urban radio and not Top 40/Pop radio. Without that

Murray Elias

extra piece of Top 40/Pop radio, these records are not going to get bigger.”

Asked why, with all the social media platforms around, contemporary dancehall had not sold anywhere near their counterparts from the 1990s and early 2000s, Elias shared: “We live in an era where people are streaming and not buying music.

You’re really more loyal to Spotify than to an artiste.

It’s a different way that people are consuming music in 2024. Another reason, those records were club records, played in reggae, hip hop, pop, top 40 American clubs.

Most of what’s happening out of Jamaica isn’t played in the clubs. Jamaican dancehall was very popular in the clubs back then.

He said that the music has evolved over the years, with dancehall losing its place in the entertainment crossover space.

“Reggaeton really came into its own in the early 2000s. Dancehall was crushing reggaeton particularly with radio, sales, and major label interest. Around 2010, reggae lost the vibe, it lost the dancing vibe, the beats became trap dancehall beats, club DJs stopped playing reggae music coming out of Jamaica and were only playing the classics. And there was reggaeton waiting in the wings. Every DJ started playing it. Dancehall lost its spot and gave it to reggaeton, and now Afrobeats is sharing that

spot with reggaeton. But until the music changes for the better, and starts to make party records, danceable beats, and start making records that men and women can dance to, the reggaeton and Afrobeats will continue to dominate in the American crossover markets in terms of streaming numbers and radio play.”

Elias went on to discuss the availability of deals and the information that undergirds access to the grasping of economically beneficial opportunities.

Said he: “There has been a number of major label signings in recent years — Shenseea, Jada Kingdom, Byron Messia, Teejay, Protoje, Stefflon Don all have enjoyed label deals. And Protoje, Stefflon Don and Jada Kingdom have been dropped because they were not able to come with radio hits or change numbers. I think what’s happening right now in the major label/dancehall sphere is because, in the last few years, Jamaica has finally gotten on board with iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify and with YouTube, that there’s data coming from Jamaica, and A&R [artiste and repertoire] people don’t understand the Jamaican culture, nor the dancehall vibe.

They’re looking at data coming from Jamaica, they don’t listen to the music. They are data-driven.”

He suggested that industry players better align themselves with the metrics of the

music landscape.

“The teams behind the artistes are not qualified to deal with labels the way the team behind Sean Paul was able to navigate the major label system and keep the music happening and hot, and keep it to its dancehall roots. And, as a result of that, the artistes who got signed recently are being dropped.

The jury is still out on artistes like Masicka, Shenseea, [and] Lila Ike. Let’s see if they can come through with any real radio hits. Teejay and Byron have had some breakthrough radio success and some halfway decent streaming numbers. But nothing compared to Afrobeats or reggaeton. Again, in the US, and I am not comparing reggaeton and dancehall to streaming numbers in Latin or South America and I’m not comparing dancehall and Afrobeats to streaming numbers in Africa. In America, Afrobeats outweighs streaming numbers to dancehall and the same reggaeton in America. The numbers are not even close,” the champion of Jamaican music forms said.

Still, Elias reasoned that music success remains a hits game: “We’ll see if Teejay and Byron can follow up their hits with other hits. I know how difficult it was working with Sean Paul to follow up a radio hit with other radio hits when you’re working with reggae and dancehall.” (Jamaica Observer)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

‘Bob Marley: One Love’ premiere creates major buzz in ...

From page 21

“It helps to spread the message more in a different medium, so we are very happy we are able to push it to another level,” he said, adding that “me and Neville Garrick, were there to make sure they don’t mess it up; we were really involved.”

Asked if he’d seen the biopic more than once, Marley cheerfully shared: “Yeah man, mi see it nuff time… mi like it, is one of them movie weh you are going to want to watch more than one time.”

Meanwhile, for the man who stepped into character as the music icon, and has faced praise and backlash from opposing sides of the local public who have debated his casting, Ben-Adir told Loop Entertainment that being in Jamaica for the premiere “is beyond special.

