Issuu

TUESDAY 26th JULY, 2022 $100

No. 106795

US a valued partner in development

- President Ali tells high-level US officials 2&3 - discusses areas of mutual interest, harmonisation of plans - including provision of support for Guyana’s banking, finance and tourism sectors SEE PAGES

President Dr. Irfaan Ali led a high-level delegation to a meeting with United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken in Washington DC

President, Dr Irfaan Ali flanked by his team while speaking to US Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Don Graves on various developmental agendas in Washington DC (Office of the President photos)

Local banks eager to promote $1.8M bail for driver accused Karaudarnau Toshao pushes gov’t home-ownership drive of Reonol Williams’ death 8 for establishment of farine factory, expansion of farms SEE PAGE

SEE PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

President Ali, delegation meet US Deputy Secretary of Commerce -on provision of support for Guyana’s banking, finance and tourism sectors

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali and US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves on Monday held fruitful discussions in Washington DC. Deputy Secretary

Greaves committed support to the Government of Guyana in banking, finance, and tourism, as well as US private- sector investment into Guyana.

President Ali has committed to working closely with the Department of Commerce and other US agencies to facilitate US private-sector investment in Guyana.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali and US Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Don Graves

Secretary, Robert Persaud, are in Washington for a series of high-level engagements. At the invitation of the US Government, the delegation will meet with high-ranking US Government officials, including the Secretary of State and

leaders of Congress and the Senate, to discuss a range of issues further to deepen bilateral relations between Guyana and the United States. President Ali will also be speaking at several events while in the US. (DPI)

Marketing Officer at Citizens Bank, Mikhail McKenzie

Republic Bank Guyana Marketing official attached to the Small and Medium Business segment, Alison Barkoy

Christina Correia, Marketing Manager of Demerara Bank

GBTI’s Marketing and Communications Officer, Nadia De Abreu (Adrian Narine photos)

also residential mortgages,” McKenzie said. Republic Bank Guyana Marketing official attached to the Small and Medium Business segment, Alison Barkoy disclosed that the interest rate at the bank was 4 per cent on $7 million, and 5.7 per cent on loans from $7 million to $10 million, this shows a significant reduction. At the five-day Building Expo, the bank provided an additional reduction giving persons who started their loan applications at the expo the reduced rate of 3.75 per cent on loans $7 million and under. She noted that the bank saw significant interest from persons eager to start the process to access a home-ownership loan or mortgage from the bank, including persons who received their house lots over

the weekend. “There are others who would have only recently collected the title or agreement of sales at the expo. And some may have already, from what we would have seen, had a plan done because they knew what they would get. So, they’re all thinking ahead. So, they got that, and they’re coming in to get the information. We have done quite a number of applications that our branches will follow through on,” Barkoy stated. Christina Correia, Marketing Manager of Demerara Bank, stated that she believes the initiative will be a game changer for local home ownership, noting her company’s commitment to assisting Guyanese achieve this massive milestone of owning their own homes.

She explained that Demerara Bank decided to take part in the initiative because it believes it is crucial to make finance and access to home loans affordable. Correia disclosed that in keeping with the bank’s commitment to this massive sector, the bank had implemented several other initiatives catering to homeowners. The initiatives by the bank include the waiving of processing fees, site-inspection fees, and a 50 per cent reduction in attorneys’ fees. “We’re offering additional bonuses, and therefore we’re waiving processing fees. We’re waiving site-inspection fees and we’re offering the customers 50% off their attorney fees. So all of these things come together, and they add up, especially for homeowners

President, Dr Irfaan Ali flanked by his team while speaking to US Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Don Graves on various developmental agendas in Washington DC

Both parties agreed to work closely to advance this agenda. The Head of State and a delegation, including VicePresident, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, and Foreign

Local banks eager to promote gov’t home-ownership drive - Lower interest rates, requirements crucial to ownership agenda

By Jared Liddell WITH the government recently securing an agreement with local banks for the reduction of interest rates on homes below $9M and removal of the downpayment requirement for mortgages and home-construction loans, the banks have expressed their eagerness to bring the dream of homeownership to life for many Guyanese. Marketing Officer at Citizens Bank, Mikhail McKenzie, told the Chronicle that since the International Building Expo started on Friday, over 250 persons have expressed interest in starting their loan process to finance the construction of their homes. He noted that these persons represent just persons visiting the bank’s official booth at the expo, explaining that the number could be higher if taken into account those persons who opted to visit one of the bank’s offices to have their process started. According to McKenzie, prior to the government’s initiative, which is set to see a reduction in the interest rates on loans of up to $9M to 3.8 per cent, Citizen’s Bank’s interest rates stood at 3.95 for up to $7 million.

McKenzie opined that the recent collaboration between the government and the local banks had motivated a large section of the population to begin their process. He noted that about 75 per cent of the persons starting the process for a loan were firsttime land and homeowners. “Reducing the interest rate to 3.8 you know, puts more persons in a better position to be able to get financing, also in a better position to be able to repay, right,” he said. Speaking about removing the percentage requirement, McKenzie noted that he believes the initiative will play a pivotal role in ensuring a wider demographic can move forward with their plans for construction and home ownership. He noted that he believes the initiative comes at an opportune moment as the bank moves forward with an initiative catered to promoting home ownership. “Homeownership, as much as it is, as we say a dream, we want it to be realized, but it is still expensive to many people. It comes into a perfect time because we have our ‘my time’ or mortgage where we have reduced our rates across the board. So, not only persons on a low income can benefit, but

first-time homeowners, they add up, and you know, we’re happy to support the initiative and we’re happy to be part of this initiative.” Before the agreement with the government, Demerara Bank was offering 4 per cent interest on $ 4 million loans; and 5.95 on loans over $ 4 million. She disclosed that with this new agreement, the bank intends to see a high percentage of new loan applications and clients, especially considering the other incentives targeted to homeowners at the financial institution. “Our interest is being calculated on reducing balance and therefore, each month you pay installments, your balance is reduced and therefore, interest is calculated on that

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US a valued partner in development

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

- President Ali tells high-level US officials

By Tamica Garnett SUPPORT for concessional financing for climate change, technological support to achieve food security, and improving the relationship between the private sector are some areas of focus as Guyana and the United States seek to strengthen their relationship. These were some of the areas highlighted by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday as he delivered remarks during a public conversation on how he envisions the future of the US-Guyana relationship. The President underscored that the United States is a valued partner of Guyana, through which the country shares an exceptional relationship.

“The US has always been very supportive of the good development of our country and more recently the US has been very instrumental and supportive in ensuring that democracy prevails in our country,” the President said. “We see the US as an important partner. And that importance is already demonstrated in the contribution the US private sector is making in the development of our country. They are participating in the oil and gas sector. And what we’re seeking to do is expand that participation in all the other sectors in the emerging areas.” President Dr. Ali is leading a Guyanese delegation that includes Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Hugh

Todd, and Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud. The team will be engaged in a series of high-level engagements. At the invitation of the US Government, the delegation will meet with high-ranking US Government officials, including the Secretary of State and leaders of Congress and the Senate, to discuss a range of issues that will further deepen bilateral relations between Guyana and the US. According to the President, the engagement promises to be an extraordinary week in the relationship between Guyana and the United states. The President delivered his remarks on Monday afternoon following a meeting with United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken. According to the Presi-

dent, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest and areas in which they could strengthen and expand the relationship, and it has set the tone for the week of engagement. “The goal of this week is to bring harmonization between the plans and programmes of Guyana and aspirations of the US both at the governmental level and the private sector,” President Ali explained. According to the President, the two sides have to understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and look at ways to mitigate the challenges while also advancing the opportunities. On the issue of climate change, the President stressed that Guyana sees the US as a strategic partner in helping the Caribbean region to unlock concessional financing for the adaptation and mitiga-

tion of climate change. “The cost for adaptation and mitigation for the region is enormous. One climate event could wipe out the entire GDP of one of the island. Vulnerability of the region, the economic shock and disaster as a consequence of climate-related activities is not imaginative things; it is something that occurs on an annual basis,” the President said. He further noted, “The only way we can address the issue of climate change is through a collective effort. We cannot address climate change singularly, all of us must embrace this challenge and commit ourselves to the target that will mitigate the effects of climate change. The Caribbean region is one of the most affected region in terms of climate disaster. So any support that comes to the region is support that is well

received. During his conversation, the President also spoke about the government’s direction for its oil and gas industry, emphasizing that while Guyana is an oil and gas producing nation, the economy will not be hydrocarbon-based. The President explained that the money from Guyana’s hydrocarbon industry will be used to build out other traditional and newer sectors in Guyana, with particular focus on human resource development and support for the private sector through infrastructural development as well. Moreover, the President also emphasized that moving forward as a country, governance, democracy, and transparency will be essential to the development and transformation that will take place.

