Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26-02-2023

No more walking for miles for Region Nine pupils

… as $14M Nursery School commissioned

with Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall, officially commissioned the Kokshebai Nursery School last Tuesday during a visit to the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region.

The Kokshebai Nursery School was constructed by Osbert Rebeiro at a cost of $14M, the Education Ministry noted in a press release.

Previously, the pupils manoeuvred the rough terrains for more than five miles as they travelled to Taushida, a neighbouring village, to receive an education.

According to the release, Minister Manick -

chand stated that ensuring each child receives an education, regardless of their geographic location, remains a top priority for the government. She told parents that the government firmly believes that once given the resources, the children of the hinterland can achieve the same success as those on the coastland.

She further stated that constructing a school is only part of giving children a strong education; the other part is ensuring there are trained teachers in each classroom.

It was also noted that the ministry’s breakfast pro-

gramme will be extended to the village; textbooks will be given to each pupil, and in July, each school aged child will receive $40,000 through the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant programme.

Minister Dharamlall noted that this is part of the government’s agenda to ensure that every citizen benefits from the rapid development that is taking place.

While in the village, Ministers Manickchand and Dharamlall also commissioned a health facility. This will ease residents’ burden of travelling to other neighbouring villages to access basic healthcare.

PUPILS in Kokshebai, South Pakaraimas will no longer have to walk for

miles to receive an education with the commissioning of a brand new school in their village. Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, along

Children of Kokshebai, South Pakaraimas, at the commissioning ceremony of the new school.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall officially commissioned the nursery school.

The Kokshebai Nursery School.

BPO, automotive industry, e-governance initiatives

–– other major areas in Guyana on Indian investors’ radar

THE rapid transformation of Guyana and resultant opportunities have caught the eyes of Indian investors who are interested in capitalizing on areas of agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, e-governance initiatives, energy and other crucial areas.

The interests of stakeholders in both public and private enterprises were shared with Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who led a high-level team to India to advance discussions on bilateral co-operation.

This visit was seen as a continued engagement between the two countries after the official visit of President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to India last month.

According to a release from the Indian High Commission, the visit “heralded a further galvanization of ties” between the two countries, as the Vice-President met with the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, and important Cabinet ministers. He also participated in the World Sustainability Development Summit organized by TERI in New Delhi.

Jagdeo met with the Indian President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace of India), where discussions were held on the bilateral engagements and ways to strengthen the bilateral partnership between the two countries.

“The President of India stressed on the high importance that India attaches to its relations with Guyana owing to the shared heritage, culture and historic backgrounds and stressed the need to further diversify the bilateral trade between the two countries.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu also expressed confidence that the visit of Vice President Jagdeo would further deepen historical assets of friendship

between India and Guyana,” the release said.

Meanwhile, Shri Dhankhar and Vice-President Jagdeo had strong discussions on strategies to strengthen bilateral partnerships in various sectors including petroleum and natural gas, agriculture, agro-processing, education, healthcare, capacity building, renewable energy, ICT and climate change.

Both leaders appreciated the close and cordial relations shared by India and Guyana based on strong people-to-people ties, eco-

climate change mitigation and sustainable development.

Dr. Jaishankar assured Jagdeo that concerns of the Global South which includes Guyana and other Caribbean nations would be strongly represented during India’s G-20 Presidency.

During the Vice-President’s engagement with India’s Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar, various agriculture-related issues were discussed including the rice, sugarcane, coconuts, agro-process -

nomic linkages and commonalities of approach on multilateral issues.

Jagdeo also had a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, during which talks were centred on the historical relationship between the two countries and greater opportunities in partnership, especially in trade, energy, agriculture, skills and people-to-people ties.

Both agreed that greater frequency of India-CARICOM ties could further “galvanize ties” between India and the region. The two leaders also discussed India’s current Presidency of the G-20 to address major issues related to the global economy, such as

ing, aquaculture, fisheries, dairy, livestock sectors, among other things.

India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri also highlighted several matters of mutual interest and discussed matters pertaining to the entire energy chains including participation in energy assets, commitment for long-term off-take and capacity building initiatives in the oil and gas sector of Guyana.

The Indian Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the Vice-President discussed various issues of bilateral importance in the health sector, including the creation of manufacturing hubs of vaccines, thera -

peutic and hand-holding and training of the medical workforce.

Minister Mandaviya shared with the Vice-President India’s insights on the successful implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadi Pariyojna (PMBJP) which supplies high-quality, lowcost, generic medicines to the people of India.

Collaboration in ensuring affordable medicines through PMBJP and promoting Ayurveda in Guyana was also discussed.

Partnerships to strengthen collaboration to improve skills and capacity building in the vital agricultural sector of Guyana and the promotion of bilateral trade between the two countries in the agri-

cultural sector were also explored.

The Cabinet of India on February 22 approved the Air Services Agreement between India and Guyana which would come into force after the exchange of the diplomatic notes between the two parties, confirming that each side has completed the internal procedures for coming into force of the agreement.

The signing of such an agreement between India and Guyana will enable a framework for the provision of air services between the two countries.

“Overall, the official visit of Dr. Jagdeo was appreciated at various levels and could pave the way for increasing momentum in bilateral relations while

reflecting a new energy,” the release said.

Meanwhile, in a televised interview with some Indian media channels and news outlets, Dr. Jagdeo spoke about the reasons why India’s assistance and “its great technical skills” could help define the growth of the industry of both oil and gas, especially as Guyana moves to develop a gas policy and to start utilising the gas resources in terms of environmental management, and building capacity across the country.

The Vice-President thanked the Government of India for all the hospitality and attention to the delegation and its interest in building partnerships.

He also spoke at length about India’s leading role as an independent global voice with a more nuanced position on issues of development.

He also praised Indian Prime Minister Modi for the strength of his character and his policies to make enormous advances in various sectors of India for creating Indian stature globally.

Jagdeo had also expressed his appreciation for India’s willingness to represent the interests not only of its own but that of the “Global South” including small countries, like Guyana.

Vice-President of Guyana Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo engages India’s President, Smt Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The delegation meeting between Guyana and India.

Food makers, feeling squeezed, pull the plug on slow-selling products

Works commence to relocate 20 structures in the way of new Harbour Bridge

MAJOR consumer companies including Kraft Heinz Co (KHC.O) and Conagra Brands Inc (CAG.N) are culling

Many companies started slimming their offerings during the pandemic and are aggressively renewing those efforts, eliminating less-popular items to focus on products on which they can more easily raise prices amid prolonged inflation and Unilever said they have seen billions in savings after olate chip cookie dough cream pie to make room for what the U.S. food company hopes will be a faster-selling no sugar added apple pie.

“No one will have a perfect batting average,” said Chief

Executive Sean Connolly in an interview. “The key is to have plexity program” underway at Kraft Heinz, its executives said at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York Conference

CEO Dirk Van de Put told Wall Street analysts at the conference that the Oreo maker had clear rules on replacing old products with new Martin Renaud, a top marketing executive at Mondelez, told Reuters the chocolate manufacturer has “too many

versions for dollar stores or larger ones for warehouse chains like Costco (COST.O), said Justin Cook, U.S. consumer products research leader at Deloitte. Cash-strapped shoppers are more frequently looking for bargains at both types of retailers.

“It’s more expensive to make a lower-volume product,” Cook said. “If it’s not a high-performing item that people absolutely have to have, companies feel it’s harder to raise price.”

Nestle said cutting products saved 1 billion Swiss francs last year ($1.06 billion), while Unilever said the practice saved $2 billion.

Retailers are also demanding new, fast-selling products to enhance their own faltering sales. Products most likely to get the boot are those with niche or limited popularity.

Water

“We sometimes have the tendency to launch a lot of things because they are exciting but we need to be very rigorous,” Renaud said. As Mondelez adds products with different price points, it adds complexity, he added. “I am a big advocate of simplicity.”

Companies cull product offerings to make room for new iterations of their most popular items, such as smaller-sized

To make way for the new infrastructure, close to 20 structures will have to be relocated, the Housing Ministry revealed on Saturday.

Development, Mr.

and

Heinz Real Mayonnaise has a small share of the global market, according to the research firm Euromonitor. For some consumers, such cuts can be jarring.

were also present at the exercise.

Vinh Banh said in an email he has long used Heinz Real Mayonnaise for sandwiches and deviled eggs. He was disappointed to discover this month that Kraft had killed the product, which it launched in 2018. Banh, 34, from Garland, Texas, said he is on the hunt for any remaining jars he can find.

Minister Croal, who also engaged residents on Friday afternoon, reassured them that the necessary assistance will be provided to ensure a seamless transition.

Kellogg Co (K.N) ditched its line of Special K protein shakes and Nestle axed Lean Cuisine paninis, frozen Sweet Earth Benevolent Bacon and Sweet Earth Vegan Hot Dogs, spokespeople for the companies confirmed.

The relocation and resettlement process is being facilitated through the Community Development Department of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), which has been engaging residents for some time.

‘PREPPING FOR A SLOWDOWN’

In some cases, suppliers are bowing to retailer plans to reduce inventory, hoping that cutting product lines will make stores more efficient and less costly to run and stock.

Director of Community

In May 2022, the government signed a contract to construct a new crossing over the Demerara River to the tune of US$260M with a Chinese joint venture – China Railway Construction Corporation Limited. The hybrid-designed bridge will feature a modern four-lane structure, cycle lane, with a 2.65 kilometers length, driving surface of about 23.6 meters, and will have a lifespan of some 100 years.

Walmart told Reuters it was seeking more data from suppliers to justify pricing and pushing for more creative ways to defray costs and cushion price hikes to consumers.

Twitter page called “Discontinued

over 23,000 followers.

“You’d be shocked by the loyalty and personal connections people have to food products,” he said. (Reuters)

Foods” with

WITH the Government of Guyana in the process of constructing the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, Minister of Housing and

Collin Croal met with several residents of Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara who fall within the project alignment.

Gladwin Charles

technical staff

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal engaging residents of Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara

Some 20 structures will have to be relocated to accommodate the new Harbour Bridge

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali hosted a dinner on Friday in honour of Lord Zac Goldsmith, the Minister of State for Overseas Territories, Commonwealth, Energy, Climate and Environment of the United Kingdom who is on an Official Visit to Guyana. After dinner, the President presented a painting by renowned Guyanese artist Dillon Craig, to the visiting dignitary.

Louisa Row fire caused by children playing with matches

FOUR families are now counting their losses after a fire destroyed their Lot “C” Louisa Row, Wortmanville, Georgetown house on Friday, due to children playing with matches.

“It was determined that the fire was the result of children left unattended playing with matches which ignited nearby combustibles and spread to the entire apartment,” the Guyana Fire Service stated on Saturday.

According to the Fire Service, “immediate action and expert firefighting” resulted in the minimisation of damage on Friday, to the two-storey timber and concrete building owned by Malinda Prescott and operated as an apartment complex.”

Water tenders from the Central and West Ruimveldt fire stations were dispatched to the location.

Apartment one, located on the eastern half of the ground floor, was occupied by 48-year-old Simone Moe and her family of three. As a result of the fire, this apartment was slightly damaged by smoke and water.

However, apartment two, which was located on the western half of the ground floor, and occupied by 37-year-old Candacy

Lowe and her family of

three were destroyed, leaving the family homeless. Similarly, apartment three, which was located on the eastern half of the top floor, was occupied by 35-year-old Khari George and her family of three, and was slightly damaged by smoke and water.

Apartment four, located on the western half of the top floor, was occupied by 47-year-old Neil Reynolds and his family of four. As a result of the fire, this apartment and its contents were severely damaged.

Firefighters extinguishing the blaze

Defence Diplomacy

GUYANA has now reached a stage in its development in which the protection of its economic and social gains are of utmost importance. This is all the more necessary in light of the transformative changes that are currently underway thanks to the impact of oil and gas on the local economy.