“This movie was made for Jamaica, with Bob’s family and all of the cast, so premiering it here is a very special moment,” Ben-Adir said.

Asked about his preparation for the role and going through the months-long filmed experience, the English actor said: “It was a journey, and I had the love and support of the Jamaican cast and they really lifted it, they really lifted the whole film.”

The ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ movie, lensed last year between the UK and Jamaica, with shoot locations including Trench Town, the National Stadium, and the Bob Marley Museum, stars Ben-Adir as Bob, Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley, and James Norton as Chris Blackwell.

Jamaicans in the cast include reggae singers Naomi Cowan and Hector Lewis and musician and actor Sheldon Shepherd.

Based on an initial story by Terence Winter and Frank E Flowers, and developed into the screenplay penned by Winter, Flowers, Zach Bryan and the film’s director Green, the movie zones in on Bob’s prolific career, including events leading up to his attempted assassination in 1976, and the historic One Love concert he headlined the same year, at which he memorably joined the hands of late Prime Minister Michael Manley and Opposition Leader Edward Seaga.

Jamaica’s present Prime Minister Andrew Holness, talking to American journalists at the premiere, was effusive about both Marley and the movie.

“He appeals to a broad cross-section of people all over the world; his music and his values are universal so he iconic. To the people of Jamaica, he’s their hero, he is their voice, poetry and music.

“For a film to be made of him and to premiere here is a great honour for us,” Holness said. “Paramount Pictures has shown a great respect [for the] culture of Jamaica to have the premiere here.”

In addition to a sizable representation from the local press, a flurry of overseas media was also present at Monday night’s premiere, including Entertainment Tonight and the show’s co-host Kevin Frazier, CBS Sunday Morning and correspondent Seth Doane, and Fantastico Brazil and reporter Hugo Glos.

Doane told Loop Entertainment that his television crew’s Jamaica visit to cover the premiere is part of a Ben-Adir profile story set to air on CBS on Sunday, February 4. (Loop News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday, January 26, 2024)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Kirk McKenzie-50 (2) Travis Head-119 Today’s quiz: (1) Whose wicket did Shamar Joseph take with his very first ball in Test cricket?

(2) Who is the first WI to take a wicket with his very first ball in Test cricket?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

Sabalenka on track to defend Australian open title

(BBC) - ARYNA Sabalenka remains on track to defend her Australian Open crown after reaching the Melbourne final by avenging her loss to Coco Gauff in last year's US Open showpiece.

Belarusian second seed Sabalenka won 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 against American fourth seed Gauff in a tense semi-final.

Both were edgy in an error-strewn first set with six breaks before Sabalenka pounced decisively late in the second.

Sabalenka will face Chinese 12th seed, Zheng Qinwen, in Saturday's final.

Zheng, 21, reached her first Grand Slam showpiece by ending Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska's incredible run with a 6-4 6-4 win in Thursday's second semi-final.

Zheng is aiming to become the second Chinese woman to win the Australian Open singles title - on the 10th anniversary of Li Na's famous victory.

"It feels unbelievable," Zheng said. "I'm super excited to have such a great performance and arrive in the final."

Sabalenka illustrates why she is title favourite Anticipation for the contest between Sabalenka and Gauff at the opening Grand Slam of the season was high.

Both players had been impressive as they worked their way through the draw, setting up a rematch of their thrilling US Open final which 19-year-old Gauff edged in September to claim her first major title.

It took place under the roof on Rod Laver Arena - as did the second semi-final - because of persistent rain in Melbourne.

Sabalenka had been particularly dominant and, after showing resilience to recover from sticky spells against Gauff, still has not dropped a set over the past fortnight.

The 25-year-old Belarusian unleashed her explosive game on Gauff from the start, cracking 33 winners and attacking her opponent's second serve in a high-octane demonstration of her power.

While Sabalenka's style still often leads to errors, she seems more at ease at Melbourne Park this fortnight, having the experience of lifting her first major title here.