Guyana’s economy will not depend solely on oil and gas - President Ali

WHILE Guyana is rapidly evolving as an oil-and-gas market, the nation’s economy will not depend solely on the treasured natural resource for countrywide development. President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, said the essential resource is an important part of the country’s development trajectory. The head of state made it clear that the hydrocarbon will bring essential revenues into the country, but this income must be used to expand the economy, increase competitiveness, and opening up new opportunities. The Guyanese leader made the statement on Monday, during a live broadcast hosted by the Atlantic Council, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, in Washington DC. Delving into his remarks, President Ali emphasised that the fund will be used to unlock the potential of several areas which existed for a long time, but were stagnant due to lack of resources. “Guyana has all the natural assets to be a leading food producer in the region. But food production today must be backed by appropriate technology and investment in infrastructure that will ensure

the agriculture is sustainable and resilient to climate change and the effects of climate change,” he noted, while stating that such an achievement requires capital. “…and this is one example of how the revenues from oil and gas can be deployed to position Guyana, not only for the benefit of Guyana, but the position Guyana to contribute significantly to the food security of the region as a whole,” he added. The president believes that the prosperity of Guyana must also bring wealth and success to the region. Guyana’s biodiversity and environmental wealth is well documented. The forest stores 19.5 gigatons of carbon. The standing value of the forests is over US $500 billion. Additionally, the forest has the potential of earning in excess of US $100 million in carbon credits, annually. To back the forest, there are opportunities that reside in other natural-resource sector, including bauxite, gold, and diamond. President Ali said this would mean that Guyana is rich in minerals and those areas can be supported to become competitive with the necessary investments. “…whether is the road-

ways, the opening up of these areas, in a way that is sustainable. Investing in the right technology so that we can maximise output whilst protecting the environment.” Government’s’ investment portfolio goes beyond oil and gas, agriculture, and human transformation. The administration wants to build a knowledge-based economy that is supported by Information, and Communications Technology (ICT) to make Guyana a natural hub for ICT services. Accordingly, the president said building in development incentives so that multinationals can move their regional headquarters to Guyana. “As we move forward as a country, important to the development and transformation that will take place is governance, democracy, transparency, and we are working aggressively on ensuring that all democratic credentials are embedded in the moral aspect of the development of our country,” Dr. Ali asserted. Food production Food production plays a critical part in the development trajectory of Guyana, the president pointed out. He said the development mix which includes infrastructure, and economic transfor-

President Ali participates in a conversation hosted by the Atlantic Council at the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, Washington DC

mation among other things, require the human resource transformation. “That is why we are investing in health and education and we are using the best who are good at this. Whether [it] is the overhaul of the management system for our healthcare, ensuring that we have an education system that

just does not deliver academic education, but one that positions our education output into areas that the future economy would require, whether it’s robotics, software engineering, software development, coding, these are all areas in which we want our human resource potential to be positioned to take advantage of,’

Dr. Ali stated. President Ali and a delegation including Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, and Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud are in Washington, USA for a series of high-level engagements.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Building Expo: Int’l companies prepared to open local offices

By Tamica Garnett

AMONG the over 350 booths on display at the International Building Expo currently ongoing at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, several international businesses are using the opportunity to launch their business in Guyana. Approximately 25 international companies from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, Suriname, United States of America (USA), Canada and Ghana are participating in the event, which began on Friday and will run until Tuesday. One of the businesses on display at the Expo was out of Kingston, Jamaica, and produces polystyrene foam used in construction and for construction purposes, including aesthetics such as moulding. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle at their booth at the Expo, Sales and Marketing Manager, Kadesha

President, Dr Irfaan Ali shakes hands with Sales and Marketing Manager, Kadesha Walker as he visits the Free Form booth at the International Building Expo (Adrian Narine)

Walker, noted that the company felt it was an important step to attend the Expo. “It’s the biggest Expo as it relates to building in the Caribbean and as a construction-related company, it is ideal for us. We get to meet the Guyanese people, and then we get to network with other builders and people

that can support what we do,” Walker said. The Building Expo was done to create an avenue for companies to showcase innovative products and techniques in the construction and housing sectors.The Expo has returned after five years and is dubbed the blueprint of the future infrastructure.

The Expo is being held under the theme: “A New Frontier for Building a OneGuyana”. Walker was impressed with what she described as a wonderful reception at the Expo. “The reception has been really, really great. Persons are really receptive to our products, especially the building systems and the mouldings, it’s a great hit. ‘Free Form Factory’ very soon we will be coming to Guyana, so we are looking forward to being able to provide here with all the benefits that Free Form Factory has to offer,” she noted. Walker shared that she sees the company’s products bringing many benefits to the construction industry in Guyana, which is ideal for and benefits construction in tropical climates. “Our product acts as a building system that provides you with a cooler home

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when you’re building and at a lower cost. The message we want to send is that you don’t have to continue to live in a hot home, you can use a polystyrene foam to cool your home,” Walker said. Meanwhile, Dream Vu Homes, a construction company from Canada, has been in Guyana since last year. However, the company officially launched its business at the Expo given the platform’s opportunity to market the business. “We wanted to launch our brand here because a lot of Guyanese don’t know about Dream Vu Homes in Guyana, so this is a good way of getting our name out there and getting the brand name on solid foundation. The traffic here has been extensive and with many interested parties stopping by, and we’re here to facilitate them in getting them a nice home,” Dream Vu Chief Executive Officer, Omar Malik, shared in a sit-down with the Guyana Chronicle. The company is involved in the construction of modern contemporary homes, and is currently working on a number of the government’s young professional homes being built. The company is also working on a luxury gated community. “We heard about the economy and the oil boom and the need for housing, so

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where there’s a need, there’s a demand and, obviously, we’re bringing a solution,” Malik said. A few booths away from Dream Vu, Saint Lu Woodworking Ltd has its booth. Saint Lu is in the business of kitchen decor and was encouraged by the interest generated at the Expo. “It has been a wonderful experience. The turnout has been amazing, a lot of persons are learning and are being impressed by the modern stuff that we have to offer, so it’s been really good,” commented a Customer Service Representative for the company. “We’ve basically been trying to transform or change the normal kitchen layout to a modern thing to bring things up a notch. The response has been great. A lot of persons have been saying this is wonderful, this is nice and they want this. So it will be a good thing in terms of change.” The company decided to be part of the Expo because it is currently setting up an office in Guyana, and believes that it will be able to offer a unique product to the market. “We will be returning to open our office, so we are going to be coming back. I believe that we came here to start and tell people of what we’re bringing to the market so that they can look forward to it,” she noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Farmers to receive fertiliser assistance soon – Min. Mustapha — tender for supply expected to be awarded by weekend

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha and officials from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), on Monday, met with Rice Farmers’ Fertilizer Assistance Registration and Verification Committee members to discuss the government’s fertiliser assistance programme that was announced last May by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The meeting was held to discuss the lists of rice farmers per region eligible for fertiliser assistance based on information gathered by the various committee members. During the meeting, Minister Mustapha disclosed that, to date, approximately 168,000 acres had been sown but that it was anticipated that that figure would increase before the end of the advised sowing period, which is scheduled to close at the end of the month. “To date, we have just about 168,000 acres that were sown but we are anticipating that, by the end of this month, that total will increase because people are still sowing. I’m very optimistic that, by the end of the sowing period, this figure will increase to just

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

about 200,000 acres. At the end of the process, we have to ensure the persons who are entitled receive and receive what they deserve. Hopefully, before the week is out the contract for the fertilisers will be awarded to suppliers. Once this is done, farmers will receive their vouchers and can begin collecting fertilisers from those suppliers,” he noted. While going through the lists submitted by the committee for the various regions for acres sown to date, Minister Mustapha disclosed that Region Two had recorded

A section of those present at the meeting

some 31,884 acres sown, Region Three had recorded some 14,370 acres sown, Region Four had recorded some 7,440 acres sown, Region Five had recorded some 58,062 acres sown, and Region Six had recorded some 57,270 acres sown. Referencing the issues faced during the flood relief exercise, Minister Mustapha urged the committee members to ensure the lists were transparent and accurately reflected the activities in the various regions. “We do not want to end up in a situation where people point fingers at the end of the exercise saying that people who lost did not receive relief and people who did not lose received relief as was and still is the case with the flood relief exercise. I want us to have a clean and transparent list. A list that reflects what is taking place right now in the country in terms of persons who cultivated this crop,” he said. Since taking office, the government has announced several relief initiatives targetting various categories of Guyanese to ease the rising cost of living. Minister Mustapha said

that, given the global pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the government has been making sizable budgetary allocations to fund its various relief and assistance initiatives. “We know that persons in the industry needed help. Fertiliser prices were going up. Rice is an important commodity for us. It earns the country a lot of revenue. This is why the government is giving assistance to these sectors; these are productive sectors,” the minister said. Farmers also raised concerns about the quality of fertiliser currently on the market, noting that they are now forced to use 50 per cent more on their crops. Minister Mustapha informed them that the ministry’s Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) now has the capacity to test those inputs to ensure they meet the standard required for their intended purposes. President Ali had announced that the government will be purchasing and distributing, free of cost, $1 billion in fertilisers to both cash crop and rice farmers all across Guyana as a means of absorbing the rising global costs for the

commodity and to prevent the costs from being passed on to consumers at the market. The $1 billion will be drawn from the $5 billion the government had set aside in the 2022 national budget to implement measures to ease the cost of living for citizens, which is caused by the external economic shocks from

the COVID-19 pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Of the $1 billion announced, $900 million will go towards procuring fertiliser for the rice industry, while the remaining $100 million will be given to persons cultivating cash crops.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Transforming lives through housing

HOUSING is a human right, but citizens’ access to housing remains a challenge for every government around the world. Guyana has taken a different approach. Government’s role in supporting citizens with home ownership is a welcomed intervention by the tens of thousands who have and will benefit from programmes of the Ministry of Housing and Water. At the opening ceremony of the International Building Expo 2022 on Friday, Minister in the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, underscored that housing is part of Guyana’s goal to craft a sustainable future. The Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, for his part, reiterated the Dr Irfaan Ali-led People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s goal to deliver 50,000 house lot allocations during its first term in office. Guyana’s ongoing housing programme is aggressively focused on results and increasing the standard of living of every Guyanese. It was President Ali who,

in a recent conversation while on his official visit to Washington DC to meet US officials, painted a broader picture of how Guyana’s transformation connects at every level. Every Guyanese can aspire to home ownership, the President said. But owning a home must also come with an easier life. Already, there are interventions in the works to improve water quality and access to water across the country, reduce the energy cost by 50 per cent, and ultimately unlock further development. Outlining Guyana’s development future, President Ali, during the broadcasted interview from the seat of government of the United States, said development in Guyana will be approached through a multi-dimensional lens. Dr Ali recognised that the country has to grow in such a way that every sector and industry is positively impacted. This is part of the PPP/C government’s all-aboard approach to ensuring sustainability, which also includes a climatechange strategy that supports environmental sustainability