The fact is that there is a close correlation between foreign policy, economic diplomacy and national defence, all of which are mutually reinforcing. As noted by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the government is working on promoting defence diplomacy as a key feature in Guyana’s foreign policy.

Guyana’s foreign policy is closely aligned to that of the country’s national interests. Foreign policy is determined by the specific national in-

terests that are measured in terms of geographic location, historical ties, ideology, population, economic wealth, military power and experience in international relations.

It is a fact that foreign policy under the previous PNC regime was geared mainly at the institutionalisation of undemocratic rule and not to promote the overall interests of the Guyanese people.

With the assumption of the PPP/C administration on October 5, 1992, the main focus of our foreign policy was to promote the country’s economic interests. The once bloated foreign affairs ministry was reconfigured and reoriented to reflect the economic realities of the country.

There was a time when foreign policy was a means of rewarding the so-called

‘blue-eyed’ boys and those in the political high command. It was not unusual for expenditures on the military, foreign affairs and the Office of the President to consume more money than education, health, housing, water and agriculture combined, with very little to show for such expenditures except to promote the ego of the ‘Comrade Leader’ and his dictatorial proclivities.

At one time under the Burnham regime, per capita spending on the military and para-military institutions was among the highest in the hemisphere if not the world!

All of that thankfully, is now, as it were, water under the bridge. Today, the emphasis has shifted to the promotion of the country’s economic and social development.

Today, the army is no longer seen as an instrument to suppress the democratic aspirations of the Guyanese people. As noted by President Ali, defence diplomacy is now a key feature of our foreign policy, our defence mechanism and our development strategy.

In the words of the President, “we are now going to embark on having defence diplomacy as a key feature of our foreign policy and a key feature of our national architecture.”

The Guyana Defence Force is now being oriented to take on its role as one of the catalysts for national development. The Force, according to the President, will be converted into a mechanism to produce men and women to be part of the country’s defence diplomacy.

The fact is that the security sector, in particular the army, has a wealth of resources which go beyond the security of the nation. It possess a wide range of skills in the areas of engineering, strategic analysts and other technical competencies which could be of tremendous value in the country’s modernisation process.

It is therefore imperative that these resources are optimally and synergistically utilised to advance the good and well-being of the Guyanese people.

The Guyana Defence Force has become more community oriented and aligned with national development goals particularly as the country continues to emerge as an oil economy.

President Ali had earlier urged the army to think out-

side of the box as Guyana advance on a course where the military will be actively and integrally involved in the development and security challenges. The military, he said, must play a major role in the emerging needs of the country.

There can be no doubt that the army has become a more professional institution which has earned the respect of the Guyanese people. This is indeed commendable. In this regard, the message of the Commander-in-Chief could not be timelier.

“Stay true to your oath of office. Stay true to professionalism. Stay true to the rule of law. Stay true to democracy, and trust me, once you stay true to those principles, nothing can ever block you and your future from being better.”

GECOM’s extension of ‘objections’ is very generous and supportive for transparency reasons

Dear Editor, THE Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) decision to extend the period of ‘Objections’ is very generously accommodative. The flexibility exercised supports the intent of allowing every eligible person the opportunity to vote in their respective constituency; while removing unnecessary queries concerning the updated voters list for the constituencies in the various Local Authority Areas.

The context can be viewed from the perspective that several full claims and objections were held following the various continuous registration cut-off points, allowing political parties and other stakeholders time to raise any relevant queries. Diligent political and other parties including those who had attendant scrutineers in the continuous registration cycles should have already

had a status position when the cycle came to an end.

The extension, therefore, provides more time than the usually notified period for interested stakeholders to raise concerns and allows the corresponding option of verification to remove doubts, concerning the preliminary list of electors (PLE), which has been posted in relevant areas to serve as public notices in the various constituencies.

In preparation for finalising the register of voters list for the upcoming Local Government Elections, GECOM’s exercised discretion will also allow all who are eligible to vote in their respective constituency an opportunity to re-look at the extracts from the PLE for the constituency where they reside to identify their names.

This process also allows the public to scrutinise approximately two thousand names of persons who were processed during GECOM’s

last continuous registration cycle, held in response to queries raised by the PNC/R. Further, it allows the newly elected Assistant Electoral Registrar in each area, some time to become fully acquainted with the logistics required for their respective areas of assignment.

Consequently, with the names of approximately 2000 persons updated to the Register of Registrants, GECOM must aggressively get on with holding of the overdue LGEs. Naturally, any further unnecessary delays outside the cut-off points will likely encourage queries concerning persons meeting the qualifying criteria who are not included on the voters’ list.

As the entire nation awaits the voting day, GECOM must finalise all arrangements and put the necessary system in place for the seamless holding of these LGEs. It is clear that by attrition and many other

reasons, many Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) are not functioning as they should. Importantly, the rapid development at the national level is also putting a greater demand on the NDCs to be more proactive.

It cannot be understated how very critical NDCs are, to the functioning of our local democracy. They are essential to the delivery of key services and for advancing from the community level, a platform for community citizens to plurally benefit from national programmes and initiatives. Importantly, ensuring the maintenance of community drainage, especially in the extended rainy seasons is a matter of serious concern since it impacts health among other critical support.

Editor, in hastening to the seriousness of getting things right at this level, permits me to highlight the words of the Hon. Minister of Finance

who in his 2023 budget presentation said “we inherited a lethargic system encouraged by the former government and practiced by some Local Democratic Organs (LDOs). Our government has long recognised that robust local government architecture and systems support more sustainable communities.”

Consequently, once the LGEs are held, we can consider accelerated community benefits from the implementation of several impacting developmental community projects.

Importantly, following notification of readiness from GECOM, the Hon. Minister of Local Government has set the 12th of June 2023, as the date of the LGEs. And all NDCs are busy preparing their candidates to contest the elections. The municipalities are also very much in elections mode. Consequently, GECOM must not allow the opposition commissioners to propose any further delay.

The Work plan is in place, and all preparation for the holding of LGEs on the 12th of June must be done.

GECOM must beware of all the rogue elements that are still in their employment. Election Day staff must be fully prepared, be honest, and hold free and fair elections. Further, our government has updated elections legislation including the Representation of the Peoples Act (ROPA), with the intent of deterring lawlessness by elections officials in the conduct of their work. The LGEs will also avail the opportunity to test the real impact of the legislative updates, given the need for confidence in the system by all stakeholders.

Let us have LGEs as scheduled without any further delays.

Sincerely,

Neil Kumar

President Ali, PM Phillips and Cabinet are committed to Guyana’s development

Dear Editor, IT can be said that Guyana’s 9th Executive President, Dr. Irfaan Ali is blessed not because he was elected to the highest office, but because of having Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, and the experienced former President Dr. Bharat Jagdeo and a devoted cabinet.

Since assuming office in 2020, President Ali has done an amazing job in maintaining peace and stability in the country and has rallied the nation to support his policies despite fierce criticism. His success is one for the history books.

He is a prodigious President who is doing everything to develop Guyana, improve the lives of the masses and make Guyana the envy of not only the Caribbean and its neighbours in Latin America but to the rest of the world.

President Ali’s strong leadership has positioned

Guyana as the regional and global leader on food security, renewable energy, and climate change, all of which could wreak havoc on the world’s economy, especially those in the global south (third world or under-developed countries).

He has taken Guyana to new heights never seen or heard of before. No one knows what the future holds, but in a short span of time, Dr. Ali could be considered one of the most successful presidents and there has never been any real doubt that the country’s youthful President will lead Guyana to the “promise” land.

However, President Ali’s success can be credited to Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, Vice President Dr. Jagdeo and his cabinet. As the former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) from 2013 to 2016, Brigadier Phillips transitioned

from being a non-politician to a politician and Prime Minister was effortless.

His progression seems natural and real, especially since he has risen to the occasion, accepted his responsibilities and has so far performed brilliantly. Brigadier Phillips was an excellent choice as the second in command and since his inauguration as Prime Minister he has unequivocally supported President Ali’s policies to advance the economic, social, and political interests of the nation. He is creative, innovative, original, and inspirational as a leader.

Vice President Jagdeo needs no introduction because he is well-known. After serving as President for 12 years, Dr. Jagdeo is renowned for his mega projects and his development skills and as an economist.

Regarding education, since returning to the Ministry of Education in 2020, Ms. Priya Manickchand has

APNU+AFC’s demand for unrealistic carbon credit payment for Amerindians is sarcastic in nature

Dear Editor,

I READ a Demerara

Waves report on the APNU+AFC’s call for Amerindians to receive a payout of between 25 per cent and 85 per cent from the sale of carbon credit and concluded it was sarcasm.

Why so?

Readers would recall that it was the APNU+AFC government which fired just under 2000 Amerindian CSOs and stopped the Amerindian land titling project as soon as it entered office.

It was a minister of this very government who said Amerindians were being greedy with their demands for the resumption of the land titling project, during a debate in Parliament on a motion brought by

the then PPP/C opposition to withdraw President Granger land rights COI, which many, including the National Toshao’s Council, felt would’ve dispossessed Amerindians of lands they were entitled to.

This very minister during his presentation said that if the APNU+AFC governed acceded to calls for Amerindian communities to enjoy subsurface rights for titled lands it would mean that only coastlanders should benefit from the oil and gas sector.

The actions of the APNU+AFC while in government as outlined above, and others which I did not mention, show a pattern of disdain towards Amerindians and actions that are

done an outstanding job. She has transformed and modernised the education system to make courses available online. Such technological changes have significantly improved education and reduced school dropouts. Today, Guyana leads the Caribbean in higher grades at the Caribbean Council Examination (CXC). In 2022, Guyana had the best performance in nine subjects with improvements in English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, and other science subjects. Much to her credit, Ms. Manickchand and her team are in the process of streamlining and transforming the education system, and they are doing an excellent job.

With Ministers Colin Croal and Susan Rodrigues at the helm, the Ministry of Housing and Water has performed superbly since 2020. They have distributed more than 20,000 house lots, across the country, established 44 new housing schemes, upgraded infrastructure in 43 existing housing schemes, reduced settlements from 19 to 13 and built more than 1000 houses. In this period, several new wells have been drilled thus making potable water more accessible to the people, especially

inimical to their interests. Therefore, this feigned show of concern by way of their unrealistic calls for between 25 per cent and 85 per cent from the sale of carbon credits is purely sarcastic in nature.

The APNU+AFC did the exact thing in relation to the decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of marijuana. For five years while in government they refused to pass legislation towards this end then they sought to score political points with unrealistic demands of the new PPP/C government.

Yours Truly, Annalise Humphrey Kwakwani, Region 10

those in the rural areas of the country. Both ministers have promised much more in the future. Kudos to them.

Even with huge oil resources, development will take place in Guyana without new and modern infrastructure which is the hall mark of the Ministry of Public Works. Headed by Ministers Bishop Juan Edghill and Mr. Deodat Indar, the Ministry has constructed more than 1000 roads, awarded hundreds of contracts, and facilitated training programs for local contractors. The ministry has embarked on major transformational projects including the building of the new four-lane Demerara River Bridge and is in the process of establishing an alternative route to the Cheddi Jagan Airport, and modernise the modes of transportation, among others. So far so good.

In the area of agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture has demonstrated its commitment to the development of the agriculture sector, reopened the closed sugar estates and increased rice production. With support from President Ali, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has invested heavily in rice, livestock,

and cash crops across the country to cushion the impact of food shortage and the high cost of living.