Now, after keeping her composure to serve out victory, she is the first woman to reach back-to-back finals since Serena Williams in 2017.

"I think I was able to focus on myself and I was prepared for her moving really good and putting every ball back," said Sabalenka, who has reached at least the semi-finals of the past six majors.

"I had to be ready to make an extra shot and I was ready for tonight."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

Top teams confirm for Mash Cup

WHENEVER you have teams the stature of Sparta Boss, Gold is Money, Bent Street and Sophia lined up in the same tournament you can expect fireworks and pure exhilarating action.

These two elements are anticipated to align when organiser Edison Jefford stages the Mashramani Street Football Competition on February 18, at the National Park.

According to the organiser, over $1million in prize monies and bragging rights will be the compensation for the

winners of the one-night event that will determine the best team in the Capital City.

Mashramani, an indigenous word that means ‘celebration after hard work’ will erase any lingering doubt about its meaning as teams have to battle each other in what is already shaping up to be a clash of will and skill.

Jefford said the winning team will take home $500,000, while second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $250,000, $150,000 and $100,000 respectively.

He added that the tournament has attracted 16 of the best teams in Georgetown and its environs and fans could expect a night of exciting action along with a well-stocked bar and added entertainment.

Apart from the above-mentioned juggernauts, some of the other teams confirmed are: Stabroek ballers, Team Cruel, Five O, Family, North East La Penitence among others.

Quizzed on the number of teams invited for the one-day event, the organiser said that, because of the admiration

of the street style format, teams have been calling him asking for an opportunity to participate in the tournament.

“Ideally, I wanted to play eight of the best teams, but because of the demand by other teams to be included I was left with no choice but to increase the number of participants to sixteen. It was a difficult call; these were teams who supported all my tournaments in the past and I felt obligated to include them with strict emphasis on punctuality” Jefford stated.

The event he recalled

was usually staged over six nights previously, but due to the rising cost of hosting such tournaments he was forced to make the adjustment and fuse everything into one night of adrenaline-charged action.

According to the seasoned organiser, the shortened format is the new direction sports is taking, pointing to the exciting Twenty20 cricket as a prime example to underscore his point.

“I have an opportunity to create an atmosphere allied with the Mashramani celebration

which is adorned with colour, pomp and ceremony and fans can be assured that that is what I will deliver along with the on-field intense fireworks.

The organiser once again thanked all members of the corporate community who have promised their support, while Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken was also recognised for offering his support.

The date for the launch of the tournament will be announced shortly.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and spinners make it India's day

(ESPNCRICINFO) - The newest gimmick in Test cricket arrived in spurts not always from the team credited with it - but the oldest truth of the oldest format was reinforced on day one of the series: a batting approach can have a say only when the quality of bowling of the two sides is comparable.

With two of the greatest spinners of all time in their attack, India bowled England out for 246 on a surface friendlier than the ones we have seen recently in India. By stumps India had wiped off 119 o f t h o s e a s Ya s h a s v i Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma feasted on an attack that consisted of Jack Leach and two spinners with just one Test between them.

Jaiswal it was who started the innings with a boundary first ball, it was he who welcomed debutant Tom Hartley with a six first ball, and it was he who scored the first fifty of the series quicker than a run a ball.

The most impactful work, though, happened either side of lunch after England had made a quick start against Jasprit

Ashwin took the first wicket of the series•Getty Images

Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Well not as quick as India's, but still you will take 41 for 0 in eight overs against two bowlers of that quality any day of the week. Especially when you have edged or missed 12 balls in that period of play.

Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin were called upon in earnest. Immediately Jadeja bowled a maiden, beating Zak Crawley three

times in a row. The ball turned for both of them, and they found their length in no time. Denied the drive and the back-foot shots, the batters could either sweep or defend. Two sweeps off Jadeja brought Ben Duckett fours, but Ashwin bowled straighter to deny him the sweep too.

The offbreak landed on the leather, beat his inside edge and trapped him in front.