while boosting national development through advanced carbon-credit partnerships. But there is, for the sake of this editorial, a notable value to households which, the President said, will be seen in the medium term. In his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the International Building Expo 2022, Dr Ali said as part of the Vision 2030 transformation plan, changing infrastructure must be linked to human transformation and advancement, and the changing of lives of people in the country. He maintained that all of government’s interventions link back to the uplift of human life including expanded economic opportunities, and improvement of livelihood. Government’s future for Guyana is about Guyanese-centred development. President Ali underscored access to house lots as an issue of equitable development. It is absolutely astounding that the political opposition has come out against these housing strategies, especially since the former APNU+AFC

government failed to produce results for Guyanese people in the areas of housing and economic equity. For President Ali, the vision is to ensure that communities developed must have a mix of industrial and commercial investment, alongside low- to high-income housing. The goal, he noted, is value transfer so that there would be an improvement of the net asset value of any family in any of the housing brackets through the steady increase in their home value which would later give them a higher level of prosperity. But this is more than just hopes and aspirations. Tangibly, the President announced a number of measures which will ease the financial burden of home construction fetched by Guyanese. Since taking office in 2020, Dr Ali’s government increased the lowincome mortgage ceiling from $8 million to $15 million, increased the New Building Society Limited (NBS) loan ceiling from $12 million to $15 million, raised the ceiling on mortgage interest relief

for housing loans from $15 million to $30 million, created a special facility to support landowners with getting their home construction going, removed the Value Added Tax (VAT) from a number of construction material, assisted homeowners with construction of septic tanks, and built a number of core homes. These measures must be seen as direct intentions to support Guyanese people with housing, recognising that even if government cannot do all of the work by itself, it can support in one way or the other. That is responsible planning. Announcing a series of new measures on Friday, President Ali told the listening crowd that from the last day of the Building Expo, government will give every builder the steel and one sling of cement needed for their foundation, once the value of the home is $6 million or lower. For homes valued above that $6 million mark, the President said two slings of cement will be given. Turning his attention to commercial banks,

President Ali said the banks have agreed there will be no percentage requirement for loans below $6 million once the applicant applies through government’s special home construction assistance facility. Added to that, the President said the banks have agreed to reduce the interest rates, for housing loans up to $9 million, to 3.8 per cent. Housing is about security. It is financial security as it represents a wise investment for which the value of the item will more likely increase with the right surrounding investments, and it represents mental, emotional, and psychological security as adequate housing means not having to worry about the pressures of tenancy and more opportunities for the holder of the asset to explore other advancement opportunities. Government has, thus far, made all the right steps to ensure that issues of equity and access are addressed promptly. And that is the vision of President Ali’s One-Guyana.

“It is scarcely necessary to observe that a subject so replete with interest as the present state of the original inhabitants of Guiana deserves more attention than the philanthropic public of Great Britain has hitherto afforded it. The indifference with which they have been treated seems almost unaccountable, and I must ascribe it to ignorance, for it is hardly possible that the religious portion of Great Britain should be aware that a race of men exists, who have not only been dispossessed of their territory by Europeans, but have been wholly neglected, and are without provision for their moral or civil advancement, although their lands are now occupied by British subjects who have never made them any compensation, and ex-

port to the Mother Country to the annual amount of three million; and import, in British manufacturers, upwards of two million sterling.” It’s clear that Schomburgk felt that the Indians were owed not only respect, but also compensation (today called Reparations). He continues: “The present history of these Aborigines appears to be the finale of a tragical drama, for a whole race of men is wasting away under adverse circumstances. Heartless, however, is the assertion, unworthy of our enlightened age that the indigenous race of the New World is incapable of elevation, and that no power, whether emanating from Christians, princes or philosophers, can arrest its gloomy progress towards certain destruction.

Such an unfeeling and impious idea could not have originated with anyone who had lived among them, or who had studied their character. I speak from experience when I assert that the Indian is capable of progressive improvement, and that the establishment of social order, European arts, and Christian morals among them is possible. “It is unreasonable to expect that men, accustomed to roaming and unfettered life, and unacquainted with our artificial wants should at once abandon their wandering habits and adopt a mode of living diametrically opposite to their long-established customs, and who but too frequently, where they have been brought into contact TURN TO PAGE 11

Ensuring First Peoples are not last citizens (Part II)…

Indigenous Peoples’ rights should no longer be wronged!

By Earl Bousquet

ROBERT H. Schomburgk’s language in ‘Twelve Views in the Interior of Guiana’ is both pitiful and supportive of its First Peoples, made clear in the very first paragraph of the book’s preface: “It is needless for me here to repeat how I have become acquainted with much that is sublime and beautiful in the interior of Guiana, and how I have delighted in the opportunities afforded me of studying the character of that untutored being, the Indian, who is known to the inhabitants of the Coast, from the examples there seen, only as a miserable and depraved being, just civilised enough to adopt European vices, and not her virtues.” The 73 pages of this oversized book offer readers, page-by-page, with illustrations, a better understanding

of British Guiana back in 1840, when the publication attracted an elite readership of 360 persons (209 in BG) and including top-notch British and European personalities, all listed therein. It also includes the original 1840 Map of British Guiana, also drawn by Schomburgk to plot his route. The dozen intrinsically carved and painted illustrations are of sites Schomburgk felt would best reflect how different life in Guyana’s interior looked back then, and the intrinsic relationship between the Indians and their surroundings. The sites illustrated (with latitudinal and longitudinal locations) are: 1: Cumuti (or Taquiare Rock) on the River Essequibo 2: Ataraipu (or The Devil’s Rock) 3: Pirara and Lake Amucu (the site of El Do-

rado) 4: Pure-Piapa (a real Basalic column in Guiana) 5: Roraima (a remarkable range of Sandstone Mountains in Guiana) 6: P u r u m a m a ( t h e Great Fall of the River Parima) 7: J u n c t i o n o f t h e Kundanama with the Paramu 8: Esmeralda on the Orinoco 9: Brazilian Port San Gabriel (on The Rio Negro) 10: Itabu and Christmas Cataracts (on the River Berbice) 11: Wa t u Ti k a b a ( a Wapisiana village) 12: Caribi Village, Annai (near the River Rupununi) Schomburgk’s notes were sharpened on both trips (before and after Slavery) by the way the Indians were treated. The writer notes on Page 73 (the penultimate page) of the book:

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Karaudarnau Toshao pushes for establishment of farine factory, expansion of farms By Naomi Parris

— to boost production, create employment

WITH the hope of boosting agricultural production in his community, Karaudarnau Toshao, Apollos Issacs, is pushing to establish a farine factory and expand several farms. In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Issacs said farming in the Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) community is usually done on a subsistence level. However, Issacs plans to extend those farms to boost food production and food security.

“My plans for agriculture in my village is to expand on all the farms; we want to go large scale in corn, and we have five neighbouring communities around our village that can supply corn,” he said. He continued: “We already know we have flooding; we want to build a storage. Amerindian people depend on their farms, so we would like to expand on agriculture.” Issacs explained that the recent floods had highlighted the need for more sustainable practices in agriculture to be adopted to ensure food

security is a certainty. “As you know, we have these natural disasters. We have this flooding, and our main plans are to have food security. We want to work on a strategy on how we can establish or implement stuff in the village [so] we won’t be affected in the future,” he noted. Karaudarnau Toshao Apollos Issacs

He explained that farmers have not fully recovered from the 2021 floods, and while some replanting has been done, farmers have not been able to reap much

produce. “…The cassavas are small, and so we have the rains again. Farmers replanted again, but there is not much to reap, so on the farine side, we want to establish a farine factory, so we can store our farine.” With the establishment of a factory, Issacs believes that farmers will not only be able to have a space to store and preserve their produce, but also manage their production. “Farine can store for up to two years, so we can know how much we consuming, how much we are

selling, and how much to use.” He said the factory would also help generate employment in the community and its surrounding environs. “I would like for it to happen in the Karaudarnau village for the Deep South for the other communities to benefit from. We only have the health sector and the education sector in terms of employment; other than that we do farming,” he said. He added: “So that will help to bring in an income and revenue. We have very educated young people who

left school and have no jobs.” On the sidelines of the recently concluded National Toshaos Conference, contracts valued at $70 million were awarded to boost agricultural production in Region Nine. The Agriculture Ministry, through the Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agricultural Development (HESAD) project which is implemented by the Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU), signed the contracts with various Amerindian village leaders.

Agriculture Minister meets with Meadow Bank wharf vendors

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, while engaging the vendors

FOLLOWING reports that seafood stalls in the Meadow Bank wharf were being dismantled, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Monday, visited the facility and assured those affected that their stalls would be fixed. Minister Mustapha, while meeting with the vendors who ply their trade outside of the facility, said that, following the recent visit to the wharf by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, a committee was set up to execute several short-term works following requests made by the persons who operate out of the facility. He further explained that requests were made for a series of enhancement works to be carried out at and around the facility but clarified that it was not the government’s

intention to displace anyone in the process and assured them that works to rebuild their stalls would commence before the end of the day. “Some of the requests made while the President was here were to have an active security presence, toilet facilities, lights, and running water. Those will be done in the short term. The committee has already begun to work on this. The toilets and the lights will be installed shortly. The police will deal with the security issue by having an active presence here. Other works like upgrades to the building wharf and the desilting of the canal will be done in the long term. Given the issue at hand, I want to assure you that your stalls will be fixed,” Minister Mustapha explained.

Last Thursday, Minister Mustapha and other officers from the Fisheries Department accompanied President Ali on a tour of the area, after persons who operate out of the facility wrote to the Head of State requesting his urgent intervention to resolve some of the challenges faced. Acknowledging that there were several issues at the wharf, President Ali subsequently established a task force to execute several short-term , as well as to advance a long-term masterplan to ensure a conducive working environment for the hundreds of fisherfolk who ply their trade at the Meadow Bank Wharf which is located on the East Bank Demerara.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

$1.8M bail for driver accused of Reonol Williams’ death

AFTER spending the last month on remand, Daniel Melbourne, the driver who is accused of causing the death of Reonol Williams and dumping his body in a weed-filled trench, was released on $1.8 million bail. Back in June, Melbourne, a 53-year-old musician of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was remanded on six charges by Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore, who sits at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court. Melbourne pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving; failure to report an accident; failure to render assistance after an accident; failure to produce a vehicle for examination; giving false information to the police and attempting to obstruct the course of justice.