The ministry has also made some strategic investment in the sugar industry with the ultimate objective to produce more value-added products for domestic and international markets and to make GUYSUCO solvent in the not too-distant future. Minister Mustapha has been proactive in rationalising the cost structures and diversified the sugar sales mix to maximise earnings. According to the minister, the Rose Hall Factory is scheduled to reopen in October. Congratulations to Minister Mustapha and his team.

Today, Guyanese are living in a period of rapid technological and scientific change and President Ali, Prime Minister Phillips and the cabinet are dedicated and committed to educate the masses, improve healthcare, eradicate the disease of poverty and homelessness, heal the racial divide, promote the “One Guyana initiative” and move the country forward.

Sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose

Travelyan and O’Brian reparation initiatives

…Private apologies and direct funding among new dimensions in CARICOM’s continuing quest for reparatory justice from Europe

ON February 27, an aristocratic British family that owned plantations and enslaved Africans in Grenada and was heavily-compensated after Slavery’s Abolition, will launch a historic Reparations Fund in its name.

The Travelyan Family’s unprecedented US $100,000 Reparations Fund will come with a formal family apology -- and expectation that it will not only grow, but also encourage other UK families in the same boat to do likewise.

The event follows a visit to Grenada in 2022 by Laura Travelyan, a veteran BBC Correspondent in the USA, after learning of her family’s long-hidden secret.

She produced a feature for BBC News after the visit, during which she met members of Grenada’s National Reparations Commission (GNRC), descendants

of Africans enslaved on her family’s Grenada plantations – and exchanged directly secondary school students.

The revelation of the family secret coincided with a related other: the Church of England also owned slaves in Grenada -- as in most (if not all) other former British West Indian colonies.

Not much detail is publicly known about Monday’s event, except that it’ll be attended by representatives of the Travelyan Family and the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC).

The Travelyan Family Fund has attracted as much attention as The O’Brian Repair Initiative by Digicel’s founding chairman and CEO, Denis O’Brian, each drawing both praise and criticism.

Supporters say O’Brian’s declared willingness to privately help Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member-

states achieve Reparations from Europe and the Travelyan Family initiative, are both worth encouraging.

On the other hand, some opponents feel O’Brian should commit Digicel’s influential brand name to his private initiative; and still others see both initiatives as what one describes as ‘attempts by guilty Christian families to seek early Penance by paying peanuts for Absolution…’

Some Caribbean citizens are also asking why ‘Local families that benefitted from Slavery’ aren’t showing any similar willingness to apologise and atone.

Without engaging research to guide thoughts and actions, many instinctively designate every prosperous whiteskinned local family as generational beneficiaries of proceeds from slavery, including those whose forebears arrived

long after Abolition and bought or inherited postslavery family businesses that prospered during the colonial era.

This nonetheless underlines and highlights the never-ending need for continuous research by all interested parties and stakeholders, to also discover the unknown and/or unsung heroes and freedom fighters who preceded the wellknown 20th Century heroes.

Many ignited the sparks that lit the flames that led to the fights for an end to colonialism that came to a head in the 1939 West Indian revolutions by workers on every British colony, leading to the Stoby Commission’s recommendations that included recognition of trade unions and political parties, but only implemented after World War II ended.

Grenada’s modern history features leaders like Caribbean trade union stalwart Uriah Butler, American Black Power icon Malcolm X (whose mother was Grenadian) and Maurice Bishop, who led the 1979 Revolution.

But there’s also the legacy of Julien Fedon and the Leapers’ Hill stories of ultimate resistance by First People and early Freedom Fighters who often united to oppose the colonial incursions.

There were also several brave revolts sparked by the French Revolution of 1789, including a 1796 defeat of the British in Saint Lucia by a smaller group of freedom fighters of multinational origin, who beheaded over a dozen selected planters by guillotine -- and abolished slavery on the

island for one year, before being overpowered by over 17,000 British and French troops that invaded from neighbouring French-controlled Martinique.

The 1804 triumph of the Haitian Revolution further encouraged enslaved Africans across the West Indies and The Americas to continue resisting and revolting, leading to the eventual stop-gap measures like Apprenticeship and Indentureship that preceded the inevitable Abolition of Slavery.

CARICOM’s 13-year-old Reparations cause has today gone global, with the African Union (AU) and India on board; and the CRC, through its Chair, University of the West Indies (The UWI) Vice Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles, has significantly influenced the growth of the national Reparations movement in the USA, alongside increased organisation and activity by Reparations and Black Lives Matter advocates in the UK, across Europe and The Americas and throughout The Caribbean and African Diaspora.

The Netherlands opened 2023 as the first EU nation to formally apologise for its participation in and gross benefits from Slavery, with promises to atone, which has encouraged and given hope to Reparations advocates in the European Parliament and national parliaments everywhere.

Other UK families with similar hidden secrets are naturally divided between those who fear possible legal consequences of acknowledgement and those simply appalled to learn

their ancestors had benefitted grossly from Chattel Slavery -- which the United Nations (UN) in 2001 declared The Worst Crime Against Humanity known to Humankind -in Britain’s West Indian colonies.

Just as Malcolm X’s family is seeking reparations by way of compensation from US Federal authorities for his death 58 years later, so too there are European families that benefitted from slavery and are willing to follow the Travelyan example.

Both the Travelyan and O’Brian initiatives are unprecedented and success will largely depend on not just convincing anxious CARICOM governments, but also winning public support by openly engaging Doubting Thomases and addressing their doubts, employing the old and new truths that Time and History have availed the Reparations Movement in the 21st Century. Such private initiatives all have their place alongside the public measures and mechanisms being employed by CARICOM through the CRC and NRCs and can be supported, even if only for the encouragement they can give to other families weighing the balances and counting the costs.

Meanwhile, the Travelyan and O’Brian initiatives have added new dimensions – on both sides of the Atlantic and including Guyana -- to the many similar and different forms of apology and atonement by and from Europe, in response to CARICOM’s quest for Slavery and Native Genocide.

Guyana signs contract for environmental monitoring

LAST week, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) signed a landmark threeyear agreement with Maxar Technologies, a Colorado-based space technology company. This agreement will provide Guyana with cutting-edge, satellite-based environmental monitoring services for both offshore and terrestrial applications.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be utilising Maxar’s Crow’s Nest products to support the country’s offshore petroleum monitoring via high-resolution optical satellites to identify and monitor the drilling vessels for regulatory compliance and safety. Maxar will also provide the Guyana Forestry Commission with monitoring for deforestation.

The deal is the latest sign of how seriously the government is taking its role as steward of Guyana’s environment, even as oil drilling progresses. EPA Executive Director Kemraj Parsram lauded the investment in world-class technologies as a sign of Guyana’s growing capacity to preserve the environment.

“The vision of the agency is to be a modern, effective regulator that leverages the latest technology and science to serve the people of Guyana. With the help of cutting-edge solutions…we are now able to overcome the limitations of limited manpower and resources,” Parsram explained.

With Guyana’s rapidly developing offshore oil

and gas sector, the EPA has been tasked with maintaining global leadership on sustainability and environmental protection. Real-time environmental monitoring is just one of the many investments underway.

The EPA has already taken several steps to boost capacity while ensuring alignment with international standards. For example, in 2022, the budget that year for the EPA included some GY$100M in allocation for capital expenditure, with GY$74.1M of that money to be spent on digital environmental monitoring, and reporting and verification of the framework for offshore, petroleum, mining, and forestry activities.

By investing in sustain-

able practices in the oil and gas sector, Guyana is well positioned to be a leader in environmental monitoring. Earlier this month, it was announced that the Payara project will be utilising a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel with a record sustainable design. Prosperity will be the second FPSO to operate offshore Guyana with this new design, with Liza Unity being the first.

Making FPSOs more sustainable includes the adoption of new or redesigned technologies, better methods to generate electricity to power onboard equipment, and regulated guidance on venting among other areas. The new vessels are expected to be more energy efficient

Honouring ‘mother tongue’ and linguistics

LAST Tuesday, the United Nations and the world celebrated International Mother Language Day under the theme, “Multilingual Education – a necessity to transform education.”

The idea behind this day is to promote educating children in their mother tongue

derstand.”

Hence, for these people, learning is made more difficult and lengthier, as they must first master a language that is unfamiliar to them before they can effectively begin their education.

In accordance with the focus of Sustainable Develop-

edge systems to coexist and cross-fertilize.”

We in Guyana are getting a first-hand ‘taste’ of this with the recent influx of Spanish-speaking Venezuelans to these shores, along with French-speaking Haitians and Portuguese-speaking Brazilians.

It is now not uncommon to hear Spanish being spoken on our streets, in buses and stores, providing us with a unique opportunity to interact and practice a language also taught in our schools, for the fastest way to learn a language is to speak it as often as possible.

I have found English-speaking people to be supremely arrogant, expecting others to learn English, while making a poor attempt to learn another’s language.

and then introducing other languages.

This may not seem an issue in countries like ours where children are taught in English – our mother tongue - and have an option to also learn foreign languages.

But as the UN tells us, “Globally, 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in the language they speak or un-

ment Goals, which states that no one must be left behind, the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is advocating multilingual education; placing mother language first.

The organisation also recognises that multilingualism “contributes to the development of inclusive societies that allow multiple cultures, world views and knowl -

As the only nation in South America whose mother tongue is English, we Guyanese are surrounded by neighbours who speak Dutch, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Learning one or more of these languages should be a priority for us as it will definitely help to foster better communication and closer relations between our countries.

The UN also stresses the importance of multilingual

and have lower air emissions than any other similar vessels operating around the world.

Additionally, this push towards more sustainability in Guyana is part of a longer strategy for the government.

President Irfaan Ali shared his vision for how sustainability fits within Guyana’s future at a Wilson Center event in July 2022.

“We have a monitoring system that is of international standard. We have audits. So, the development part of Guyana is a part that reaches towards sustainability; is a part that is diversified. And that is why these forums are critically important for us – ensuring that the world and investors, people in academia and policy makers, understand the wide-ranging multi-faceted

nature of development and the path of development we are taking to position Guyana as a sustainable story in our development phase,” the President related.

As Guyana develops its resources, the addition of Maxar’s technology will aid in monitoring and supporting the country’s unprecedented level of development in its oil and gas sector.

“Maxar’s geospatial data and analytics will help MNR protect the environment for future generations while also sustainably developing the extraction of Guyana’s natural resources for long-term economic gains,” said Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat.

education in early schooling, for undoubtedly, the earlier children begin to learn a foreign language, the more proficient they will become as they grow older.

As one of the themes of its main event marking the International Mother Language Day, the organisation also explored the revitalisation of those languages and dialects that are either disappearing or being threatened with extinction.

And here too, we in Guyana should recognise the value of our rich Creolese language and make every effort to preserve it, as it reflects our traditions, memories and mode of thinking in a particularly Guyanese way.

According to UNESCO, a language disappears every two weeks, taking with it

“an entire cultural and intellectual heritage.” This is a result of the globalisation processes, which have led to 43 per cent of the estimated 6,000 languages in the world being endangered.

In May 2007, the UN General Assembly called upon member states “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world,” an initiative which is still being followed today.

UNESCO Director-General, Ms. Audrey Azoulay, called for better collection of data to make “specific and

customized action” possible, in her message marking this Mother Language Day. She commented that all the languages spoken by people the world over carry within them a unique view of the world, “so much so that each disappearance of a language constitutes an irretrievable loss.”

The organisation notes that there is growing awareness today of the vital role that languages play in the strengthening of co-operation as well as “ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue.”

Amerindians are not ‘collateral damage’

NEARING every election year, the People’s National Congress Reform led-A Partnership for National Unity and affiliates, such as Alliance For Change (AFC), and Working People’s Alliance (WPA), target the Amerindian communities attempting to convince them that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government is neglecting them and is short-changing them with the planned developmental projects or monies they are about to receive.