Ollie Pope never looked comfortable during his brief stay, and edged Jadeja defending in front of his body. Crawley looked to hit out, but was beaten in the flight by Ashwin and ended up check-driving to mid-off. Three wickets had fallen in five runs; first eight overs of spin: 3 for 30.

Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow added what

looked like the most assured 61 runs in the innings, but after lunch Axar Patel produced an unplayable delivery. On a length, middle and off, making Bairstow defend in front of the body, and then turning it past him to take the top of off. Just to avoid doing this, the pair had been sweeping off the line, just going down to anything pitched outside off. In do-

ing that, Root then swept at a length too short, and ended up top-edging to short fine leg to make it 125 for 5.

With no easy runs on offer, Ben Foakes followed a turning delivery to edge Axar through to the keeper. Bumrah came back to show what a good pitch it was when he took Rehan Ahmed's inside edge with a slower ball, which still carried through comfortably to the keeper. The first 17 overs of the middle session brought England just 34 runs, the slowest any session of 100 balls or more has been for them in the Bazball era.

From 155 for 7, Ben Stokes put together three valuable stands to give England some hope.

Hartley hit Ashwin for a four and a six in his breezy 23 off 24 when Test cricket was still a breeze for him. Stokes pulled out some incredible hits during his 41-run stand with Mark Wood, going past 50 himself, but it was only a matter of time that wickets would fall during such high-risk batting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

Da Silva, Hodge show determination in West Indies fightback

CMC – Wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva and rookie Kavem Hodge showed great determination to rescue West Indies with a composed half-century against hosts and world champions Australia in the day-night first Test on Thursday.

Da Silva endured a bouncer barrage from the Australian pacers to lead a recovery for the Caribbean side with 79 and shared a 149-run, sixth wicket stand with Kavem Hodge that carried the visitors to a respectable 266 for eight at the close on the first day of the match at the Gabba.

Hodge, playing in only his second Test, made 71, and with Da Silva averted another batting collapse after West Indies slumped to 64 for five at the dinner break after they won the toss and surprisingly chose to gat.

“I knew after getting bumped out twice in Adelaide they would come at me a lot, so I put on a chest pad this time and decided to duck

Kavem Hodge and Joshua Da Silva put on the first 100-plus partnership of the series•Jan 25, 2024•Getty Images

from a few and ride a few,” he told reporters after play.

“It wasn’t going well, so I needed to change and thankfully it worked a little bit.”

Da Silva said he was a bit disappointed that neither he nor Hodge carried on until

the close, but he celebrated the fight that he and Hodge epitomised over the span of close to two sessions.

“Nobody would have expected, for sure, at 64 for five when I came in that we’d be 266, so that’s 200-plus runs

for three wickets for the rest of the day, so we are pretty happy,” he said.

“We just wanted to show that we can fight, that we can put a foot forward. We might not win, but at least, we can show people we are here to

fight, here to play cricket…

“Against one of the best teams in the world, we showed fight here. We showed fight in Adelaide with the ball, but it’s about showing people, West Indies, we’re still here and we want to show people that we deserve to be here.”

Hodge said he admitted to teammates after the first Test in Adelaide that nerves had gotten the best of him, but he felt more relaxed and less pressure to perform at the second time of asking, and he was proud of the rescue act that he and Da Silva performed.

“I was a bit more relaxed, and I could work my plan, and enjoy the environment of Test cricket,” he told ABC Radio. “I was happy with the time I spent in the middle, and I am just trying to be as consistent as possible.”

Hodge showed plenty of gumption and a selection of nice strokes, mostly through the off-side, and he said it all came down to being more disciplined in his approach.

“Looking back at videos of the first Test, and after spending time in the nets, I just focused in on what it was that I really had to do,” he added.

“My game plan was generally leaving the ball outside the off-stump and zoning in on that and trying to be more consistent ball after ball in every over.”

He said: “The pink ball takes a little bit of adjusting to when the lights in the stadium are turned on and the sun goes down, your visuals are all over the place, but it’s just a matter of trying to focus and like any other cricket – the more time you spend at the wicket, you feel more relaxed, you feel more in.