ACCUSED: Daniel Melbourne

DEAD: Reonol Williams

On Friday, Melbourne made his second court appearance for report. His attorney, Patrice Henry, made an application for reasonable bail, cit-

(Reuters) SEVENTEEN people died after a boat carrying dozens of Haitian migrants

capsized off the coast of The Bahamas, authorities said on Sunday, as more Haitians

ing that the police investigation is still incomplete. The magistrate granted the application and released Melbourne on a total of $1.8

million bail. The matter was adjourned until October 28 for reports. Previously, Police Prosecutor David Goodridge had told the court that on May 23, 2022, around 00:20hrs, Melbourne was the driver of motorcar PAB 2552, and was proceeding east along the northern carriageway of the Enmore Public Road at a fast rate of speed. According to Goodridge, Williams exited a motor car, which was stationary on the said road, and Melbourne’s car collided with him. Williams was thrown onto the road surface. The accused reportedly picked up Williams in an unconscious state and placed him into his motorcar under the pretext of taking him to the hospital for medical attention.

Goodridge had told the court that Melbourne, however, stopped at Coldingen, ECD, and dumped Williams’ body in a trench. The driver then allegedly drove to South Haslington Access Road and abandoned his vehicle. The court heard that, after receiving word of the accident, Williams’ relatives checked the hospitals on the East Coast of Demerara and in Georgetown, but could not find any trace of him. As a result, they made a report to the police and Melbourne was arrested. Melbourne allegedly told investigators that he was not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the accident. He was released on station bail. Relatives, not satisfied with how the matter was be-

ing handled, started a media campaign during which they pleaded with members of the public to come forward with any information that could lead them to their missing relative. The case was later handed over to investigators from the Major Crimes Department and on June 7, Melbourne was re-arrested. Goodridge said that, based on information, Melbourne allegedly provided to investigators, Williams’ decomposing body was found face down in the trench at Coldingen. Williams’ family positively identified the body and a post-mortem revealed that he died as a result of multiple injuries due to a motor vehicle accident.

attempt to reach the United States to flee gang violence and poverty at home.

Rescue teams recovered the bodies of 17 people, including an infant, and 25 people were res-

cued, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis told a news conference. Davis said authorities believe they were on a speedboat heading for Miami. “It is believed that the vessel capsized in rough seas,” he said. Up to 60 people may have been on board and more people were presumed missing, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said. Bahamian authorities said that two people were taken into custody, both from The Bahamas, over the suspected human-smuggling operation. All those on board recovered alive or dead, or who were still missing were believed to be migrants from Haiti. The Bahamas police said the boat capsized some seven miles (11 kilometres) off the island of New Providence. The Bahamas is a frequent

transit route for Haitians seeking to reach the United States. Dangerous sea voyages in rickety vessels have become increasingly common over the last year, as Haitians flee poverty and rising gang violence. Immigration Minister Keith Bell said survivors indicated that they had paid between $3,000 and $8,000 for the voyage. “We mourn lives lost of those seeking a better way of life,” Bell said. “Those here with families and friends in Haiti, encourage your loved ones not to risk their lives.” In May, a boat carrying 842 Haitian migrants bound for the United States strayed off course and washed ashore along the north coast of Cuba instead. That same month, 11 people drowned when a vessel carrying Haitian migrants capsized near Puerto Rico.

At least 17 dead after boat carrying Haitian migrants capsizes in The Bahamas

Survivors of a migrant boat that capsized perch on the overturned vessel off the coast of New Providence island, Bahamas, July 24, 2022 (Royal Bahamas Defence Force/ Handout via REUTERS)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Election fraud case adjourned to October 6

THE alleged electoral fraud case involving former District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; former People’s National Congress/Reform Chairperson, Volda Lawrence; PNC/R activist, Carol Smith-Joseph and four others was on Friday adjourned to October 6 for report. The trio, along with Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) employees Sherfern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb-Cummings and Michelle Miller, are before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the 2020 elections. A team of special prosecutors comprising attorneys-at-law Darshan Ramdhani, QC; Glenn Hanoman, Mark Conway, Ganesh Hira, Arudranauth Gossai, and George Thomas are on record as representing the

state. Attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes, Eusi Anderson, Ronald Daniels and Konyo Sandiford are on record for the defendants. The case was brought on Friday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was adjourned until October 6.

Last October, the state handed over certified copies of Statements of Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs) to the seven accused who are facing multiple charges. According to particulars of the first charge, it is alleged that on March 5, 2020, with intent to defraud, Lawrence and Mingo uttered a report purporting to be a true declaration of all votes cast in District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections (GREs), knowing same to be forged. It is further alleged that on March 13, 2020, Mingo and Smith-Joseph uttered a

PNC/R activist Carol Smith-Joseph; former PNC/R chairperson, Volda Lawrence; and former GECOM Returning Officer for District Four, Clairmont Mingo

forged document purporting to be a true report of all votes cast in the March 2 elections, knowing that said report was forged. It is also alleged that, on the said date, Smith-Joseph conspired with Mingo and others to declare a fraudulent

Judge to sum up evidence in Sophia bread vendor murder

JUSTICE Jo-Ann Barlow is today expected to sum up the evidence in the trial of Neville Forde, who is accused of murdering Sophia bread vendor Andre Melroy Alexander in 2017. Last month, Forde had denied that on May 5, 2017, in the County of Demerara, he murdered Alexander in the course or furtherance of a robbery. The state is being represented by prosecutor Lisa Cave, while Forde is represented by attorney-at-law Ronald Daniels. Previously, the prosecution and defence had given their closing statements. The judge then adjourned the case until July 26 for her summation. Following the summing up at the Demerara High Court, the judge will hand over the case to the 12-member jury, who will retire to consider the ver-

MURDER ACCUSED: Neville Forde

dict. In 2019, Forde was tried for the capital offence alongside former co-accused Shaquelle Grant called ‘Soldier Man,’ before Justice Navindra Singh. However, Grant was freed after the judge upheld a no-case submission in his favour. The jury was

unable to arrive at a verdict against Forde. According to reports, on the said date, Alexander was at his bread stand at Dennis Street, Sophia, when two men rode up on a motorcycle. The pillion rider requested three loaves of bread and paid with a $5,000 note. While Alexander was in the process of making the change, the same pillion rider whipped out a gun and demanded cash. When the man put up a fight, the robber discharged two rounds, one of which struck Alexander in the stomach. The robbers relieved Alexander of his cash and also escaped with the three loaves of bread. Alexander died the very night during surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

count of votes for District Four. Mingo, Lawrence and Smith-Joseph were each released on $100,000 bail. Additionally, it is alleged that between March 2 and August 2, 2020, at Georgetown, Mingo, conspired with

Lawrence, Smith-Joseph, February, Livan, Bobb-Cummings, Miller and others to defraud the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the elections. In August 2021, Mingo, along with Chief Elections

Officer Keith Lowenfield and his deputy, Roxanne Myers, had their employment terminated by the commission. Lowenfield and Myers have also been charged with electoral fraud and are before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It is alleged that they inflated or facilitated the inflation of results for Region Four, the country’s largest voting district, to give the APNU+AFC Coalition a majority win at the polls when, in fact, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had won by 15,000 votes. Those who rejected the results filed several legal challenges which ended up before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s highest appeal court. A lengthy recount of the votes eventually declared victory in favour of the PPP/C, and Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as the President of Guyana on August 2, 2020.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Over 1,000 attend Mining Industry Career Fair

EXCEL Guyana hosted a Mining Industry Career Fair to fill 200 plus positions and build a pipeline of potential candidates for another 1,500 jobs expected to come online in the next two years. The event was held over the weekend at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, Georgetown. It attracted more than 1,000 local job seekers, applying for all levels of mining operations from attendant to shift supervisor, administrative and operations, support specialists such as logistics, lab technicians,

security, and health and safety services. “We are so excited for the turnout of such high-quality, local candidates. These career opportunities will enrich the lives of many Guyanese families and our community,” said Kris Sammy, Chief Executive Officer of Excel Guyana Inc. He continued: “We are proud to be a part of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ initiative and bring together strategic partnerships that elevate our local and international clients, part-

ners, and the communities that we serve.” All positions listed through this career fair offer a competitive salary and benefits package, with health and life insurance. Reliable transportation will be provided for shifts that include short rotations to the mining site, which is located on shore. Ewan Shanks, Vice President of Client Services and Recruitment at Excel Guyana Inc. added that this Mining Industry Career Fair was the first step in creating sustainable, long-term careers for suc-

A section of the gathering inside the Georgetown Club waiting to be interviewed at the recent Mining Industry Career Fair, hosted by Excel Guyana

cessful applicants. He said that,with many entry-level positions available, the firm invited participation from students at Government Technical Institute, New Guyana School, Accountancy Training Centre (ATC), Guyana Industrial Training Centre, Linden Technical Institute and New Amsterdam Technical Institute. Shanks added, “With multiple mining projects coming online in Guyana, there will be significant opportunity for growth.

Our partners are actively hiring experienced mining professionals and training new professionals to grow into long-term positions with the organisations.” Excel Guyana recently became the first Guyanese business to earn its Integrated Management Systems (IMS) Certification from SGS, the world’s leading ISO certification company, with the implementation of three ISO systems, including the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, the ISO

45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, and the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems. According to Excel Guyana, the company creates opportunities, builds partnerships, connects people, and aligns resources to help build Guyana’s future through strategic partnerships that elevate its local and international clients, partners, and the communities it serves.