This happens because these indigenous communities are perceived to be facilitators of shifting the ‘balance of power’ from the PPP/C to PNC-APNU or a Third Force in the local political arena.

So, regardless of the well-documented and highly-visible reality that PPP/C Governments have sustained an unprecedented dynamism in the provision of services and social enhancement interventions in Amerindian communities, the Opposition and its clandestine partners and affiliates in civil society, non-governmental entities, rights groups and their allies in the media, continually attempt to mislead the indigenous populace into believing that the opposite is true.

They do this by muddy-

ing the facts and presenting false pictures of caring for their welfare.

Their strategy of using manipulations and the deliberate twisting of the facts can only lead to a derailment of the PPP/C Government’s hinterland development drive.

This year, the combined Opposition is involved in the very same strategy and political tactics. They are using nefarious arguments, lumpy generalizations, and strategies to stymie the momentum of Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS).

Further, they now seek to cause confusion surrounding the portion of Guyana’s sale of carbon credits that will go towards the countless Amerindian and Indigenous communities that will benefit from accelerated development by saying it is not enough.

They say too that the PPP government is guilty of seeking to make decisions for the Amerindians when this could not be more than far from the truth. Here are some facts that do not wear clothes and will never change.

Firstly, it is the combined Opposition parties and their known and unknown supporters in the form of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) and civil society groups that are wreaking havoc on the

Amerindian populace by sowing the seeds of division and non-development.

They have suddenly awoken from their slumber and have found an interest in US $750M Carbon Sales from the Hess Corporation that is flowing into the country’s coffers.

Recall that the LCDS strategy that was in place when the APNU+AFC Administration got into office in 2015 was left to rot, and funds that should have gone to the Amerindians and their development were diverted to other projects, and not used. They left the Amerindians out in the cold, firing close to 2,000 of them in the process.

Additionally, the LCDS somehow morphed into the Green Paper on State Development or died. The APNU+AFC Government did absolutely nothing about deforestation, forests, climate change, or the environment, much less further the serious development of Guyana’s first peoples.

Where was the APA’s voice on the development of Amerindians whom they now ‘love’?

Where was the paper organization - the Policy Forum - when the Amerindians needed a voice because of the crippling policies of the then Government?

Where was this profound interest by the PNC/ R-APNU in the percentage

that the Amerindians would get initially from carbon credit sales that Guyana received?

What did they do with the LCDS from 2015 to the first quarter of 2020 to be able to question this PPP/C Government without shame in their eyes?

The answer will help guide the minds of Guyanese if they can be given such honestly and factually.

Secondly, these shell groups and combined Opposition are shameless in their political fight for power. They know that they are just using Guyana’s indigenous population as “collateral damage.”

They want to cause confusion and chaos among indigenous people who attended the conference and listened, albeit amicably and admirably, to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s talk of how ‘not one dollar’ of the funds will be stolen, siphoned off or taken by the PPP/C Government.

Also, the Amerindian and Indigenous leaders are by far more intelligent and knowledgeable of this alleged wicked attempt at misinformation on the carbon credit sales and disinformation driven by the PNC-APNU, allies and the media, particularly those that take the opposition slant, and are becoming anti-development.

It is sad that in Guyana, and developing nations, individuals representing funding agencies arrive in the host countries with pre-conceived ideas from false information fed to them by PNC-led coalition lobby forces.

The Amerindian leaders know that upon their arrival, they immerse themselves in the socializing circuit and, without doing any comprehensive, non-prejudicial ground assessments, they join with individuals and

organisations.

In this instance, the APA misdirects funding, whereby monies meant to help the disempowered and the vulnerable, find themselves in the pockets of a few persons who term themselves administrators of skillfully-concocted ‘programmes.’

Whether the IFI representatives benefit in any way - either in cash or kind - is moot, because many of them are not doing their work and making assessments accurately, efficiently and effectively.

The argument of political affiliation is a nebulous one because several politically-linked organisations have been receiving massive funding from International Funding Agencies and local bodies on the basis that they are helping to, among other things, enhance Amerindian lives and lifestyles, but in reality, little is done.

Thirdly, the PPP/C Government has addressed the issue of Amerindian land rights when no one else cared, with millionaire logging families grabbing Amerindian lands and mining companies destroying indigenous survival systems, including polluting vital water sources (one broom-out minister is a bullying culprit in this regard); and inhibiting operations of small loggers, most of whom are PNC supporters.

While everyone is pursuing agendas inimical to the welfare of the Amerindian peoples, the PPP/C Government continues on its path to provide relief to Amerindians, creating systems and programmes that continually empower the indigenous peoples who, for decades before the advent of successive PPP/C administrations, were a marginalized, almost forgotten people in this land, contemptuously.

Finally, the PPP/C Government must not allow itself to get sidetracked or diverted from addressing the development concerns of the Amerindian people. They must not break under the pressure placed on them by the Opposition, civil society groups and their political lackeys ahead of the local government elections and General elections planned for this year and 2025. They must not be dragged into the corner with their backs to the wall.

And, the Amerindians must not listen to the voices of the Opposition which sound the same, because the government has a consultation process that works, and a strong track record of working with the Amerindian people.

At present, these indigenous people are taking centre stage in national development. The partnerships between the Village administration and the members of the village, with the Government, have created long-term plans in infrastructure, education, health, and secure livelihoods.

It is therefore a point to note that Amerindians will never be 2nd-class citizens, dumped into a netherworld of development under any PPP/C administration, as has transpired under every PNC-led government.

Amerindians should by now realize PPP/C administrations utilize national funds wisely and prudently to benefit the nation by building infrastructure and enhancing health and social systems that will also create a developmental paradigm. Guyana is one whole, not divided into ethnic enclaves by any sanctimonious, opportunistic pretender with a divide-and-rule political agenda. Amerindians are not collateral damage.

Supply chain management systems for pharmaceuticals

THE supply chain management systems for pharmaceuticals are complex and deal with the monitored movement of medicines through the macro channels from manufacturers to storage bond of the distributors and/or wholesalers then to the hospitals, pharmacies and clinics and finally to the patient or end user.

PhRMA (Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America) reported that drug costs are directly related to the complexity of the drug supply chains, recommending that reduced number of players will create more affordable products to the consumer.

Like other supply chain systems, there are many other in transit companies that are integral such as the courier systems and the clearance ports. Track and trace, serial audit and managing supplies are just a few of the operational policies and procedures necessary for standardisation.

The supply systems are holistic composite processes which not only deal with the delivery of finished products but commence from the acquisition of raw materials prior to its manufacture.

Hence, the management of procurement, warehousing, inventory, logistics, data and transportation services all together make up supply chain management systems.

Although emphasis is placed on the commodity of pharmaceuticals, it must be duly noted that the same management principles are applicable for services, which hinge on the timely flow of financial, technological and human resources.

The well-established principle that demand drives supply also apply for pharmaceutical products and medical devices for providing healthcare services. So at the dawn of December 2019, when the first case of COVID-19 was

first discovered in Wuhan China, there was no prior demand for vaccines but two year later in 2022 WHO (World Health Organisation) reported that 16 billion vaccine doses valued US$141B were supplied in 2021.

In order to comprehend the importance of supply chain management systems, here are some questions:

• In situations like COVID-19 where the demand for vaccines exponentially exceeded the supply, what mechanisms can be activated to address this crisis?

• How do you maintain the product integrity of a cold chain product to the end user during delays?

• If a defective pharmaceutical product was widely distributed across the entire population, how do you expeditiously recall that batch of product without creating panic, minimising casualties, whilst simultaneously pursuing damage control?

Generally, a suggested solution to smooth over the supply of high cost pharmaceutical commodities like COVID-19 vaccines is to lobby for allocation of consignments using a projected forecast without advance financial payments so that the suppliers can fill orders on a continuous cash flow release. Proactive, effective and efficient communication is required from both entities to realise this goal.

Product integrity is guaranteed under controlled channels from manufacturer through authorised distribution network, where storage conditions are monitored and recorded as an operational requirement from the manufacturer to the patient. Automatic temperature tracking device are now considered.

For example, there are many cold chain pharmaceuticals such as insulin and vaccines which require optimum storage temperature to maintain the product stability and hence

efficacy. So during predictable delays such, as Christmas holidays and hurricane seasons which may cause power outages, specialised cold storage units that maintain lower temperatures for longer periods of time (120 hours versus 48 hours) are considered. Quality control require any breach in the chain to be reported to the manufacturer.

Monitoring natural disasters and extreme weather patterns is another critical success factor affecting supply chain management for pharmaceuticals. Six million COVID-19 vaccines were delayed shipping in February 2021 in the United States due to storm Uri.

Because we were not operating as business as usually due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, borders surveillance threatened flight capacity, which was reduced by 90 per cent with almost unpredictable lead times. Critical life-saving medications and high priority commodities which were required on the ground needed to be reassessed quickly and dealt with on a contingency planning level in order to prevent shortages and delays.

Multiple carrier options must be in place with an option to activate ‘plan B’ when routines have been interrupted. A judgement call on the right timing is imperative.

Anticipated adjustments in trade agreements due to Brexit in January 1, 2021 may have induced additional tensions whilst still grappling with the pandemic. Despite the transitory roles played by the regulatory authorities in both the European Union and the United Kingdom, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) respectively, threats to acquire with raw materials and packaging were noted. Stock piling with buffer stocks has now become the new feature from the more efficient JIT (Just in Time) systems

pre-Brexit.

According to a research released in 2023 by BSR (Business for Social Responsibility), an international consultancy which presented the Future of Supply Chains 2025 from an amalgamation of interviews, leadership dialogues, think tanks, academics, practitioner surveys hands and practical experience from networking with global businesses, the following are the key forces of change that impact all supply chains:

•Automation of the entire value chain from start to the end user

•Climate change and resource scarcity

•Mass scale migration of people

•Change of market demographics and consumer demands

•Global trade policies unpredictable and transparency questionable

Pharma News Intelligence highlighted the challenges faced in pharmaceutical supply chain management are chain visibility, drug counterfeiting, cold chain shipping and inflation of prices.

Some of the recommended procurement priorities are;

•Realise cost-savings and optimise work ing capital

•Rationalise supply base

•Improve on risk prediction and manage ment

•Provide strategic foresight to business

•Innovate and collaborate with suppliers

For further discussion, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.

STEM robotics 'expo' for children with disabilities set for tomorrow

THE Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), in partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana, will on Monday launch its one-day annual Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) Robotics Exhibition for children with disabilities.

The launch will be held at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown, with an

opening address by President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge. Over 150 children with disabilities from 10 Special Education Needs (SEN) schools across Guyana are expected to be in attendance.

Special Advisor to the Minister of Education Africo Selman; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed; and GCOPD

Programme Manager Ganesh Singh will also be speaking at the event.

The exhibition is a one-day event where the children with disabilities will exhibit their innovative projects, proposing solutions to current problems; this will be done using robotic technology.

The programme was first launched in February 2020 with STEM clubs being established at the SEN schools in

Region Four.

Currently, there are 10 STEM clubs in all the SEN schools across Guyana through which the children are exposed to robotic technology, basic coding, environmental awareness, and problem-solving skills, among other topics.

Since the launch of the programme, over 250 children with disabilities have benefited.

Silvie’s opens new branch at Henrietta

SILVIE’S Industrial Solutions on Saturday opened its newest branch at Lot 90 East Henrietta, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), as the company seeks to decentralise its services.

Silvie’s, household name in this country, has sustained a competitive

business environment for over 51 years in Guyana, despite the changing global environment.

John Edghill, Director of Business and Entrepreneur Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce told the gathering at the opening ceremony on Saturday that

Essequibo is the right place for development.

“Investment like Silvie’s fits in the broader plan of how we can grow Region Two. From my ministry, we will be building two call centres with many persons employed, and we will soon be developing an industrial estate,” Edghill said.