“We felt the pitch was going to be pretty nice for batting. It was rock hard, so I think the most important thing for us was that we had to get in… It’s unfortunate that some of the other guys didn’t, but I knew once that was done, it was only a matter of taking it as deep as possible.”

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ returns March 15

THE Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Zone is scheduled to kickoff on March 15, at the renowned National Park in Thomas Lands.

Thirty-two of the top teams from Georgetown will vie for bragging rights and the right to be crowned champion over eight days of competition, along with lucrative prize monies and trophies, while an automatic berth in the national final is guaranteed.

According to Guinness Brand executive, Lee Baptiste, because of the extended absence of the tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other unfortunate issues, the organisers are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the event makes an exciting re-entry to the street-style football landscape.

To this end, Baptiste informed that they’ve decided to invite thirty-two of

the best teams in Georgetown, which will battle over eight days for the right to be crowned the best in the City.

The other playing days are March 16,17, 22,23,24 and 30 with the final set for the 31st.

Baptiste added that this year’s zone opener will enjoy unprecedented media exposure, assuring that all platforms will be utilised to advertise the event.

“We are quite aware of the popularity of the event and, because of its unfortunate absence for some time, players and fan experience will be a top priority for us, so, very shortly, we will be rolling out our plans to sensitise communities, where these teams will come from, about all the information pertaining to the tournament,” he said.

He disclosed that, apart from the automatic qualifiers, the organisers hope to stage a playoff among teams

Guinness ‘Greatest in the streets’ Georgetown action kicks off soon

desirous of competing in the tournament, especially those entering for the first time.

Defending champion Gold is Money will be aiming to secure its third consecutive title, an accolade, if achieved will make it the

first team to do so, while the most successful team in the tournament’s history, Sparta Boss, is motivated to stop it (Sparta Boss) in its quest of accomplishing such a feat.

Among the other favoured teams slated to com-

pete are Back Circle, Bent Street, Sophia, North East La Penitence, Stabroek Ballers and Albouystown.

Judging from recent competitions, this year’s Georgetown Zone is shaping up to be one of the most

competitive in recent memory with a plethora of young upcoming teams already displaying their potential and pedigree.

Baptiste revealed that they are currently in discussion to stage a tournament Launch and details will be forthcoming soon.

This year could also witness a more vibrant community interaction all aimed at bringing communities together to create social cohesion among its residents.

Additionally, the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition has, over the years, been organised to identify talent and with word emanating about the abundance of such residing in the competing communities, the custodians of the sport are advised to have scouts on every scheduled match day.

What is guaranteed are exciting matches and giveaways for fans.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

What will the selectors come up with?

— Shamar Joseph opts for T20 franchise league in Dubai

Shamar Joseph

By Sean Devers SEVERAL senior players are unavailable for at least the first two rounds of the 2024 Regional First-Class tournament for various reasons, including recent Test sensation Shamar Joseph, who has opted to play in a T20 league in Dubai.

The depleted defending Champions Guyana Harpy Eagles, winners of six of the last eight First-Class titles, will face off with Trinbago Red Force who has not won a First-Class since 2015, on February 7 in St Kitts.

And without several of their star players, the selec-

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

tors have their work cut out.

Joseph's decision to head to Dubai instead of St Kitts is not surprising and understandable since, with the money earned from Dubai he will be able to do things for his family that they only dreamed of while he will still be able to play at least five games in the CWI tournament since two extra teams have been added this season.

The 27-year-old Tagenarine Chanderpaul has struggled since making his first Test century (a double against Zimbabwe) scoring just two fifties and three ducks in his last 10 matches, including 6 & 0 (in the first test against Australia last

week).

Chanderpaul, along with off-spinner Kevin Sinclair will hope to make an impact in the second Test (Sinclair’s debut) before returning for Guyana's opening game.

Chanderpaul will open the batting with Matthew Nandu who batted brilliantly before being run out on Wednesday on day two of National Trials in West Demerara.