(From left) Kris Sammy CEO, Michael Smith Chief Operations Officer, and Shazim Ali, Marketing Manager

CPA Director Ann Greene proceeds on retirement

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

— Pursuing PhD. in Human Services at Walden University

LONGSTANDING Childcare and Protection Agency director Ann Greene has proceeded on retirement, and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security hosted a farewell for the visionary on Friday last. Minister of Human Services, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, led the proceedings of tributes to the veteran and thanked her for her service. “On behalf of the Ministry, on behalf of CPA, children across the country in our care, whether it is state or private and, on my own behalf, for being a tower of support to me particularly, this I know you said this job is not easy…I just want to say thank you,” Minister Persaud said. She continued: “It’s not thank you and bye-bye, because you have said that you will be around for us and the ministry and around for childcare so I look forward to that Ms. Greene, because you have too much experience for us to just let you go like that. You know we will reach out to you, with your years of dedicated services I don’t think many can match that and even outside of Childcare in other areas of this ministry you’ve never stopped giving guidance so I know.” Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Shannielle

Hoosein-Outar, also noted that she was receiving advice from Greene. “There is no other like you, I want to thank you, there are lots of people you call and don’t get through, but you, even if you miss the call, you return the call. I think you’ve given it your all, you have given me advice and I appreciate it, on behalf of the entire ministry and the country I say thank you,” the Permanent Secretary highlighted. Speaking on her departure, Greene revealed that she is not gone but will be available anytime as she pursues her PhD. in Human Services at Walden University. Greene, who has been at the head of the Agency since its creation in 2009 with three borrowed probation staff, explained, “It is something I could never see as parting, it is something I said to persons years ago, what I do I never see as work, so if you asked me, I never worked a day in my life. It’s not work, it’s something else. If it was work, I think I would have burnt out a long time, this is a job with a lot of emotional labour so if I had seen it as work, I think I would have burnt out.” She continued, “Everything I do I do it with passion, my heart is still here, I

am still apart of this so it is going to take a higher thing to take this away from me but I will miss the debating and comradery, those are the things I like. People seem to think I work all the time but I love a good laugh, I love a good interaction, I will miss the fun of dancing with the staff in the morning when I go in.” Greene, during her time at the helm of the Agency was seen more than just a boss but as a motherly figure that created a free and safe environment. An emotional Assistant Director of CPA, Tionna October, stated, “Thank you so much for the knowledge, for everything you have imparted in us, you have been like a mother, a boss, everything you could consider. You leaving is very hard knowing that this is your baby and you started it at the embryonic stage. For us to carry on without you will be very hard but knowing you would be a phone call away it’s comforting. Thank you for the tutoring.” Early Childhood manager, Concheeta Gray reminisced on the inception of their journey with the agency. She recalled, “My social work career would have grown under you, you have nurtured and guided me, you are like a mother to

Indigenous Peoples’ rights... FROM PAGE 6 with civilisation, have not partaken of its blessings, but merely felt its curse. “The obligations of moral duty, and for obvious reasons, sound policy, ought to direct those who profit by the soil to which the Indians have an undisputable right, to contribute in some degree to their religious and moral instruction. But if it is to be attempted to palliate the neglect which they have received, by the assertion that the capacities and capabilities of the Aborigines render them insensible to improvement, I, at once, as a contradiction to this error, adduce to the example of the three natives who accompanied me in 1839 to England, and after a sojourn of nine

months, returned last July to their homes…” And his final paragraph: “Great Britain has been invested with wealth and power, and there are many bright examples where these have been used to spread the knowledge of the true God and civilisation among barbarous tribes. The moment appears to have arrived when a similar boon will be bestowed upon the hitherto neglected natives one of her most magnificent colonies. Already has Her Majesty’s Government resolved to secure to such as acknowledge British sovereignty, and live within her boundaries, the rights of human beings – personal liberty,

and protection against foreign aggression and enslavement; and the friends of the poor Indians hail this as a certain proof that British influence and philanthropy will also promote among them the diffusion of Gospel truths, the improvement of moral habits, and the spread of civilisation: And although the first chapel erected to the worship of the true God in the interior of Guiana is now abandoned in consequence of Brazilian aggression and intolerance, the time may yet be approaching when its walls will again resound with hymns in praise of Him who is Almighty.” Fast-forward 182 years to today

me and you would continue

things that assisted me in

to be family.” Phillip Anthony who manages the Family Court contended, “I grew up under Ms. Greene, she is like a grandmother to me, Ms. Greene, I admire her intellect, her experience, her skills, she is a good writer, she taught me a lot of

my writing and career so I just want to say thank you Ms. Greene for all your support to the entire agency and Ministry for all your experience.” For Adoption Manager Kaycina Jardine, “I could remember Ms. October saying you are going to see,

Ann Greene (seated centre) is surrounded by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (right), and Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar. Standing behind are members of the Childcare and Protection Agency

wait and see. I do understand now because it is not something you can explain, you have to work in collaboration and team to really understand her personality and drive. I’ve become a persistent person because of her with her mindset -- if plan A doesn’t work then move to B or C or D until you get to the end.” According to the Human Service Ministry, Greene is a stalwart in her field with over 50 years of experience in the public service, serving as a probation and welfare officer up to chief probation and welfare officer before becoming Director of children services in 2009. She has received several accolades, including Guyana’s Medal of Service and the European Union Human Rights award.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

$55M drainage works for North, South Ruimveldt

By Naomi Parris

THE Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), in collaboration with several Community Development Councils (CDC’s) in North and South Ruimveldt, will soon begin the rollout of several drainage rehabilitation projects to mitigate the effects of seasonal flooding in the area. This intervention comes a week after President Dr. Irfaan Ali made an impromptu visit to the south Georgetown communities. On Monday, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapaha, met with several residents from the communities at the Ministry, where he disclosed that $55M would be expended for cleaning and other rehabilitation works on the drains in the communities. “…We will ensure that we carry out these works. We will ensure that it happens and is done in the proper way,” Mustapha said. The Minister disclosed that works would begin as soon as Wednesday, following the signing of contracts between NDIA and the residents who will be hired to spearhead the projects. “I want this work to commence very shortly, within one or two days. You in the community are beneficiaries, and you all are included…the primary function is to ensure that we try to resolve the problems that have existed

in that area for a long time.” C u r r e n t l y, M i n i s t e r Mustapha said Guyana is experiencing unusual amounts of rainfall in what should have been the usual dry season. However, due to the effects of climate change the rainy season has been prolonged, resulting in water accumulation and flooding in some parts of the country. “Climate change is real now; this is the end of July, which is supposed to be the driest month of the year, but we are having flood all the time not only in Georgetown but all around the country. And the forecast for the next two days, [says] we will have the same high-intensity rainfall so we are seeing this all over the country.” He further explained that the country’s drainage system is built to drain approximately two inches of water in 24hrs, and flooding occurs with water levels exceeding the said amount. “We used to have seven inches of rainfall in a month, and now we have seven inches of rainfall in two hours, and the drainage system is not capable of taking off those kinds of heavy water.” Despite this, Mustapha urged residents to work in unison with the government to mitigate the heavy rainfall and flooding effects. “…I trust you all, and I want us to form a partnership to get the work done because when the rain falls now, everybody is suffering.”

Local banks eager... FROM PAGE 2

reduced balance at our bank. And we extend a term of 25 years to that customer, they can repay that loan in 20 years, 15 years, 10 years, and there is no penalty for early repayment.” GBTI’s Marketing and Communications Officer, Nadia De Abreu, called home ownership the “single best investment” an individual could make, noting that the bank is committed to seeing people achieve this goal. She noted that during the Expo, the bank has seen a massive turnout of people eager to take advantage of the new incentives that would promote affordable home ownership. “The homeowner would find it easier because a lot of times, even though you may have been allocated the land, it’s difficult for the ordinary person to find that contribution. We have been asking for as low as 5 per cent,other

banks have been asking for 20 per cent, you know, as much as 20 per cent; so it’s definitely a welcoming initiative, and we believe that it is going to help us to help more persons to own their own homes,” she said. According to De Abreu, GBTI has been committed to promoting affordable home financing. She noted that before the agreement with the government, the bank had recently introduced a reduction in its previous loan interest, lowering its rates to 3.99 percent in June 2022. “The bank believes that home ownership or investing in your own home is, you know, one of the single best investments you could make. And the easier it is for someone to do that helps the cause. So, if we were able to be part of that process, we welcome the initiative by the announcement by the President. We believe it’s going to make homeownership easier for the ordinary man.”

Meanwhile, Andrew (only name given), a resident from Upper North Ruimveldt, told the Guyana Chronicle that works were previously done in parts of the community which had seen some ease in the flood situation; however, the recent rainfall has resulted in more flooding. “So far, they are paying some interest to the community. We had some little cleaning some months ago now they coming and do the whole area and I feel good

about it. About a year ago, the last government had done some work, and the flood had eased, but from then to now, it is going up back, so it needs to be redone again.” The man further noted that residents would have raised several other issues during a series of meetings with government officials, and he was glad they were being addressed. “We got some road issues with a lot of potholes, but they made a suggestion that

they want the drains to do first and then they are goning do the roads.” Mr. Leon Muir from Greenheart Street in South Ruimveldt expressed his delight with the involvement of the residents in the rehabilitation works. “It’s good that the community can be a part of something like this and even earn from it. It’s a good thing to have people involved in this context,” Muir said.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

New Annai library to boost children’s academics — Village Council Secretary

THE new library that is coming on stream in Annai Village, North Rupununi, is a welcome initiative that has the potential to change the academics of schoolchildren and even their parents, Secretary/Treasurer for the Annai Central Village Council Bernie Robertson believes. Backpack International Inc. (BPI), a non-profit organisation started in 2016, collaborated with the South Colonie Central School District in New York to host a book parade to celebrate the philanthropic efforts of the students at Sand Creek Middle School. The Student Council had launched a school-wide service project to collect 5,000 books to benefit the new library in Annai, but over 12,000 were collected that will eventually be shipped to the Region Nine location. “The library project is one of a kind that will happen in North Rupununi, in Annai Village. Many schools are limited in resources, especially when it comes to books. This will

Annai, but any other surrounding villages in the Rupununi. Robertson pointed out this because there is no other community library nearby. “Many of the children in North Rupununi cannot read well because they do not have the resources,” he added. Robertson, who spends some of his time helping young children learn to read, is hoping that parents in the village will

Secretary/Treasurer for the Annai Central Village Council, Bernie Robertson

change the academics of students where children will learn how to read [and] do research and other things,” Robertson said in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle recently. According to him, the new project, which will see an underutilized community building being transformed into a library, will not just benefit residents of

Exercise Tradewinds preparation expands

AS preparations for Exercise Tradewinds 2023 heighten, coordinating team members recently conducted a series of strategic site s urveys to assess the possibility of including a Human Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) serial as part of the exercise. A team including the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Civil Defence Commission, US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), and US Army South recently conducted the surveys. According to GDF, the HADR is slated for Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne), and Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Es-

sequibo), and coordinating meetings have since been held with the regional administrations. The GDF noted that the aim is also to participate in the Suriname Armed Forces for the HADR in Region six, for which consultations have commenced. Staff Officer One General Five- Future Plans and Strategy, Major Jaime Castello- is Guyana’s Lead Planner for the Exercise. Guyana will host Exercise Tradewinds in July 2023. The USSOUTHCOM-sponsored exercise will see participation from several Caribbean nations and other partner nations.