According to him, the establishment of the industrial estate will provide opportunities for contractors to purchase equipment and tools from Silvie’s.

“Today, you have experts within your reach; the solution is here for you. I have no doubt Silvie’s will bring solution to the people in Region Two,” Edghill said.

Meanwhile, Company Chief Executive Officer Bramanand Persaud said the decision to open a new branch was based on customer demand in the region for high-end equipment.

Persaud said residents of Essequibo can expect “high-quality products, with great customer and awesome after-sales services.”

He said that persons can get replacement of highquality parts, and be exposed to trained technicians.

“We have never ventured out of the region; everything was kept in a circle. We are coming over the river,” Persaud said, adding that persons will now be able to save time and money by not having to travel to Georgetown to purchase products and equipment.

“The true desire for me is to give back. Yes! Every business will create employment, but I want to encourage businesses to give back,” Persaud said.

He commended the team at Silvie’s for their cooperation, and noted that it is the company’s desire to ensure

that Essequibians get quality products for their money.

“We want to bring a level of customer service, and create an atmosphere to serve; we call ourselves ‘The Problem Solver’,” the young businessman said.

The new branch offers a wide variety of equipment and products for contractors, miners, farmers, restaurants, electricians, vulcanizers, welders, mechanics and painters.

Regional Executive Officer Susannah Saywack said that the regional administration is happy that Silvie’s found the confidence

in the region’s economy to invest. She said that the population is expanding in the region, and the establishment was made at an ideal time.

Additionally, Mayor of Anna Regina Rajendra Prabhulall congratulated the founders, Rajendra Persaud and his wife, Prampattie “Silvie” Persaud for their achievement over the years. “Silvie’s is a household name; everyone, even in Essequibo, know about the company and its management. we are happy to have you all here,” Mayor Prabhulall said.

Officials from the company and the region cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially declare open the new branch of Silvie’s

The new store offers a variety of high-end equipment

John Edghill, Director of Business and Entrepreneur Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

China’s position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis

RESPECTING THE SOVEREIGNTY OF ALL COUNTRIES

Universally-recognised international law, including the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, must be strictly observed. The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively upheld.

All countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community. All parties should jointly uphold the basic norms governing international relations and defend international fairness and justice. Equal and uniform application of international law should be promoted, while double standards must be rejected.?

ABANDONING THE COLD WAR MENTALITY

The security of a country should not be pursued at the expense of others. The security of a region should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocs. The legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries must be taken seriously and addressed properly. There is no simple solution to a complex issue.

All parties should, following the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and bearing in mind the long-term peace and stability of the world, help forge a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture. All parties should oppose the pursuit of one’s own security at the cost of others’ security, prevent bloc confrontation, and work together for peace and stability on the Eurasian Continent.

CEASING HOSTILITIES

Conflict and war benefit no one. All parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning the flames and aggravat-

ing tensions, and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiraling out of control. All parties should support Russia and Ukraine in working in the same direction and resuming direct dialogue as quickly as possible, so as to gradually deescalate the situation and ultimately reach a comprehensive ceasefire.?

RESUMING PEACE TALKS

Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis. All efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be encouraged and supported. The international community should stay committed to the right approach of promoting talks for peace, help parties to the conflict open the door to a political settlement as soon as possible, and create conditions and platforms for the resumption of negotiation. China will continue to play a constructive role in this regard.?

RESOLVING THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

All measures conducive to easing the humanitarian crisis must be encouraged and supported. Humanitarian operations should follow the principles of neutrality and impartiality, and humanitarian issues should not be politicized. The safety of civilians must be effectively protected, and humanitarian corridors should be set up for the evacuation of civilians from conflict zones. Ef-

Nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought. The threat or use of nuclear weapons should be opposed. Nuclear proliferation must be prevented and nuclear crisis avoided. China opposes the research, development and use of chemical and biological weapons by any country under any circumstances.

FACILITATING GRAIN EXPORTS

forts are needed to increase humanitarian assistance to relevant areas, improve humanitarian conditions, and provide rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, with a view to preventing a humanitarian crisis on a larger scale. The UN should be supported in playing a coordinating role in channeling humanitarian aid to conflict zones.

PROTECTING CIVILIANS AND PRISONERS OF WAR (POWS)

Parties to the conflict should strictly abide by international humanitarian law, avoid attacking civilians or civilian facilities, protect women, children and other victims of the conflict, and respect the basic rights of POWs. China supports the exchange of POWs between Russia and Ukraine, and calls on all parties to create more favorable conditions for this purpose.

KEEPING NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS SAFE

China opposes armed attacks against nuclear power plants or other peaceful nuclear facilities, and calls on all parties to comply with international law including the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) and resolutely avoid man-made nuclear accidents. China supports the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in playing a constructive role in promoting the safety and security of peaceful nuclear facilities.

vides a feasible solution to the global food crisis.

STOPPING

UNILATERAL SANCTIONS

All parties need to implement the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed by Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine and the UN fully and effectively in a balanced manner, and support the UN in playing an important role in this regard. The cooperation initiative on global food security proposed by China pro -

Unilateral sanctions and maximum pressure cannot solve the issue; they only create new problems. China opposes unilateral sanctions unauthorized by the UN Security Council. Relevant countries should stop abusing unilateral sanctions and “long-arm jurisdiction” against other countries, so as to do their share in deescalating the Ukraine crisis and create conditions for developing countries to grow their economies and better the lives of their people.

KEEPING INDUSTRIAL AND SUPPLY CHAINS STABLE

All parties should earnestly maintain the existing world economic system and oppose using the world economy as a tool or weapon for political purposes. Joint efforts are needed to mitigate the spillovers of the crisis and prevent it from disrupting international cooperation in energy, finance, food trade and transportation and undermining the global economic recovery.

PROMOTING POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION

The international community needs to take measures to support postconflict reconstruction in conflict zones. China stands ready to provide assistance and play a constructive role in this endeavor.

The ‘King of Soca’ speaks

- Adrian Dutchin talks up 2023 win and return of ‘Mash’ parade

By Naomi Parris

DECLARING that Guyana is a ‘real nice place’, Adrian Dutchin copped this year’s crown at the Soca Monarch competition.

Dutchin, a veteran in Guyana’s music indus-

the Sunday Chronicle, shared that his win is not just for himself but for all Guyanese and the participants of the competition.

Dutchin was up against 14 other contestants and was the fourth performer of the night;

homeland.

“The idea came from me being in Guyana last year for Guyana carnival; it had been a while I was back in Guyana, and I was just hearing the slang that ‘de place real nice’.”

“Guyana just looked

The song ‘Place Nice’ was a part of wider musical production, called ‘The Mash Project’ that featured several other Guyanese artistes.

“Everybody went and they did their individual stuff and then the song came about and it’s been beautiful ever since,” Dutchin said.

In response to several criticisms that he should not have been crowned the ‘King of Soca’, Dutchin said, “I personally want to shout out and big up everybody that was in the Soca monarch, we all know how Soca monarch works, there must be a winner, there is always back and forth, but it’s just Soca monarch.”

“I came up with the concept of the Black Panther mask, painted in the Guyana flag colours, I was paying tribute to our superhero, which is the Black Panther.”

try, was crowned in the wee hours of Mashramani morning after a hiatus from the competition for several years.

The ‘I am a Guyanese’ singer, during an exclusive interview with

he captured the crowd with an electrifying performance.

He said the concept of his entry to competition was inspired by the nostalgia he felt during his recent return to his

totally different and upgraded, it’s not the Guyana that I [knew], so I had the theme in my head but I didn’t know what I would do with it for future use,” Dutchin added.

Speaking further about the performance aspect of the competition, Dutchin noted that he was keen on designing his own costume and producing a vibrant production, not only with music, but also his backup dancers, the theatrics of fireworks and confetti.

He noted that this year was a special one for him given the fact that he migrated to the United States of America some years ago, and while he has consistently released music ‘repping the 592’ he has not been home to celebrate Mashramani in seven years.

“The reason why it was so great for me is because it’s been a while since I did a Soca monarch, it’s been six-seven years and to hit back the stage and to feel the vibe…I loved it, I loved seeing everybody coming out showing the

world, showing their own Guyanese that Guyana is a ‘nice’ place… It’s beautiful, being back on the road, the feeling is truly unexplainable, for me that’s my Christmas, Guyana Carnival, Mashramani I love the whole ambience of it, I love the whole vibe.”

Guyana, he said, remains in his heart and soul and according to Dutchin, the continued support and outpour of love he has received from his fellow citizens have been overwhelming.

And while he plans to no longer participate in future Soca monarch competitions, he will continue to release content promoting and celebrating how ‘nice de place nice’.

Adrian Dutchin

PYRAG aims to expand youths’ knowledge of Guyanese legends

THE President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG) programme expanded its scope on Saturday to educate youths of all ages through a presenta-

National Sports Commission (NSC), on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

The activity was launched with presentations on four notable

Shivnauth Lall, 14, said that although the presentation on Norman Beaton was his favourite, “Cy” Grant stood out for him because of his passion for music. The teen also asserted that he appreciated the journey to the NSC and the presentation.

Expressing great admiration for the Guyanese actor, musician, writer, and poet, the youngster, who said he loves ‘Soca’ music, emphasised that he was elated to hear about Grant’s numerous accomplishments, such as the fact that he was the first black person to be fea -

tured regularly on British television in the 1950s.

Orianny Villalard, Gary Allen, and Same-

ka Welch all expressed their elation and desire to participate in future PYRAG activities.

tion on Guyanese black legends, in honour of Black History Month.

The PYARG is known for involving young Guyanese in activities, including volunteer work, physical events, skill development, and even daring adventures. Executive Officer of the PYARG, Ivan Bentham, when addressing some 30 children present, explained that this presentation is just a stepping stone for them to understand both Guyanese culture and how even though the world can be against you, one can still thrive.

Bentham noted that this presentation is also aimed at showing that despite the odds, these Black stars persevered and came out on top.

“Don’t see yourself as you can’t achieve, even though you have challenges,” he added in an effort to let the children know that challenges are inevitable in life, and one must not give up.

Bentham told the children that even though they may encounter obstacles in life, they need not give up on themselves because others might not be open to different ideals and ideas.

A number of youths from various schools and extra-curricular clubs were present at the event, which was hosted at the

Guyanese: CCH Pounder, Norman Beaton, Cyril Lionel “Cy” Grant and Baroness Valerie Amos.

Pounder and Beaton are both actors, while Grant was a man with many talents, in that he was not only an actor, but a musician, writer, and poet as well. In the case of Baroness Amos, besides being a British politician, she also has the distinction of being a diplomat, and once served as the eighth UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, and Emergency Relief Coordinator.

Given the importance of these individuals, the youngsters were placed into groups to discuss the impact that these Guyanese stars have made, not only locally, but internationally.

Several members of the Strathaven Young Achievers youth group, which was established by Regional Police Division 4 “C”, attended the youth engagement with their teacher, Ms. Amanda Dyal.

During an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, 12-year-old Gomattie Pertab of the aforementioned youth organisation said she was thrilled to be a part of the activity. She also expressed her delight at how educational the videos were.

Some youths who participated in the activity

Standing from left are: Sameka Welch, Gary Allen, and Orianny Villalard

Cop still ‘missing’ two years after leaving home

IT has been two and a half years since Police Constable Quincy Lewis went missing after leaving his La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara home for work.

Lewis, a serving member of the Guyana Police Force since 2015, was stationed at the Agricola Police Station, East Bank Demerara.

In a telephone interview on Saturday, Lewis’ relatives told the Sunday Chronicle that there has been no developments in the case. The missing man’s mother is expected to meet with the police soon for an update on the investigation.