Nandu shared in a 173run stand with Raymond Perez who fell seven short of his ton while Kevlon Anderson scored a century in last week’s trial; the former being the top scorer (29) after his team was bowled out for 97

in the current trail game.

Along with Kemol Savory who could do the Keeping, could form the top five in Guyana’s batting order with Anderson coming at three Savory at four and Perez who is likely to make his debut, at five.

Sinclair, arguably the improved West Indies cricketer over the two seasons, could bat at six with all-rounder Clinton Pestano coming at seven.

Veerasammy Permaul could bat at eight and leggie Steven Sankar, who so taken 10 wickets from three innings in the trials and should picked for his variety, at nine.

Ronsford Beaton and Nial

Veerasammy Permaul

Smith who along with Pestano could form the pace attack, could occupy the two remaining batting positions.

Guyana’s spin trio could be Permaul, Sinclair and Sankar who could also make his debut while Adams and Renaldo Alimohamed (if he makes a good score in this trials) could be the other two players in the Guyana Harpy Eagles touring squad.

At 34, Permaul already has 607 First-Class from 137 games including his nine Tests and it will be interesting to see if the Captaincy will be given to him since Anthony Adams, Anderson, Savory and Nandu have played the role of Captain during the

rain-affected trials The 13-man squad is expected to be named today when the Chairman of the Selection panel Ramnaresh Sarwan, returns from the USA. The panel is made up of Sarwan, Peter Persaud (Demerara), Balram Samaroo (Berbice) and Norman Fredericks (Essequibo).

GHE Potential: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Matthew Nandu, Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savory, Raymond Perez, Kevin Sinclair, Clinton Pestano, Veerasammy Permaul, Steven Sankar, Ronsford Beaton, Nail Smith, Anthony Adams, Shamar Yearwood.

GCB/Harpy Eagles four-day trial match…

Singh’s 81 highlights truncated Day Three

By Sean Devers

DESPITE blue skies and sweltering heat at the Meten-Meer-Zorg ground, seepage through the covers resulted in the entire first session being lost on the penultimate day of the final four-day trial match.

Being held in preparation for the 2024 Regional First-

Class tournament, Kevlon Anderson’s X1 ended on 1595, still 73 runs away from avoiding an innings defeat going into today’s final day.

After play finally commenced, Savory’s X1 took their overnight score of 311-9 to for 329 when fast bowler Nail Smith bowled Thaddeus Lovell for 11 leaving Anthony Adams unbeaten on seven.

Anderson XI had scored 97 all out in the first innings.

Smith finished with 2-59 while Veerasammy Permaul and Malcolm Hubbard had 3-81 and 2-15 respectively.

When Anderson’s began their second innings with a deficit of 232, Sachin Singh and Rampertab Rampersaud added 90 for the first wicket in an attractive partnership.

Rampersaud hit four fours in his 41 before Leon Swammy removed him and also dismissed Brandon Jaikarran (1) and skipper Anderson (6). The demise of Anderson meant that three wickets had fallen for 15 runs.

Akshaya Persaud, who will play with CCC in the Regional Tournament, joined fellow left-hander Singh who

continued to play their shots on a good track and fast outfield.

But with the partnership on 51 and the score on 156, Singh was bowled by leftarm spinner Anthony Adams after reaching the ropes 10 times and clearing it once.

Three runs later, off-spinner Junior Sinclair disturbed the stumps of Hubbard to

leave the score on 159-5 to end the day’s play with Persaud unbeaten on 24.

Swammy has so far taken 3-22.

Today’s final day is scheduled for a 09:30 start.

The Guyana team that will to travel to St Kitts on February 5, is expected to be selected following the conclusion of the match.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 26, 2024

Da Silva, Hodge show determination in West Indies fightback PAGE 30

Singh’s 81 highlights truncated Day Three PAGE 31

Kavem Hodge and Joshua Da Silva put on the first 100-plus partnership of the series•Jan 25, 2024•Getty Images

Sachin Singh gathers leg side runs

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| FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024