One of the many meetings in preparation for Exercise Tradewinds in July 2023 (GDF Photo)

encourage their children to do more reading and help them to do so. “I would like to see parents take more interest in their children’s education and in their own also, so that they can help others in the community.” Meanwhile, overseas-based Guyanese Oslyn Rodriguez is the founder of BPI, which she started with a global mission to equip students in need with

overall academic success. She returned to Guyana after being away for 14 years and wanted to offer her assistance in anyway she could. In an interview with this publication, she said the goal is to equip students with books, shoes, clothing, hygiene products, bicycles, and other items they may need for school. Regarding the library, she disclosed that BPI is also look-

ing to train a librarian and help the residents at Annai develop a catalogue system to assist the library users. Furthermore, some 200 chairs will also be donated to the library. Having already collected the books, the next phase of the project is to be able to raise enough money to ship them to Guyana. A trip is scheduled here for December 26-31, 2022, to dedicate the library.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 26, 2022

Guyanese athletes arrive in Birmingham... (From page 19) BOXING Boxers Desmond Amsterdam, Colin Lewis and Olympian Keevin Allicock arrived in Birmingham on Monday, July 25 ahead of their participation at the Commonwealth Games. The boxers are accompanied by Coaches Terrence Poole and Sebert Blake. Lewis and Amsterdam will be in action on Friday, July 29. Lewis, who competed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, will step into the ring in the Welterweight Division, while Amsterdam will touch gloves in the Middleweight Division. Amsterdam, earlier this year, became the first Guyanese to win a medal at the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Championship, when he claimed bronze in Ecuador. The boxers will know their opponents at the tournament draw. SQUASH This year's Caribbean Junior Squash Champion, Shomari Wiltshire and the Khalil siblings (Jason-Ray and Ashley) also arrived in Birmingham to begin their quest for a podium finish. The trio is part of Guyana's squash team that also includes Mary Fung-A-Fat. The women's and men's Singles Preliminary Roundof-64 will be played on Friday July 29; the first day of competition at the Commonwealth Games. Guyana's Badminton and Track and Field teams are expected in Birmingham on July 26. Meanwhile, the Golden Arrowhead was officially hoisted in the Athlete's Village in Birmingham when a welcome reception was

hosted for the 72 Nations competing at the event, formally known as the British Empire Games. Chef-De-Mission, Dr Karen Pilgrim, was joined by the two physiotherapists Jada Edghill and Vanessa Wickham, along with General Team Manager, Nalini McKoy, Press Attache' Rawle Toney and Squash Coach Garfield Wiltshire at the ceremony. Dr Pilgrim presented a token on behalf of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) to the Mayor of the Games village, while lauding the Commonwealth Games and various committees for the support given to Guyana. Guyana’s 32 athletes will compete in the disciplines of boxing, badminton, swimming, squash, track and field, table tennis and cycling.

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:30 hrs Master Of Coin 09:05 hrs Rollwiththepunches 09:40 hrs Cabinet Shuffle 10:15 hrs Big Five English Racing Tips Beverley 08:25 hrs Bit Of A Quirke 09:00 hrs Menin Gate 09:35 hrs Benacre 10:10 hrs KissN Cuddle 10:45 hrs Al Hitmi 11:20 hrs Murbih 11:55 hrs Charlie’s Yard 12:26 hrs Go Sing Goodwood 08:50 hrs Legend Of Dubai 09:25 hrs Galeron 10:00 hrs Lusail 10:35 hrs Kyprios 11:10 hrs Equality 11:45 hrs Mischief Magie 12:20 hrs Crystal Caprice 12:55 hrs Kidwah Perth 13:20 hrs Byzantine Empire 13:50 hrs Ballyquin Bay 15:00 hrs Glen Ava 15:30 hrs Friary Rock 16:00 hrs Leopolds Rock Irish Racing Tips Galway 12:10 hrs Prarie Dancer 12:40 hrs Midnight Run 13:10 hrs Tahivra 13:40 hrs Patrick Sarsfield 14:15 hrs Karakoul 14:50 hrs Loingseoir 15:20 hrs Star Of Cashel American Racing Tips Finger Lakes Race 1 Unicorn Sally Race 2 Schiffhauer Strong Race 3 Alarra Race 4 Pretty Doctor Race 5 Saw Race 6 Ferland’s Prospect Race 7 Beta Race 8 Your Awesome Boss

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 26, 2022

Guyanese athletes arrive in Birmingham chasing Commonwealth Games glory ...Golden Arrowhead hoisted in Athletes Village By Rawle Toney in Birmingham, England FOR several athletes in Birmingham representing Guyana at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, their participation at the 22nd hosting of the event provides an opportunity for redemption after failing to either make it out of the first round or advance further at the 2018 games, held on Australia's Gold Coast. Athletes in the disciplines of squash, swimming, table tennis and boxing arrived in England's second largest city (after London), with the hope of landing on the podium when they go into action on Friday July 29. TABLE TENNIS In Table Tennis, Shemar Britton and Christopher Franklin are looking to make amends for their 2018 Games defeat in the Men's singles and team events, when they had one of the better performances for the English-speaking Caribbean. This time around, they will have Joel Alleyne and youth sensation, Johnathan Van Lange to rely on. Over in the female category, Natalie Cummings and Priscilla Greaves, who were part of the women's team that were knocked out in the team

(L-R) Patrice Mahaica, Paul Mahaica, Coach Sean Baksh, Olympian Aleka Persaud and Sekhel Tzedeq upon arrival in Birmingham

event quarter-finals in 2018, will have the support of the English-Speaking Caribbean's first female Olympian in the sport, Chelsea Edghill and the budding Thuraia Thomas. "Table Tennis has always done exceptionally well at these games, sometimes with little or no support financially with regards to preparation," Coach Idi Lewis stated in an invited comment. The usually candid Lewis and veteran coach, Linden Johnson, are in charge of the team. "I hope that at least for one year, we get the required support so we can help the

team to prepare to their best so we can really perform well and get a couple of medals," Lewis said. He pointed to previous Commonwealth Games performances, like in 2018, noting "We can see from the performances over the years that the potential is there; it has always been there, but what's lacking is the support to have the team prepare properly." SWIMMING Over in swimming, Coach Sean Baksh arrived in Birmingham with high expectations of his swimmers at the Commonwealth Games.

The country's Commonwealth Games table tennis team (Chelsea Edghill missing) has arrived in the Midlands

Guyana's youngest-ever Olympian, Aleka Persaud, will lead the country's swim team, which also includes Patrice and Paul Mahaica, as well as Sekhel Tzedeq. With the exception of Persaud, the other athletes represented Guyana at the just-concluded Caribbean Games, as Baksh pointed to improved times and performances at the Inaugural event, which he's optimistic

the swimmers will either replicate or better. "They're trained well and put in a lot of work and I expect them to do a personal best in every one of their events. We'll see how far they can get through the rounds," Baksh stated. Baksh pointed to Persaud's hard work in the pool leading up to the Commonwealth Games, and noted their plans to reset several of the country's national records

in her events. Persaud will be the only Guyanese entering the pool on the first day of the swimming competition, on July 29. "We did set some high expectations for Aleka because we want her to qualify for the Olympics in 2024. We're really pushing her hard and we expect that her time will be far faster than the Olympics," Baksh said. (Turn to page 18)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 26, 2022

Mendis, Jayasuriya spin Sri Lanka to commanding position in Galle A triple strike by Ramesh Mendis overshadowed Agha Salman's maiden Test fifty as Sri Lanka took a commanding position in the second Test, on Monday. The hosts reduced Pakistan to 191 for 7 after posting 378 on Day 2 at the Galle International Stadium. Even as Naseem Shah dismissed the overnight pair of Niroshan Dickwella and Dunith Wellalge early in the morning session, Pakistan bowlers couldn't run through the lower order. Dickwella departed soon after bringing up his 22nd Test fifty, going early on a pull shot and nicking it to the 'keeper. The short pitched delivery had already ended Wellalage's stay in the previous over, when he gloved it to Babar Azam at slips - who had dropped two catches earlier in the day. However, Ramesh Mendis kept the Pakistanis on the field for more than an hour from thereon, stitching crucial partnerships of 20 and 25 in the company of Prabath Jayasuriya and Asitha Fernando respectively for the last two wickets, to help the hosts 63 runs to their overnight total. (Scores: Sri Lanka 378 (Dinesh Chandimal 80, Niroshan Dickwella 51; Naseem Shah 3-58, Yasir Shah 3-83) lead Pakistan 191/7

However, he couldn't sustain his attack for too long. In the next over, Nawaz was caught behind while attempting to cut Mendis, handing the offspinner his third wicket of the day. Salman, who looked the most assured batter on the

Pakistan lost their top four without much fuss (AFP/Getty Images)

(Agha Salman 62, Imam ul Haq 32; Ramesh Mendis 3-42, Prabath jayasuriya 2-59) by 187 runs) Yasir Shah bagged the last two wickets, finishing with three in the innings, much like Naseem. Jayasuriya was trapped legbefore by a googly while Ramesh was bowled by a flipper, on 35. Pakistan's misery, however, continued. The inform opener, Abdullah Shafique, departed for a second-ball duck, inside edging an incoming delivery from Asitha, only a few minutes before Lunch. Pakistan could never steady themselves from thereon. Even as there was turn, but with predictable bounce and pace, the visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Every time it seemed like the batters were settling in and a partnership was

promising to bail them out, a wicket would inevitably fall. Imam ul Haq and Mohammad Rizwan were dismissed on 32 and 24 respectively while playing for the turn when there was none. Imam was cleaned up by Dhananjaya de Silva, while Mendis's flipper trapped Rizwan legbefore. The pattern didn't change after Tea either. Fawad Alam was fairly unlucky though, while Mendis's slider kept low and hit him on his pads bang in front of the stumps. Agha Salman and Mohammad Nawaz took an ultra-cautious approach for more than half an hour before the former decided to give charge to Jayasuriya and unsettle his lengths. He tonked the left-arm spinner for a six down the ground and then swept him for a boundary off the next.

day, marched on to his maiden half-century and then attempted to dead bat his way to stumps, in the company of Yasir Shah, who was dropped by Dhananjaya de Silva at leg gully. With lights fading, Yasir tonked Mendis for a six

over long, but in the next over Sri Lanka got the big breakthrough. Jayasuriya drew Salman forward for a defensive prod but caught the edge of his bat, which was pouched safely by Dhananjaya at first slip.