This newspaper had reported that Lewis was

last seen alive on the afternoon of June 19, 2020, when he left in his friend’s car, PTT 7541, to report for work.

His cousin, Revon Jordon, had told this newspaper that he initially thought that Lewis was in-line, seeing

that he was a policeman and that was all part of the job.

However, a few days later, the owner of the car Lewis borrowed paid the family a visit, looking for Lewis. The vehicle was not returned and Lewis had not been answering his cell phone.

Lewis’ relatives not only became worried but they were suspicious and decided to call the Agricola Police Station when they found out that he never reported for duty.

On June 26, 2020, Lewis’ family filed a ‘missing person’ report at the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station.

An investigation was duly launched and a review of CCTV foot-

Brazilians found at illegal mining sites to be charged

age of various points on the Demerara Harbour Bridge showed that Lewis did cross it, presumably on his way to work.

A few months later, Lewis’ cell phone was found along Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road, with the screen cracked.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had previously told this publication that the investigation into the officer's disappearance is still active.

Anyone with information regarding Lewis' whereabouts is asked to call his family on 677-6547, 6801436, or the nearest police station.

The helicopter found at the illegal site

TWO Brazilian men, Alexander Felix and Luan Ricardo Braga Silva, who were found at illegal mining sites at the New River Triangle, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), will be charged on Monday.

Earlier this week, several men, suspected to be Brazilians, were spotted at illegal mining camps in the area. Most of them, however,

managed to flee.

Police searched the camps and found several items, including a shotgun.

The next day, a grey Robinson 44 Helicopter landed in the area. The Brazilian captain was the lone occupant and nothing illegal was found in the helicopter.

On Saturday, however, Police Headquarters stated that Felix (the helicopter’s pilot) will be charged with:

operating a civil aircraft without an airworthiness certificate, interference with an aircraft, operating an aircraft without insurance and illegal entry into Guyana.

Meanwhile, Silva who was found at the illegal camp will be charged with the offence of illegal entry into Guyana. Both men were arrested on February 19 at New River Triangle.

Missing: Quincy Lewis

Miss WorldGuyana Andrea King all set to launch Project FLO

ANDREA King, reigning Miss World Guyana is set to launch her “Beauty with a purpose” project on Monday, kick starting a series of engagements with secondary school students and other stakeholders on financial literacy.

Project FLO (Financial Literacy Orientation) was established to help shape the future of Guyana through education. The initiative focuses on developing cognitive skills in financial literacy for Guyanese youth who are making the transition into adulthood. By educating students in financial literacy, Project FLO aims to disrupt generational poverty cycles by introducing the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors needed for a future of financial stability.

Beauty with a Purpose is the official charity of Miss World and it is a key component of the competition. The charity has raised over £1billion since its creation in 1972 by Miss World Chairman Julia Morley.

King, who won the local competition on August 21, 2022, believes that “Financial Literacy is a necessary life skill that plays an integral role in disrupting generational poverty cycles and preventing economic abuse.”

With support from the Ministry of Education, Andrea and her team will kick off engagements with visits to three secondary schools in Region Six on Tuesday, February 28.

Meanwhile, Miss World multimedia competition has started; the Miss World Multimedia Award is one of the major determining factors of the contest, and to win this challenge, delegates have to update their pageant preparations, advocacies, wardrobe, and much more on their official account on Mobstar. The beauty queen who creates maximum engagement to attract the highest votes, likes, and shares will be declared the winner of this challenge.

Guyanese are encouraged to vote by undertaking the following three easy steps:

1. Download MobStar App for free

2. Click Search and Type Miss World Guyana or Andrea King

3. FOLLOW, LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE DAILY

The Miss World Competition is scheduled for May 2023 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Andrea King

Digicel donates to STEM Clubs in Mahaicony and Hopetown

DIGICEL (Guyana) recently donated laptops to local STEM clubs in Mahaicony and Hopetown, Region Five, as part of its mission to bridge the digital divide and improve access to information for young people and students nationwide.

“The impact of this donation will be significant as around 30 budding engineers/students from the Secondary STEM Club and the soon-to-belaunched STEM club at Hopetown Primary will now have access to advanced technology that will help take their education to the next level,” the company noted in a press release.

According to Digicel, the laptops will enable students to explore the fascinating world of research,

master scratch coding, and delve into the exciting world of robot programming.

“With such exceptional support from Digicel, the sky’s the limit for the students of Region

Five,” Stem Coach Bradley Downer was quoted as saying in the press release.

Meanwhile, Vidya Sanichara of Digicel said, “The access to technology and the internet are essential for learning and staying

connected. These devices will help to improve the lives of those in the clubs by allowing them to access educational resources, entertainment, and communication tools and create a more equitable

digital world. Furthermore, these devices are helping to bridge the digital divide by providing access to the same technology and resources that those in urban areas have access to.”

According to the

company, it continues to make significant investment on improving the necessary infrastructure for communities across Guyana to have access the internet and other digital services.

Some of the Mahaicony stem club members during their first robotics class using their new laptops from Digicel.

GCB’s Inter-County 4-day cricket

Imlach, Permaul shine on rain- affected opening day

By Sean Devers at Providence

THE first Senior four-day Inter-County tournament played in nine years, commenced 105 minutes late due to damp spots on the bowler’s run-up at the Providence Stadium yesterday and by stumps on a truncated opening day, Demerara were 228- 9 after being invited to bat by Berbice on an amazingly fast outfield despite the recent rain.

The 26-year-old Tevin Imlach stroked 10 boundaries in a well compiled 62 from 186 balls and 243 minutes and shared in a 57-run fifth wicket stand with Christopher Barnwell whose 28 lasted 73 balls and included four fours.

But none of the batters reached 25 in a disappointing batting display against a bowling attack comprising three bowlers who have played for the West Indies and two for Guyana.

West Indies Test left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has 4-46 while West Indies ODI off-spinner Kevin Sinclair has 2-31 for Berbice who will hope to wrap up the innings early today and begin their reply.

In bright sunshine and sweltering heat, the small gathering of die-hard spectators included the Min -

ister of Culture, Youth & Sport Charles Ramson, who bowled the first ball, watched as Sachin Singh on-drove Nial Smith past wide mid-on before stroking him gloriously through extra cover for boundaries.

The left-handed Singh, who faced 23 balls for his nine, got a short ball that left him from Romario Shepherd and edged it to third slip at 25-1 as Berbice made the break-through 40 minutes into the day’s play.

Matthew Nandu, who scored a century against Barbados on debut, was very watchful and left balls that he did not need to play at, as he again demonstrated excellent temperament.

When the left-handed Nandu got a wide half volley from Shamar Joseph, he caressed it majestically to the cover boundary as he and Imlach took their team to Lunch.

At the interval, Demerara were 39-1 from 13 overs with Nandu (13) and Imlach (7) at the crease.

After the break Nandu swept Permaul to backward square at 50-2 just after the 50 was posted in 21 overs.

Nandu’s 15 took 98 minutes, lasted 61 balls and included just two fours and his demise brought Akshaya Persaud to the wicket.

The elegant Persaud got going with an immaculate

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday February 26, 2023)

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- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Courtney Walsh-51 wickets (10 Tests)

(2) Shaun Pollock-70 wickets (16 Tests)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What is the highest individual Test score made by a WI batsman against SA to date?

(2) What is the highest individual Test score made by a SA batsman against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

off-drive for four before he cut Smith, who bowled with some pace on a flat track, to point where Javed Karim held his second catch to send the batter packing for six at 61-3.

While Imlach looked very solid, skipper Johnson looked badly out of form although a lovely cover driven boundary off Smith and a sweep off Permaul reminded many why he had played Test cricket.

The compact Imlach worked the ball into gaps under a blue sky while Johnson struggled against Kevin Sinclair who produced a nagging length and line and had a very confident LWB shout turned down.

The most successful Guyana captain succumbed to the pressure and tried to hit Sinclair over the top but succeeded in finding the safe hands of Junior Sinclair at mid-on as the 31-run stand was broken at 92-4. Johnson’s 21 lasted 58 balls and included three boundaries.

Christopher Barnwell joined the well set Imlach who neatly tucked Smith off his legs for his fourth boundary.

The pair batted sensibly and by tea Demerara were 121-4 from 52 overs with Imlach on 39 and Barnwell on 16.

After Tea, Junior Sinclair replaced his unrelated namesake, Kevin, from the south-

Scoreboard

ern end and bowled too short in addition to bowling four ‘no-balls’ but he removed the well set Barnwell to break a 57-run fifth wicket stand.

Imlach’s confidence grew as his innings progressed; he leaned back and slapped Permaul for four to move into the forties before capitalising on some poor bowling from Junior Sinclair stroking him for back-to-back boundaries to reach his fifty from 134 balls, 197 minutes with eight fours.

Barnwell, who faced 72 balls in his 28, lofted Junior Sinclair over mid-off for four before pushing forward in the same over and was taken at

slip off one that did not turn and Junior Sinclair celebrated with a double back flick which is usually done by the other Sinclair.

The 150 was posted before two wickets tumbled at 169 when Kevin Sinclair removed Renaldo Ali Mohammed (10) and Permaul trapped Imlach to leave the score on 169-7.

Richie Looknauth (19 not out) and Ashmead Nedd (19) took the score to 209 before Permaul removed and Steven Sankar (13) to leave Quinton Torrington (1) and Looknauth as the unbeaten batters. Play is scheduled to start at 09:30hrs today.

Sports Minister Ramson opens senior Inter-County 4-day tournament

By Calvin Chapman

THE Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) senior Inter-County fourday tournament has made a return after a nine-year hiatus and, yesterday at the Providence National Stadium, Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. declared the competition open before the Demerara versus Berbice match.

During his remarks, he mentioned that he was very pleased to know that the tournament was recommencing in, “A very solid, firm, crystalised and permanent way”, which signals the direction that cricket is heading in Guyana.

Minister Ramson iterated that all the cricketers in Guyana have

his confidence. He highlighted the importance of the players, without whom the game will not exist and he assured that everything that the Government of Guyana (GoG) does pertaining to the development of the sport, is also to advance the interest of players as well.

The Minister also declared that, “Age is not a barrier to whether you can get an opportunity to play. Selection should be based strictly on performance”, and charged the players to be honest with themselves when assessing their performances.

He pledged that the GoG will make every facility available to the GCB so that as many games that are required are played to select

the best team.

The GoG has made a serious investment at the National Stadium which allows play despite how inclement the weather may be. Ramson Jr. announced that Anna Regina, Mackenzie and Albion will have similar facilities with ICC standard international flood lights being installed. Palmyra and Uitvlugt are also set to have stateof-the-art weather-proof facilities, so there will be no excuse for cricket to not be played all year round. According to the Minister, the GoG is making the investment for success in the future but it will not be possible without hard work and discipline being vital components.

Second Test

Pope's fast hands have New Zealand on the ropes

JAMES Anderson and Jack Leach split six wickets as England bowled themselves into a dominant position on day two of their series-deciding second Test against New Zealand.

After another enterprising declaration from captain Ben Stokes, who pulled the plug on his side’s first innings at 8-435, the combination of seam and spin reduced the ‘Black Caps’ to 7-138 in Wellington.

Stokes’ eagerness to have two bites at the new ball, one either side of lunch, saw him wave his team in with Joe Root in full flow at 153 not out and it proved an inspired

decision as Anderson made good on the gamble.

He knocked over key

men, Devon Conway and Kane Williamson in an awkward 35-minute period be-

fore the break and came back fresh to add Will Young at the start of the afternoon.

At 3-21, New Zealand had exactly mirrored England’s score on the first morning. But where the tourists had Root and Harry Brook (186) to thank for a monster stand of 302, New Zealand could not stop the rot. With the pitch beginning to take turn, Leach picked off Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell.

All three were caught in close, with Ollie Pope contributing a couple of superb one-handers under the helmet to make his mark on the game. By the time Stuart Broad got in on the act with a caught and bowled, the hosts were left thanking the rain that brought an early end to proceedings.

But that also meant more rest for England’s seamers and, with a towering lead of 297 in the bank the follow-on could come into play if England choose to force the issue.

England came out full of intent in front of a sold out crowd at the Basin Reserve, adding 120 runs at a cost of five wickets. Root did most of the heavy lifting, resuming on 101 overnight and adding a further 52 from just 42 balls, including three sixes.

The first of those came from his fourth ball of the morning, reverse ramping Tim Southee over the ropes at third man to make his intentions crystal clear. That shot took his fourth-wicket stand with Brook into triple-hundred territory, but the younger man was gone a few moments later. Matt Henry held a rapid return chance, Brook middling a drive straight back at the bowler.

That ended his hopes of toppling father David’s family record of 210, made in the Airedale and Wharfedale League in 2001, but his status as a major force in Test

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings

Zak Crawley c Tom Blundell b Matt Henry 2

Duckett c Michael Bracewell b Tim Southee 9

Pope c Michael Bracewell b Matt Henry

Ben Foakes st. Tom Blundell b Michael Bracewell

Robinson c Tim Southee b Matt Henry

Extras: 0b 8lb 0nb 0pen 2w

Total: (87.1 overs) 435 decl

Fall of Wickets : 1-5 Crawley, 2-21 Pope, 3-21 Duckett, 4-323

Brook, 5-362 Stokes, 6-363 Foakes, 7-389 Broad, 8-424 Robinson

not bat: Anderson

Tim Southee 24 - 5 - 93 - 1, Matt Henry 22.1 - 3 - 100 - 4, (1w),

Mitchell 9 - 1 - 61 - 0, Neil Wagner 21 - 1 - 119 - 1, (1w)

Bracewell 11 - 0 - 54 - 2.

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings Tom Latham c Joe Root b Jack Leach 35

Conway c Ben Foakes b James Anderson 0

Williamson c Ben Foakes b James Anderson 4

Will Young c Ben Foakes b James Anderson 2

Henry Nicholls c Ollie Pope b Jack Leach 30

Daryl Mitchell c Ollie Pope b Jack Leach 13

Tom Blundell Not Out 25

Michael Bracewell c &b Stuart Broad 6

Tim Southee Not Out 23

Extras: 0b 0lb 0nb 0pen 0w 0

Total: (42.0 overs) 138-7

Fall of Wickets: 1-1 Conway, 2-7 Williamson, 3-21 Young, 4-60

Latham, 5-77 Nicholls, 6-96 Mitchell, 7-103 Bracewell

To Bat: Henry, Wagner

Bowling: James Anderson 10 - 1 - 37 - 3, Stuart Broad 12

- 2 - 50 - 1,

Ollie Robinson 8 - 4 - 6 - 0 – 0,. Jack Leach 12 - 1 - 45 - 3,

cricket appears fixed after just six caps.

Stokes was next up, contributing the kind of frantic cameo that has become his stock in trade as captain. He lasted 28 balls, made 27 runs, hit five boundaries and could easily have been out three times

His end came when he tried to flog a difficult ball from Neil Wagner over the infield and slogged to midoff. Ben Foakes managed an even less graceful exit, stumped for a duck after toppling face first while facing Michael Bracewell’s off-breaks.

Amid all that Root timed his run to 150, for the 14th time in Tests, ushering the end of the innings with a flourish for four. That left time enough for seven overs and two cheap wickets.

Anderson needed just four balls to deliver the goods, shaping one away from the left-handed Conway and taking a thin edge that neither he nor wicketkeeper Foakes appeared to detect. But the slips were convinced there was a sound and DRS confirmed their suspicions of a thin nick.

Williamson was next to go, wafting lazily at a delivery he should have left to take his series return to 10 runs from three attempts.

After a 40-minute break Anderson continued his outstanding sequence of work with the new ball, producing a pearl that scraped the edge of the blameless Will Young as it zipped back in. New Zealand fought hard to avoid outright collapse but by now Leach had enough to work with as he set up camp at one end.

Latham (35) was caught at slip after the third umpire pored over replays and determined the ball had hit the wristband of his glove before ballooning to slip.

Leach’s next two came with big assists from Pope, who pounced to grasp Nicholls’ reverse sweep at short-leg, then showed even quicker reactions to pluck Mitchell’s nudge forward from close proximity at silly point.

Ollie Robinson bowled an outstanding but luckless spell of eight overs for six runs before Broad took the seventh, accepting an easy return catch from Bracewell. (PA Sport)

A bold declaration from Ben Stokes, classic Jimmy Anderson brilliance and some incredible reflex grabs from wicket-keeper Ollie Pope have England all over the Kiwis in Wellington on day two

Will history makers South Africa stop red-hot favourites Australia?

CAPE Town is the stage for today’s Women's T20 World Cup final between the history makers and the red-hot favourites. For red-hot favourites Australia, this is usual territory. They are into a seventh T20 final and a 14th across all World Cups, having also played in seven 50-over finals.

For history makers South Africa, it is uncharted territory. The Proteas lost their first five semi-finals in World Cups but triumphed at the sixth time of asking with a six-run win over England at Newlands on Friday afternoon to become the first South African side, female or male, to reach a Cricket World Cup final.

Proteas captain Sune Luus said: "I think the goal for us was to inspire a nation and to get women's cricket in South Africa on the map. For women's sport in general in South Africa to be raised and to be on the map as well.

"I think in terms of that we are definitely doing the job. Hopefully the final can just be another stepping stone. There are a lot of good things to come out of this tournament. If people don't take women's cricket seriously by now, then there is no hope.

"We never thought people in our country would stand in long queues to buy tickets for a women's cricket match. It is something special. I hope once this World Cup is finished that will stay the same."

Taking the ultimate step will be a tough ask

Women's T20 World Cup final Saudi Cup:

Frankie Dettori denied as Panthalassa wins world's richest race

for South Africa. Of the 13 World Cup finals Australia have played, they have lost just two.

More often than not in these games, they blow their opponents away. England were thumped by eight wickets in the 2018 T20 final in Antigua, India by 85 runs in 2020 at the MCG.

Nasser Hussain has called Australia "probably the best female sporting side there has ever been". Their bulging trophy cabinet backs his point up. Seven 50over World Cup titles, five T20 triumphs.

But there were signs of fallibility against India in Thursday's semi-final and, if not for Harmanpreet Kaur's unfortunate run out after her bat got stuck in the pitch, it may very well have been India lining up alongside South Africa at Newlands on today.

India needed 41 from 34 balls with six wickets in hand prior to Harmanpreet's exit but that wicket and then Australia doing what Australia do means the usual suspects are in the final.

It's a final they are

expected to win and expected to win handsomely. It was only last weekend that they beat South Africa by six wickets in the group stages after liming their opponents to 124-6 and then easing past that total with 21 balls to spare off the back of Tahlia McGrath's unbeaten 57.

Yet, South Africa have the artillery to give Australia a game. Run-scorers and wicket-takers in the XI and what is sure to be a vociferous home-supporting crowd to act as the proverbial 12th woman.

The atmosphere will be scorching and South Africa will hope pace bowler Shabnim Ismail is as well, two days after she touched 80mph while bowling at England. If the Proteas are to have a chance, they may need her and Marizanne Kapp to wreak havoc with the new ball.

Kapp caused a bit of carnage in the sides' group meeting, dismissing Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry cheaply inside the first seven overs as Australia slipped to 40-3 in the chase.

The third prong of

South Africa's first-choice seam attack is Ayabonga Khaka. She may not have the speed of Ismail or the snarl of Kapp but accuracy and pace-off variations are staples of her game and she made a match-winning intervention against England with three wickets in the 18th over.

Player of the Match, however, went to Tazmin Brits, largely due to her 68 from 55 balls but also because of four catches, one of which, a one-handed grab to remove Alice Capsey, was a screamer.

With the bat, Brits and opening partner Laura Wolvaardt took their time to get going, scoring just nine from the first three overs, but then accelerated and shared a stand of 96.

It would be a history-making moment if South Africa were to "frazzle" Australia and win their first World Cup in Cape Town, something that looked a distant dream after they crashed to a three-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the tournament opener at the same venue. (Sky Sports)

Frankie Dettori mount Country Grammer was narrowly beaten in the Saudi Cup as Panthalassa won the world's richest race.

The Yoshito Yahagi-trained 16-1 shot, ridden by Yutaka Yoshida, was strong from the off in the $20m (£16.74m) contest in Riyadh.

It meant the Bob-Baffert trained Country Grammer (5-2) was left with too much to do despite a late rally.

Cafe Pharoah (16-1) was third with the 15-8 favourite Taiba eighth.

Country Grammer was similarly narrowly beaten in the race 12 months ago but went on to hand Dettori a fourth Dubai World Cup success weeks later.

Dettori, in his final year of riding, is now hoping for a repeat of that.

"He ran a super race. I was outpaced all the way. I travelled to stay and thought I would be sixth really, then they all died and bless him, he's got so much heart," he said.

"I stayed on well, but his game is a mile and a quarter and we go back to Dubai.

"It has been a great experience, this meeting. I'm always smiling!"

Kempton win for Our Power

Our Power won the big race at Kempton, the Coral Trophy, for trainer Sam Thomas.

The 11-2 chance, ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies, has an entry in April's Grand National and stayed on for victory after eventual runner-up Flegmatik made a mistake at the last, with top weight Frodon in third.

Kitty's Light, trained by Christian Williams, took the Eider Chase at Newcastle.

And Kemboy secured his first triumph for more than two years to give Willie Mullins a 12th win in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse (BBC Sport).

Australia captain Meg Lanning (left) and South Africa skipper Sune Luus

Dettori won the 2022 Dubai World Cup on Country Grammer

Premier League title race: Manchester City 'send message' but Arsenal 'in control'

THE Premier League title race is shaping up to be an exciting run-in after leaders Arsenal and second-placed Manchester City's latest away victories.

The Gunners saw off Leicester City with a hard-fought 1-0 win, while City were in imperious form as they despatched Bournemouth 4-1 on the south coast.

Arsenal can extend their lead over City to five points if they beat Everton at Emirates Stadium in their next outing on Wednesday, 1 March, after which both title contenders will have played 25 games.

City's Rico Lewis said the victory at Bournemouth - their 200th away win in the Premier League - "sends a message" to the league leaders, and with the season about two-thirds over, matters are intriguingly poised.

Arsenal 'have title-winning credentials'

Late January and early February saw the Gunners endure a four-game winless run bookended by defeats by City, first in the FA Cup and then in the league.

They also dropped points in a 1-0 defeat by Everton and a 1-1 draw with Brentford, but wins on the road at Aston Villa and Leicester have ensured Mikel Arteta stays just ahead of his one-time mentor Pep Guardiola.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told BBC Match of the Day: "I am really pleased with the performance. We dominated the game, we attacked a lot, we were high up the pitch but we didn't manage to create enough big

opportunities.

"To win away at Villa, then at Leicester, in the Premier League is extremely difficult to do and we deserved to win both games."

Former City defender Nedum Onuoha believes Arsenal still hold the upper hand despite his old club recently inflicting Arsenal's third league defeat of the season.

"A few questions were being asked of them, people were backing Man City," he told the BBC. "For them to come back against Villa was a huge boost. The celebrations showed what it meant - it steadied the ship. It feels like Arsenal are back in total control of the title race because if they win their game in hand it would be five points clear and that is a big advantage."

Glenn Murray, former Crystal Palace and Brighton striker, thinks while both teams are still involved in European competition, Arsenal's desire for a first title since 2003-04 will be their

focus.