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 1st innings o/n 315-6 Oshada Fernando c Mohammad Rizwan b Mohammad Nawaz 50 Dimuth Karunaratne c Naseem Shah b Yasir Shah 40 Kusal Mendis Run Out Agha Salman 3 Angelo Mathews c Mohammad Rizwan b Nauman Ali 42 Dinesh Chandimal c Fawad Alam b Mohammad Nawaz 80 Dhananjaya de Silva b Naseem Shah 33 Niroshan Dickwella c Mohammad Rizwan b Naseem Shah 51 Dunith Wellalage c Babar Azam b Naseem Shah 11 Ramesh Mendis b Yasir Shah 35 Prabath Jayasuriya lbw Yasir Shah 8 Asitha Fernando Not Out 4 Extras 4b 5lb 12nb 0pen 0w 21 Total (103.0 overs) 378 all out Fall of Wickets: 1-92 Fernando, 2-96 Mendis, 3-120 Karunaratne, 4-195 Mathews, 5-258 Chandimal, 6-290 de Silva, 7-327 Wellalage, 8-333 Dickwella, 9-353 Jayasuriya, 10-378 Wanigamuni Bowling: Hasan Ali 17 - 3 - 59 - 0 (1nb), Naseem Shah 18 - 3 - 58 - 3 (7nb), Nauman Ali 21 - 2 - 64 - 1 (2nb) Agha Salman 6 - 0 - 25 - 0 (1nb) Mohammad Nawaz 19 - 3 - 80 - 2, Yasir Shah 22 - 2 - 83 - 3 (1nb)

PAKISTAN 1st innings Abdullah Shafique b Asitha Fernando 0 Imam ul-Haq b Dhananjaya de Silva 32 Babar Azam b Prabath Jayasuriya 16 Mohammad Rizwan lbw Ramesh Mendis 24 Fawad Alam lbw Ramesh Mendis 24 Agha Salman c Dhananjaya de Silva b Prabath Jayasuriya 62 Mohammad Nawaz c Niroshan Dickwella b Ramesh Mendis 12 Yasir Shah Not Out 13 Extras 8b 0lb 0nb 0pen 0w 8 Total (69.4 overs) 191-7 Fall of Wickets: 1-0 Shafique, 2-35 Azam, 3-65 ul-Haq, 4-88 Rizwan, 5-119 Alam, 6-145 Nawaz, 7-191 Salman To Bat: Ali, Ali, Shah Bowling: Asitha Fernando 14 - 1 - 49 - 1, Prabath Jayasuriya 27.4 - 7 - 59 - 2, Ramesh Mendis 18 - 5 - 42 - 3, Dhananjaya de Silva 4 - 0 - 15 -1, Dunith Wellalage 6 - 1 - 18 - 0.

New Zealand pick full-strength white-ball squad for WI tour NEW Zealand have picked a full-strength squad for their white-ball tour of the West Indies, with six of their senior players including captain Kane Williamson returning after being rested for the latter parts of the team's ongoing tour of Europe. Williamson, Trent Boult, Devon Conway and Tim Southee all returned home following the three-match Test series in England, which ended in late June, and Tom Latham followed them after captaining the side in the ODI series in Ireland. Matt Henry's tour also ended after the Ireland ODIs, following which he left the squad to play for Kent in county cricket. All of them are now back

for the West Indies tour, with the selectors naming the same 15-member squad for both the T20I and ODI legs. The tour will begin with three T20Is in Jamaica, starting August 10, followed by three ODIs in Barbados. With New Zealand's preparations for the T20 World Cup - which is set to begin in Australia in October - now in full swing, some of the senior players will be returning to white-ball cricket after significant gaps. Williamson's case, due to a combination of being rested and suffering from persistent injuries, has been particularly extreme. His last T20I was the final of last year's T20 World

Cup, which New Zealand lost to Australia, while his last ODI came in March 2020, in the final men's international game before cricket came to a global halt thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. The return of the senior six means there is no place in the squad for Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Jacob Duffy, Michael Rippon, Ben Sears and Blair Tickner, who have all been involved (or will be involved) during the white-ball tours of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. Adam Milne, who was ruled out of the Europe tour with an Achilles injury after being originally selected in both

white-ball squads, has not been selected for the West Indies tour - perhaps because he still hasn't recovered fully, though the NZC release announcing the squad did not mention a reason for his absence. "It's always exciting to be heading somewhere you've not been in a while and I know this group can't wait for the challenge of taking on the West Indies in the Caribbean," New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said. "Managing workloads is hugely important this year with the team playing some form of cricket every month in 2022 and this applies to both players and staff. "For Kane, Trent, Tim and

Devon, this will be the first time they have played white-ball cricket for New Zealand since last year's T20 World Cup and tour to India - so this trip will be important for them. "We also have players such as Michael [Bracewell] and Finn [Allen] who are relatively new to the international stage but have really put their hands up for selection when given opportunities. "As a selector it's been great to see these guys push their cases." Stead will be assisted by former New Zealand internationals Dean Brownlie (batting coach) and Graeme Aldridge (bowling coach) during the West Indies tour.

New Zealand are currently in Scotland, where they will play two T20Is on July 27 and 29 followed by a one-off ODI on July 31. They will then depart for the Netherlands, where they play back-to-back T20Is on August 4 and 5, before the players who are part of the West Indies tour leavet for the Caribbean.. New Zealand’s Combined squad for West Indies tour: Kane Williamson (C), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. (Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 26, 2022

Vingegaard crowned Tour de France champion as Philipsen wins in Paris DENMARK's Jonas Vingegaard secured his first Tour de France victory as Jasper Philipsen of Belgium won the sprint on the final stage in Paris on Sunday. Philipsen was an easy winner on the Champs-Elysees while Vingegaard, 25, finished alongside his Jumbo-Visma team-mates after three weeks of racing. He beat last year's

champion Tadej Pogacar by two minutes 43 seconds in the general classification. Britain's former winner Geraint Thomas came third overall. The 36-year-old Welshman has now finished on the Tour podium three times in his career. "It's just incredible. I've finally won the Tour," Vingegaard said.

Jumbo-Visma team's Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard celebrates on the podium with the overall leader's yellow jersey after winning the 109th edition of the Tour de France cycling race on Sunday

"Now nothing can go wrong any more. I'm sitting here with my daughter. It's just incredible. "It is the biggest cycling race of the year, the biggest one you can win and now I have done it. Nobody can take this away from me." The runner-up last year, Vingegaard also claimed the polka dot king of the mountains jersey, while

team-mate Wout van Aert won the points classification green jersey. Pogacar, 23, had to settle for the white jersey as the best young rider after his dream of a third straight Tour title was ended in the mountains Vingegaard, who won three stages in all, is Denmark's second Tour winner after Bjarne Riis' victory in 1996. (BBC Sport)

CPCE students being trained for ‘Football for Schools’ programme OVER the next two days, students of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) will be participating in a training session under the recently launched Football for Schools Programme. The Football for Schools initiative is a programme developed by FIFA and UNICEF that targets children from ages four to 14 to develop an interest and their skills in the sport, while simultaneously addressing many problems that young boys and girls experience across the globe. This was explained by president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF),Wayne Forde, at Monday’s engagement held at the CPCE. He said that aside from teaching the sport to children, the programme teaches life skills by infusing them into the teaching curriculum of the programme. Some of the issues addressed in the curriculum

Teachers gathered in CPCE’s library for the launch of the training session

include self-confidence, learning to win and learning to lose, among other skills that learners can take into adulthood. He said that to ensure the programme’s success, having teachers on board is critical since they can impart knowledge to their students and effectively implement the programme in schools across Guyana.

Forde reminded the teachers that Guyana is the first country in the CONCACAF Federation of 41 member states to start the programme. He said that it is fitting that we seize each opportunity to make the Guyanese experience into a model that other countries can adopt. Education Specialist in the Ministry of Education,

Dr. Olato Sam, said that part of the Ministry’s duty is to create the enabling environment to ensure that young people thrive. He said that the partnership with teachers to effectively roll out this programme is important as they are some of the most dynamic individuals in the world. He said that the FIFA Football for Schools pro-

gramme offers a pathway for young children to develop an interest in the sport, inculcate healthy life skills and to equip themselves with the skills to become the stars that they can. “We know that we have that potential in Guyana,” Dr. Sam noted. Dr. Sam told the teachers that every aspect of the two-day training session will add value to the schools and

communities that they will return to. He said, “This is being rolled out in every primary and secondary school in Guyana. We hope that you can be the ambassadors in your schools and regions.” The Principal (ag) of the College, Noella Joseph, thanked the teachers for being part of the programme and thanked the leadership of the Ministry of Education for partnering with the CPCE to have additional teachers trained under the programme. The first training sessions were held in May 2022, and targeted approximately 45 teachers representing the 11 Education Districts. This partnership with the CPCE will see over 50 additional teachers being trained. Coaching Education Officer of the GFF, Linden France, told the teachers that the first half of the programme will be theoretical work while the second half will focus on the practical aspects of the programme.