"There will be twists and turns in the title race. It is about who will hold their nerve," he said. "City may take their eyes off the ball, Arsenal will prioritise the Premier League, but Manchester City obviously really want the Champions League. It is going to be an extremely exciting watch."

Arsenal's resurgence following the wobble that included the defeat by City has impressed former Swansea and Wales defender Ashley Williams.

"You're always going to have setbacks, and I think they've shown a capacity to overcome adversity," he said.

"Arteta is so driven and you can see that starting to come out now. Over the course of the season, if you're going to win the Premier League, you need to deal with the good and the bad. They are showing they've got the credentials to get it done in the end."

Imperious City staying on Arsenal's coat-tails

City's 3-1 win at Arsenal sent them back to the top of the Premier League table, but a disappointing draw at Nottingham Forest three days later coupled with the Gunners' win at Aston Villa saw Guardiola slip behind his former Manchester City assistant Arteta.

One factor that could swing the title race in City's favour is the prolific form of Erling Haaland. The Norway striker scored his 27th league goal of the season against Bournemouth, taking him past Sergio Aguero's record for most Premier League goals in a season for City.

"Erling Haaland, his impact has been incredible," said Guardiola. "We love him and he is helping us. Today we found him more and he is an incredible threat.

"We are still going to be fighting for the Premier League and we have a tough contender [in Arsenal], but many things could happen."

City defender Lewis told Sky Sports: "The best thing to do to come back from a few poor results is to win. We are gutted not to get a clean sheet but it sends out a message. The early goal set the tone and we could have had more in the end."

But the Blues' comfortable win impressed former Bournemouth manager Tony Pulis, who told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "A very comprehensive performance from Manchester City. They could have turned up and been sloppy but they were fabulous."

Cummins to remain home, Smith to skipper Aussies in third Test

STEVE Smith will take the captaincy reins in India after Australia announced captain Pat Cummins would not return for the third Test in Indore this week due to a family illness.

Cummins flew home to Sydney following the Aussies' second-Test defeat last week, explaining in a statement that his mother "is ill and in palliative care".

With a nine-day break between Tests following the threeday finish in Delhi, it had been hoped the 29-year-old would return to India for the third Test beginning Wednesday.

But Australia confirmed on Friday Cummins would miss the Indore Test. They are keeping the door open for him to return for the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, but Smith could end up captaining in both the remaining matches.

"I have decided against returning to India at this time," said Cummins. "I feel I am best being here with my family.

Bermuda, Panama off to impressive winning starts

"I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding."

Smith spent four days in Dubai with his wife Dani following the second Test before re-joining the Australia squad in Delhi on Thursday evening (India time), when he was informed of Cummins' decision to remain at home for the next Test.

The wider playing group was informed at training on Friday morning at Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Aussies are training in the Indian capital for two more days before flying to Indore on Sunday.

It will be the third time Smith has led the Test side since his reinstatement as vice-captain in late 2021 when Cummins took over from Tim Paine. Smith has filled in as skipper for two Tests that Cummins has been unavailable for - both of which have been in Adelaide over the past two summers.

Smith was captain for 34

Tests between 2014 and 2018, including Australia's most recent Test tour of India in 2017, a controversy-marred campaign which Smith dominated with the bat, scoring three centuries.

It has so far been a less prolific series this time around for the star right-hander, who has scored 71 runs at 23.66 in four innings so far.

While the leadership transfer

should prove smooth enough given Smith's extensive leadership history, Australia's selectors now must decide on how to balance the bowling attack in Cummins' absence.

Three spinners could again be on the cards if the pitch is anticipated to take turn, especially now after Cameron Green declared himself fit again after a finger injury sidelined him from the first two Tests against India.

Green’s return would give Australia a second seam-bowling option after Cummins was the sole quick in Delhi.

"When you come in as an allrounder, you might be able to help out with team balance maybe a little bit," Green told reporters in Delhi on Friday. "It will be interesting to see which way the selectors go for this game."

Mitchell Starc, who is also on the mend from a serious finger concern, is expected to be available to play and could be a direct replacement for Cummins.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, (CMC) – Bermuda and Panama made emphatic winning starts to the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifiers here Saturday after Belize’s late withdrawal reduced the tournament to five teams.

Bermuda, led by an unbeaten half-century from captain Delray Rawlins and a 30-ball 48 and three-wicket haul by Kamau Leverock, crushed the Cayman Islands by 96 runs at the St Albans Club, after Panama saw off hosts Argentina by 53 runs in the opener at the Hurlingham Club Ground. Sussex all-rounder Rawlins finished on 59 not out from 43 balls with three sixes and four fours as Bermuda, who won the toss, compiled 173 for three from their 20 overs after racing to 77 without loss in the first seven overs.

Adrian Wright was the pick of the Cayman attack with two for 19.

Cayman Islands then struggled to 77 for nine in reply, Leverock helping to dismantle the run chase with three for 15.

Leverock was well supported by Zeko Burgess (2-12) and Derrick Brangman (2-13), Alistair Ifill top-scoring for Cayman with 25.

Meanwhile, Panama built their total of 139 for eight around an opening stand of 83 between Mahmud Jasat (35) and Mohmad Sohel Patel (42) after being sent in.

Khengar Ahir then spearheaded the Panama attack with three for 16 to send the hosts tumbling to 86 all out in the 18th over with only Alejandro Ferguson (25) offering any meaningful opposition.

With Suriname withdrawing earlier, the Bahamas are the fifth team in the tournament. The top three teams will join Canada for the Americas Region Qualifier Finals in Bermuda in September. The winner of that will clinch the last T20 World Cup qualifying spot in the region. Next year’s edition will be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States.

Erling Haaland scored his 27th Premier League goal, more than any other Manchester City player in a single season, to pass Sergio Aguero's tally of 26 from 2014-15

Batter Steve Smith will take the captaincy reins in India

Bermuda captain Delray Rawlins

Adapting to SA bounce key to preparation, says Coley

CENTURION, South Africa, (CMC) – Interim head coach Andre Coley believes the three-day warm-up match earlier this week has helped West Indies adapt to the livelier pitches in South Africa, especially coming from the slow tracks which were

adjustments.

“We got some good practice. Obviously we needed to make that adjustment between surfaces in Zimbabwe and here in South Africa, and this game provided that opportunity for us,” Coley said.

“We were able to bat

from that standpoint it was good.”

All-rounder Jason Holder and wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva notched half-centuries in the drawn encounter at Willowmoore Park, while vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood and Kyle Mayers also chipped in with strong knocks.

Uncapped seamer Akeem Jordan and off-spinner Roston Chase both picked up three-wicket hauls while veteran fast bowler Shannon Gabriel claimed a brace, as West Indies players flourished in good conditions.

“In most instances, it’s just the adjustment to the type of bounce here,” Coley explained.

in terms of the tempo of our innings, how we want to go throughout and ensure that we’re able to set up challenging totals that will put us in a position to challenge for a Test win.”

West Indies beat minnows Zimbabwe 1-0 in the recent two-Test series in Bulawayo but now face a sterner challenge against South Africa, ranked fourth in the ICC Test charts.

The Caribbean side, installed in eighth in those rankings, have not beaten the Proteas in a Test series in 24 years and last beat them in a Test match in 2007.

the hallmark of the series against Zimbabwe earlier this month.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s start of the opening Test at SuperSport Park here, Coley said it had been important for his side’s batsmen, bowlers and catchers, to understand the bounce and make the necessary

twice on the pitch, albeit in slightly different conditions in both innings.

“The bowlers had an opportunity to bowl for most of the day [on day two]. We were challenged by the batters from the South Africa XI so it was a good opportunity to get a run out, assess conditions so

“In both innings, you saw there were periods where our batters tried to adjust to that … adjusting to the height of the hands in terms of where to make contact with the ball.

“I think this pitch gave us an opportunity to express themselves in terms of our stroke-play. I think going forward now it’s really about marrying that now

Coley, appointed to replace Phil Simmons who resigned following West Indies’ shambolic Twenty20 World Cup exit last November, said preparation in coming days would focus on the finer details.

“We want to maintain standards and discipline. [We have to work on] our catching behind the wicket because the ball tends to bounce more consistently here [so] it’s something we have to make sure we’re on

Montagliani gets third term unopposed as CONCACAF president

GUATEMALA CITY, (CMC) – CONCACAF

president Victor Montagliani has been re-elected unopposed at the confederation’s Ordinary Congress here Saturday.

The Canadian, also a vice-president of football’s world governing body, FIFA, will now serve his third successive term, a four-year period which will run until 2027.

Montagliani was first elected in 2016 when he defeated Bermudian Larry Mussenden at the Congress held in Mexico City, and was reelected unopposed three years later.

“I have said many times before that leadership is about service, not power,” Montagliani said.

“And my commitment

to continue serving and supporting all of our Member Associations is unbreakable. In CONCACAF our

unique characteristics are our grit, our passion, and our perseverance to achieve our long-term goals.

“These characteristics, combined with our unity, are the ‘secret sauce’ of Concacaf and I truly believe that world football could do with more of Concacaf.”

He continued: “In delivering our ongoing mission to develop football in our wonderful region, we will continue to be authentic in our dialogue, in our interactions, and in our football. This is a global game that connects us all and belongs to us all.

“To quote one of my early football coaches, ‘simplicity is genius’. With that in mind I conclude by simply thanking you all from the bottom of my

heart.”

Montagliani assumed leadership of the confederation in the wake of the well-publicised scandal which saw then president Jeffrey Webb, along with several high level CONCACAF officials, arrested in 2015 on corruption charges involving racketeering and bribery.

Since being elected, Montagliani has overseen a restructuring of the confederation, focussing his efforts on corporate governance and seeking to undertake “cultural change”.

Saturday’s Congress was attended by delegates from all 41 member associations which comprise the North, Central America and Caribbean regions.

top of,” he stressed.

“The lengths that we bowl here, our consistency and making sure we plan well [is also important]. And from a batting standpoint, ensuring that there are consistent partnerships throughout the innings, from the top right through

to the bottom.

“So just ensuring that we’re able to tick those boxes and as the game progresses, showing an awareness of what game situation we may find ourselves in and then working together as a team to ensure we tackle that well.”

WOMEN’S T20 FINAL

Jacqueline Williams, Kim Cotton to officiate women’s T20 final

THE umpiring team that will take charge of today’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 final between hosts, South Africa and reigning champions Australia, has been confirmed.

Jacqueline Williams and Kim Cotton will be the two on-field umpires, with Suzanne Redfern appointed as the TV Umpire and Nimali Perera stepping in as the fourth umpire.

GS Lakshmi has been named as the match referee.

New Zealander Cotton will be umpiring at successive Women’s T20 World Cup finals having also been out in the middle when Australia won back in 2020, and the 45-year-old will be fresh from overseeing the first semi-final between Australia and India on Thursday.

Jamaican umpire Williams has officiated at a string of major ICC tournaments in recent years, and was one of the two on-field umpires when South Africa beat England in the second semi-final on Friday.

The match is scheduled to start at 3:00pm local time at Newlands in Cape Town, with tournament hosts South Africa going for their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup title and Australia hoping to make it three on the bounce having also won in 2020 and 2018. (ICC Media)

Umpire Williams (left) Umpire Cotton

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani.

(Photo courtesy CONCACAF)

All-rounder Jason Holder

Wes Indies Interim head coach, Andre Coley.

Tevin Imlach plays an elegant late cut during his innings of 62 for Demerara. (Sean Devers photo)

Veteran left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul grabbed four 4-46. (Sean Devers photo)

Minister Ramson greets captain of Demerara, Leon Johnson before the first ball yesterday at the Providence Stadium: Delano Williams (Photo)