Steven Nobrega takes Pro category... (From page 23) as the Professional overall winner was seasoned campaigner in the Grass Track arena, Steven Nobrega who amassed 30 points because of winning all the Pro races. Conroy Cox took the runner-up position six points adrift with the third place going to Bobby Rasul with 18 points. The top three competitors in each category were all well rewarded in the various events.

David De Nobrega took the top spot among his Novices peers with a total of 28 points; Shaquan Sawh was second overall with 20 points followed by Leandro Adams on 16 points. But it was the 85CC events which captured the hearts and applause of the fans on the day. This category attracted 14 and 15-year-old competitors with the youngest being 9-year-old Lishon Lewis

who took the runner-up place in one of the events; he led for two of the four laps before eventual winner, Demetri Prowell took charge and won the event. Prowell went on to take the overall winner’s trophy as close to one million in cash and other prizes were handed out. Sponsors of the event were Ansa McAl, Timmerman’s Mining, Sheik’s Mining, Sir’s Service Sta-

tion, Le-Mya Welcome, Rats Mining, Xclusive Minerals, Ambrose Construction & Cleaning Service, Mark and Elda’s Sports Bar, Futu’s Sports Bar, Pro Dental, Evvy’s Cakes and Treats, Wei Fung Restaurant, Tyree Outboard & Spares, W K Enterprise, Jamella’s Inn, Mark Scarder, Pandit & Sons Auto Spares, HML Logistics and Scarder’s Meat Centre.

Steven Nobrega, Professional category overall winner

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 26, 2022

Community grounds of Den Amsel and Crane, Region Three, earmarked for development ‒ Minister Ramson BRAVING the elements inclusive of a minor thunderstorm, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. announced on Saturday last, in the presence of residents from the Region Three communities of Den Amstel and Crane, that GYD$10M has been earmarked for the development of their respective community grounds. Minister Ramson informed the respective inhabitants of the historic villages that the intended developmental drive of the two communal facilities is of utmost priority for His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, and the Cabinet. The ubiquitous minister further explained that the expansion, and overall improvement of community centres, and spaces, aligns with the enduring vision of President Ali’s ‘One-Guyana’ platform, which is centred on building a united nation. Dialogue was also conducted, and undertaken, by

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles Ramson Jr. braving a torrential downpour while addressing residents of Den Amstel during his outreach in Region Three

the Minister with the regional representatives on the important projects that will be implemented, and requisite timeline for their implementation. The purposeful prominence, and insistence by Minister Ramson on the development of social spaces, grounds and parks, orients with the Government of Guyana’s current dogma of fostering social cohesion in every fragment of our local humanity.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles Ramson Jr. in discussions with residents of Crane while overlooking the community ground. The visit was part of his Region Three outreach

France's Kevin Mayer wins second world decathlon gold EUGENE: France's Kevin Mayer won his second world decathlon gold on Sunday, benefiting from the withdrawal through injury of Olympic champion Damian Warner. Mayer accrued 8,816 points after 10 disciplines over two days to follow up on previous world gold in 2017 in London. Canada's Pierce Lepage claimed silver with

8,701pts while American Zach Ziemek took bronze (8,676). The first day of action on Saturday saw Mayer register 10.62sec in the 100m, 7.54m in the long jump, 14.98m in the shot put, 2.05 in the high jump and 49.40 in the 400m, the one-lap tester that saw Olympic champ Warner of Canada crash out injured. Sunday saw the French

world record holder clock 13.92sec in the 110m hurdles, manage 49.44m in the discus throw, clear 5.40m in the pole vault and nail 70.31m in the javelin throw to give himself 8,145pts going into the 1,500m. Mayer safely negotiated the final event, overtaking Lepage on the stretch to book himself a second world gold. (AFP)

France's Kevin Mayer celebrates winning the decathlon (REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 26, 2022

World Championships

U.S. complete historic medal haul on record-setting final day EUGENE, Ore. (Reuters) Armand Duplantis brought down the curtain on the World Championships in stunning fashion on Sunday, breaking his own pole vault world record in the final act of the 10-day track and field meet in Eugene. After the United States claimed emphatic victories in both the men's and women's 4x400 metre relays, Duplantis took centre stage and duly delivered a perfect finale for the first championships on American soil. The Swede sailed over 6.21 metres to surpass his previous mark by one centimetre - set in March en route to winning gold at the World Indoor Championships - and complete his collection of medals by claiming a first world title. "It's great; I cannot complain," Duplantis said. "Actually, I did not think about the record that much today .... I really wanted to win the gold so badly. It was the medal I was missing. "So when I was on this height, it was like everything

came together and it happened from there." American Chris Nilsen took silver with 5.94 metres on countback from Ernest John Obiena, whose bronze was the first-ever world medal for the Philippines. Unheralded Nigerian Tobi Amusan had earlier stolen the show in the women's 100 metres hurdles, rocketing to a new world record of 12.12 seconds in the semi-finals. She then won the gold in what was initially announced as a world record 12.06, although excessive wind speeds meant her time was ruled out. "The goal was to come out and to win this gold.... The world record is a bonus," said Amusan, who finished 0.17 seconds ahead of Jamaican Britany Anderson while Puerto Rico's Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn went home with bronze. American Athing Mu held off British rival Keeley Hodgkinson to add the world 800 metres title to her Olym-

pic crown while Germany's Malaika Mihambo, also a gold medallist in Tokyo, retained her long jump title Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway made up for this runner-up finish in the 1,500 metres with a convincing victory in the 5,000 metres, where reigning Olympic champion and world record holder Joshua Cheptegei faltered and finished in ninth place. "I needed it," Inge brigtsen said. "I felt really good today ... but 5 kilometres is a tough race." French world record holder Kevin Mayer regained the decathlon title after impressive performances in the pole vault and javelin, seizing opportunity after a competition-ending injury to Olympic champion Damian Warner. In the morning ses sion, Italy's Massimo Stano claimed a one-second victory over Masatora Kawano of Japan in the men's 35km race walk, adding a world gold to his Olympic crown. The United States

Eugene, Oregon, USA; The United States track and field team celebrates as team champions at the World Athletics Championships Oregon 22 at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Photo saved: Team USA

wrapped up the championships by consolidating their place at the top of the medals table with a championship record 33 medals. The men's quartet came home in two minutes, 56.17

seconds and strengthened the Americans' stranglehold on the event. The United States has now won eight of the past nine world titles and eight of the past 10 Olympic golds. Sydney McLaughlin,

the newly crowned 400 metres hurdles gold medallist, anchored the women's team and ran a remarkable 47.91 final leg to give the hosts their 13th gold medal of the event.

Bartica Summer Splash Regatta – Grass Track

Steven Nobrega takes Pro category, David DeNobrega is Novice champ as fans entertained HUNDREDS of grasstrack fans and supporters were entertained to the fullest on Saturday last when the Bartica Business Development Committee (BBDC), in association with Sean Jacobs, brought off another of their multiple sporting events to mark their Summer Splash Regatta. Competing at the Mongrippa Hill Facility, the bikers provided their fans and the spectators with an entertaining day of action; most of them were in dare devil mode and braved the slippery conditions brought on by the rain. The day’s action was well received as was the

85CC overall winner, Demetri Prowell (right) in the company of 9-year-old Lishon Lewis (2nd right) and the other competitors

performance of the youngest competitor of the day,

9-year-old Lishon Lewis. When the action was

done and dusted, emerging (Turn to page 21)

Guyana's representatives at the welcome ceremony in the Athletes Village. (L-R), Rawle Toney (Press Attaché), Jada Edghill (Physiotherapist), Dr Karen Pilgrim AA (Chef-de-Mission), Nalini McKoy (General team Manager), Coach Garfield Wiltshire (Squash) and Vanesa Wickham (Physiotherapist) represented Guyana at the welcome party for countries in the Athletes Village

Guyanese athletes arrive in Birmingham chasing Commonwealth Games glory ...Golden Arrowhead hoisted in Athletes Village

Desmond Amsterdam, Colin Lewis, Olympian Keevin Allicock and coaches, Sebert Blake and Terrence Poole on their arrival in Birmingham, England

PAGE

Siblings Jason-Ray and Ashley Kahlil, along with Shomari Wiltshire, sharing a light moment with Perry, the games’ Mascot. Missing is Mary Fung-A-Fat

Shai Hope says a desire to bat long has fuelled his ODI success WEST Indies batsman Shai Hope says his success in the One-Day International format is down to his desire to spend time at the crease. Hope celebrated his 100th ODI on Sunday at the Queen’s Park Oval with a brilliant 115 in a losing effort against India, his 13th century in the format to go along with 20 fifties. The Barbadian, who now has 4193 ODI runs at an excellent average of 49.91, became the fourth West Indian and 10th player to ever score a century in their 100th ODI. Ramnaresh Sarwan, Gordon

Greenidge and Chris Gayle are the other West Indians to achieve this feat while New Zealand’s Chris Cairns, Pakistan’s Mohammad Yousuf, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, England’s Marcus Trescothick, Australia’s David Warner and India’s Shikhar Dhawan make up the rest of that exclusive club. “I would just say my desire to bat as long as I can,” was Hope’s response in a post-match press conference when asked what he attributes his performances to. “I love batting and I always want to stay at the crease and do

whatever I can for the team’s benefit. Just the desire and hunger to stay out there in the middle,” he added. Current opponents India have become somewhat of a favorite opponent for Hope as the numbers would suggest. He now has 855 runs at an average of 47.50 with three hundreds and four fifties in 22 matches against the 2011 World Cup winners. “They’re a very good opposition. I think playing against the best in the world usually brings out the best in myself. (Sportsmax)

Shai Hope becomes the fourth WI batsman and 10TH player to score a century in their 100th ODI

U.S. complete historic medal haul on record-setting final day Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2022